Page 21 of Letters From a Broken Heart
“You’re not a jerk and we both know it, East. Tell me.”
I pull into the parking lot of the restaurant the lunch is being held at and turn into an empty spot. As soon as my car is off, I spin in my seat to face Taylor and take both of her hands in mine.
“Let’s talk about it when we get back to your house, please?”
“Ok.” She smiles and squeezes my hand before letting out a sigh.
“Are you ready to go in?”
“Only if you don’t leave my side. If Cassy’s in there, I might punch her in the face. I need you to stop me from doing that.”
“Eh, it would be sort of entertaining to watch,” I tease. Taylor’s eyes snap to mine and widen. She shakes her head, making me chuckle. “Fine, I won't let you attack the home wrecker, if you want to take all the fun out of this funeral lunch.” I roll my eyes and she bursts out laughing.
“Easton! Stop it!” She swats at my chest, but she isn't mad at all.
“I just wanted to see you smile, beautiful. I’ve hated seeing you so sad lately.”
“I'm sorry,” she whispers as her smile drops.
“There’s no reason to be sorry. I'm glad you’re comfortable around me and aren’t afraid to show how you feel. I always want you to be raw and honest with me.” I glance over at the door to the restaurant. My parents are standing outside, watching my car. I'm sure they’re wondering why we haven’t come in yet. “Are you ready?”
“Yes.” She nods her head and releases my hand long enough for us both to get out of the car. When we meet at the front of the car, I place my hand on her lower back and lead her towards my parents.
“Hey, sweetheart.” Dad kisses Taylor’s forehead and gives her a quick hug. “I hope my son is taking good care of you.”
“Always, Mr. Maxwell. You raised a good one.” Taylor smiles up at him, but I see how everyone’s mind instantly goes to Jack. It’s like he’s this elephant filling the room and no one wants to bring him up.
“Well,” Mom clears her throat and plasters a fake smile on her face. “I think we should get inside before everyone starts wondering where we are.”
“After you.” Dad motions for Mom to go first and we follow behind them.
I know it’s hard for everyone, but we can't stop living. We need to keep going and figure out our new normal.
There will be days the loss will be too much or too consuming, but that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t try. I refuse to give up on my future. I refuse to let Taylor give up either.
We take a seat at the table with Mom and Dad. A few of my aunts and uncles are seated with us, as well as my grandparents. Even though everyone is still mourning, it’s not as bad since it’s been over four months since Jack died.
His body was beaten up pretty badly after the accident. There was no way to have an open casket. It took some work, but I wasable to convince Mom and Dad to wait until Taylor had a chance to heal before they had the funeral. I didn’t think it was fair for her to miss it.
My mind drifts to the phone call I received over four months ago. The one call I wish I hadn’t answered. It would’ve given me just a little bit longer before my world came crashing down around me.
“Hello?” I answer as I type away on my computer and try to finish this assignment for work.
“Easton! He’s gone! How can he be gone?” Mom sobs into the phone, making me instantly stop working and my blood pressure to skyrocket as a sinking feeling fills my stomach.
“Who? What’s going on?”
“Jack! He was in an accident.” She mumbles something else, but I can't make out her words. Honestly, I can barely understand anything she’s saying. She’s crying too hard. She’s too upset.
“Is Dad there?”
“Yes.”
“Can I talk to him?”
There’s shuffling on the other end of the phone, then Dad’s voice comes through.
“Easton… Jack was in a car accident. They have him at the hospital. He’s alive, but there’s no brain activity. Machines are keeping him alive right now.” Dad sounds exhausted and like the weight of the world is on his shoulders.
