Page 21 of Unspoken Hearts
Stepping inside the dark house, I locking the front door behind me. I lean against the cold door, my head falling forward. The stale smell of paint, cleaning products and dust drift up my nose.
I wish I could let Reid help me, but I can’t.I have to stay strong.
Chapter six
Reid
Maciewouldn’tletmehelp her.
I’ve been awake for hours, staring at the ceiling with my hands tucked behind my head and my breathing slow. I listen to the heavy rush of blood pushing through my ears. My mind is solely focused onher, like a song I can’t get out of my head, or the cliffhanger of a book that stains your mind.
There have been many nights I’ve spent right here—staring, thinking, remembering—but this one bothers me a lot.
I know Macie has always been stubborn about wanting to do everything herself, which is why she never realised that I was the one who would tell Mum to make extra food for her to take home after she came for dinner. I took extra lunch to school and slipped it into her bag so she had something, and I was the one who convinced Jaxton to sell her that ute for only a couple of grand. I even changed the brakes myself just to know that it was safe enough for her.
She always pushes people away when they offer to help, even Grayson and Laynie, so I was careful to do things without her knowing, as if being caught would mean I’d have to stop. I even offered to take her to theschool formal, but Grayson made her go with Daniel Calloway instead, which was possibly the worst choice because he left early with another girl.
Rolling onto my side with a groan, I stare at the alarm clock on the table.
5.07 AM.
I haven’t slept a wink since midnight, and I was meant to be up seven minutes ago, but I make no effort to move. I feel the familiar pressure building in my head, knowing that I’ll need my medication before the pain truly kicks in.
Leaving Macie last night, looking upset and closed off… All I wanted was to console her, to tell her that she’ll be okay, but instead she distanced herself.
And it hurt something inside of me.
I wish she’d realise how much I like her. How I'd never leave her like Daniel, and I’d do anything just to make her smile.
Groaning, I push off my covers. Coldness seeps into my skin as I pull on a shirt, pants and socks, before heading downstairs. The lights are already on. Dad and Grayson sit at the kitchen bench, whispering to each other to avoid waking Mum or Aspen, but my heavy footsteps make the steps creak.
Both of them look up as I walk to the cupboard, grabbing out my tablets, before pouring myself a much needed coffee. Long black with a bit of honey. It’s better than adding sugar or sweetener, and I know Macie loves it in hers, so I tried it once. And boy is she smart. It was revolutionary, so now I have mine with a dash of our homemade honey.
Downing my tablets, I listen in on their conversation about Sawyer’s practice match over the weekend and how he’s coming home on Thursday when Cole and Holden wander in.
Holden is his usual grumpy self, but Cole looks ruffled and hazy, like his sleep wasn’t enough after he came home well after midnight. I heard him, because when he drinks, he suddenly forgets that he’s a heavy grown man who makes a lot of noise.
“Rough night?” Grayson asks, smirking at Cole, who silently pushes me out of the way, in a desperate need of caffeine.
“Shut it,” his deep voice rumbles out, raspy and dry.
Dad gives a snort of amusement, shaking his head before clasping his hands together, making Cole flinch and wince.
“I get that you all went out last night, but you’re also ten minutes late. Holden and Grayson go to the paddocks. Reid, I’ll need you to look at the north pasture gate. The rams attacked it again. We’ll need the lock replaced before they learn how to escape again.”
Nodding, I down the rest of my drink.
Cole grumbles, “And me?”
Dad grins widely, showing off his teeth. It’s the smile I’ve had my fair share of being on the receiving end of. I just know from the flicker of enjoyment in his eyes, he’s going to send Cole—
He pats Cole’s back gently. “You’re on the birds. Enjoy the loudness, kid.”
Cole whines, head falling forward, dreading going into the chicken pen. It’s noisy and the worst thing when you’re hungover. Those creatures are rowdy first thing when they’re hungry.
Snickering, Holden puts his mug in the sink before slipping on his boots. I head out with him into the fresh morning air. Making my wayover to the stable with Grayson and Holden, I grab the tool box and a new lock, before heading to the pasture at the top of the property.
From up here, we have a tranquil view of Ashwood Creek below. Pale colours fill the sky as the sun starts emerging from beyond the horizon. Birds chirp away as I kneel, dropping the metal box on the ground, and stare at the rams and sheep occupying the pasture.
