Page 35 of Unspoken Hearts
Posture loosening, I stare at the back door for a long moment once he’s gone, the flame in me burning out before walking to the kitchen, setting the photo down on the bench.
Hazel takes it and grins. “This is gorgeous.”
Sliding onto a metal stool, I watch Hazel peer down at it, as if she’s our mum. There’s a twinkle of love in her eyes that cracks me to my core.
I wish my parents had looked at us like that just once.
Sniffing to keep my tears at bay, I clasp my fingers together.
Hazel sets it down, peering down at me. “How are you feeling, honey?” Her eyes look as kind as they always do, settling my buzzing nerves.
“Fine,” I let out, even though it feels like a lie.
Her grey eyes search mine, possibly seeing the stone facade I have plastered on, but she doesn’t try tearing it down herself. “Darling, I never liked you being in that house. Especially after Lucy skipped town. You and Axel deserved so much more.”
My gaze drops to my clasped hands. I know we deserved more, but I was making the best of our unsettling situation.
“It wasn’t all that bad,” I offer, not glancing up at her concerned expression. “We made do with what we had, and we had each other. Honestly, it wasn’t all that bad.” The lies burn my tongue, but I swallow away the lump in my throat.
“Right,” she murmurs, not entirely believing me. “But this is a better place for you, Macie. And with Axel gone, you would have been there all alone.”
“I know,” I whisper, my face flushing with heat. “But it’s Axel’s home.”
She sighs.
My toes curl in my socks uncomfortably.
I don’t want them to feel pity for me. It’s the last thing I want right now.
“Is that why you don’t want to let go of the house?” she questions gently.
My teeth bury into my bottom lip as my gaze drifts back to the photo on the bench. Our joy was never in that house, or our parent’s. It was only with each other, but now that Axel’s so far away…
“I—u-um,” I stutter, pushing away my stubbornness for one moment.
I don’t know what it is about Hazel, but she seems to have this warmth about her that makes me feel comfortable enough to open up. I know shewould never tell anyone my secrets, not even Austin or Grayson, which is why I trust her. She’s been a mother figure in my life for a long time—ever since I met her.
Clearing my throat, my fingers pull tighter together. “It’s the last piece of my family that I have left.”
I feel the weight of her stare on me, forcing my head down some more. She comes around the bench, pulling me into her arms.
“They’re all gone, and without that place, then I would have lost everything,” I continue, the pressure slowly alleviating from my chest as I let out my protected thoughts. “I’m tired of losing people.”
Hazel pulls me closer, leaner arms wrapping around my shoulders. I close my eyes, soaking up our connection for a minute.
I’ve always cherished the comfort of her hugs.
“Honey, I am sorry you feel that way, but that house…”
I sniff loudly, knowing what she’s trying to say. “I know. It’s damaged now, and I might not have it back.”
“Your family is here and with Axel.”
“But he grew up there.” My tone is becoming more defensive. “It’s his childhood home. He barely remembers our old one.”
“Maybe, but you are his family, and he still has you. You’re more important than a house that’s now damaged.”
Exhaling softly, I nod against her shoulder. The thought of having to let go of our last piece of our family hangs in the balance.
