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Brent grabs the remote and drops onto the couch next to me, holding it out.
I take it and set in my lap. After a moment of quiet, where the only sounds are from my mom bustling about in the kitchen, I look at my brother. “Thanks. For sticking up for me with Dad.”
He nods slowly. “I told you, I’m here for you. And I know all too well how hard it is to deal with Dad when he thinks he’s right about something.”
“Stubborn Hale men run in the family,” Mom says, setting the sandwich on my lap and giving me a wink.
“How are you feeling?” Brent asks, as my mom walks away.
“Like shit. But at least I get to feel like shit at home now.” My face sours. I am glad to be home, but I’m… scared. In the hospital, everyone had an excuse to come see me. Now? I’m worried any progress I’ve made in fixing those relationships is going to falter.
“What is it?”
Shrugging, I force a half smile. “I hope everyone still wants to see me now that I’m not on the brink of death.”
He smiles and laughs, then pulls my phone out of his pocket. “This thing has been going off nonstop since we left today.”
“Seriously?”
He nods toward it as I take it from him. “Check it and see. It was vibrating so much I almost blew a load—”
I make a retching noise. “Ugh, shut up.”
He laughs as I scroll through my phone, seeing texts from Vince, Nick, Leigh, Trevor, a few friends from school, and of course, Maia.
I flip to her name and see ten unread texts.
Maia: Happy going home day! Wish I could be there to watch you climb those stairs! Damn school.
Maia: Text us when you get settled in.
Maia: [picture message]
Maia: That’s your daughter after diving face first into her yogurt this morning.
Maia: [picture message]
Maia: And one bath later.
Maia: She can’t wait to see you!
Maia: School is boring. Text me when you get settled.
Maia: I’ve gotta work after school because I haven’t been in almost two weeks, but I can bring Harper by after if that’s okay?
Maia: Pokeeeeee. You can tell me if I’m being annoying.
Letting out a laugh, I feel a swell of emotion hit my chest. Thank fuck that girl never gives up on people. That might be what scared me the most about her moving on—the idea of losing her. Because my life wouldn’t be the same without her in it.
Me: Finally home. Just got my phone back from my brother. All your texts gave him quite the thrill.;) Love both pictures of Harper. Solid reminder what an absolute little terror she is (and how well she hides it). I’d love to see you guys tonight. And, no, you are not annoying me. I need all the entertainment I can get.
Maia: 1. Glad you’re home. 2. GROSS. 3. She’s insane. 4. Awesome, I’ll text you before I head up. 5. Will provide all the entertainment I can. I’m over school lol.
Maia: 6. Miss ya.
I stare at my phone for a second. Brent leans over and looks at it. He softly hits my arm. “See, I told you. You’ll be fine. I know you’re angry at yourself right now, but everyone still loves you. And you still deserve that love. Now, eat your sandwich before Mom yells at you.” Rising from the couch, he says, “Hey, Mom, you need any help?”
He walks toward the kitchen as I look back at my phone.
Me: Sounds good. Miss you too, but I’ll see you later. :)
Leaning back against the couch, I take a bite of my sandwich and scroll through my texts, trying to believe what my brother said—that I still deserve the care and love of others… even if I don’t feel like I do right now.
