Chapter 29

Our parents stared at us, I stared at the floor, and Trent stared at nothing in particular.

Everyone was waiting for one of us to speak. Except for me, that is. All I wanted was to go back upstairs and be allowed to cry myself to sleep; it was kind of my routine these past three weeks.

I knew I had to get my act together soon, though, especially since I was going back to school tomorrow. It would be the first time since the accident, and it would also be the first time I saw Grant after we broke up…

Ugh, I didn’t even want to think his name. It just made me feel even worse, if that were even possible.

I would have thought that I’d be forced to hide in my room every time he came over, but it seemed as if the two amigos weren’t hanging around together anymore. Sure, that was a good thing for me, but it just seemed a little… weird. Trent and Grant had always been inseparable, no matter what.

In fact, Trent didn’t even talk about him anymore. Apparently Grant packed up all his stuff when I was still in hospital. He’d gone back to live with his mom. Not that I cared.

“…So what do you think, Mom, Dad?”

I snapped back to reality just to hear the tail end of Trent’s question. I lifted my head and gave him a confused look; what did they think about what?

Before I could voice my confusion, though, Dad spoke up. “Are you sure about this, son? Don’t you think it would be better to finish school before you go off for a job that you don’t even need?”

Oh, so that was what they were talking about- Trent’s job offer in California. I’d almost forgotten about that to be perfectly honest, mind being elsewhere and all.

I watched my brother’s face as he turned over what Dad had said in his mind. “This isn’t about the money,” he said after a pause. “I like my job. This is the opportunity of a lifetime, and I know I’d regret it if I didn’t go for it.”

“But school…” Mom trailed off.

Trent nodded. “I know. But I talked to the principal, and he said that I would be able to graduate early if I get enough credits.”

I watched as Mom and Dad looked at each other across the table, obviously having one of those creepy conversations using only facial expressions.

I didn’t really care, though. It wasn’t like I had to be here. All I wanted to do was curl up on my bed and reflect on how miserably awful my life was.

“Right,” Mom said after another quiet moment. “You can go, if you get all your credits for school.”

“Yes!” Trent cheered. “Thanks guys.”

I offered my brother a little smile, glad he could do what he wanted. At least one of us was happy.

But then Trent seemed to sober up a little, and his face became more serious. “There’s one thing, though,” he said.  “I need to know that Rose will be safe and looked after. Promise me that you will look after her; promise me you won’t leave again.”

I felt my heart rise up into my throat at that. It was at times like these when I saw how much my brother really loved me. I didn’t deserve it; he’d probably hate me if he found out what I’d been doing with Grant behind his back…

Dad grimaced a little. “We honestly feel awful for what we did. I swear that we’re not going anywhere.”

Trent let out what sounded like a relieved sigh and smiled at our parents, drawing me in close for a hug. I settled my head on his shoulder and took in his scent. Yeah, I know it’s weird that I smelt my own brother, but he smelled so good- like the ocean. It was familiar; it made me feel safe.

The ocean… Grant took me to the beach after our date. My mind drifted off, wondering where Grant was, thinking about what he was doing right now.

I scolded myself internally. God, I really needed to stop thinking about him.

I gently pulled Trent’s arms out from around me and got up out of my chair, using the table as a support. “I’m tired,” I excused myself.

Taking my crutches under each arm, I hobbled off awkwardly. It was kind of difficult getting around with the stupid cast on my leg. It looked so naked, only having the signatures of my parents, Trent and Ryan.

Fortunately I’d only broken a few bones, and I was going to recover fully from the accident. All I needed was a bit of time.

I heard footsteps behind me and turned around to see my mom. “Are you okay, sweetheart?” she asked, concern filling her voice.

“I’m fine; just have a lot going on.” I nodded towards my cast and she nodded, giving me a smile.

I forced myself to do the same and then went back to the task of getting to my room.

Only one name was on my mind: Grant.