Page 26 of Absolution

I kick my shoes off and make my way through the house. It's quiet and serene, perfect for sleeping. A light in the kitchen helps me maneuver the dark rooms, after the day I've had, I need a drink.

This day calls for a tall glass of wine, I grab a drink before continuing to my bedroom. After a hot shower, I curl up in bed with my phone to make a quick call.

"Hello."

"Hey, girl. What a day."

"I could tell earlier from your text. Anything I can do?"

"No, Chelle, but thank you, love." At this point, I have no idea what I can even do. I can't remember the last time I've felt this helpless.

"Scar... I hope you know I'm here for you. You've been amazing all of this time, but you have every right to be angry, hurt, to scream, or even just beat the shit outta something if it makes you feel better." I met Michelle when I moved here a few years ago, and we've been inseparable since. Michelle is one of my closest friends, I'm not sure where I'd be without her by my side.

"Trust me when I tell you, I want to do all of that, but what good will it do me? I'm still here, alone, and fighting a losing battle." I clutch my chest as my heart aches while being shredded into a thousand pieces. So many people keep telling me it takes time to heal a broken heart, but no one can tell me how long it might take.

She releases a heavy sigh. "Get some sleep, I'll see you tomorrow."

"Thank you, love ya."

"I know," she giggles. "kisses to my salty bishes, muah!"

"You're a freak." I snicker.

"In the sheets!" Her fingers snap in the distance, and I snort. "You did not just do that, it's so unladylike."

"Says the freak in the sheets, girl." I cackle, knowing she's rolling her eyes.

"Shut it and go to bed." She ends the call leaving me laughing on my own. Definitely what I needed tonight.

Another night alone with my thoughts isn't going to help my current state of mind, which is why I have the wine. I finish it off, giggling as I set the empty glass on the nightstand. "And now you're rhyming, and it's horrible timing."

The room is cold, making my bed that much better as I wiggle under the covers. If I'm lucky, exhaustion will win the battle, and I'll fall asleep fast. It's been years since I've slept through the night without my thoughts or dreams taking over.

"Please, God, give me peace because I've lost all understanding." I roll over as tears run down my face. How can a broken heart heal without its missing pieces? So far, it hasn't, and I don't think it ever will.

Chapter Eight

Creed

Kathryn and Crawford follow us out as we ready to leave. The drive back is only a few hours, and Sundays are unusually slow, so we should make it in record time. Not that I'm trying to make a getaway, we need to get settled in before it gets late.

"Please take your time and text us when you arrive." Kathryn wraps her arms around me before stepping away. Her hesitation was notable, as is her love for me.

This time when I smile, it's not forced or unwilling. "I will, I promise."

"Thank you for coming this weekend, it's been unexpected and nice." She kneels in front of Doc. "I'm sorry you got a boo-boo while here, I'll make it up to you next time."

I chuckle at her reference to a boo-boo. "You're in trouble now, she'll never forget that."

"That's fine by me, because I mean what I say." Kathryn stands, laying her hand on my face. The warmth of her hand is oddly comforting, I'm taken aback as a longing stirs something deep within me.

I avert my eyes, dispelling the feelings that are building for her. I'm not sure I'm ready for the intrusion. "Alright."

"Kathryn, we need to let him go." Crawford's words ring loud and clear. Behind them lies a different meaning. So why is it bothering me so much?

I turn, whirling back around to say goodbye. "I'll let you know when we're home. Thank you again for having us."

"Anytime, Creed." Crawford reaches for my hand as if reading my body and the growing tension. Or maybe it's radiating off me.