Page 79 of The Brink (Unbroken Raine Falling 3)
“See, that’s my point,” Cassie said, and they laughed.
Alexa’s heart squeezed over; she loved her sister so much. And to laugh with her one last time, even though it was through the phone, meant so much to her.
“I love you, Cass,” Alexa blurted out. “You do know you’re the best big sister a girl could ask for, right?”
“Well, you’ve told me that over a billion times by now, so I’ve begun to realize it.” Cassie chuckled, and her voice dropped into a gentle murmur. “I love you too, Alexa. And when I return, we’re gonna snuggle up with hot chocolates, popcorn and pizzas, and have a Harry Potter marathon. What do you say?”
“Perfect,” Alexa said with a huge dose of fake enthusiasm, her heart breaking. Could she do this to Cassie? Would her choice make Cassie’s life easier or harder at the worst?
Cassie is better off without you. The moment she learns about Brandon’s feelings for you, everything is going to change. So take the chance while you have it.
“What are you two up to?” Cassie’s voice pulled Alexa out of her thoughts. She winced inwardly that her sister thought she was with Brandon.
“I’m driving, actually,” she said. “I suddenly felt the desire to drive around the town.”
“I’m going to buy you a new car soon.”
“Come on, Cass. It’s not like I’mthatin need of one. You drop me at school in the mornings and I return with Daph; I’m not desperate, trust me. I just wanted to drive… that’s all.”
“Either way, I’m dead set on it. And once I’m set, you of all people know nothing can change my mind.”
“That I do. And being your younger sister is the biggest honor I’ve ever had.”
“Likewise.” Cassie sighed, and Alexaheardher smile. “Oh, Lex, Gracie is calling me. Would you mind if I call you back later?”
“Oh, yes, sure.” Alexa’s heart shattered; she wouldn’t be able to answer that call. “I love you billions.”
“I love you gazillions.”
Alexa slowed her car. She had reached her destination; the secluded bridge in Harmony Hills. She called Daphne, but her best friend didn’t answer. Daphne’s younger cousins were visiting for a week, so it was no surprise she would be busy. If they weren’t, it would’ve been Daphne staying with Alexa instead of Brandon. And none of this would’ve happened.
What if none of this happened?
There’s no point in wondering aboutwhat ifs. You’re wasting your time.
Alexa placed her phone on the dashboard, got out of her car, and locked it. She placed the key under the car as she had written in her letter to Cassie, before walking over to the bridge. She unthreaded the ribbon from her fingers and tied it around the railing where she stood, exactly at the center.
Alexa took a deep breath.
Alexa, don’t do this.
Do it, Alexa.
Alexa, you are loved.
You will be hated all your life by the one person who matters the most to you. Do you want that?
Alexa, your sister will never stop loving you for one second. So have I.
You’re nothing, you’re worthless, you’re a burden, your existence ruins your sister’s life, you’re a curse, and you’re a disaster. Do this and all this ends, and you free your soul from eternal misery.
Alexa, you are beloved, you are worth—
Alexa placed her hands on the rails and hoisted herself over them in a crouching position. She eyed the water below and closed her eyes.
—you are more than you know, your life is only beginning, you’re strong, you’re beautiful—
One… Two… Three…