We belong together.
When I arrive at the hospital my brother is pacing outside the doors to the emergency room. “What are they saying?”
“Nothing yet.”
I grip my hair and drop my ass into a plastic chair.
“What’s wrong with you?” Dillan sits next to me.
“Everything. I fucked up. I screw up everything. With Mom. You. Dad. Liri. Take your pick. I’m a fuck up.”
“What happened?”
“I lost her.”
Dillan sighs. “Give her some space but think long and hard about what you want and what she deserves before you go after her. You’re my brother, and I love you even if you don’t believe that I do. I want you to be happy, but it’s time to grow up. You don’t want to be thirty-five one day and still chasing an easy lay. Liri loves you. You couldn’t see her, but when you were in the hospital, I thought she was going to die from a broken heart. She wouldn’t eat and refused to sleep. She was terrified you’d wake up and she wouldn’t be there. I’ve never seen someone so stubborn. She refused to give up on you, so don’t give up on her.”
“I’m looking for the family of Diane Hendrix,” a nurse calls into the waiting room.
My brother and I both jump up. “We’re her sons,” Dillan tells her.
“Great news. She has a bit of a concussion but other than that she’ll be fine. We want to observe her for a few hours, but she should be ready to go home in no time. You can see her. I’ll take you both back.”
Relief washes over me but I still feel sick deep in my gut. Liri left me, but I’ll get her back.
I have to.
The nurse escorts us to the exam room where our mother is.
“Well this is a nice surprise. Both my boys together.” Mom smiles then frowns when she observes me. “I guess Liri wised up.”
“What? Why would you say that to me?”
“Because, I told her to find happiness even if it wasn’t with you. She’s such a good girl and God knows I love you, but you aren’t the best boyfriend. That stunt you pulled on Thanksgiving…”
“I wasn’t in a great place that day.”
“You think any of us were? You think that was fun for us? We did it for you. I knew your father was going to tell you about his cancer again. We thought maybe it’d help if we were all there to support you, but you lashed out like you always do, and you left her there to pick up your pieces.”
“That’s not what happened.” I grimace.
“Isn’t it? I had to drive her to her car. How’d you think she got home? You didn’t come back to make sure she was taken care of.”
I stare at the floor and my cheeks burn because I know she’s right. I’m always hurting Liri, and I expect her to forgive me.
Maybe she would be better off if I left her alone.
I go out to the parking lot to smoke a cigarette or ten. What I need is a damn drink.
“Son.” My head snaps up at the sound of my father’s voice. “How’s your mother? I came as soon as Noelle called me.”
“She’s okay. A little banged up but nothing too serious.” His features relax and relief washes over him. I snuff my cigarette out feeling like an asshole for smoking around him.
“That’s good to hear.” He leans against the side of my car. “Where’s Liri?”
“Your guess is a as good as mine, Dad. I fucked up. I hurt her, and I don’t know how to take it back.”
He scrubs a weary hand over his face. “You don’t want to hear it, but we’re