Not My Hero

Damn, her skin is soft.

“Not many people would be able to handle that. My brother couldn’t, and he didn’t have to deal with half the abuse you got.”

There’s a sad smile wavering around her mouth. “What was he like?”

The corner of my mouth lifts slightly. “Brady was sensitive and kind. He was the opposite of me.”

“You’re kind,” she states, her tone firmer than it usually is.

“I wasn’t always,” I admit. “Before Brady’s death, I didn’t have time for anyone. I focused all my energy on keeping him safe.”

Brie nods, and then she whispers, “Kinda like you’re doing with me now.”

I let out a burst of air. “Yeah, I guess I’m a one person at a time guy.”

Brie’s eyes dart to the table before she brings them back to me. She hesitates but then says, “I’m glad I’m that person.”

Our gazes lock, and an intense feeling fills the bubble we’re caught in. It makes anticipation tighten my chest until my heart is slamming against my ribs.

I wish I could kiss her.

The bell rings, making the bubble pop, and we both pull back at the same time.

Stupid damn bell.

We gather out books and take the trays back before walking out of the cafeteria.Chapter 15BRIEMrs. Lawson made meatloaf for dinner, and I have to admit it’s way better than the cafeteria’s.

We had cake for dessert again, and I wish I could ask Mrs. Lawson to teach me how to make one, but I don’t have the guts.

Instead, I gather the plates and pile the cutlery on top. Carrying the dishes to the sink, a knife slips off and clatters on the floor.

Oh, crap!

My heart sinks to my stomach, and my hands begin to tremble with anxiety. It makes the other cutlery rattle on the plates, and when a fork falls, my mouth goes bone dry with fear.

NoNoNoNo.

‘Now, look what you made me do. You retarded bitch. I swear, the next time a glass breaks in this house, I’ll feed you the damn pieces.’

“Brie.”

‘I should’ve drowned you at birth. Now, I’m stuck with you. You’re pathetic.’

“Brie.”

When someone takes the rattling plates from my hands, I begin to cower backward. My eyes fly wildly around the kitchen while my breaths explode over my lips.

“I’m sorry,” I whimper. “I didn’t mean to.”

Suddenly arms wrap around me, and my body freezes with terror. It feels like something tears a gaping hole right through my chest, and I cry, “No!”

“It’s okay, sweetheart,” Mrs. Lawson murmurs right by my ear. “It’s okay.”

An agonizing sob escapes, and I manage to yank free from the hold she has on me. Terrified, I stumble backward. My breaths come too fast, and soon, it’s hard to get any air in.

I can’t focus on anything until Colton moves in front of me. He holds a hand up between us. “Brie, it’s okay. You’re safe.”

I gasp for air and can’t stop the sob from escaping my lips.

Colton slowly moves closer, and it takes a moment for the realization to reach me that he won’t hurt me.

When Colton takes hold of my shoulder, I bring my hands up and cover my face. The breaths I suck in are painful. Colton wraps his arms around me and gently presses me to his chest.

“It’s okay. You’re safe,” he repeats.

“I’m… sorry,” I stammer through the tears, not quite sure what I’m apologizing for. I just know I have to.

Colton pulls back and framing my face with his hands, he presses a kiss to my forehead and uses his thumbs to wipe my tears away. “It was an accident. Okay?”

I nod, and I try to swallow the tears, but it only makes my throat cramp up.

Colton keeps wiping the tears away until I finally manage to stop them, then he smiles at me. “Do you feel better?”

A lost sob drifts over my lips as I nod.

Then Mrs. Lawson says, “I think you should take a nice, long relaxing bubble bath.”

Instantly fear pours back through my veins, and I cower closer to Colton.

“I’ll take her,” Colton says, and holding my hand, he pulls me out of the kitchen and up the stairs.

When we’re in the bathroom, I watch as he turns on the faucets and squirts bubble bath into the water.

I watch the waterline rise, and then my eyes nervously dart to him.

When the tub is filled, and steam twirls into the air, I can only stare.

My mother would’ve drowned me if I dared use so much water.

“Soak for as long as you want, okay,” Colton says, his voice soft and kind.

I glance at the water before looking at him, then mumble, “Really? For as long as I want? Your mom won’t get upset?”

I don’t want to get in trouble.

“She won’t. If it turns cold before you’re done, just let some out and fill it up with warm water again.”

I press my lips together when tears threaten to overwhelm me again. My heart squeezes into a tiny lump to make space for the overwhelming appreciation I feel.