Not My Hero

“Morning,” I say, making my way over to the coffee pot. “Can I make you a cup?”

“Morning, sweetie.” She smiles at me. “Yes, please.”

With every day that passes, I become more comfortable with Cassie. Mostly when I tense up around her and panic begins to tighten my insides, I just take deep breaths and push through. It’s getting easier, though.

I place a cup of coffee on the counter near Cassie and then sip on my own.

Colton comes into the kitchen just as Cassie scoops three bowls of oatmeal.

“Did you sleep well?” he asks while fixing himself a cup of coffee.

“Yeah, and you?”

He shoots me a grin. “Like a baby.”

“Babies don’t sleep,” Cassie says with a chuckle.

Just as we’re about to sit down to eat, my phone begins to ring. Frowning, I pull it out of my jacket’s pocket, and not recognizing the number, I answer, “Brie speaking.”

“Where the hell are you?” a man’s voice snaps over the line.

Frowning, I glance at Colton and Cassie, who are both staring at me. “Excuse me? I think you have the wrong number.”

“You’re talking with Bill Weinstock,” he practically growls.

It takes a couple of seconds for the name to sink in, and a gasp escapes my lips. It’s my grandfather.

Why would he call me?

“Some daughter you are! Serena was found dead two days ago. Where the hell have you been? Your mother died falling down the stairs. I’m blaming…”

The rest of his words fade as the shocking realization ripples over me.

My mother’s dead?

Relief washes over me.

She won’t be able to hurt me anymore. I’m free of her.

Instantly guilt creeps into my heart.

Oh, God.

How can I feel relieved when my mother is dead? What kind of person does that make me?

A war erupts inside me as my emotions burst into a chaotic mess.

“Are you listening!” Bill snaps angrily, and it yanks me back to the call. “Why my daughter put up with you, I’ll never understand. The funeral will be held at the Methodist Church on Monday. The least you can do is pay your respects. Make sure you’re dressed appropriately as the press will be present. And keep your mouth shut. If you do or say anything to damage my reputation, you’ll regret the day you were born.”

The call cuts, leaving me with nothing but emptiness on the other side of the line. Slowly my hand drops from my ear to hang limply next to my side.

“Brie?” Colton comes closer, and my eyes lock on him. “Who was that?”

What will Colton think if he knows the first thing I felt was relief? Will he hate me?

“My…” Sounding hoarse, I clear my throat before I try again, “My Grandfather.”

Colton’s features instantly tighten. “What did he want?”

“Wait,” Cassie says, and she comes to take hold of my arm. “Sit, Brie. You’re as pale as a ghost.”

I plop down in the chair, and my gaze drifts to the floor. “My mother died.”

“Oh!” Cassie takes a seat at the table and reaching for me, she gives my hand a squeeze. “I’m sorry for your loss, sweetie.”

Loss.

Is it a loss, though?

I shut my eyes against the thoughts because they feel wrong. So very wrong.

“She fell down the stairs,” I automatically continue. “The funeral is on Monday. He said it will be held at the Methodist Church.”

Colton crouches down next to me, placing his hand over mine. “Are you okay?” He pauses for a moment, then hurries to say, “Stupid question. Sorry.”

I begin to shake my head, but then my body stills again as I mutter, “How am I supposed to feel?” My eyes lift to Colton’s. “I don’t know… how…” I shake my head again.

“It’s okay to not feel anything right now, Brie,” Cassie says, her voice filled with empathy.

My chin begins to tremble from the guilt, and it’s hard to whisper the words, “I feel…” Lifting a trembling hand, I cover my mouth as the shock hits.

My mother’s dead.

I didn’t even say goodbye when I left.

My mind begins to race, bringing up her face as I try to recall anything good. Instead, my memory is filled with animosity.

‘Who breaks an arm from a couple of kicks? You’re an embarrassment.’

‘It’s just wood and hair.’

‘Damned disgrace! That’s all you are.’

‘I should’ve drowned you at birth.’

Colton stands up and pulling me to my feet, his arms tightly envelop me.

My body jerks and I quickly wrap my arms around him as I gasp, “I can’t remember anything good.” I pull back a little and feel horrible as I admit, “I… I feel… relieved.” Saying the words out loud makes me feel like a monster. “I’m an awful person, right?”

Bringing his hands up, Colton frames my face. “You’re not, Brie.” His eyes capture mine, and I cling to the look of understanding, softening his gaze. “I’d feel relieved as well.”

“I think you should both stay home,” Cassie says as she gets up. “I’ll let the school know.”