Not My Hero: Black Mountain Academy

by Michelle Heard

  ‘Only once in your life, I truly believe, you find someone who can completely turn your world around. You tell them things that you’ve never shared with another soul, and they absorb everything you say and actually want to hear more. Life seems completely different, exciting, and worthwhile. Your only hope and security is in knowing that they are a part of your life.’ – Bob Marley.

  I read the quote a couple of times before I turn my gaze to Brie. She smiles at me as I mouth ‘Thank You’ to her.

  Brie could’ve gotten me anything for my birthday, but these quotes are priceless. It reminds me how far we’ve come.

  Mrs. Ramsey begins with class, and I tuck the note safely into the inside pocket of my jacket.

  Throughout the day, Brie keeps dropping one note after the other on my desk, but it’s the one in history class that fills me with emotion to the point where I have to swallow hard.

  I don’t love you because you’re the best looking guy in school. I don’t love you because you can cook a million times better than me. I don’t love you because your kisses are addictive.

  I love you because you’re my hero.

  I love you because no one has a kinder soul, a braver heart, and a stronger mind than you.

  I love you, Colton Lawson, because you hear the words, I don’t say out loud. You see the tears, I don’t cry. Mostly, I love you because you don’t push me, you don’t lead me – you walk beside me.

  xox

  B.

  Holy shit.

  I read the note again, and it fills my heart with so much love for Brie, it’s impossible to sit still. Just as Mr. Donati walks into the class, I dart up and press a kiss to Brie’s mouth.

  I mouth ‘Sorry’ to Mr. Donati, and he just shakes his head at me with a smile tugging at his mouth.

  It’s hard to sit through the lesson, and the second the bell rings, I dart up and stare impatiently at Brie as she gathers her stuff. When she’s ready, I grab her hand and pull her out of the class.

  “Where are we going?” Brie laughs behind me.

  “Somewhere more private,” I reply, and when we walk around the corner, I drop my bag to the floor. I frame Brie’s face with my hands and closing the distance between us with one step, my mouth crashes against hers. I kiss the living hell out of her, wanting her to know how much her words mean to me.

  “Let’s get it on,” Sully belts out as he walks by us, and it makes me pull back.

  I watch him walk down the hall before I turn my eyes back to Brie. “Thank you for all the notes. The last one…” I shake my head, “is everything. I love you so much.”

  Brie steals a quick kiss, and taking my hand, we walk out of the building. “Your birthday’s not over yet.”

  “There are more notes?” I ask, grinning at her.

  “Yep.”

  As we walk to where I parked the truck, we hear a commotion and see Michael and Sully fighting. “Some people will never change.”

  “Luckily, they’re not our problem anymore,” Brie mutters, not even glancing at the fight.

  “Yeah, you’re right.”

  I open the passenger door for her but instead of getting in, she wraps her arms around my neck. “One last kiss before we head home.” She presses her mouth to mine, and the moment our tongues touch, the commotion behind us fades away.

  Breaking the kiss, we’re both breathless as Brie climbs into the truck. I shut the door and walking around the front, I glance at the fight, just shaking my head.

  I slide in behind the steering wheel and start the engine. “It’s the weekend,” I say, grinning at Brie.

  “Finally,” she sighs. “This weekend is all about you. I’m even going to attempt to bake you a cake. Mom will supervise, but I can’t promise it will be edible.”

  I let out a chuckle as I steer the truck toward the school gates.

  Knowing the weekend lies ahead of us, and I get to spend it with Brie and Mom makes this birthday even better.

  The drive home is quick, and walking into the house, a broad smile spreads over my face when I see all the candy and popcorn on the coffee table.

  “Go change out of your uniforms so we can start a movie marathon,” Mom says, looking excited.

  “Please tell me we’re not watching romance,” I playfully groan.

  Mom shakes her head. “Nope, this is your weekend.”

  “Avengers and Grown Ups?” I ask, feeling hopeful.

  “Yes, and anything else you want to watch.”

  “Yes!” I let out a happy holler. Darting up the stairs, I change into my sweatpants and a t-shirt.

  Brie’s just as quick cause she’s right behind me as we head down the stairs.

  I fall down on the couch and let out, “Oomph,” as Brie crawls over me to get to her spot.

  “Which one first?” Mom asks.

  “Grown Ups,” I say as I reach for one of the bowls of M&M’s. I hold one in front of Brie’s mouth, and when her lips part, I drop it inside, then grab a couple for myself.

  As the movie begins, the corner of my mouth lifts.

  Yeah, life is perfect. I couldn’t ask for more.

  Chapter 28

  Brie

  Dear me,

  It’s Thanksgiving. I’ve never celebrated it before.

  Colton said he’s going to show me how to make the perfect turkey. I’ll probably end up burning it to a crisp, lol.

  This year, I have so much to be thankful for. Colton. Mom. Our lives together. Every day is filled with more love than I could ever imagine experiencing.

  It’s been just over two months since I moved in with them, and so much has changed. Day’s will pass without me thinking about my life before Colton, and even then, it will feel like a bad dream that’s fading in and out of my memory.

  Yeah, I’m probably suppressing it all. Still, I think, after everything I went through, I deserve to be happy without the constant reminder of what happened. That’s the choice I made. To just forget. I want to forget all my memories before Colton, so I can fill the space with new happy ones.

  Memories of loving Colton and Mom, and of them loving me.

  B.

  Mom arranged for a photographer to take a family portrait of the three of us last week, and we’re supervising while Colton positions the framed picture against the wall in the living room.

  “A little to the left,” Mom says.

  Colton shifts it, and the corner of my mouth twitches when the right side moves up a little.

  Mom lets out a chuckle, “An inch down on the right side.”

  We’ve been doing this for ten minutes now, and I’m starting to feel sorry for my boyfriend. Walking closer, I help him nudge it up while saying, “Keep the left side like that.”

  We move it, and Colton let’s out a breath of relief, then turning to Mom, he says, “You did that on purpose, right?”

  Mom gets an innocent expression on her face while shaking her head. “Who? Me? Never.” She lets out a burst of laughter, then teases, “Brie was enjoying watching your butt, and who was I to keep her from enjoying the view.”

  “I wasn’t watching his butt,” I laugh.

  Mom walks to the kitchen. “Sweetie, you were a second away from drooling.”

  Colton wags his eyebrows at me and slips his arm around my waist. “Yeah? Did you like the view?”

  Giving up, I ask, “Can you blame me?” I let out a dreamy sigh, knowing Mom will get a kick out of it.

  I live for moments like this. We’re carefree and always laughing. Everything is fun.

  “Food,” Colton says as he rubs his hands together.

  We move to the kitchen, and Colton begins to prep the turkey while Mom turns on the oven so it can warm up. I take my spot by the potatoes and begin to peel them.

  After a couple of minutes of work, Mom says, “Want to watch Christmas movies tonight?”

  “Don’t you think it’s a little early? You know it’s Thanksgiving today,” Colton teases her.

  “Then why do the
y have them on Netflix already?” I ask.

  “Exactly,” Mom exclaims. “Thanks for backing me, Brie.”

  “Yup,” Colton mutters, “I’ll always be out voted when it comes to the two of you.”

  Mom nudges her shoulder playfully against his. “Aww, you still love us.”

  The corners of his mouth begin to lift, then he admits, “Yeah, you both have me wrapped around your little fingers.”

  Wrapping my arm around his lower back, I give him a sideways hug. “We love you too.”

  When the turkey is roasting in the oven, and there isn’t anything else to do, we make ourselves comfortable on the couches.

  Colton grabs the remote before Mom can get to it, then says, “If we’re watching Christmas movies, we’re starting with The Grinch.”

  “Okay,” Mom agrees while shifting into a comfortable position.

  “Then Jack Frost,” Colton continues.

  Mom let’s out a burst of laughter. “We can watch whatever you want as long as it’s about Christmas.”

  “Score,” Colton chuckles as he presses play.

  I haven’t watched The Grinch, and even though the message is profound, I crack up laughing a couple of times.

  COLTON

  I carve the turkey, then carry it to the table, saying. “You know we have enough food to feed an army.”

  “That’s the idea,” Mom replies. “This better last through to Sunday.”

  “Yummy.” The word bubbles from Brie as she places a big scooping of mashed potatoes on her plate. “Can you pass the gravy?”

  I let out a soundless chuckle as I pass it to her and watch as she smothers the mashed potatoes with it.

  We all load our plates to the max, then Mom says, “Colton, would you like to start?”

  “Sure.” I clear my throat as we all take hands. “I’m thankful for my family,” I glance between Mom and Brie, “old and new.” Keeping my eyes on Brie, I continue, “I’m thankful for the miracle that brought you to us.” Her smile widens at my words. “I’m most thankful you gave me a chance.” Then I turn my gaze to Mom. “I’m thankful for the best mother in the world.”

  Mom smiles lovingly. It’s her turn, and she first looks at Brie. “I’m thankful for my new daughter. She’s everything a mother’s heart could ask for.” Then Mom looks at me, and her smile wavers before tears begin to well in her eyes. “I’m thankful for the time we had with Brady.”

  God.

  I have to close my eyes for a moment as tears push up my throat.

  “I’m thankful for every smile he gave us. For every time I got to hear him laugh.”

  Fuck.

  I can’t keep the tears from escaping my eyes and suck in a deep breath of air.

  “He’ll always be my precious angel.”

  Brie tightens her hold on my hand, and I’m grateful for the strength she lends me. Clearing my throat, I wait for Mom to continue, “I’m so thankful for you, Colton. You looked after me when I was at my weakest. You never blamed me. You just took over being the parent.” She pauses and breathes through the tears as they fall.

  My eyes begin to mist up again as I squeeze her hand.

  “I’m so honored to be your mother.”

  Her words make emotion well in my chest, and it’s hard to keep the tears back, but I manage. Lifting Mom’s hand, I press a kiss to the back of it.

  When we both look at Brie, tears are streaming down her face, but somehow she’s still smiling. “I’m just so thankful for both of you.” A sob drifts over her lips, and I tighten my hold on her hand. She focuses on Mom. “I’m thankful to have a mother who loves me.”

  Yeah, and that’s the end of Mom fighting to hold back the tears.

  Then Brie locks eyes with me. “I’m eternally thankful that you sat down next to me and dropped a quote on my desk.” Brie sucks in a trembling breath. “Thank you for giving me this wonderful life.”

  I pull my hand free from Mom’s and leaning toward Brie, I wrap my arms around her and whisper, “It’s only the beginning. I plan on making all your dreams come true.”

  “You already have,” she whispers through her tears.

  “Oh, God,” Mom complains, “We’re going to drown the food.”

  Pulling away from Brie, I glance at Mom. “You can drown everything except the turkey.”

  Brie makes a weird sound, something between a sob and laughter.

  She wipes her cheeks with the back of her hands, then pops a big bite of mashed potatoes into her mouth. She lets out a delightful groan, mumbling, “Delicious.”

  In all the time I’ve known Brie, she has not once complained about anything. Brie relishes in everything that crosses her path.

  I take a bite of my mashed potatoes and then understand why Brie groaned. “Mom, this is good. What did you do differently?”

  “Way too much cream for my hips to handle,” Mom replies.

  When we’re done stuffing our faces, none of us have the energy to clean up, and just covering the food, we leave it for later.

  Lying down on the couch, I open my arms so Brie can get settled against my side. I press play on the next movie but ten minutes into it, Brie’s fast asleep. I glance at Mom, and seeing that she’s also sleeping, I pause the movie.

  Wrapping my arms around Brie, I press a kiss to her hair.

  I’m thankful I’m the man who gets to love Brie.

  I close my eyes and let out a contented sigh.

  Epilogue

  BRIE

  Colton; 25 & Brie 24

  Dear me,

  We found the perfect piece of land for the art healing center. It’s on the outskirts of town, and it even has a pond with an old oak tree. I want to put a bench beneath the tree.

  The opening day is next week. I’ve never been more excited. I think it will be a peaceful place for people to come and heal.

  We have one section for kids and another for adults. Colton, Mom, and I will work with the children. We hired professionals to help counsel the adults. I hope Brady’s Haven will make a difference in people's lives.

  Well, it’s time to leave for work.

  TTYL.

  B.

  I put the finishing touches to the mural of Brady that I painted on the wall at the entrance. It’s the first thing everyone will see when they come in.

  Standing back, I tilt my head to make sure I didn’t miss anything. The corners of my mouth lift as I take in Brady’s smile. He looks so much like Colton.

  “Wow,” Colton murmurs as he comes to stand next to me.

  I glance up at him. “Did I capture Brady, right?”

  Colton nods, his eyes caressing his brother’s features. “It’s perfect.”

  We named the center after Brady, as well. We’re hoping to help kids like him.

  Glancing around the area, I ask, “Where’s Mom?”

  “She’s placing orders to stock the kitchen.” Colton pulls a piece of paper from his pocket and tucks it into mine. “Read that once you’ve washed your hands.”

  My eyebrow raises, and I lift my hands. “It’s just a little paint.”

  Chuckling, he walks away. “You have more paint on you than on the wall.”

  My eyes drift over him, taking in the backward baseball cap, the t-shirt stretched over his broad shoulders, and the jeans. God, those jeans. “Love the handyman look you’ve got going,” I call after him.

  “All for you,” he yells back.

  I go clean the paint off, and then I pull the paper from my pocket. Opening it, my lips curve up.

  ‘So, I love you because the entire universe conspired to help me find you.’ - Paulo Coelho, The Alchemist.

  My boyfriend, the romantic.

  I tuck the note back in my pocket and walk to the main room to check how the workers are coming along. Glancing around the open space, I notice the easels arrived and go inspect them to make sure they delivered the right ones.

  Later, when I’m walking to the kitchen to check on Mom, I grin when Colton comes down
the hallway.

  “I forgot to tell you they delivered the easels,” he mentions before he presses a quick kiss to my lips.

  “I saw.”

  We’re just about to pass each other when Colton hands me another note. Taking it, I stare at him as he continues walking. “Did I forget something?” I call out.

  “Nope.”

  Shrugging, I open the piece of paper.

  ‘Once upon a time, there was a boy who loved a girl, and her laughter was a question he wanted to spend his whole life answering.’ - Nicole Krauss, The History of Love

  This man. God, could I love him more.

  Walking into the kitchen, I find Mom checking over a list of cutlery we need. “How are things going in here?”

  She glances up. “Good. I think I ordered everything we’ll need. When are the two cooks starting again?”

  “This coming Thursday.”

  “Good. Then they can receive the orders.” Mom stands up and stretches out. “I’m going to head home. See you later.”

  “Bye.” I look over the list she left on the counter, and wanting to make sure the construction team fixes the cracked tile in the one restroom, I walk out of the kitchen.

  Now that everything is almost ready, I can’t wait for the opening. We’ve invited a couple of elite people Colton knows, hoping they’ll donate to the worthy cause. He mentioned one of them was Brady’s girlfriend.

  Glad to see the tile has been replaced, I go search for Colton. When I don’t find him, I pull my phone out of my pocket and send him a text.

  Me: I’m done for the day. Where are you?

  Colton: Out by the pond. Come here.

  Me: Give me a minute. I just want to lock up the front.

  I pull the main doors shut and lock them before I walk to the back of the building. Heading past the patio where we have a firepit, I see Colton standing under the oak tree. When I get closer, a smile forms around my mouth as I notice the blanket spread out over the grass with a picnic basket on top.

  “Oooh, I like this,” I say when I reach him.

  “Yeah? I thought we could celebrate now that all the work is done.”