This Broken Beautiful Thing

by Summers, Sophie

  “You’re still beautiful as ever my darling. Where have you been? We were so worried about you.” She sounds sad.

  “I’ve been staying with my father, I’m so sorry. I should have called and let you know I was ok but at the time I was so upset and didn’t want anything to do with everything that reminded me of Caleb. It was stupid of me, I know…but I was so hurt at the time.” I say looking down at the ground. I feel bigger warmer hands over my shoulder as Caleb brings me to his chest and rubs my back. I hear Holly’s gasp realizing her son is here and we’re in the same room together. Caleb drops his head to the crook of my neck as he whispers in my ear. “I’m so sorry for everything baby. I’m so sorry for keeping you from my family, they were yours too…” he says on a broken whisper. I squeeze him tighter against me then turn my mouth to his ear.

  “No more apologizing okay? Remember, we’re focusing on the future. No more lingering on the past. We need to be able to work together for Willow. We can do this.” I whisper in his ear. He holds me tighter and I feel him nod.

  “I’m definitely missing something…” I hear Holly mumble. I move away from Caleb to see her standing there staring at the two of us. Willow is beginning to stir in Josh’s arm. She wipes her eyes with balled fists and looks around confused.

  “Mom, there’s someone we want you to meet.” Caleb says, walking toward Josh and Willow who are standing behind Holly. Holly turns to follow Caleb’s movements and lets out a loud gasp when Willow opens her arms for Caleb. Holly sluggishly sits on the chair trying to catch her breath, her hand rests over her chest and I watch as tears fall down her cheeks. Willow makes a noise and wiggles in Caleb’s arms, he lets her down and we all watch as she runs up to Holly.

  “Don’t cry.” Willow says in a sad voice as she touches Holly’s long braid. Holly smiles brightly.

  “Here.” Willow says lifting the long sleeve of the jacket she’s wearing to Holly’s face.

  Holly looks up confused and I start laughing. “It’s to wipe your tears away. I wipe away her tears with my shirt sleeve whenever she cries.” The boys let out deep laughs and Holly chuckles too.

  “No baby you keep your sleeve, these aren’t sad tears my love. These are happy ones.” Holly says looking down at Willow as she takes Willows little hand in her own.

  “Happy ones?” Willow asks confused.

  “Yip, wanna know why I’m happy?” Holly asks using her other hand to wipe away her remaining tears.

  Willow nods eagerly, “I just met my granddaughter and she’s perfect.”

  “Huh?” Willow looks back and forth between Caleb and I evidently confused.

  Caleb bends down to Willows level and wipes the hair from her face, “This is my mom sweetie which means this is your granny.”

  “Another one?” Willow asks baffled making all of us erupt in laughter once again.

  “Yes sweetie another one, you are a very special girl who has one big family.” Holly says lifting Willow onto her lap.

  CHAPTER 26

  We leave Holly and Willow chatting on the patio while I help the boys prepare the meat for the barbeque.

  “Stay here tonight.” Caleb comes up behind me as I wipe the table down in the kitchen. His hands rest on the granite counter tops on either side of me. He whispers in my ear, “Let them spend some time with her so I can spend more time with you. Please Harlz…”

  I turn to look him in his eyes, he’s so beautiful, his black hair is still messy from swimming and the smell of the beach still lingers on his skin. He pushes against me harder with one of his legs between mine and my lower back against the counter ledge.

  He brings his head to mine again and this time runs his lips against the curve of my neck until his lips stop at the base of my ear. A shiver makes its way down my body and I lean into his touch making him chuckle against me. He knows how weak I am against his touch and he’s enjoying every minute of it. If I’m honest with myself, I’m enjoying whatever is between us too.

  He whispers again, “Please…” I feel his lips latch onto my neck under my ear and I moan when he starts sucking. When he finally breaks away and looks down at me, I nod.

  “Have you asked your mom about this?” I ask.

  “She’s the one who suggested it.”

  “I have to go to my mother’s to fetch some clothes.” I say looking out the window at the twins playing with Willow in the garden.

  “I’ll take you.” He says picking up his keys off the counter.

  “No, you need to stay here with Willow, she just met your family and I’m not sure if she’ll panic when she notices that we’re not around. I’ll be quick and I’ll take your car, if you let me?” I smile at him.

  I know the possession he has over his car and if he allows me to use it, he must really trust me.

  He runs his hands through his hair then lets out a smile and those damn dimples appear.

  “On one condition...” He says.

  “Anything.” I blurt excited to drive his car.

  He steps closer to me again and places both his hands on my jaw cupping my face forcing me to look into his eyes. He kisses my forehead, moves to each cheek then my nose and finally leaves a soft kiss on my lips.

  “I know we haven’t had a lot of time together but we’ve lost too many years already. I don’t want to lose any more time and I want to be with you and my daughter. I want us to be a family Harley. That’s all I’ve ever wanted with you. I love you so much baby. Please promise me that we’ll try to work on us. I know you still feel something for me. I just want you to tell me that you’ll at least try.” The mood has done a one eighty and is totally serious now, the playful banter over. I know we have missed four years of each other’s lives and we have so much to catch up on. Caleb will always be in my life and I wouldn’t have it any other way because we made our beautiful Willow together. I don’t think I ever stopped loving him and even though we have a lot of issues to work through, I know deep down that I can do this as long as he is by my side. I guess you never really lose your soul mate. Maybe it’s time for me to work on my forgiveness.

  “Okay, I’ll try.” I smile up at him just in time to see his shoulders loosen as he lets out a deep breath. He pulls me in for another hug then steps away and hands me his keys.

  I quickly sneak out before Willow can see me leave. Caleb’s car still has that brand-new-car smell and it’s so comfortable to drive, it’s rather large and I have to squeeze my way in when I reach the parking in front of my mother’s house.

  My mother should be at work already but her car sits in the driveway. I look at my watch and double check the time. “Yeah five thirty…wonder what she’s doing home?” I think out loud as I make my way up the porch stairs. I open the door and call out, “Mom? Thought you had wor-” just as I close the door and turn around I scream. My mother is tied to a chair with a gag in her mouth. Her head hangs down, eyes closed as blood drips from a wound on her right temple.

  “Ahhh… just in time baby. Been waiting all day for you while you’ve been out playing house.” Jace walks in with a beer in his hand. My heart is pounding and my fingers are shaking. Jace’s eyes are blood shot and he doesn’t look like himself at all.

  “Jace…” I say on a whisper. “What are you doing?”

  “Came to get you baby.” He downs the bottle of beer and strains his neck to the side as if stretching.

  “I’m not going anywhere with you.” I start shaking my head, he runs his hands through his hair and lets out a frustrated sigh.

  “That’s what I thought you’d say and that’s why I had to find a way to convince you.” He plants his beer down on the coffee table and saunters in my direction. I look in the direction where my mother sits out cold. I want to run to her and see if she’s okay but I don’t want to go near Jace. I look back at the door. Maybe if I can get out and shout for help he may not have time to hurt her.

  “Don’t even think about it.” Jace says through gritted teeth. I quickly turn to the door and ope
n it only for him to slam it closed. I bend under his arms and run in the direction of my mother, I have to make sure she’s okay.

  I only get a chance to pull the scarf that was tied around her mouth out before he yanks my hair back and I’m smacked hard into his chest. He wraps an arm around my waist.

  “Jace stop this! Please. Let us go. Why are you doing this?” I thrash and kick my legs about trying to get free but his grasp is too strong.

  “You’re coming with me either way Harley.” He turns me forcefully to face him. His eyes are dark and the veins in his neck stick out.

  He looks down at my face lovingly then his eyes freeze on my neck and his grip on me tightens.

  “What the fuck is that?” He screams and shoves me. I stumble back and cover the spot on my neck where Caleb gave me a love bite. I hear mumbling to my side and see my mother attempt to move her head but her eyes are still closed.

  “Answer me!” He roars making me wince. “You allow that piece of shit to touch you? You fucked him didn’t you?” His hand is too quick and backhands me with such force I land on the little coffee table where his beer stood. It all crashes underneath me knocking the breath out of me. I let out the first of my sobs and it’s only the beginning because now as I sit on the floor I’m covering my bloody face and weeping in my hands begging him not to hurt me.

  “Fuck…” I hear him mutter. “I’m sorry baby.”

  “When her daddy finds out, you’re dead boy.” I hear my mother’s husky broken voice.

  I lift my eyes to see Jace freeze and turn to look at her, Raven is back.

  “You think I give a shit? Besides, there won’t be any witnesses.” My mother spits in his face and I watch as he wipes his face then pulls out a gun from the back of his jeans and points it in her face.

  “No!” I scream as I crawl up to his feet and look up to him begging. “I’ll come with you, I’ll do whatever you want just don’t kill her. Please!” I beg for her life with tears running down my face, I can taste the blood and salt from my tears on my lips.

  I watch as he lowers the gun and places it back in his jeans. He yanks my arm up making me hiss out in pain. “I’m doing this because I love you, you know that right?” I don’t reply which only makes him angrier.

  “Answer me!” he shakes me but loses his grip and I go flying through the air. I feel the wall as my back and head hit it. I fall face first to the ground, I feel the moisture in my hair, I slowly raise my hand to the back of my head until I feel the wet spot then bring my fingers to my line of vision.

  Blood.

  My vision starts to blur and the noises around me muffle as I lay on the floor. All I can think about is how I snuck out of Holly’s house without telling Willow I loved her and how much I miss Caleb right now. My mother’s muffled screams can be heard in the distance and I can feel the vibration off the floor boards under my cheek as Jace walks up toward me.

  I wake up as Jace gently lies me down in the trunk of a car. I’m vaguely aware of him caressing my cheek as he says, “Can’t live without you. I don’t want to be alone in the dark. It’s so dark without you my Harley. I need you.”

  Then he moves away, slams the trunk closed and I’m left in darkness… alone.

  About Sophie Summers

  I live in a small town off the South Coast of KwaZulu Natal. I am a 22 year old South African. I kept writing my dirty little secret for a couple of years before I decided to come clean and share my stories. When I’m not working I’m studying, writing or reading. I released my first book in 2013 which was a supernatural/werewolf based novel, It is called Alexia Eden (Fairy Tales Don’t Exist #1).

  A little about more about me…

  Three days after graduating High School I jumped into the work force head on. I continued to work full time doing basic admin and account work for six months until I started studying. After two years I started working for a larger company doing administration work which held more responsibility and longer hours. After working full time to pay for my studies, I found the time to write.

  Although my life is busy as ever, I will never complain or regret the path I've taken that directed me to where I am today. The lessons I've learnt and the people I've met is my reason for this. I may not have a degree behind my name...yet but I'll get there eventually. It may take me some time but I'm determined to stay independent without relying on anyone. I work hard and write harder. Look me up sometime, even if it's just for a chat. I love receiving emails and reviews of my books so please email me and send me links of your reviews. I may not have responded to your emails but please note that I really do appreciate all of you who have taken the time to email me with words of encouragement and advice. Since I’m new to this writing world I still have a lot to learn.

  I love receiving emails and reviews of my books so please email and send me links of your reviews. I may not have responded to your emails but please note that I really do appreciate all of you who have taken the time to email me with words of encouragement and advice. Since I’m new to this writing world I still have a lot to learn.

  You can find me on Goodreads and my blog http://sophiesummers.weebly.com/.

  Please feel free to comment, I’m always available to chat.

  You can also follow me on twitter https://twitter.com/A_SophieSummers and even friend me on Facebook to keep up to date with release dates and upcoming works. https://www.facebook.com/sophie.summers.1048

  If you just want to chat? Email me on star.sophiesummers@gmail.com

  ***Please continue to read for a preview of Book 1 in the Fairy Tales Don’t Exist Series – Alexia Eden.***

  Please see my blog to keep up with news of my books and where they can be bought.

  ALEXIA EDEN

  FAIRYTALES DON’T EXIST #1

  BY SOPHIE SUMMERS

  PROLOGUE

  Mom always told me that love conquers all. If you love someone with all your heart and with all that you have to give – no matter the problems you face as long as you were together it will be all right… She said that you know you’ve found your soul mate when it would hurt when they weren’t by your side and just being in their presence would soothe that ache.

  I always thought it was just one of those silly things mothers would tell their daughters, similar to those quotes on the bottom of each page in a diary that are supposed to be inspirational but in fact leave you thinking what…the…fuck…

  She also had those cheesy moments too however, when I was upset because the boys at the playground were being mean to me, she’d say “Don’t worry my lil’ Lex, one day you’ll find your prince charming, just like I did when I found your daddy”. Of course I wasn’t that naïve to actually believe in Fairytales and all the stories she would tell me about love as I grew older but I had hope, hope that one day I would find that person I would love so much that I would do anything and everything possible to be with them, that I would find my soul mate, my other half ...the person meant just for me…

  My name is Alexia Charlie Eden, and yes my second name is Charlie. Mom thought she was having a baby boy, at least that’s what the doctor said, so imagine their surprise when I popped out. They decided to keep the name Charlie, because well that’s what they originally planned on calling me and the name Alexia was a tribute to Alexandria, the name of daddy’s younger sister who disappeared when she was sixteen.

  Daddy says my mother and I look alike but I don’t see the resemblance at all. I’m pretty short at 5’3 and I wouldn’t say I’m skinny like mom either since I have more curves than the usual teenage girl. My mother also has brown hair but hers is pin straight where mine is more on the wild side and reaches my lower back, I guess I do get my petite body from her since she is a small woman.

  My father and I have few similarities in our features; although my mother has brown eyes and my father has blue ones, mine are a mix between dark green and blue, so with my dark hair and pale skin they tend to stand out. I also have dad’s dimples and dark long eyelashes.
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  My mother was a typical housewife, always involved with anything to do in my life. She was my best friend and the person that even when I had a bad day at school I knew when I got home everything would be alright because mom was there sitting on her bed reading her sappy romance novels waiting for me to come home. She would always know when I was upset, she'd just open her arms wide and I’d go and cuddle beside her while she would whisper words of hope and encouragement.

  Yes, I was a good girl who didn’t keep any secrets from her mother and that’s because there was nothing to keep from her, I would tell her everything – she was my best friend. She was supportive of me, always backed me up on anything I was involved with and she’d say that as long as I was happy she’d be happy.

  Of course I was still a daddy’s girl, where my mother was a words type of woman my father was more of the do now, talk later type. Mom always had the right words to say at the right moment, but my father was a different story however… when I was younger many kids thought it was funny to pick on the short chubby kid.

  I kept quiet about it for a little while because I was embarrassed about being picked on for my weight but when one kid tripped me and I went home crying, I told my father everything. My dad wasn’t someone with many words, he was the type that went to all the boys’ houses that bullied me demanding that their fathers make them apologize and if they don’t discipline their children - he would.

  He was a big guy, being 6’6 feet tall and since he worked at the gym everyday he was big in the muscle department too, suffice to say that from that day onwards - I was never bullied again whenever I went to the playground.

  My parents met in high school and it was the typical jock meets cheerleader, they get married have babies and live happily ever after - although not in that order and it didn’t exactly end that way.