A Healing Story (Stories Book 3)

by Abrianna Denae

  “I’d like that.” He hesitates, “there is one more thing we need to discuss.”

  “Which is?”

  “Marta. She showed up at my place a few weeks ago.”

  “Shit.”

  “Yeah. I don’t want her to try doing the same with you. I have a doorman and she doesn’t know that I quit my job so there’s no way she could find me, especially since I’ve been with Neil almost every day for the past two weeks. You’re more accessible.”

  “Fucking bitch. Why won’t she just go away? She lost two sons. That should be a fucking hint. I don’t know how Vincent has stayed with her as long as he has.”

  “I don’t know either. But we need to do something. I know we literally just agreed to be friends, but I’m tired of having her hanging over my shoulder and I know you are too.”

  “I am. Honestly? I think we should confront her. It’ll be the best way. Ignoring her will work, eventually, but in all honesty, we need to take the fight to her and tell her that we’re done with her shit. We’re not kids anymore.”

  He looks scared out of his mind but eventually nods. “I need some time. Don’t worry, I won’t let it drag on, but I need time to process it. This whole thing is a lot.”

  I nod in understanding. Coming out is a lot on its own. Pair it with everything else Matthias is going through, I would have snapped long ago.

  My brother may think that I’m the brave one, but he has more strength than he knows. I have confidence that Neil will help show him that.

  “I need a drink.” I stand and head to the kitchen. “You want something? I think we still have beer that Lydia’s husband left here. Or wine that Noah brought over because he got tired of tequila.”

  “It’s eleven a.m.”

  “So? I think we deserve it.”

  “Fuck it, why not.” He follows me.

  And that’s how Alex finds us a few hours later. Sitting in the kitchen, bottle of tequila three-quarters empty.

  This is not at all how I thought the day would go, but it’s better than I expected. I love the family I made, to add Matthias into that, it feels right. It shouldn’t, but it does.

  Matthias.

  “You okay?” Neil asks.

  We’re sitting in the car in front of Jamie and Alex’s house. We just got here and I’m not ready to go in yet. Today we’re going as a unit to confront our parents. I already called ahead, so they expect me, I’m scared as all hell what’s going to happen when they realize they’ve been ambushed.

  “Not at all.” I grab his hand and he gives me a surprised, but pleased smile.

  “I’ll be with you.”

  “Then I’ll be okay. Eventually.” I swallow and turn to face him.

  “What?”

  This is not at all the ideal place to do this, but I need to. I have no idea what’s going to happen today, what state of mind I’ll be in, and I need him to know everything.

  “I can’t believe I’m so happy,” I say.

  “Baby…”

  “Let me finish,” I plead, he nods. Taking a breath I go on, “I didn’t think I deserved to be happy. Not after what I did to my own brother. But fuck, Neil. You’re… you’re everything.

  “I’m so fucking in love with you and it scares me shitless because I know I don’t deserve you, but I’m going to do everything I can to keep you.”

  Tears spring in his eyes. He leans forward and kisses me. It’s chaste, but so sweet because I can feel his passion in every press of his lips to mine. “I love you, too. So fucking much.”

  I kiss him again.

  “We need to go inside,” I finally say.

  “I know.”

  When we finally make it up to the house Neil walks in without knocking.

  “What?” he asks when I stop.

  “This seems rude to me.”

  He snorts, “if they wanted people to knock they would have locked their door. Come on.”

  He leads me to the kitchen where my brother and Rhys are knocking back shots of tequila.

  “Oh good,” Jamie says when he sees us. “Y’all are finally here. I think we’re almost ready. Lex is just wrapping something up in the studio. Want a shot?”

  “No thanks. I’d rather have a clear head.”

  He shrugs his shoulders, “suit yourself. I need the liquid courage.”

  “It’ll be okay, babe. We got this.” Rhys places a hand on his arm.

  Jamie stares at him for a moment before saying, “we got this.”

  “Damn straight.”

  Alex comes into the kitchen then and points to the alcohol, “put it away, James.”

  Rhys whines a bit but takes his and Jamie’s shot glasses to the sink to wash while Jamie puts away the bottle.

  “Everyone ready?” Alex asks.

  “No,” Jamie replies, “let’s get this over with.”

  Neil and I lead the way outside and head to my car. We’re taking two cars since the plan is to go to Alex’s parents’ house afterwards. Noah is already there waiting for us. Rhys, of course, wasn’t going to be left out of today’s little excursion.

  “Keys,” Rhys calls out, “seriously, every time I have to ask.”

  “Hush,” Jamie tells him while tossing him a set of keys.

  “Thank you.” He gets into the driver’s seat of Jamie’s jeep.

  “Do you want me to drive?” Neil asks.

  I shake my head, “I need something to focus on. Maybe after though.”

  “Okay.”

  We get in the car and I have to take a few deep breaths before turning the car over and driving away from the curb.

  *

  “I think I’m going to be sick.”

  “You’re okay. I’m right here.” Neil places a hand on my back as I rest my head on the steering wheel, trying to take a few deep breaths.

  “I think...after this...if I live through it, I want you to help me look for someone to talk to.”

  “Really?” I can hear the shock in his voice.

  “Yes. Jamie and I have been talking, and I admit, it’s time. I can’t keep doing this to you. The stress of having to deal with me...because I can’t. I need to do better. For both of us.”

  “If that’s what you want, I’ll support you all the way.”

  “Thank you. I love you.”

  “I love you too.”

  “Okay,” I sit up. “Let’s get this over with.”

  “Okay, you know, after this, Mama Breneman is going to baby us all.”

  I give him a dubious look. “Yes, baby, even you. She’s a good woman who will see you’re trying. Now let’s go.”

  We get out of the car and meet Jamie and them at the top of the driveway. Walking towards the front door makes my stomach turn. I never want to see this place again. I take Neil’s hand, reassurance that after today I won’t have to.

  I ring the bell and Rodney opens it. “What is this?”

  “I told Marta I was coming,” I say as I push past him.

  “Jameson,” Rodney whispers, and for the first time in thirty-four years, I see his composure crack a bit.

  “Hello, Rodney, I’d say it’s nice to see you, but it’s not.”

  “They’re in the dining room?” I ask the man.

  Rodney nods, “but I do not think it is prudent to bring all these...people in there.”

  Somehow he makes ‘people’ sound like a dirty word. “I don’t fucking care.”

  I lead the way. I don’t know why I’m put in charge, I feel so inadequate, but I do it because Jamie can’t or won’t. We briefly discussed that I would lead the conversation because it would not only does it give me the chance to breakaway, finally, but because it’s too much for my brother to handle. I can respect his limits. That's why, besides being nosy, Rhys came with us, he knows better than anyone what my brother can and cannot do alone.

  Marta and Vincent are in their usual seats, the air already fraught with tension.

  “Matthias,” Marta says slowly, “what is the meaning of t
his?”

  “The meaning, Mother,” Jamie says, “is that we’re here to let you know that we’re done with you.”

  “Jameson.” Marta sits up straighter. “How nice to see my wayward son.”

  “Cut the shit, Marta,” I say. “We all know you don’t care about him. Or me. We’re here to end this, once and for all.”

  “End what? Really, Matthias. I don’t know what’s gotten into you lately, but it sure is not what we taught you. Who is this person? Why are you clinging to him?”

  “This man,” I spit the word, “is my boyfriend. Who I happen to be in love with. If it weren’t for him, I’d probably be dead, or worse, still acting like the good little minion you want me to be.

  “I’m done. With you and your bullshit. I’m asking nicely because I want to believe that somewhere deep inside, underneath all the ugly parts of you, there’s a mother who actually cares about her children.

  “I want nothing to do with you. My brother wants nothing to do with you. We came to tell you in person because you raised gentlemen. Leave us alone. Don’t call, don’t come by, don’t send someone else to do your bidding. We are done.”

  Marta stands, “now wait just a minute, I do not appreciate being ambushed by a bunch of-”

  “Leave it alone, Marta.” Vincent says, loudly and firmly. “You drove our children away already. Don’t make it worse.”

  “Vincent, how can you sit there and just let them talk to me this way? Look at them,” she gestures in our general direction, “I always knew that Breneman boy was trouble. And now he’s corrupted both our sons.”

  “I said enough!” Vincent stands. “I won’t hear of it, you and I will be having a private discussion. For now,” he turns to us, “I am so sorry, Jamie, Matthias. I am sorry I let it go this far. You’re my sons. I love you. I have always loved you. Even though I couldn’t show it.

  “You’re grown men now. I’m proud that you’re taking a stand and going after what you want. Even though it’s against us. I know we raised you right, this here is proof.”

  “Vincent!”

  “Marta! You did this! You have no one to blame but yourself. For once in your life sit down, shut up and let our sons do what is right for them, not you.”

  We all stare at my father in surprise. Before Marta can regain her composure Neil tugs on my hand. “Come on, baby, there’s nothing more we can do here.”

  I nod and follow him as he leads me out of the room. We make it outside before Vincent calls out to us, “wait one second, please.”

  He stands in front of Jamie and me, “I am so sorry that I let you boys down. I should have left her long ago and taken you with me. I’m not making excuses for the part I played, but I tried to bury myself in work and hope for the best. I did what I could but your mother,” he sighs. “I let it go too far and now I’ve lost my sons. I don’t know what’s going to happen now, between your mother and I. In all honesty, I’ve had the papers for divorce drawn up for a few weeks now, I just haven’t figured out how to do it.

  “But watching you boys stand up to us with the men you love, it’s given me courage. I know you probably won’t want me in your lives, but know this, when all is said and done, I am still your father and I love you. So fucking much.

  “When things between your mother and I are finished, I’ll contact you. Just to let you know. What happens next will be up to you.”

  “Thank you for finally doing what’s right. I already have parents,” Jamie says. Vincent flinches but nods in understanding. “But by the time this is over, maybe I’ll want a new friend, after all,” he looks at me, “I’ve already gained one, might as well make it two.”

  It’s my turn to say, “I don’t think I can.”

  “I understand. That’s all I wanted to say. Good luck. Be happy, that’s all I want for the two of you.” He goes back in the house and we turn to leave.

  Neil gets into the driver’s seat and we both let out long breaths.

  “You okay?”

  “I will be.”

  “Let’s get out of here. I know just what you need.”

  “What’s that?”

  “Good food and chaos.”

  I snort. “You're serious?”

  “Very. You can’t not be happy around the Brenemans, they’re fucking crazy, but they’re good people.

  “I’ll take your word for it.”

  He follows Jamie’s jeep over to the next street and parks in front of the Brenemans’ large house.

  I take another breath. I’m not sure I’m ready for whatever is waiting on the other side of the door, but it can’t be any worse than the situation we just left. Plus I have Neil. With him, I feel like anything is possible.

  Neil.

  Walking into the Breneman house is always an experience. I see Matthias flinch as the wall of sound hits him and I can’t help but smile. “Takes some getting used to,” I lean over and whisper to him.

  He grabs my hand and holds it tight. I pull him into the house after me, knowing everyone is going to be either in the kitchen or the family room, since our friends ditched us the second we walked in. That’s fine with me, I know my way around. It also helps to give Matthias a few minutes to center himself.

  The first stop we make is the kitchen. It’s better to get this out of the way, where there’s relative privacy, as opposed to in front of the whole family. Jamie, Alex, and Bridget Breneman are the only ones in the spacious room.

  “Neil, it’s been too long since you were here for dinner.”

  “Thanks for having me, Mama Breneman.”

  She waves my words off and gives me a hug before turning to Matthias. She cocks her head and gives him a measuring stare.

  “You’re not going to hurt my children, are you?”

  Matthias shakes his head. “I can’t promise that it will never happen. But I won’t actively make it so. I’m trying to be better, Mrs. Breneman.”

  “Everyone makes mistakes, Matthias. It’s how you move forward that matters most. I don’t agree with what you said or did, but I also know your mother; such a vile woman. My heart hurt for both you boys growing up. It’s a shame we couldn’t get you out of there sooner.

  “I’m opening my home and family to you. If you make me regret it...well, it’s best to leave that up to the imagination.”

  It’s honestly more than I expected from her. I knew she would be kind and accept Matthias if he showed he was serious, but maybe he’s not the only one who feels guilty for everything that happened when he and Jamie were growing up.

  “Thank you, Mrs. Breneman, it’s more than I deserve, but thank you.”

  She nods, “not fucking up will be thanks enough.” She waves her hand, “now, get out of my kitchen. The boys and I have to finish dinner.”

  As I lead Matthias to the family room I realize that for once, Bridget didn’t tell someone to call her Mama Breneman. That, more than anything, is a telling sign that while she’s okay with him being here, she doesn’t fully trust his motives.

  The only ones missing from the family room, bar the three in the kitchen, are River and Alex’s youngest sister, Louisa. Nolan Breneman is curled up on one end of one of the sofas, glasses perched on his nose, face in a book. How the man can read while his children surround him with their crazy is anyone’s guess. Though I suppose it’s years of practice.

  Lydia is the first one to spot us. She’s sitting with her husband, Nathan, and Lacey’s girlfriend, Tasha. “Oh good, someone with more sense, as opposed to these heathens.”

  Nathan rolls his eyes. “There’s nothing wrong with tea. It still has caffeine.”

  “Are you eighty?” I ask.

  “Apparently. I think we need to rethink this marriage thing,” Lydia teases.

  “Y’all don’t know what you’re missing,” Tasha says. “There’s nothing better than a fuzzy blanket and a hot cup of tea.”

  “You’re such a girl,” I tease.

  I sit on the sofa, pulling Matthias down with me. “Tasha
, this is Matthias, Matthias, this is Lacey’s girlfriend. And that’s Nathan.”

  Nathan laughs, “I don’t even get the title of Lyd’s husband?”

  “I’m still confused on why she married you.”

  “Amen,” Lydia holds her hand up for a high five.

  I shake my head at their antics, both pleased and anxious that they’re carrying on like normal. While Nathan and Tasha might not know everything that has to do with Matthias, Lydia sure does.

  I would prefer that they get any apprehension or disdain out of the way so that we can relax. After dealing with Marta and Vincent we all need it.

  With those thoughts Lacey bounces over and sits on her brother-in-law’s lap. “So we’re going to ignore the elephant in the room, are we?”

  Matthias stiffens at my side as Lydia shrugs. “I trust our brothers. I can’t say that I don’t believe that there won’t be issues down the road, but tonight is not the night.” She turns to Matthias. “I’m sorry for whatever part I played in the past. I only had Alex and Jamie’s thoughts and feelings and I let them cloud my own. I’m the oldest, I could have helped you.”

  Matthias shakes his head. “I didn’t deserve it. I don’t know if I deserve your kindness now, but I appreciate it.”

  Lydia cocks her head, “that attitude right there is why no one freaked out when we heard you were coming. You have not only Jamie and Alex giving you the benefit of the doubt, but Rhys and Neil as well. And those two don’t trust easily.”

  I take a moment to think about that. It’s true that I don’t trust people, not many foster kids do; but I can’t think of a time that I didn’t in some way trust Matthias. Even when I was wary of him hurting me, I trusted him enough to give him a chance.

  I don’t know how or why Matthias broke through those barriers, but I’m glad he did. Because as much as I helped him over the past few months; he helped me too. I’ve always wanted to have someone to love and who would love me, through all the hardships and pain. I never expected it to be Matthias Harthorn, but I’m glad it is.

  Matthias.