All My Broken Pieces (FindingLight #2)

Chapter 16

Arriana

Stretching, I suppress a groan as I lean to whisper in Fallon’s ear. “I’m going to get some coffee, I’ll be right back.” She nods wordlessly in response.

It’s been hours since her breakdown in the bathroom and she hasn’t said a word since, just stared off into the corner. I’m trying to be patient, but the waiting is making me restless. Not that I know her brother well, or at all. But I can see the effect all of this is having on her, and it’s driving me crazy not to be able to do something, anything to help.

Ignoring the glares being sent my way by her family, I walk to the other side of the lobby toward the several vending machines lining the wall. Making my way over to one that dispenses the good bean juice, I put in some change and wait for the machine to give me the much needed caffeine.

I watch the dark liquid pour into the paper cup, the tension in the air nearly suffocating. I can hear whispered conversations happening behind me and I can’t hold back the memories the sound brings to the surface.

“I heard she was expelled from her last school because she was selling drugs. Like father, like daughter.”

The whispered snickers reach me as I try to hide behind my metal locker, hoping if they don’t notice that I’ve heard them, they’ll just move on.

“See, I heard that she wasn’t selling the drugs,” Suzie’s voice echoes loudly in the hall, not even attempting to pretend to be secretive. “She was using them, and that she tried to blow a teacher to keep from getting in trouble.”

A round of gasps sounds at her blatant lie. If she really knew anything about me, she’d know I would have zero desire to get anywhere near a dick.

I shudder at the thought, quickly removing my textbooks and shutting my locker door. Turning away from the clique gossiping about me, I try to walk away, but don’t make it far.

“Where are you going, freak?” Suzie calls out, another round of snickers sounding from her entourage.

My feet freeze and I can feel a warmth spreading up my neck as I fight back the rage bubbling inside. All around us, students pause in their trek to their next class, eager to witness the brutal treatment of a fellow classmate.

Malditos pendejos.

“Well?” Suzie demands. “Where are you going?”

I gulp back the anger and embarrassment, squaring my shoulders and turning to face her. As I pivot, my eyes land on Spencer as he watches from across the hall. He glances between me and the clique of mean girls, averting his gaze and mumbling something to his own friend group.

I try to pretend like the reaction doesn’t hurt, almost able to convince myself of it. It’s not like we’re actually related or anything, just two fucked up kids forced to live together, not sure why I’d expect him to help me.

Returning my focus on my tormentor, I raise the books in my arms. “To class. Ya know, where you should be. Unless you wanna continue failing all yours.” I shrug my shoulders, biting back the satisfied smile at her horrified expression.

Scoffing loudly, she flicks her hair behind her ear. “I’m not failing.” She retorts, placing her hand on her hip.

“Oh, that’s right, because you’re the one blowing the teacher.” Her eyes widen almost comically, and I can’t contain my laughter as I appear to have hit the nail on the head.

Suzie’s face flushes before heating up, her hands fisting at her sides. With a huff, she spins on her heels and stalks down the hall.

“I hope he’s giving you at least a B for your troubles! Unless you’re also as mediocre at giving head as you are at insults.” My laughter grows as she lifts her middle finger over her head, not even bothering to look at me, or maybe too angry to form a response.

Either way, I seem to have made my way out of this one on my own. Again.

My levity dies off and I spin on my heel, marching away from the scene and can only hope I won’t have to deal with any more insults thrown my way. At least for one day.

The coffee machine spurts, the sound drawing me back to the present.

A hushed voice reaches me, the speaker obviously not trying that hard to be quiet. “Who is she?” The one I’ve gathered to be Fallon’s sister asks. The hair on the back of my neck stands on end at the sound of her voice, the tone so similar to the snide drawl of the girl who made my life a living hell growing up.

Their mom glances at me as I make my way back toward her daughter. “I don’t know, but I don’t much care for how touchy those two are.” Fallon’s sister nods her agreement, throwing a scowl in my direction.

I smirk back at her, lifting my middle finger.

She gasps in response, clutching her chest like she’s a 1950s housewife.

Snickering, I sink into the seat beside my girl, handing her one of the cups. She takes the coffee, bringing it to her lips and taking a small drink. Leaning back into my chair, I sip at my own drink, wishing things had gone differently.

I’m still not sure where we stand, never having had the chance to dive more into her confession before Fallon received the call.

“Oh fuck.” I gasp, shooting upright. Fallon looks at me, her eyes wide at the sudden outburst. Patting her thigh, I give her a reassuring smile. “I forgot to feed Sir Ichabod.” Some of the tension in her shoulders relaxes at the explanation. Slipping my phone out of my pocket, I shoot off a quick text to Andrew asking him to swing by my place to take care of my baby boy.

Drewbie

You got it princess *salute emoji*

I chuckle, typing out my reply.

Me

My hero

Drewbie

Always

I’m hunting for the perfect GIF response when a throat clears, drawing my attention away from the screen.

A haggard looking, middle-aged man stands on the edge of the lobby. He’s dressed in a pair of green scrubs, a brighter shade of lime green scrub cap covers his head. He slips his finger under the surgical mask covering his face, hanging it around his neck as he looks around the room. “Huxley family?” He calls, drawing the attention of the rest of Fallon’s family.

I take Fallon’s hand in mine, gently squeezing to reassure her that I’m here, that she’s not alone. She squeezes back, her grip remaining tight as the surgeon explains Hudson’s condition.

“Things were a little touch and go for a moment, but,” He pauses, a weary smile crossing his face. “He should make a full recovery.”

“Oh, thank god!” Fallon’s mom cries, clinging to her husband. Fallon’s sister smiles politely back at the surgeon, not hiding the obvious lust in her eyes as she drags her gaze down his body.

Fallon sniffles beside me, her body shaking. I gently pluck the coffee from her hand and set the cups on the floor. Turning back to her, I wrap her up in my arms, murmuring, “He’s going to be okay, mi vida .” She nods her head against my chest, fisting my shirt in her hands. Setting my chin on top of her head, I tighten my hold. “Everything’s going to be okay.”