All My Broken Pieces (FindingLight #2)

Chapter 34

Fallon

“Oh my god, it’s perfect!” Ava exclaims, grinning from ear to ear. “Hudson, you are a genius .”

Shuffling on his feet, Hudson ducks his head to hide the smile spreading across his face. “It’s okay, I guess.” He mumbles, shoving his hands into his pockets.

“ It’s okay. ” Ava mocks, shaking her head. “Here I thought I was crazy.” Turning her attention to me, she gestures at the cake. “You can’t tell me this isn’t the most beautiful form of edible art you’ve ever seen?” She enthuses.

I giggle, hiccupping and nodding my head. “It’s gorgeous. Sorry, bro, no humble pie for you, this shit is amazing.”

He glances up at me and the small smile on his lips spreads, lighting up his whole face. “Yeah? You really think so?”

I beam at him, pushing to my feet a little too quickly. Another giggle escapes my lips as I cling to the counter. “Cross my heart and hope to,” hiccup , “die.” The room spins as I take a step forward. “That’s, that’s weird.” I mutter, shaking my head to clear my vision.

Blinking my eyes, I focus on Ava and Hudson. “What?” I ask, glancing between their worried expressions. They share a look and for some reason, it makes me angry. “What?” I snap, the question coming out much harsher this time as I feel the frustrating anxiety creep its way up my spine.

This shit is supposed to stop these feelings.

“Babe.” Ava’s voice draws my attention away from the buzzing just beneath my skin, the undercurrent of nerves I can’t seem to escape. “How much have you had to drink?” I cock my head at the question.

She’s never asked me that before.

Glancing over my shoulder at my nearly empty wine glass, I try to think of an answer, having lost track by the time the cake was placed in the oven. “I…I dunno.” I finally respond with a shrug of my shoulders.

Ava’s forehead creases. “Let me get you some water.” I try to protest, but am met with a sharp look that has me holding my hands up in surrender.

She’s acting weird.

Turning my attention back to my brother, I offer him a wide smile. “Hud, this really is so good.” He returns my smile, his appearing almost strained. Brushing off the fact, I glance back at his masterpiece.

It’s three-tiered, perfectly carved and stacked. The white icing has been smoothed over and a black liquid glaze was poured down the center, trailing down the sides and creating a beautifully contrasting visual piece of art.

It almost hurts to think about cutting into it later.

“Here.” I’m pulled from my inspection as Ava shoves a cool glass into my hands.

Closing my fingers around the cup, I glance down and find she did, in fact, get me water. “I’m okay, thanks, babe.” I move to set the drink down, but she blocks my path.

“No, you need to drink that, Fallon.” She insists, crossing her arms.

Sighing dramatically, I tilt my head back and down the cool liquid. “There, happy?” I mutter, wiping my mouth with the back of my hand.

Ava studies my face for a moment before inclining her head and moving to finish cleaning up the kitchen. “Your surprise should be here soon.” She calls over her shoulder.

Slipping back onto the stool I’ve been perched at the whole evening, I reach forward and take my wine glass once more. “You’re killing me, not even a little hint?” I whine, looking around for the bottle to refill my glass.

My eyes land on Hudson as he slips from the room, most likely off to use the restroom.

“Nope.” Ava hums.

I roll my eyes at her back. “Okay, fine.” I grumble, my mood souring at her refusal. Running a hand through my hair, I blink as my vision doubles.

How much did I drink?

It couldn’t have been that much because I can still feel.

“You’re making the wrong choice, Fallon.”

I blink again, shaking my head to clear the voice.

“If you walk out of this house, that’s it.”

Now is not the time to wallow in memories, in things I can’t change. Sliding off the stool once more, I stumble toward the fridge, opening the door and hunting for something, anything to help.

I can vaguely hear Ava talking behind me, but the sound of her voice is drowned out by the flood of memories bursting through.

“I did it for you, to save you, sis.”

“The sins of the flesh separate us from God’s love. We must repent and seek Him.”

“I’m disappointed in you, Fallon.”

My throat tightens as I cling to the door handle, the oxygen in the room getting thinner with each memory.

“I love you, mi vida .”

Arriana’s voice breaks through the multitude of others, and somehow it makes it all worse.

“I just, I needed it all to be quiet.”

Hudson’s broken words filter through, and I find I understand them now. Closing the door, I turn around on numb legs.

“Where you goin’?” Ava calls as I stagger out of the kitchen.

“Bathroom.” I mumble in response. I catch sight of Hudson and cock my head at him. He pushes past me, sinking into my empty seat. Shrugging, I continue down the hall.

“This could have been enjoyable for both of us.”

I cringe, trying to focus on anything but the sound of Logan’s voice in my head.

“I’m worried about you.”

I can’t tell whose voice it was, all of them blending together and overlapping. A steady stream of noise that’s nearly enough to drive me mad.

Closing the bathroom door behind me, I reach a shaky hand into my pocket and pull out the small baggie I confiscated from Hudson. “Just to make them quiet.” I whisper, pulling out one of the pills.