All My Broken Pieces (FindingLight #2)

Chapter 41

Arriana

My leg bounces as I watch Fallon. She hasn’t woken again since her brief moment of consciousness and it’s sending me into a bit of a tailspin. My fingers itch to do something, to make someone pay, but there’s nothing I can do.

“So much for a party.” The grumbled words reach me, pulling my attention away from my sleeping nymph.

Glaring at the three men huddled in the corner of the room, I growl, “Sorry we couldn’t live up to your high party lifestyle, Spencer.”

He throws his hands in the air, palms out. “Didn’t mean to offend, sis. I just figured when Romeo over here,” He jerks his head in Andrew’s direction. “Called and said we were celebrating your return home there would be more…celebrating and less, I don’t know, this.” Spencer sweeps his arm around the room.

Pushing to my feet, I slowly stride across the room, humming, “Oh, you poor thing. You want to party?” I come to a halt in front of him, his tall frame towering over me. Smiling sweetly, I beat back the rage burning inside. “Then let’s party.” Spencer studies my expression briefly before opening his mouth to say something, but I don’t give him chance as I cut him off. “What do you say, Coop? Time to turn this into a rager?”

Cooper clears his throat, running his hand through his hair. “Sure, I guess. If that’s what you want, sis.” I incline my head, never taking my eyes off my other brother.

“Are you sure that’s a good idea?” Andrew interjects, drawing my attention to him.

Turning my head, I let my smile widen. “If Spencer wants to party, we can’t leave him hanging, can we? I mean, he came all this way after all.” I can hear a shuffle of fabric as Spencer shifts uncomfortably in front of me.

“Look, Arriana. I didn’t mean-”

Throwing my hand up, I cut off his weak attempt to deny what we all know. Spencer has always thought he was the most important person in any given room, and his disarmingly good looks combined with his confidence has given him an advantage over most everyone else, only feeding into his self-centered tendencies.

It’s becoming abundantly clear in the time we’ve been apart, none of that has changed.

After the naloxone started to take effect and Fallon’s state got better, I finally looked up to find not only Cooper had come to celebrate my return, but Andrew had managed to rope in Spencer. How he did, I have no clue.

Despite the fact that he lives and works within a few hours of my home, I haven’t seen or heard from Spencer in years. Hell, I wouldn’t even know he was still here if it wasn’t for his constant appearances on televised programs.

Mister big time actor had gotten too popular for us mere mortals.

But in the time since the initial excitement at seeing his appearance, it’s become clear that he must have been coerced into attending. Normally I would give him a piece of my mind, show him that I’m not someone to be pitied or fucked with, but right now I’m a bit off my game. So instead, I’ll party. We’ll have a fucking rager, and hopefully my baby will wake up and join in.

Spinning on my heel, I march toward the kitchen on the hunt for some booze. My eyes land on a nearly empty wine glass, a wave of nausea rolling through me at the reminder of what Fallon had done. Averting my gaze, I spot an open shelf lined with liquor. “Aha!” I exclaim, pivoting toward the shelf.

I stretch my arm up, finding I’m too short to reach. The motion calls up a memory, another moment I had struggled to reach inside a tall cupboard flashes through my mind, quickly followed by the aftermath of that day. Memories I can no longer hold back no matter how hard I try.

Dried tears stain my cheeks as I stare blankly ahead. Quiet voices sound from down the hall, drowned out by the other sounds of the hospital.

“Arriana?” I blink at my name, trying to focus on the lady kneeling in front of me. “Honey, my name is Elecia. Would you mind if I joined you?” She nods to the seat beside me.

I continue to stare forward, unable to respond.

“?Mamá?”

My broken cry replays in my head, the sight of Mamá lying on the floor flashing over and over.

Elecia sighs softly, pushing off her knees and moving to sit in the chair next to me. “I work with Child Services. Do you know what that means?” When I don’t answer, she keeps talking. “It’s my job to help keep you safe. Sweetheart, I’m going to need you to come stay with a nice family for a little while.”

I blink again, turning to look at her. “No. Mi Mamá me necesita .” I mumble, shaking my head and looking back at the wall.

She sighs again before her hand rests on my shoulder. “The best thing you can do for your Mamá is to get some rest. Come on, honey, just for the night.” Pushing to her feet, she holds her hand out toward me.

I shake my head again, pulling up my knees and wrapping my arms around them. “No. No, she needs me.”

Shaking my head to clear the memory, I glance around to find something to aid in my mission.

“Let me.” Killian’s voice rumbles behind me.

I step out of the way, allowing him access to the shelf. He silently pulls down several bottles, lining them up on the counter. Without a word, he turns and gathers some glasses, setting the cups beside the alcohol.

I cock my head at him, surprised he’s being so helpful. Not that I’m complaining, it’s about time the old man got on board, but… “Don’t pity me.” I snap, keeping my voice low so only he can hear me.

Killian glances behind us, his eyes fixed on Fallon’s sleeping form before shifting to Ava as she remains a permanent fixture beside my girl and Hudson. “It’s not pity.” He finally sighs, looking back at me with a brokenness in his expression I’ve never witnessed from him. “I just know what it’s like to almost…” He trails off.

Clearing his throat, he returns his attention to the counter, filling a glass with whiskey. “I get it. And I’m sorry.” He murmurs, knocking his glass back before refilling it with the amber liquid and turning to walk away.

I watch after him, incredulous at what just happened.

Did that just happen? Did we have a bonding moment?

Despite the circumstances, my lips twitch as a smile threatens to break across my face.

Turning my attention back to my brothers, I call them over. “Yo, you wanted to party, so get over here and party already.” I look over the selection, snatching a bottle of tequila. Gripping the neck of the bottle, I tip my head back and gulp down the clear liquid.

A warmth spreads through my body as the liquor works its way through my system, both dulling my senses and heightening my frustration. Gulping down another few mouthfuls, I watch as the boys file into the kitchen, filling their glasses and exchanging wary glances.

Sick of watching them, I glance around the room. “We need music.” I proclaim, taking a step toward where Killian and Ava are huddled together.

They continue their whispered conversation, ignoring my demand. “Hey, lovebirds.” I call, sucking another drink from the bottle clasped in my hand. They finally look up, Ava’s expression worried and Killian’s back to his usual grumpy fixture.

I bark a laugh, spinning in a circle with my arms out and swaying my hips. “Can’t have a party without some tunes. Whatcha got?”

Ava glances at Killian before clearing her throat. “I’ll, uh, I’ll put something on.” Her eyes shift to Fallon and I force mine to avoid looking at my sleeping beauty.

A few moments later, music pumps from the speakers placed around the space. I close my eyes, swaying to the beat while nursing the bottle.

“I want to go home!”

I try to focus on the music, desperately pushing back the memories.

“Where’s Mamá? Where’s Papá?” I sob.

The strangers I’ve been forced to stay with look at each other, but don’t answer.

“Where are they?” I cry. “I…I wanna go home. Just let me go home.”

Tears prick at my eyes, the present and past blending together in a confusingly painful existence.

“She’s dead.” I hear the lady whisper to the man when they think I’m asleep. “What are we supposed to tell her?”

I bury my face in the pillow, hating that it doesn’t smell like me. Hating that this isn’t my home. Hating that I’ve been here for a lot longer than one night.

The familiar hatred seeps into my bones and along with it comes a horrifying realization.

I don’t just hate my parents for abandoning me. Nestled into my heart along with the overwhelming love, I feel a poisonous thorn stabbed right in there with my feelings for Fallon.

How could she?

“I think you’ve had enough.” Andrew declares, snatching the bottle from my hand.

“Hey!” I protest, attempting to retrieve my stolen drink.

I’ve polished off nearly a quarter of the bottle and it’s done nothing to aid in my newfound revelations. Since the moment I realized how angry I am with Fallon, I haven’t been able to focus on anything else, my mind a constant loop of all the things I want to say to her.

Only I can’t.

Because she’s still asleep .

“I think I’m gonna take off.” Spencer mumbles, setting down his cup and pulling out his phone.

I huff a laugh, rolling my eyes. “Of course, just leave. That’s what you’re good at.” I sniffle and it only fuels my anger.

I’m not this bitch. I’m not the kind of girl to cry about my feelings. I’m a badass, and I don’t let anyone or anything get to me.

“Arri-” He tries, but is cut off by a loud pounding on the elevator.

I look to Andrew, raising my eyebrows. “Expecting anyone else?”

He shakes his head, his forehead creased as he looks between the elevator, Fallon, and me. “No.” He murmurs. “I think we should get you both out of sight.” I can see the worry emanating from him, my own escalating with each thud sounding on the other side of the large metal doors.

Shifting my gaze to Fallon, my heart cracks open at the sight of her. So helpless, so broken.

Oh baby.

“What’s going on?” Cooper demands, drawing my attention away from my sleeping nymph.

I exchange a look with Andrew before turning to my brothers. “There’s a…situation.”

“What kind of situation?” Spencer cuts in, his anxious gaze bouncing around the room. Before I can explain, he blurts out, “Fuck, it can’t be good. I mean, look at what’s happening.” He indicates Fallon with his head, setting my teeth on edge. Noticing my reaction, he throws his hands in the air. “Look, I just mean, I can’t afford this kind of publicity. I’ve got a big movie deal lined up and they’ll pull the plug if they think I had anything to do with this.” He gestures to Fallon once more, gulping and running his hand through his hair.

“Yeah, cause it’s all about you, like always.” I grumble.

Spencer shoots me a sharp look, opening his mouth, but his reply is cut off. “Enough.” Killian barks, drawing all of our attention. Sighing irritably, he jerks his head at Andrew. “Go, hide the girl and take Arriana with you.” I bristle at being told what to do, but Killian levels me with a scathing look. “This is most likely due to your mistake .” He admonishes.

I gulp, looking at Fallon and nodding my head. “Okay.” Before I can make a move, Andrew scoops her up in his arms, inclining his head toward the hall as he makes his way out of the room.

I scramble behind him, my heart thundering in my ears. The effects of the alcohol marring my ability to think clearly.

What are we going to do if they found out? I thought we’d have more time.

My eyes zero in on Fallon’s legs as they bounce with each of Andrew’s hurried steps. Her head is cradled against his chest so I can only see the blonde locks trailing down her back and along his side.

The nearly overwhelming need to protect her hits me. Because, even though I’m furious. Even though my chest feels like it’s been ripped apart and my heart shredded. Despite all of that, I still love her. I love her and I need her. More than life, more than the violence, more than anything .

So I’ll protect her. By any means necessary.

We slip into the spare bedroom. Quickly crossing the room, Andrew tucks Fallon into the bed, pulling the covers up to cover her body. Turning toward me, he tries to hide the worry behind a small smile. “It could be nothing. Totally unrelated.” He offers, even though we both know how unlikely that is.

Lifting the corner of my lips in a half smile, I agree, “Sure, probably nothing.”

Andrew opens and closes his mouth with a slight shake of his head. Glancing over his shoulder, he sighs, rubbing the back of his neck. “I better…” He trails off, jerking his thumb toward the doorway.

Shooing him off, I turn my attention to Fallon’s sleeping form. The door clicks shut behind Andrew, leaving me alone with my thoughts. Ones too loud. Too familiar.

Please don’t leave me.

“Oh, mi vida. ” I whisper, trailing the back of my fingers down her cheek. “Come back to me, baby.” And just like all those years before, in a situation so similar and yet worlds apart, I get no response but the labored breathing of the center of my world.

Choking back the panicked emotions, I continue my gentle strokes. “Come back to me.”

“Arriana?” Andrew’s voice rings out, startling me awake.

Sitting upright, I jerk my head to the side, making sure Fallon didn’t slip away in my sleep.

Fuck, I must be exhausted to have dozed off…

Yawning, I try to blink away the remaining tendrils of sleep, glancing toward the door as it creaks open. Andrew peeks his head inside before slipping into the room and shutting the door behind him.

I search his face, the earlier tension returning in full force at the worry I can see in his expression. “What happened?” I demand, scooting to the edge of the bed.

Andrew runs a hand over his head, cupping the back of his neck. “It was Billie.” Releasing a heavy sigh, he drops his arm, moving to sit beside me. “They found the body and had no choice but to report it.”

Blowing out an exasperated breath, I try to remain still, my mind racing as I try to think of a way out of this situation.

My original plan to take Fallon and run a little more complicated with her current state.

“She said if you had come to her she might have been able to do something, but the girls that found her…Well, they’re demanding blood.” Andrew continues, reaching forward to place his hand on my leg.

I roll my eyes. Of course her stupid little posse would be upset. “ Malditos co?os estúpidos. ” I grumble under my breath.

Squeezing my thigh, Andrew draws my attention back to him. “The police have issued a manhunt. Billie was pretty positive she was able to divert their focus for a while by telling them you had family in Idaho so they’re under the assumption you’re going to try going there first. But…” His voice trails off, his eyes shifting between Fallon and me. “It’s only a matter of time before they come here looking for you. We need to get you out of here.”

I glance down at Fallon, brushing my hand across her head, my fingers trailing through her hair. “I’m not leaving her, Andrew.” I whisper, the thought of doing so sucking the breath from my lungs.

“I know.” He sighs, pushing up to his feet. Without another word, Andrew pivots and leaves the room.

Bending over, I place a soft kiss on Fallon's forehead. “You and me forever, baby.” I promise, continuing my soft caress. Sighing heavily, I press my lips to her once more before climbing to my feet and exiting the room.

“She’s a fucking fugitive? Are you fucking kidding me?” Spencer’s raised voice reaches me as I walk down the hall. “You told me she was released, asshole.”

“Well, she was released.” Andrew barks back. “It was more an issue of what she did after.”

“Seriously, dude?” Spencer snaps.

There is a moment of silence before Andrew warns, “Be careful how you speak to me, Spencer. I might not be borderline psychotic like your sister, but that doesn’t mean I won’t take matters into my own hands if you piss me off.” An uncomfortable hush follows his threat.

Taking a calming breath, I turn the corner to find everyone in varied degrees of panic. Spencer is hovering next to the elevator, visibly shaking as he runs his hand repeatedly through his hair. Cooper stands beside him, staring blankly at the corner of the room, lost in thought.

Andrew and Killian are now in the midst of their own whispered conversation. Ava and Hudson perched on the couch, their postures rigid.

Slipping on my carefree mask, I walk into the room, chuckling, “So, the 5-0, huh?” My question draws everyone’s attention toward me, with verifying degrees of frustration on each person's face.

Tough crowd.

My forced smile feels a little more genuine at the thought, a soft laugh bubbling up from my chest.

“Un-fucking-believable.” Spencer mutters, pulling his cell phone out of his pocket.

Before I can react, Killian storms across the room, snatching the phone from his hands.

“What the fuck?” Spencer cries, reaching for his stolen property.

Killian levels him with a look that has him cowering. “No one is going to do anything reckless.” Killian barks, glowering at Spencer for another few moments before moving his gaze over the rest of us. “Got it?”

Everyone nods, a few gulps and shifting of feet can be heard in response to his intensity.

“Good.” Turning his attention to me, Killian opens his mouth to say something, but stops, his eyes shifting over my shoulder.

Following his gaze, I glance behind me, my breath catching as a quiet voice asks, “What’s going on?”