Page 46 of Most Of All
A mix of confusion and curiosity swirling inside me as I turn my gaze toward her. “Oh, please tell me I didn’t kill the wrong brother?” She huffs out. Softening her gaze as she looks to the two men beside her.
“Ivy?” I croak out, as realization fills me. “Ivy is that you?” I add, unsure of my emotions.
Is this my sister? Am I actually looking at her right now?
“Yes, brother, it’s me,” she answers, “Now let’s get you both inside, she needs some medical attention,” she points to Raine.
Wholeheartedly agreeing, I nod in understanding, keeping my feelings steady as we step inside together.
Thenightmaresarerelentless,clawing their way into both my sleeping and waking moments, a haunting reminder of the horror that was Jack. Even though he’s gone, the scars he left behind still throb with pain. Most nights, I wake in a panic, screams echoing in the dark as I’m drenched in sweat. Thankfully, there's Don, my rock and my refuge. He steadies me when the tempest inside threatens to pull me under, and I can’t imagine facing this storm without him.
It’s been two long weeks since my world spun off its axis. The loss of my parents, taken from me in such a cruel twist of fate, weighs heavily on my heart. Although a part of me is relieved that I didn’t take Jack’s life myself, I can’t shake the dark longing to have witnessed the flicker of life leave him. His betrayal feels like a knife in my gut. Someone I loved so deeply twisted my affection for his own depraved end.
Burying my parents last week was an unbearable agony, an empty ceremony that felt surreal. I was surrounded by the finality of their absence, each moment reminding me of what can never be again. The world feels dimmer without them; all the milestones and memories we could have shared feel out of reach. Life without them is a reality I never wanted to face, a bittersweet reminder of what's lost and what can never feel the same again.
Yet amidst the shadows, a glimmer of hope has emerged: Don and his sister, Ivy, have rediscovered each other. Together, they are navigating the complexities of each day, finding strength in their shared journey. While they carry the heavy burden of their loss, a father and a brother. There’s an unspoken bond that unites them. Though the pain is profound, their reunion has sparked a flicker of brightness.
Ivy is navigating her journey with multiple boyfriends, and it's heartwarming to see how the relationships are developing. Don and I are genuinely happy for her. She is stepping up to help Don take over their father's businesses. I'm eager to watch how this dynamic unfolds as they share the responsibilities together.
As for me, I’ve decided to leave my old life behind and move in permanently with Don. The thought of returning to my apartment felt unbearable, especially after everything that’s happened there. I briefly considered going back to my parents' house, but those walls are steeped in memories of Jack. Memories I’d rather not revisit right now. Don insisted that I stay with him, and while we haven’t put any labels on what we have, I appreciate the slow, gentle pace we’re taking. It allows me to savor this unexpected connection. He’s everything I didn’t know I needed in my life. Yet, I find myself grappling with a shattered trust that stems from my past. Healing takes time, and I know that, but for now, I’m focused on enjoying the moments we share.
I’ve officially taken a leap of faith and quit my job at the pharmacy. I’ve accepted a role with Don’s company, the very one that supplies medications to my former workplace. I’ve been offered the job as chief scientific officer. It’s the position I’ve been aspiring to for quite some time, and I couldn’t be more thrilled. Although I haven’t started yet, I’m planning to ease into it gradually.
I’ll definitely miss the girls at the pharmacy; they’ve been my rock. Thankfully, we’ve already managed to catch up a couple of times since I moved in, and I know we’ll stay close.
Life can be a struggle, and there are days when it feels like the weight of the world is too much to bear. But I’m committed to pushing through. No matter the selfish actions of one person, I refuse to let that shape my future. I believe in better days ahead, and I’m determined to rise above it all.
I intend on giving myself the life I truly deserve, until then, you can find me among the sunflowers.
