Page 25 of Mended Hearts

I start focusing on my breathing, slowing it down so I can think rationally. I thread my fingers together, cradling the backof my head against them. Walking back toward the porch, I stop directly in front of Dax.

“What do you do when you feel like the entire world is against you?” I ask, letting out an exasperated breath. Dax scoots over and pats the spot next to him. Without hesitation, I sit and let my head hang down.

“You do what you’re best at,” Dax commands, placing his arm around my shoulders.

“And what’s that?” I glance up, angling my head toward his. His eyes widen and his mouth curves up into a devious smile.

“You give the world the middle finger.”

I laugh, being extremely thankful for this brother of mine.

He pulls me in closer, giving me a brotherly side hug, and continues, “For real, Dustin. When have you ever cared what people think? Don’t start doing it now.”

I’m never one to admit my younger brother is right about anything. But he’s right about this. I just needed someone in my corner—someone who shows faith in me. Never would’ve expected that person to be Dax, but beggars can’t be choosers.

“Thanks, bro.” I stand up, clamping my hand on his shoulder. “I really appreciate you.”

“I’m writing that down.” He chuckles, teasing as he stands by my side. “Now go get your girl back.”

I look at my watch and begin jogging backward to my Blazer. Super thankful practice for spring ball is in full swing.

“Can I have another piece of cake?”

I raise a brow, hoping he’s kidding, but he begins rubbing his stomach.

“Eat all you want.” I laugh before turning around, wondering where it all goes.

I head to practice early because the idea of walking back into our house isn’t an option. I really need to regain my focus before dealing with my mother again. Now I get a glimpse of what Echohas been dealing with, and I feel like an ass for not being more careful.

I pull into the parking lot like hell on wheels. Echo and I have been avoiding each other. A lump settles in my throat, fearing she might really be done with me. The way she’s always worried I’ll get tired of the situation and not feel it’s worth it…maybe she finally has instead.

Desperation to see her takes over—even just a glimpse. I scan the parking lot, not seeing either parent’s car. To be on the safe side, I park behind the weight room so they don’t see my vehicle if they show up to pick her up. The girls have been practicing at different times than us, and now I wonder if her dad is responsible for it as well. I open my glove box and pull everything out onto the floorboard. Ahh, that’ll work. I grab an old receipt and write a quick note. I fold it in half and jump out of my Blazer, hoping my plan works.

I stand at the back side of the locker room that faces the school, knowing it’s the side she always uses. My palms begin to sweat, and I rub them on the cool cement as my back leans against the wall. Butterflies engulf my stomach and for a heartbeat, I second-guess this plan. Then she emerges and all doubt ceases to exist.

She startles, then stops in her tracks, staring. The color leaves her face, and a mixture of sadness and madness fills her eyes. It’s like she’s battling which she should feel. I want to cup her face and pull her into me, but I don’t want to overstep. I push off the wall, closing the distance between us.

“Dustin,” she says breathlessly, dropping her bag. That’s all it takes for me to close the distance and wrap my arms around her. “I’ve missed you.” Her words are barely audible as her mouth moves against the crook of my neck. A couple warm tears fall to my skin before she sniffles and pulls back, gainingher composure. “What are you doing here?” She looks past me, scanning our surroundings.

I trail my finger down her cheek. “I came to get my birthday gift from you.” I cock a brow and grin.

Worry fills her eyes, and she begins shaking her head, stammering. “I don’t have a gift for you. I barely even leave my?—”

I press my lips against hers, stopping her. Since time is of the essence, I refrain from deepening the kiss. I pull back, both of us breathless, with smiles on our faces. I push the loose hair behind her ear, then cup her chin.

“That was my gift. And it was the best damn gift ever.” I lean in and kiss her forehead.

I grab the note out of my pocket, slide it into her front pocket, and kiss her one last time. Then I book it before we are seen together and my recovery mission blows up in my face.

Chapter Seventeen

ECHO

March 2001

Iwill fight for you until my dying breath, or you tell me to stop—and that last part is questionable.

It’s a bit Shakespeare-y, but it does things to my heart—like make it grow and beat faster. I close the note Dustin gave me in between the safety of my Bible’s pages. I know my dad won’t search the holy word for anything damning. His words give me hope. Hope I thought was lost after the night he showed up at my house.

---