Page 58 of All My Broken Pieces

“Can, um, can you come stay with me for a while?” Hudson whispers, a hint of shame in his tone. “I…I need to get clean, I can’t keep doingthis. But…I can’t do it alone.”

I sit in silence as I process his words.

He needs me?

My first reaction is to say no, that I need to be here for Arriana. But then I remember the conversation with Ava and Killian, the one that proved there was nothing I can do but sit and wait.

Maybe it would be good to focus on something else, onsomeoneelse. Just for a little while.

“Fallon?” Hudson asks, his discomfort evident in his tone. “If it’s too much-”

“I’ll do it.” I cut him off.

There’s a moment of silence before he whispers, “Really?”

A small smile breaks through, the first one I’ve been able to muster since Arriana was taken away. “Really.”

2 1/2 months later

Hudson groans again from his room, setting my teeth on edge. I’m excited that he’s finally exploring himself, but wouldreallylike it if he could do it somewhere else.Anywhereelse.

Another loud moan sounds from his partner and I can’t take it anymore.

Snatching up my phone and keys, I slip my feet into a pair of boots. I pull on one of my puffy winter jackets and exit the small apartment.

I miss the condo that Arriana and I shared, but Hudson needed me and refused to leave his own place. I’m starting to wish I had put up more of a fight at the time as I now trudge my way through the several inches of snow, my numb fingers trying to move on the screen to open up the ride share app.

Maybe I should go see her.

The thought passes through my mind again as it has multiple times a day since Arriana was arrested. But then I remember her note, the one she gave Andrew for me as a goodbye.

Mi vida,

I’m so sorry to have to tell you this way.

I’m going to have to go away for a while but I’ll

be back. I love you so much and know this has

nothingto do with you or us. I need you to not

come visit me where I’m going, it’s very

important that no one knows

our connection for your safety.

Te amo

I blow out a heavy breath, hunching my shoulders up in an attempt to hide from the bristling chill in the air. The app tells me that my ride will be here in a few minutes so I take the time to warn my friend of my drop in.

Me

911

Bestie *double pink heart emoji*

You okay babe??

---