Page 100 of Lassoed Love

“If he cares about you, he’ll understand. And if not, well, then maybe it wasn’t meant to be.” She offers a reassuring smile.

“I just wish I could go back and handle things differently,”I mumble, almost a whisper.

“I know, babe. I know. It’s alright, let’s just focus on your dad, the rest will fall into line later,” Imogen suggests.

As the afternoon rolls around, a revolving door of unfamiliar and vaguely familiar faces passes through the hospital room. Some are strangers, their concern etched on their faces, while others are old acquaintances from my childhood. The small-town grapevine works fast, I suppose. Word travels swiftly, and eventually, everyone knows everyone’s business.

Imogen, after offering unwavering support, had left not long ago to freshen up, promising to return soon. Now, in the quiet of the hospital room, it’s just me and dad. I sit beside his bed, my face resting on the edge, seeking solace in the rhythmic sounds of the medical equipment.

Then, the door creaks open again.

I look up slowly, and to my surprise, it’s Bradley who walks in. His face carries an empathetic look, a stark contrast to the austere mood that usually lingers around him. Of all the people, I hadn’t expected to see him here.

He approaches cautiously, breaking the silence, clearing his throat. “I know I’m the last person you probably wish to see, but I just…” His voice trails off as I sigh, bracing myself for whatever words follow.

“I wanted to check up on you, you know, after last night,” Bradley says, his eyes reflecting genuine concern.

Bradley moves to stand beside me, and there’s a clipped edge to his response, “I know we don’t really know each other that well,but despite everything, with you and my brother, I can’t ignore the fact that you’re going through a lot.” His voice is laced with genuine concern. “I just want you to know that I’m here—for anything.”

His words hang in the air, and for a moment, I’m unsure how to respond, but I find myself nodding in acknowledgment. “Thank you, Bradley,” I choke on my words. “It’s been a rough day.”

“How’s he doin’?” Bradley asks.

I relay the information from the morning, watching as Bradley sucks in a breath, absorbing the gravity of the situation. The beeping sounds of monitors fill the room as silence settles in. It’s a heavy quiet, one that hangs between us.

Breaking the silence, I gather the courage to ask, “Is—” my voice falters, and I sigh. “How is he?” I ask, referring to his brother.

His gaze meets mine, and I see a reflection of the pain that Xavier must be experiencing. “Isla,” Bradley’s voice is measured, “he’s hurting. Last night... fuck, it hit him hard. I’ve never seen him so riled up.” He runs a hand over his short, dark hair. “He cares about you a lot, and seeing you in pain, it’s affected him more than he lets on.”

A heavy silence settles in the room as Bradley’s words linger. I glance down at my hands, fingers intertwined in a nervous dance. Xavier’s pain, a consequence of my own selfish request, echoes in my mind.

My breath catches in my throat, a mixture of guilt and longing swirling within me. “Bradley, I just don't know,” I confess, my words carrying the weight of indecision. “I have so much on my plate right now, and the thought of getting into a new relationship, especiallywith everything going on, it just doesn’t sit right.”

Bradley remains silent, nodding his head slightly as he processes my words.

“I didn’t mean for it to be this way, Bradley,” I admit. “Last night... I needed space—from everything. It wasn’t just directed towards him, and I thought it was the right thing to do. But now, hearing this,” I hesitate. “Fuck—I just... I never meant to hurt him.” How did everything get so tangled up? Is there a way to untangle it, or have I irreversibly messed things up?

Bradley’s eyes hold a mix of understanding and concern. “Look,” he says gently, “we can’t control every outcome, especially in moments of chaos. But what you can control is how you handle it moving forward. If you care about him, if you want to make things right, talk to him. Clear the air. Relationships are resilient, but they need communication to thrive.”

His words surprisingly hold a lot of comfort. I’d been an only child all my life, never having experienced the comfort of a sibling, and being here now with Bradley feels just like that—how I’d imagineda brother talk to his sister.

I feel a sense of gratitude for his presence, a brotherly assurance that brings an unexpected warmth to the hospital room. “Thank you, Bradley,” I say, sincerity in my voice. “I appreciate your perspective, and... it means a lot, talking to you.”

A hint of a smile plays on Bradley’s lips, and he attempts to lighten the mood. “You know, my brother can be strong-headed, but when he wants something, he’ll work hard for it. He doesn’t hold grudges, but he can be a stubborn fuck, much like our father,” he says with a shake of his head.

I chuckle, appreciating the effort to bring a moment of levity into the heavy atmosphere.

Bradley smiles. “But seriously, I’ve said it before—I’ve never seen my brother like this. He’s been alone for so long, and the change is good for him. It might be worthwhile just hearing what he has to say about how he feels about you.”

Bradley’s words hang in the air, and I’m stuck in the middle of my own mess, unsure whether I have the guts to face Xavier and the storm I stirred up. His advice, with that brotherly touch, makes me think, but it’s like untangling earphones—frustrating and complicated.

I sit alone with my thoughts, wondering if maybe, just maybe, listening to Xavier might bring some clarity. He’s hinted at his feelings before, but Bradley’s words make it sound like there’s more beneath the surface.

The road ahead is foggy, uncertain, and probably full of more complications, but Bradley’s nod gives me a weird sense of comfort. Maybe, just maybe, there’s a chance to sort through the chaos, even if it’s just to understand the unspoken words between Xavier and I.

39

Nobody Gets Me - SZA

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