Page 115 of Behind the Bars

I entered the house and found Laura and TJ sitting in the living room watching home videos. Katie’s young face flashed on the screen, and she was smiling and dancing with a youngerElliott.

They looked so free, sohappy.

“Jasmine,” Laura said gently, standing up from the sofa. She walked over to me, and my eyes glassedover.

“I’m so sorry, Laura. Elliott told me what today was, andI—”

“He spoke to you?” she asked,stunned.

“Yes.”

“He didn’t say a word to either of us all morning,” TJ told me. “He walked around like azombie.”

“He’s hurting.” Laura teared up and shook her head back and forth. “He’s blaming himself. He always doesthis.”

“What happened wasn’t his fault,” I toldher.

“We all know that, but he doesn’t. He won’t allow himself to know that.” Tears started falling down her cheeks, and she shook her head again. “He shouldn’t be alone, not today, but he won’t let anyonein.”

I glanced back at the front door and crossed my arms. “Are you two okay together?” Iasked.

She nodded. “Yes. We’ll befine.”

“I’m going to go check on him, then, if you’re both sure you’re okay. I know he’ll probably shut me down, but I just want to try. I know he won’t let me in, but he shouldn’t bealone.”

“Oh, Jasmine. He spoke to you. Over the past six years on this day, he hasn’t spoken a word to anyone. Don’t you see?” TJ gave me a small smile paired with his heavy eyes. “He’s already let youin.”

My heartbeat sped up as I hugged each of them goodbye. I hopped into a taxi and headed over to Daze. As I walked in, Jason called toward thedoor.

“Sorry, we’re not opentoday.”

“I’m sorry, I just…” I started, and he turned around. A small, broken smile found hisface.

“Jasmine. You’re here forEli?”

“Yes.”

“He won’t let anyone in today. It’s been that way for years now. It’s pretty much like talking to a brickwall.”

I took off my coat and scarf. “He spoke to me earlier. He told me what todayis.”

His eyes widened, and then he showed me his forearms. “I know that doesn’t sound like a lot, but it literally gave me goose bumps. I don’t know what it is about you two, but there’s something there. You should see the way he stares at you when you aren’t looking,” he toldme.

I chuckled. “I’ve heard rumors aboutthat.”

He reached for a bottle of whiskey and walked over to me. “And you should see the way you look athim.”

That statement gave me goosebumps.

“Come on, I’ll take you upstairs.” He led me to the staircase at the back of the lounge, then handed me the bottle of whiskey. “The offering of booze never goes unwelcomed, but if he doesn’t let you in again, don’t take it personally. He’s just working through a lot of demons in hishead.”

“Thanks,Jason.”

He nodded. “He’s my favorite person in this world. I know he’s closed off, and many people don’t get him, but Elliott still shows love in his own way, you know? It’s not as apparent as it is with others. It’s much quieter, but I swear it’s there. So, the fact that you showed up today to be with him…the fact that you care…he just needs more people like that, you know? More people who care about him even though he’s broken. Thank you forthat.”

As he walked away, I swallowed hard, walking up those stairs. Each step felt as if I were invading Elliott’s personal space. Each step sent a spark of fire racing down my spine. I knocked on the door a few times, and I wasn’t certain he’d openit.

Just as I was about to turn around, the door creaked open, and Elliott stood there with his hardstare.

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