Page 47 of Meant to Be

He sits with me for what seems a long time, but it’s only minutes in reality. I’ve cried so much I’m surprised I have any tears left.

“Dad, can I stay please?”

“What about your mum? Does she know you’re here?”

I shake my head, the tears continuing to fall from my eyes.

“Oh, sweetheart. Look, you can stay, but I’m going to need to know what’s happened.”

I nod reluctantly… “Do I have to do it now?”

“No. You need sleep. I’ll get Anna to set up the spare room for you. I think we have a lot of talking to do.”

I nod. I have so many questions for him, but I don’t know where to start, maybe when I’ve slept and got a clearer head, we could talk. I put my head on the arm of the couch, and before I know it, my eyelids are drooping as dad strokes my hair, calming me, just like he did when I was younger. I missed this so much and didn’t even realise it. My body relaxes as it sinks into the cushions beneath my exhausted body, sending me into a deep sleep.

Chapter Fifteen

Jaxon

“Jaxon Cartwright. You’re being charged with driving while intoxicated, dangerous driving and criminal damage, how do you plead?”

“Guilty your honour.”

“Court adjourned for an hour while we pass sentence.”

The police lead me from the dock down to the cells where I’ll be held until the judge has given out his sentence.

“Cartwright, you have a visitor.” The officer's voice comes from the other side of the bars. I turn my head towards the door, my stomach churns in the hope it might be Shelby; no such luck though. Harry waits patiently for the door to open and the officer stands at the door.

“You have five minutes.”

I nod to let the officer know I heard him.

“Jax, how you doing?”

“Just fine and dandy. No Shelby?”

He shakes his head, “Sorry mate.”

I shrug. “It is what it is. She probably doesn’t want to be seen with a jailbird anyway.”

“Don’t say that Jax. She has a lot to work through - just give her some space. There’s a lot that's happened, and so much you don’t know.”

“Then why isn’t she here Harry, why doesn’t she come and tell me.”

“Please give her time…”

“Why do you stick around me H,” I sigh, “I’m bad news. I’m just going to bring you down…”

“Shut up. I’m the only one you actually have in our messed-up family, and I love ya, Jax. I’ll be here when you get out.”

We shake hands, and I pull him into a hug.

“Times up fellas.”

I nod, and the officer sees Harry out.

“H, look after her for me?” He nods, “Tell her I love her.” I shout before it’s too late; nodding again with a flat grin, he walks away disappearing up the steps.

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