Page 44 of Shattered Rhythm

Olivia

We’re outside in the garden of our house, enjoying an afternoon with the Harris family who are over for some cake and tea. My father and Liam’s father are engrossed in a conversation about hospital business, while our mothers are in a deep discussion about one of the mothers at Theodore’s school. Liam is slouching in a chair, wearing a cap over his head and snoring quietly, clearly exhausted from the championship rehearsals we just finished.While Theodore and I are seated on a picnic blanket in the grass, in the shadow of a big old apple tree, playing with his collection of model cars.

“Here, Livy, you can take the green Mini,” Theodore says as he hands me a miniature car.

“Thanks, Theobear. What race are we driving today?” I ask him with a smile.

“No race today, Livy. We’re driving up Mount Everest,” Theodore replies enthusiastically, andI raise my eyebrows in surprise.

“Oh, that’s pretty high up and cold too. Aren’t you scared the cars might fall down?”

The scene shifts. We’re in my room now, and Theodore’s face is pale as a sheet, his big green eyes filled with fear and pain.

“I’m scared, Livy,” he whispers, his voice barely above a breath. Closing my eyes, I scream.

* * *

Liv

“I should give you a key already.” I say, sniffling, when I open the door to Gunner. He smiles and steps in, pulling me into his wide chest.

“We should look into aromatherapy or something,” he suggests, stroking my hair while still holding me.

“You’re into aromatherapy?” I lean a bit away from him to look up and see his face, but he just laughs.

“Nope, I’m not, but I’d be willing to try if it would help you sleep better,” he says, leading me to the bed. He gets in under the covers, as if all this is already normal to him.

“I’m so sorry for waking you up so often,” I say, feeling guilty, but he takes my hand and guides me to lie beside him. I rest my head on his chest, and his heartbeat immediately begins to soothe me.

“Do you go to therapy for everything that happened?” he asks me quietly. My head snaps up, and I look at him questioningly. There’s a glint of something in his eyes for a second, but it disappears quickly.

“Livy, I’m not dumb,” he explains. “You went through something traumatic, and the nightmares are proof. It’s okay to seek help.” I lay my head back down on his chest again, unable to meet his gaze as we talk about my struggles.

“I do see a therapist. We have weekly sessions, but since she’s back home, we have them online,” I admit, my voice barely above a whisper. I hear the pillows shift as he nods.

“And what does she suggest for the nightmares?” he asks gently.

“She recommended sleeping pills, but I don’t feel comfortable taking them, especially since I live alone,” I reply. He squeezes me a little tighter, pulling me closer to his side.

“I understand that,” he says.“Looks like we really do have to get into aromatherapy.” I can’t help but laugh at the suggestion. “Or we could try smoking a blunt. I know someone who can get us one,” he whispers, and I playfully smack his chest. He chuckles in response. “Back to aromatherapy it is then,” he concedes with a grin, stroking my arm soothingly, and before I know it, I’m asleep once again.

* * *

Ryder

Riv and I are getting ready to leave and buy some cozy blankets for our movie night when Jaxon comes out from his room.

“You going to take long?” he asks.

“Not planning to,” River responds, and Jaxon runs a hand through his hair.

“Do you mind bringing back some nachos? I forgot them earlier,” he asks, and River grins.

“No problem,” he replies.

Just then Chase turns the corner, but he stops in his tracks when he sees us.

Jaxon continues, “Do you guys know if she’s more into sweets or—”

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