Chapter 28- Breakthrough

Being on time was something I’d always tried to do and usually always did. However when your sister texts you at last minute demanding you be at a dress fitting in fifteen minutes where when you were at least a good thirty minutes away was just not something even superman could pull off.

 As the little shop comes into view I check the time on my clock and relief is not one of the feelings that come over me. Heather is sure to have my head for this. Poor punctuality was not on my sisters list of good qualities and I was sure to hear about the minute she catches sight of me.

 It was about ten minutes after five as I pull into the closest parking spot to the door. Hannigan’s looked to be almost empty apart from a few cars spread out across the lot. I suppose most of them were employees though seeing as the shop closed at exactly five o’ clock. Brandy must have kept the store open late until I could make it.

As I make my way inside the familiar blonde behind the counter I’d missed so much comes bounding in my direction, the look of joy quite evident on her face. If had to guess I would say it had been close to a month since I saw her last.

“Farrah Bryant, I was wondering when I was going to see you again!” She squeals before wrapping me up in suffocating hug. “You know I was just telling Charlie, the other day, how it’s been too long.”

“Good to see you to Brandy.” I chuckle as she releases me. “How is Charlie anyway?”

“Oh you know him, always busy. We’ve really missed you though.” She adds.

“I’ve missed you two.” I say truthfully. “You know I would have visited sooner if…”

I wasn’t really sure if I wanted to finish that sentence. I was doing my best to push those terrible memories of what Blake had done out of my mind but so far it wasn’t going so well. Especially since we were in his sisters dress shop talking about that vary person in question.

“I know.” She says with the shake of her head. “My brother can be a real jerk sometimes. You better believe I let him hear about it when I got the news. I was shocked he could be so dumb.”

You weren’t the only one.

“I really thought you two were it. I was already picturing you trying on a wedding dress here for your wedding one day.” She smiles.

A deep blush rose upon my cheeks at that. She pictured Blake and me getting married? I never even thought about that, at least not so soon. And definitely not now.

I stood silent as I really didn’t know what to say at that point. The moment was a little awkward to say the least.

 “I guess you’re with the Bryant/Parker wedding party, then?” She asks putting an end to the silence which I was thankful for.

“Yes. Heather told me to meet-”

“There you are!” Heather yells as she marches towards me looking not at all pleased by my tardiness. “I told you to be here by five. You could have at least been prompt. ”

“I tried but you didn’t exactly give me much time.” I argue, not that it would do much good, especially when heather was in Bridezilla mode.  

“We’ll you’re here now so that all that matters.”

Before I have a chance to respond Heather drags me to the changing rooms in the back gathering a bit of attention from the hand full of people who were inside the store. She was obviously not interested wasting any time.

 “Here try this on.” She says ushering me into one of the spacious rooms not sparing me a minute to examine the dress she had handed me.

Once the door closes behind I hold the beautiful gray piece of fabric in fount of me admiring its beauty. I had to admit Heather had taste. I couldn’t have picked out a better dress myself. I was definitely thankful it was something eye catching.

When I get the dress off the hanger I quickly change before doing a quick onceover in the mirror. Yes, this was definitely a gorgeous dress. I think I am going to will love wearing this in the wedding.

The dress came just above my knees and hung loosely below the waist under the beautiful silky band with the stone set broach holding it together. The one strap piece suited me as well. I hadn’t worn many one strap pieces of clothing but seeing as this one worked in my favor I think I’ll have to buy some.

“Well, let’s see it.” Heather says impatiently from the other side of the door.

As soon as I step out she examines me in the dress and smiles.

“A perfect fit. I knew it.”

“It’s lovely, Heather. You chose well.” I state.

“Well it wasn’t just me. Brandy helped as well.” She says still admiring me. “You look just beautiful Farrah.”

I smile at her kind compliment. I was glad she could still come back down to her normal self with everything that was going on. I just think she gets a bit over whelmed with the wedding and it being so close. I wonder if she has really even thought about everything she will have to do before the big day.

“Since the dress fits I guess you won’t have to come back for a second fitting.” She states.

Frankly I’ve quite relieved. I would prefer that anyway. Not that sharing this whole experience with my sister wasn’t special but, I know she’s just going to become even crazier the closer to the wedding it gets and I’d prefer to avoid her as much as possible.

After I was changed and back into my normal attire I was free to leave the shop. Heather had to stay to finish up some last minute things so I told her we’d meet at home. That is if she was even there. She had been spending a lot more time with Callum lately so it was almost like I was an only child there.

 “Blake.” I say a bit startled when I see him leaned up against my car waiting for me. “What are you doing here?”

I was a bit surprised to see him to be honest. How did he even know where to find me? His sister must have told him. It was either that or he was having me followed and I refused to believe the latter. He was desperate but not that desperate.

 “Did you know?” He asks abruptly.

“What?”

“Did you know?” He repeats.

Right then I knew exactly what he was referring to and I had really hoped he’d keep me out of it.

“Blake, this isn’t any of my business.” I state.

 “I beg to differ. It became your business when you found out about it.” He snaps.

“I didn’t mean to. It just sort of happened.”

Oh why did I say it that way?! I mentally slapped myself at the choice of words I chose. I easily remember Blake saying that same thing to me when I found out about him and Megan.  

“Is this some kind of joke? Did you and Kristen get together and come up with a plan to destroy me?” He asks.

Destroy him? Is he serious? He thinks that having children would destroy him. What kind of person would ever say such a thing? This has to be his fear talking. Even Blake would never say something like that normally.

“Do you hear yourself right now? This is lunacy, Blake. I didn’t even know Kristen before she came here. You’re the one that slept with her. I seriously doubt I had anything to do with that.” I snap.

The nerve of him trying to accuse me of something I didn’t do, what is wrong with him?  And shouldn’t he be with Kristen working this out right instead of me accusing me of such nonsense?

His angry look is quickly faded into one of worry at my words before he runs a hand through his perfectly gelled hair. If I didn’t know any better I would say he was panicked. 

“I can’t have kids Farrah. I just can’t. I’m still a teenager for God sakes. What am I supposed to do now?”

“Well the first thought that comes to mind is to take responsibility for your actions. Those kids need a father, Blake. Don’t bail on them when they need you the most. You’re a better person than that, I just know it.”

“Oh yeah, and makes you so sure?” He asks softly.

“Because deep down I don’t think you’ve totally lost who you were. Despite what we have been through I can still see some good in you. All you have to do is act on it.”

I wasn’t sure if he was really going to listen to me or not but he needed to hear it. He can’t keep going on like he has. He needs to grow up and be a father.

“But I don’t know the first thing about raising children. How am I supposed to do something I don’t know how to do?”

“You learn. All Kristen is asking is for you to get to know them. Please don’t disappoint them.” I beg.

I couldn’t bear it for Kristen or her kids if he denied them. She has already been through so much alone. It’s only right that the person who shares the same DNA as them steps up and takes responsibility.

“I’m scared.” He admits. “I never expected this to happen until I was…well older.”

In all of the time Blake and I had known each other I had never seen him like this. He had never looked so vulnerable and it was only now that I could truly see how human he really was. His bad boy facade was no longer there and instead he looked like a small child who was lost and looking for answers.

I don’t know why but I felt the need to comfort him in some way. He needed it and I was the only one there to offer it.

I gently reach down and take his hand in my grasp hoping it would help him feel better in some way but even if it doesn’t I have to try.

“Look, we don’t know what the future holds for us but everything happens for a reason. We may not like the hand we’ve been dealt but it up to us to make the best of it. You can either look at this as tragedy or a gift. You have been given two wonderful children who will love you unconditionally if given the chance so you have to ask yourself one question. Will you give that to them?”

He gives my hand a gentle squeeze before letting it fall back at his side. He still looks torn by my words as if he doesn’t know what to do from here but I couldn’t help him anymore. It was his decision to make not mine.

“I know you’re right but there is just so much to think about.”

“Then don’t. Just take it one day at a time. Go back to Kristen’s and take it from there.” I say. “take the first step.”

“Will you be there? You know, to help me through all of this? I really could use a friend right now if you’re willing.”

I felt good that he was finally recognizing me as just friend and not a competition. Maybe he is finally starting to understand that what Brody and I have is much more real than what he believed he is actually starting to move on. And if he could realize that then I most certainly could try to be a friend to him. 

“Sure, Blake. I’ll help anyway I can.” I say.

“Thank you.” He says with much appreciation. “You don’t know how much this means to me.”

The next thing I know Blake is pulling me into a tight hug and I am actually hugging him back. I think this is the start of a great friendship for us. Maybe Blake can be saved after all.

After supper mom starts clearing away the dishes from the table and I am feeling considerably tired. It had been a very long day for me and I was ready for it to end. Besides I would get to see Brody tomorrow so that made me more than anxious to go to bed but, only after doing one thing first.

 I needed to tell Brody about today. Not that I felt I owed him any explanation but I just preferred to not have any secrets between us. I just hope he understands.

Shortly after I make it to my room I change into my most comfortable pajamas and get into bed with my phone in hand. Perhaps I’ll start off with a text.

Me: Hey

That seems simple enough.

Brody: Hey. I thought you’d be in bed by now.

Me: I wanted to talk to you.

Maybe I should rephrase that. I didn’t want it to sound like “we need to talk.” Those conversations never ended well and I didn’t want him to think there was anything wrong with us.

Instead of receiving a text back my phone begins to ring with his number flashing across the screen and my heart swells. It makes me feel good to know that he actually cared enough to call.  

“Hello.” I answer waiting to his voice.

“You wanted to talk?” He asks.

“Yeah.”  I smile.

“Is this a good talk or a bad talk?”

“Well, I guess that depends.” I chuckle.

“On?”

“How you take it.” I say. “You see. I was kind of with Blake…and Kristen today. That’s why I had to bail on you this evening.”

The other end of the phone was completely silent for a few seconds before I hear him clear hims throat as if unsure of what to say.

“I know you don’t want me involved with her but, despite how she used to be she’s a good person now. She has matured and, grown up.” I confess.

I wasn’t exactly sure what his reaction would be to this but at least I was being honest.

“The only reason I didn’t want you to have anything to do with her was because I thought you might be the target of her bullying and I didn’t want that for you. But if you trust her and say she is a good person then I’ll believe you.”

That was a weight off my shoulders. He actually trusted my judgment and that meant the world to me. I just hope I’m right. Sometimes I still make mistakes, it’s only human.

“Now, about Blake.” He says bitterly.

I should have known that wasn’t going to slip by him easily.

“Well he kind of showed up at his sisters shop today-”

“Of course he did.” He interrupts.

I try to ignore is comment and go on despite the fact he may not like it.

“He came to me upset and confused after he found out about being a dad, that’s all. Nothing more than a hug happened between us. He just really needs a friend right now and I’m afraid that if I turn my back on him he won’t change at all. I’m trying to help him be a better person.”

“The person you fell in love with.” He states.

I immediately knew where this was about to go and I needed to prevent it from going there at all costs. I don’t know if our relationship was ready for an argument like that just yet.

“That was in the past. Even if he truly becomes that person again I could never forget what he has done. If you hadn’t come along when you did then I might not have known who he really was. I was blind but you helped me see the light. I’m not that same naive girl I once was and that’s all because of you.”

He really had no idea how much I meant that. I really did owe him everything for how much he has helped me grow as a person. I don’t know where I would be if he hadn’t saved me. Truth be told I would still probably be in relationship with Blake still not knowing anything if hadn’t been there. Brody really was my saving grace.

“You’ve changed me to you know?” He says after a brief moment of silence. “In more ways than you know. I’m not the angry bitter person I used to be. I don’t do the things I used to. I haven’t even looked at another girl since you attempted to tell me off in class that day.” 

I smile lightly at the memory of what seems like so long ago and realize just how much things have really changed for the better. I now had a boyfriend that I knew I could trust and who makes me incredibly happy and not to mention all the new friends I have made. If I could go back I wouldn’t change a single thing that happened.

Well except for my poor finger injury.

“I guess you could say we have brought out the best in each other.” I say.

“I know we have.”  

His words mean so much to me because I know when he says them he means them. And I had a feeling he didn’t tell his true feeling to just anyone.

 “I thought you were going through these? We had an agreement and were supposed to meet me half way. Have you even looked at them?”

“Can’t we talk about this later, dad. I’m on the phone.”

“No we’re gonna talk about it now.”

Brody and his dad must be arguing again. I had never heard them before but Brody had mentioned that they were having some issues in the past. I guess this was part of those issues, whatever they may be.

“I need to go, I’ll talk to you tomorrow.” He says.

Before I even get the chance to say goodbye the line goes dead and I’m left confused. I wonder what that was about. I hope he’s not in trouble.

The clock now read 9:15 pm but sleep was the furthest thing from my mind now. As happy as I was that the conversation had gone better than I expected I am still worried about Brody. The fact that he hadn’t told me what was going on obviously means me he doesn’t want me to know so I have no idea how to help him.

With my mind on overdrive I decide to turn some music on low in effort to help me sleep. Sometimes it was the only thing that would help.

I place my phone in the dock on my night stand before the soft sounds play out of the speaker. As the slow steady rhythm hums in my ears I let my eyes slowly drift to a close until sleep makes its claim over me.

Taps at my window cause me to stir until noise slowly becomes too loud to block out anymore and I can’t ignore it. Was it morning already? That stupid bird that keeps flying into my closed window must be back again. I’m surprised the poor thing hasn’t killed itself yet. It must have flown into my window a dozen times.

Soon another taps comes causing me to groan and kick off the remaining blankets that cover my body for me to get up. Knock it off already.

As I force myself up and am a little more alert I realize that my playlist has already ended and started over again. I guess I forgot to turn off repeat playlist again.

When another taps comes I start to get really irritated. This was just getting ridiculous now. I’ve got to do something.

As I turn to the window in question it comes as a surprise that it was still night night. Wait, so if it’s not morning then what is hitting my window?

Oh now what if it’s someone trying to break in?!?

Yes because all criminals like to let you know they are there first. Really, Farrah? Pull yourself together?

Well I guess I should see what is.

That would be a start.

Well, what do you know? My conscience is just as snarky in the middle of the night as it is during the day.

I easily slide open my curtains so that I can peer outside at my surroundings before opening my window.  No way was I doing that before seeing it was safe.

At this point I catch sight of a dark figure standing below my window though rocks which was the source of the taping. What the…

I barely crack my window enough for the person to hear my voice before calling out to them.

“Who’s there?”

“Open your window I’m coming up.” They shout as quietly as possibly. .

“Brody?”

I must be going crazy? Why would Brody be outside my window at this hour? Surely he would have called first, right?

“Yes, open up, it’s kind of cold out here.”

Yep, it’s definitely Brody, but why?

I push my window open the rest of the way to make sure he has enough room to enter before running over to lock my bedroom door. The last I need is for my parents to walk into my room and see Brody here.

“Thanks.” He says as he climbs through and lands on the floor.

“What are you doing here? Are you okay?”

“Just another fight with my dad, nothing new.” He says as if it’s nothing.

Should I press it? He looks kind of exhausted. Perhaps it’s not the best time for it. Maybe I’ll wait until tomorrow when his mind is clearer.

As he stood I could see light beads of sweat forming on his head and neck making me become weak in the knees. Oh boy, does he look good.

“Why are you sweating?”

“I had to park my car at Kyle’s so your parents wouldn’t see it.” He explains.

Well that makes since. I probably wouldn’t have thought of that.

“Well at least let me give you another shirt to wear. I still have the one you loaned me a couple of weeks ago.” I say.

I quickly go to my closet to grab the shirt looking for any sort of distraction from him. I pull the white shirt off the hanger in front of me and as soon as I turn around I almost gasp in surprise. There he was, standing inches in front of me, shirtless. Abs showing and everything.

Lord help me.

“Uh…h-here’s your shirt.” I stutter.

“Keep it. I’ve have a change of clothes in the car. I’ll get them in the morning.” He states pulling me to him until our bodies collide.

I instantly go weak in the knees and it’s left up to Brody to hold me up. And it’s a good thing he was to or I’m pretty sure I’d be on the floor right now.

 “W-what are you doing?” I ask as he starts to sway with me.

“Dancing, is that ok?” He asks softly.

“But right now? Here? While you’re…not wearing this?” I ask holding up the shirt.

I’ve never danced with a shirtless guy before. I don’t know how I’m supposed to act. Oh great now I’m sweating.

“Yeah.”

Unsure of what to do I let the shirt slip from my hands and drop to the floor before my hands find his bare back. This felt like a straight up Dirty Dancing reenactment. I should know I’ve seen the movie a hundred times.

It was when Jennifer Grey visits Patrick Swayze’s at his cabin in the middle of the night when he’s wearing nothing but pants and his 80’s good looks and then slow song starts playing and well, I think we all know what happened after that.

(Play Song)

It was very hard not to notice the intimacy of this moment.

At the song change his body continues to sway with mine as he refuses to let me go. We are literally so close that I can feel the heat radiating off his body through my shirt and his heart beat against my chest.

“Just relax.” He whispers holding me to his chest.

I slowly nod my head letting my body relax at his request and lean into him letting my head rest on his shoulder and the music fill me up.

Settle down with me 
Cover me up 
Cuddle me in 
Lie down with me 
Hold me in your arms 

Your heart's against my chest 
Lips pressed to my neck 
I've fallen for your eyes 
But they don't know me yet 

And the feeling I forget 
I'm in love now

Kiss me like you wanna be loved 
Wanna be loved 
Wanna be loved

This feels like I've fallen in love 
Fallen in love 
Fallen in love

And this was how I spent the rest of my night.

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A/N

Just in case anyone was wondering the name of the song featured in this chapter it was ‘Kiss Me’ by Ed Sheeran. You can hear the song on the right hand side of the page. If you are using the app you will have to go into the chapter info to see it.

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