"The sun will rise, and we will try again."

{On top is the picture of Jackson and Bree. }

Bree's pov.

I feel someone's hand on my forehead and turn around to meet Maria's sad smile.

It's not the first time she's found me like this. My left hand was sore and bandaged, just as expected; I almost forgot how it all happened.

"Brad told me what happened," Maria says with a small smile. Just as I sit up, a pain shoots through my skull, as a response to my groan, she hands me a glass of water.

My phone reads exactly eight o'clock; I managed to sleep for over five hours. Wow! It's something I haven't done in a long time.

"Come on, we'll have our dinner," Maria kisses my temple.

She leaves my room and before making my way downstairs, I take the time to brush my teeth. I wash my face with some face wash and wipe it dry with a towel before heading out.

I take a deep breath as I look at the dining table that was once filled with my family. The last thing I want is a look of pity; it would only make me feel worse. Maria serves me some soup first, which makes me feel a lot better.

"Did you tell Jackson?" I ask her.

"He tried calling you, and you didn't pick up, so he called me, and I told him," she answers in a small voice, and I just nod.

I took some spaghetti and ate it. The memories of how our whole family used to sit here and eat come across my mind making me lose my appetite.

"What is it, Bree? You're not eating," Maria questions.

"It's nothing. I'm just full," I lie and get up, attempting to control my tears. I walk as fast as I could into my room.

I collapse onto my bed and curl up into a ball. God, today is a horrible day.

I dial Jackson's contact. "Hey Jackson," I say to him as soon as he takes the call.

"Come on to face time," Jackson responds and drops the call. I grab my iPad and open face time.

"Hey," I greet him putting on a fake smile. I stopped smiling a long time ago.

"Hey Kitty," Jackson greets me back, smiling.

"Where is Amanda?" I inquire. Amanda is Jackson's wife, and she comes up beside him.

"Hey Bree," Amanda acknowledges me with a smile.

"She's pregnant," Jackson confesses, smiling.

"Congratulations! That's great news," I say trying to sound cheerful and give him my best fake smile. I couldn't give a genuine smile anymore, and he knew it.

"We've decided that we'll be coming there for Thanksgiving, and you'll be coming here for Christmas," Jackson informs, and I just nod.

"Show me your arm," Jackson asks me seriously after Amanda leaves us alone to talk.

I bring my arm to the camera and show him. He shakes his head, and I look down at my hands, ashamed.

"Bree I wish I were there," he says rubbing his face with his palms as I bite back my tears.

"Jackson don't worry; I'll be alright," I insist trying to make him feel better.

"That's not what I'm talking about. Look at yourself; you've been beating yourself up for something you haven't done. You're trying to hide your true self. I want my sister back, the one I used to play with and make jokes with. You're pushing away everyone. I haven't seen you smile in so long. I miss the true you," Jackson blurts out, and I couldn't hold back my tears anymore.

"I-I can't Jackson. I can't go back to who I was because everything reminds me of the accident. Everything I look at reminds me of them. I'm scared to let anyone close to me. I'm even scared of losing you. I'm afraid of losing people I love. Sometimes I feel like my mind is about to explode from thinking," I profess before bursting into tears.

"I-I tried to get back to my usual self at the beginning, but I failed," I confess sobbing. I wiped my face and looked at Jackson, who's also in tears.

"I wish I could change it, but I can't. Please, Bree, try once again for your brother. I can't see you like this anymore," he says with sadness in his eyes.

He was the only person I had. I should try to get back to my true self once more.

"I will Jackson. I'll try. I promise," I pawn, and he gives a small smile.

"I love you, Kitty,"

"I love you too, brother," I reply, and we cut the call.

I fall back onto my bed and let out the tears I've been holding back. This is getting harder than I thought. I had to try to get over for Jackson. I try to sleep but I couldn't. I put on Netflix, but my mind wanders elsewhere. Before I knew it, I am already half asleep.

~

I wake up in the morning but surprisingly without tears. It was 6:00 am.

I had a dream but a good one. It was a sunny day, and my whole family was at the beach. My dad snapped pictures while Jackson and I played with water. It was when we were all there together.

I tried to smile but I couldn't. I get off my bed and get to the bathroom. I brush and shower. I shampoo my hair, and I feel fresh today.

Putting on a pair of ripped jeans and a checkered shirt, I leave my hair over my shoulders before leaving my room. I descend the stairs while I think about my day ahead.

"Good morning, Maria." I accost.

"Good morning sweetheart," she replies with a smile, but I don't smile back. I don't mean to be rude, but I just can't give a heartfelt smile.

Maria hands me a plate of salad and scrambled eggs. I decided on sitting on a barstool instead of the dining table and started eating. Maria sat down next to me and ate her breakfast.

"How is your hand?" she asks me.

"I feel better," I give her a tight smile. I finish my breakfast and turn to face her.

"Thank you for everything, Maria. I don't mean to be rude when I don't smile, but I just can't put on a half-hearted smile," I confess, and she nods with an understanding smile.

"I understand sweetheart and don't worry, everything will be alright," she assures me and kisses my forehead. She hands me my lunch, and she hugs me.

Everything's going to be alright. Really?

Nah, I doubt it. I lost faith in this stuff long ago.

I leave home in my Chevy. As usual, Brad follows me in another car. I don't know why but I feel today's going to be different. As I reach school, I park my cat and take a deep breath before getting out.

I grab my backpack, and my phone goes off. Jackson.

"Good morning, Jackson,"

"Good morning Kitty. How's your hand?" he questions me.

"It's better. Not that I felt anything much yesterday," I retort and I could imagine Jackson rolling his eyes.

"How's Amanda?" I ask him.

"She's fine. We're going to the doctor today," he replies.

"Okay, I'll call you after school Jackson. Love you. Bye," I say as I get to my locker.

"Okay, Kitty. Bye. I love you," he responds and drops the call.

I set in my locker combination and take my books. As usual, I walk into my English class and take a seat in the first row. Some guy winks at me as he enters the class. I don't react much and just show him my finger. He frowns and turns to look away.

I looked down into my book and continued the drawing I started yesterday. Ms. Stump enters the room, and I stop drawing. The class goes on slowly. I just have to bear it today. Tomorrow is a Saturday, so I'm just going to rest. My head started aching by the end of the class.

I walk down to my next class, calculus. I submitted my assignment to the teacher and settled down in my regular place. I start working on the problems the teacher gave us.

~

The rest of the day goes on slowly. It's recess, and I decided on not going to the cafeteria today. I take my bag and get to the school's lawn. There's a beautiful tree over here, and no one usually comes to sit here. I just sit down under the tree and have my lunch. I lay down on the soft grass realizing that I still had half an hour in hand. I close my eyes and relax. I hear footsteps and open my eyes.

Sitting up, I pack my things. I looked at someone coming and leave. Here goes my peaceful time. The boy looks at me, and I recognize him. He's none other than Aiden Waters, the school's badass.

You've got great timing Mr. Aiden Waters.

He smirks at me, but I just get away from there. Why is everyone either smiling, winking, or smirking at me today? It's a weird day after all.

~

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- this_is_her........😘