I Should've Known: Book Two

Madeline

I wake up to the sounds of soft knocks on the front door. I furrow my brows and groan as I get up. Mateo mumbles something in his sleep and I just give him a kiss on his should out of instinct.

The time among my blurry vision is midnight. Geez. If it's the neighbor again with his stupid dog entering our back yard, I'm going to murderer him. I just finished breastfeeding Matthew and I had only a second of deep sleep!

I angrily open the door and my anger fades when I see my brother with shiny tears running down his cheeks.

"I'm so sorry, Madeline. I thought the guy at the apartment building would give me the keys tonight but he's out of town until tomorrow and—"

"What happened, Adam? Are you hurt?!" I gently bring him inside and close the door before anymore cold breeze busts in.

He only shakes his head and begins to sob. I'm literally barely waking up as I sit him at the couch and wrap my tired arms around him. I don't understand why he's so devastated, but he only lets himself fall in my embrace and continues to cry.

Soon, my mother wearily walks in the living room while rubbing her eyes. Then they grow wide when she sees Adam's state and runs to hold him. He buries his face in her shoulder as she whispers, "My boy...what's wrong?"

My brother only shakes his head among his quiet sobs and concern makes my heart race at the memory of Hazel. I hear him say, "I just need a place to stay tonight. I'll be gone tomorrow once the landlord comes back."

"Yeah sure," I say. "But what happened? Where's Hazel? Is she okay?"

His tears fall even faster at the mention of her name and he only puts his head back on Mom's shoulder. My mother and I exchange wide eyes as we realize what's going on.

They've broken up.

My heart starts to race for my best friend. She's alone. She has no one to comfort her. She must be devastated. But my motherly instincts makes me stay put. My heart cries out to her but I cannot leave at this hour. Matthew needs me.

My brother needs me...

So I get him comfortable on our couch and leave him crying with my mother. I see her whisper soft things to his ear but he still quietly lets his tears escape. The last thought I have before falling into a worried sleep is: I hope Hazel can hold on until tomorrow. I'll be there soon.

So I wake up early despite of my exhaustion. I make breakfast for everyone and stop in my path when I see my brother's tear stained cheeks peacefully laying on the pillow. I wonder if Hazel was able to sleep...

I look at my mother as she finishes telling my father the news. His eyes turn sad and it's like I'm seeing my brother. He lets out a sad sigh and shakes his head.

I'm not sure if I should leave Matthew with her. But I have to see Hazel. I have to know if she's okay.

So I dial her number as I kiss Mateo goodbye. He stops at the front steps and sadly says, "Hey. If she doesn't respond, give her time. She's going to be okay."

I give him a nod and realize that his words are right as I hear the sound of her voicemail message. I sigh in defeat and pray that my best friend is hanging on.

My brother doesn't go to work. He's quiet throughout the whole day until I hear him talk to someone on the phone. He lets out a sigh when he hangs up and I put a hand on his shoulder.

"The guy from the apartments," he says. "He's still not there. I'm sorry, Madeline. I should've told you sooner."

Sooner? So this was planned already?