Remember When...

Chapter Fourteen

As I pull up at Pinegrove, I see Troy's bike parked. My heart skips a beat.

I stay in my car as I wait for Troy to leave but he seems to be settling in. I walk up the path behind him and over hear his conversation with Daniel.

"I'm so sorry bro. I tried to stay away but it was killing me. I know I promised you that I wouldn't tell her of my feelings but I thought it was time. I cant live without her. I dream of her. I see her everywhere I go. It just got too much" he says with his voice cracking.

"She didn't take it well. I have ruined our friendship and I don't know if I can repair it. I love her so much Dan, it hurts. I now understand what you use to say to me about your feelings for her. She is a special woman and one that I NEED in my life," he says through tears.

I clear my throat to let Troy know that I am behind him. He turns quickly to me, wiping his face with his hands. He winces as he passes over his lips.

His grey eyes are dull and it looks as thought the light has been turned off. His lips are trembling and he doesn't know where to look.

My heart is telling me to go and hold him and tell him everything will be ok, however my head is telling me that he should have told me earlier.

I am so conflicted.

In this case, my heart wins. I can't see him so hurt, conflicted and confused any longer.

I move to Troy and throw my arms around his neck.

Troy stands taller and lifts me off my feet, holding me so tight I find it hard to breath. He buries his head in my hair and we both cry. I'm not sure how long we stay like this but I don't break the hold until Troy has regained normal breathing.

I try to step back but Troy doesn't release his grip. "I don't want to stop. I'm afraid that you will never let me hold you again," he breathes against my neck.

I push gently on his chest and look into his eyes. He looks from the ground to my eyes and then studies my face.

I push my hair behind my ear. "It will take some time. You have thrown me for a loop and I need time. I am hurt. Hurt by you and our friends. If only you had told me earlier " I say

Troy shakes his head. "Take all the time you need just please, please don't cut me out," he pleads.

I look at Troy and then move towards Daniels headstone. I sit down and start removing the leaves.

Troy walks toward his bike and I watch him with a heavy heart. I do love Troy but it is like a brother.

I watch as his Harley thunders down the road and out of view.

I turn my attention back to Daniel. "Well my love. What a fine mess you have left me in" I say wistfully.

I relay the past 48hrs to Daniel from when Troy turned up at the house through to just now. I tell him about Ava staying at Tristan's and I brooch the subject of Cody. Why do I feel embarrassed to talk about Cody to Daniel?