My Brother's Best Friend

Great Day (16)

⚠️TW⚠️

I sat on the porch swing, wrapped in a blanket with my hot chocolate. Enjoying the cool winter morning while I let Eddie sleep in. We have a long day ahead of ourselves. We agreed to take Dustin, Will, Mike, Lucas, Max, and El to the mall. He's going to need his rest. As I sat there enjoying the peace, an unfamiliar car pulls up into the driveway. A woman that looked to be in her mid forties got out.
"Are you Persephone Halen?" The woman asked.
"I am, how can I help you?" I asked confused.
"Hi dear, I'm sorry to bother you. I'm Winnie Hyde." She said nervously while putting her hand out for a shake. Hyde? Why does that sound familiar? I took her hand, and shook it. "My.. deceased husband is Lane Hyde. I'm not sure if they informed you or not, but he was actually heavily under the influence when he crashed into you, and your mother. When they told me, I had to come apologize in person. I am so sorry. I don't know why my Lane would do such a terrible, stupid, and reckless thing. Killing himself, and a mother of two. Leaving you to finish raising yourself, and your brother. I can't even begin to imagine. I am so tremendously sorry, and if he was here today, I can promise you I'd be kicking his ass everyday." She said while breaking down infront of me. I didn't know what to say or do. They did not call me to tell me that. For all I knew, he had a heart attack. I looked in her eyes, and could feel the guilt, and pain she is carrying. I set my coco down, stand up, and hold her tightly in my arms.
"I did not know that, but thank you for telling me." I said then pulling back to look her in her eyes. "Do not blame yourself. Do not feel guilty for his actions. We do not blame you, and do not want you to suffer more than you already are. Okay?" I asked lovingly with a sweet smile.
"Thank you dear. I have something for you, and your brother." She said while pulling and envelope out of her pocket. "Lane, and I already have plenty in savings, have no kids or family. I have no use for his life insurance payout, so I thought the least I could do, was give it to you kids." She said while handing me the envelope. I push it back to her, and smile.
"I assure you we are set. Please keep it for yourself." I insisted.
"Are you sure dear? I do not need it!" She insisted as well.
"Well, donate to a good cause for the both of us." I said. She smiled big.
"I love that idea." She said. "Well I don't want to keep you too long. I hope you have a wonderful rest of your day dear." She said as she walked away.
"You too Mrs.Hyde!" I replied. I sat on the swing with my coco as we waved bye as she passed. I closed my eyes, and tried to focus on the peace, but now all I could think about was that night. I tried to not get angry, but I can't help it. I get up, and go inside slamming the door.
"BABE!?" Eddie screamed from upstairs. Shit.
"Yeah, sorry. I'm pissed, and forgot you're sleeping." I said angerly. I heard him coming downstairs. He stumbled into the living room half asleep, and looking like a hot mess.
"Who's ass are we kicking?" He asked as he stumbled to me.
"No one's, they're dead already." I replied. Eddie looked at me confused.
"I was on the porch enjoying the weather, and coco when some lady pulls up. It was the truck driver's wife. She wanted to tell me that the autopsy came back, and he was heavily under the influence. She feels guilty, and wanted to apologize. I told her not to, that we don't blame her, and that she has enough to be sad about. She also tried to give us his insurance payout because she already 'has plenty of money.' I assured her that Gareth, and I are set as well. We kind of argued about it, but finally she agreed to just donate it to a charity. Anyway, I'm pissed because that man chose to drive. He could've called his wife for a ride. Anyone! Nope! Let me just get behind a fucking 18 wheeler, because who gives a fuck about my life or others!" I screamed in frustration. I look to Eddie, and he's rolling a fat joint for us. "Oh thank god." I said as I plopped down on the couch next to him.
"If that bastard made it out alive, I'd kill him. I'm so sorry Seph. Shit are we going to call, and tell Gareth?" Eddie asked.
"No, I don't want to ruin his vacation. I can tell him when he gets back." I said.
"Wanna cuddle up on the porch to smoke?" Eddie asked. I smiled at him. He knows exactly what to say or do when I'm upset. I know his ass does not want to be out in the cold right now, but he knows I love it.
"Yes please." I replied. He took my hand, and we went to the porch swing. We cuddled up, and enjoyed the joint while talking about how our day is going to go with ALL of the kids.