Broken-Hearted Cupid

Back to my Grave Site

A lone tear escaped Brielle's eye and slid down her cheek. She quickly wiped it away with her fingertips gathering her emotions. Brielle had learned a long time ago not to show weakness and to never let your emotions get the best of you. When you did, it always led to trouble. Brielle also never let herself think about the past, but current events had changed that. She dipped her bare feet off of the pier and in to the cool water as she heard footsteps behind her.

"I'm sorry you had to come back here," Avery spoke in a soft voice. "It's probably bringing up a lot of memories." She turned her head to look up at him.

"You have absolutely no idea," Brielle said barely above a whisper. What Avery was referring to was the place Brielle had grown up and died in. Her home. When she was alive, she had loved everything about it from the small town to the beautiful beach that she now sat on. Provincetown was her safe haven. But now, she dreaded being anywhere near the place. Avery's shoulder brushed hers as he sat down beside her filling the empty air and giving her chilled body a slight warmth. The silence spanned between them until Brielle couldn't sit still waiting for him to talk. "You know, I thought I'd get used to it by now."

"What?" Avery inquired, although she could tell he knew exactly what she meant. He looked down at her sadly, almost intimately. Over the years, they had grown close while Brielle had worked to mend hearts. He was the only person she let herself be vulnerable around, and he had never let her down. They had no romantic feelings towards each other; they never could, but Avery had become her rock that no one could ever replace. He was her best friend, a luxury she'd never let herself have before.

"The ache," Brielle spoke her voice trembling," I thought I could push it aside, ignore it, by now, but it only seems to get worse. It suffocates me." Tears dripped slowly down her face. Avery reached over to wipe them away, and Brielle turned toward him as his hand rested on hers.

"I'm sorry, baby girl, I wish I could take it all away, but unfortunately I'm just the messenger and protector. I don't have that power."

Brielle laughed through her tears," What happened to being my salvation? Why can't you save me now?"

"I was, but you know I've always loved dramatic flair. And sadly no matter how much I pretend I'm no superman." She laid her head on his shoulder.

"The worst part is I can't deny it. I deserve the pain."

"No, you don't."

"Yes, I do. I hurt so many people," Brielle whispered in agony. Avery turned to look into her face abruptly.

"I don't care what you did in your life. I know your heart, and you do not deserve this," he said sternly. "And I don't know what twisted lesson they are trying to teach you, but it shouldn't be this." Staring into his golden brown eyes, Brielle could see the pity and guilt he felt. And that was the last thing she ever wanted him to do. None of this was his fault.

"Be careful," she said jokingly trying to change the subject. "That could be considered blasphemy." Avery looked at her knowing she was trying to avoid the conversation.

"They already know how I feel."

"Well then, let's keep the vocalizing to a minimum. So what do I owe the pleasure of your company?"

"Ah, of course, you have another job, which explains why you're back here." He stood up reaching a hand down to pull Brielle to her feet. "I get a feeling that this one is far more important than the hearts before. Plus it seems that the 'powers that be' know this will be hard for you because I've been given strict orders to stay with you to help any way I can while still attending to my other duties."

"Really?" Brielle breathed as a smile grew on her face. Even though they had built a strong bond, Avery was only allowed to spend limited time with Brielle, so their time together was so valuable especially since it curbed the pain she felt. When he smiled back at her, she threw her arms around his neck as he tightened his arms around her waist. For a second, Brielle forgot about the fact that she felt like she was slowly drowning, forgot about everything except the comfort of her best friend. This would be a tad bit easier with him by her side.

"I'll always protect you, baby girl. I'm not going anywhere,"Avery whispered into the crook of her neck.