Serenity | Fragile Hearts

chapter 12- on my way

Grey

Emotions weren't really my thing. I was a straightforward guy who gave it as is. That is until my niece Charlotte came into my life and broke down some of my walls I built up.

I wasn't sure how to comfort her, but if I knew one thing- it was that she was safe in my presence. I wouldn't let anything happen to her or her kid.

I was content she felt safe as of now.

She looked beyond exhausted while holding her child. Physically and emotionally drained.

I knew that feeling all too well. Specifically on the nights I'd stay up fighting my demons because if I didn't see them while I was awake, surely I'd see them while I was sleeping.

It was shitty. And there was no way around it other than through.

"Given everything, I'm sorry to hear about your situation." I explained, trying to be understanding.

"I'm not another basket case you need to feel sorry for" she retorted back aggressively.

I rolled my eyes."You have my number. Call me if you need anything."

It was the best I could do at the moment. I didn't want to overstep my boundaries. Letting her call me whenever gave her that sense of security and myself as all, knowing I did what I could to help.

"Thank you." she said.

"Do you want a ride back to your place?"

She shook her head. "I'm okay. It's not too far. Thanks for your help." she said softly, meaningful.

"Don't mention it."

...

I was in my apartment on my couch with an all too often visitor.

"Uncle Grey, how do you know if a guy likes you?" She asked me out of nowhere as we watched the Amazing Race.

I almost choked on my drink and sat up.

"What?!"

"Sorry, didn't mean to give you a heart attack. It's just- it's just that I don't know whether Landon likes me or not."

"Char, men are stupid. They can send mixed signals because they themself don't know what they want or how to show it.

What I can assure you though Is that if he's the right one for you, then he'll be there. Don't rush it. Just let it come naturally."

Damn when the fuck did I become philosophical?

"I just don't know if I'm good enough?"

I sat up immediately and paused the show. I turned towards her. "Charlotte, what?"

She looked very bothered. "I don't want to make it a big deal, but I'm not exactly experienced." she said as she looked off.

"Sweetheart, men are inexperienced on the whole. Don't you ever say you aren't good enough. You are more than enough. Any guy who says otherwise needs to get his head out of his ass."

"Besides, I'll fuck him up if he says otherwise."

She smiled slightly. "Thanks uncle Doofus."

"Anytime Char."

"So how's it going with you and mystery girl?" she asked as she made those funny eyebrows that went up all the way.

I rolled my eyes. "There's nothing going on between us. I just happened to bump into her a few times and that's it."

"Whoever she is, she has to be perfect for you."

I scrunched my eyebrows. "Perfect? How would you know? You haven't even met her."

"Because the past few days you've been glowing. Less grumpy and more content." She said sheepishly.

I smirked. "Whatever you say."

I couldn't help but think she was right. Was the universe trying to tell me something?"

What is going on with me?

...
Aila

I was making my way to my apartment when I noticed the door was open.

I knew for a fact I locked this mf door. I'm always paranoid about that and always double and triple check.

Someone broke in.

I started to freak out even more. Sofie was still sleeping on my shoulder and I didn't want to wake her.

Tears filled my eyes, while terror filled my body. I didn't know what to do.

It was a bit late, and Ms. Rosie would probably be sleeping. She already did so much for us, and I didn't want to wake her.

I immediately made my way to the lobby and dialed 911. I gave them my address and they told me they'd send someone asap.

Which probably meant an hour. On this side of town, they took their sweet time.

So I did what I had no other choice but to do.

I called Grey.

Within seconds he picked up. "Grey."

"Someone broke into my house" I said in a wobbly voice. Tears started to fall across my
Cheeks as I came to the realization that someone was after me.

"I-I'm sorry, I didn't know who else to call." I sobbed out.

"I'm on my way. Do not go in. Take Sofie and stay in the lobby where there's people." he said authoritatively.

"O-ok."

"I'll be there shortly. Stay on the phone in the meantime."

"I-I'm scared Grey."

"Don't worry, I'm coming."

Before I knew it, my head hit the wall.