More than friends

Chapter 20

KADE

My eyes stayed on the door, but my heart broke when I heard her cry.

That was all she did in the car coming back was cry. I couldn't say anything. What do you say?

When I said her name, I knew she was about to lose it. I could see it in her reflection in the window, and once I opened the door, she walked in and didn't even look back. She only made her way to the bedroom. It was taking everything in me not to walk in there and hold her until she stopped crying. Tell her I was here for her, but I knew her all too damn well. She wanted space and to let her emotions out. She hated showing her true feelings, especially in front of me.

Stepping back from the door, I stopped and returned to the lounge. I had to do something.

Staying here wasn't an option. I felt helpless, but I knew I would be more helpful to her somewhere outside. Looking over my shoulder toward the bedroom door, I had to do or find something.

I had questions, but knowing Brie all too well, she would have been overthinking.

My eyes went to the front door. I needed to do something.

What can I do?

I looked around the house, but my mind raced when my phone rang. I grabbed my phone from my pocket and looked at the screen—mum.

I swiped it and placed the phone to my ear. "Kade," mum said quickly. "How's brie? Is she alright?"

"How do you think?" I grit out, feeling angry.

"Kade," Mum gasped, my eyes closed. I didn't mean to go off on her. My head is everywhere.

"Sorry," I mumbled and let out a sigh. "She hasn't stopped crying, and she hasn't said a word to me."

"Poor thing," she whispered. "Her father is beside himself, and her mum—"

"Don't call her that," I muttered, which made my mother go quiet. "She said those words to her, and now she is heartbroken. How could a grown woman be so cruel?"

Mum stayed quiet for a moment before she sighed. "Her so-called mum," she muttered. "Is it one of our bedrooms and refuses to speak to anyone? Her parents had an explosive argument, more screaming on her part and him shouting, which I have never seen."

I said nothing for a moment while a question ran through my head. "Did you know?" I asked.

"No, I didn't, Kade," she said. "This is all a mess, and with everything that happened last night, I can't believe I am saying this, but I am thankful that Larissa and Dominic are not here. It would have been two broken-hearted girls on our hands."

I closed my eyes, only remembering Dominic and Larissa's brief note.

Before either my mum or I could speak, I heard a voice in the background. "Is that Brie?" her father asked, sounding concerned. "I need to—"

"It's Kade," mum said, cutting him off. "She's upset, but she is safe with him."

"I want to see her," he said. "Please. I need to explain."

"I don't think that's a good idea," I said. "Mum put me on speakerphone."

I heard some movement, and Mum told me I was for them all to her. I scanned around the house but remembered the only thing that Brie had to wear was her clothes from last night. "I don't think it's a good idea for anyone to see Brie," I said with a slight sigh. "She hasn't stopped crying."

"Oh my baby," her father muttered, which I caught but ignored him and continued.

"She will stay here till she is ready," I said, ensuring they know they must go through me. "As for now, if it is okay, could I pick up her clothes? She has got nothing here."

"Sure," her father said. "I can meet you at your place and—"

"No," I said a little too loudly. Why couldn't he take the hint and leave her alone until she was ready? "I will meet you at your place. Make sure that woman isn't anywhere near there when I arrive, or there will be a few choice words for her."

"Don't worry about her," my father said, sounding like he was nearer. "She can stay here. Just let us know when you are done, and then she can leave."

I said nothing, but my mum sighed. "I have canceled everything regarding the wedding," she said. "I will make her help me if I have to."

"Okay," I said, not bothered by all that crap. All I care about right now is Brie.

I told my mum to tell Brie's father I would be there soon but to wait for me, and then we said our goodbyes. I placed my phone back into my pocket.

Everyone sounded torn up about what had happened, but no one more than my girl. I felt my heart break more for her. There is one thing for sure: I will never leave her side, not even if she fights me over it.

Letting out the breath I didn't know I was holding, I looked back over my shoulder and looked toward the bedroom door. I needed to make sure she was okay. I walked down the corridor, stopped outside the door, and listened in.

There was no sound.

Maybe she fell asleep.

Placing my hand on the door, I pushed it slightly and noticed the room was dark. My eyes went over to the window and noticed the blind was closed. My eyes darted to the bed, where I saw her frame.

Stepping inside the room, I walked over quietly but stopped right by the side of the bed. Brie was asleep. I couldn't help but take her in.

All I wanted to do right there was to hold her, tell her I had her back and that it would be okay. She would have done the same to me all those years ago. Moving slightly, I noticed she didn't have any covers, so I looked around and found a fleece blanket near the edge.

Moving toward it, I shook it out and placed it over her frame. She must have cried herself to sleep. I watched her for a few more moments before turning around and heading toward the door. I stepped out into the corridor, pulling the door behind me as quietly as possible.

Once the door closed, I walked away and returned to the lounge. My plan was simple: collect her belongings and then come back. I wasn't leaving her side till she kicked me away.

I quickly headed to the door, grabbed the truck's key, and walked outside. I closed the door behind me and locked it. I knew she wouldn't be awake soon because of the crying she had done.

It was a quick job in and out. That was what I kept telling myself.

Letting out a sigh, I headed to my truck. I opened the door and climbed inside. Closing the door behind me, I looked ahead. Part of me wondered whether to ring my brother to let him know what was happening, but I went against it.

Placing the key in the ignition, I turned the key until the truck came to life. My eyes went to the door, but I knew she was safe. I just have to get her things and come back. I was all hers.