Eternal Blitz

34. Vacation

"You're staring," I whisper, cracking open my eyes to a wide-awake Blaze. From the look of him, sleep hasn't come easy, or at all for that matter.

Blaze stares back, humming at me before falling back on the bed. "Can't sleep, the moment I close my eyes I'm back in the house."

"What can I do? I can stay up with you, we can just talk, or sit in silence. We can do anything, I just want to make it easier for you."

I wish the world wasn't so cruel, cruel to the people so susceptible to the pain it brings. I wish I could rewind time, but I can't.

"It's scary." Blaze sighs, turning his head to me as he spreads his body out on the bed. "Seeing-seeing it all, feeling like I'm back there again."

Hearing him admit it makes it all the more real. I think sometimes we tend to forget dreams, nightmares are just as haunting as the reality of it. It reoccurs in our head until it breaks us down both physically and mentally.

"I'll never leave you. I promise I will do everything I can to protect you from your memories."

"No one could protect me."

"You protected us Blaze, now let us do the same for you. Let me do the same for you. You are so strong but it's okay to release the reigns." I open my arms to him and he hesitantly scoots over to me. His body relaxes as he lays his head on my breast, snuggling deeper into my chest. I run my fingers through his hair and feel his breathing even out as he lets go, not allowing his body to fight the sleep. I look down and stroke his cheek with the side of my hand. "I love you."

++++

"Are you sure about this, Blitz?" Gale asks.

I chew on my bottom lip knowing I'm not. Isabel, Blane, Rhea, and Gale surround the table and for the first time since he's come back home Blaze is sleeping soundly. I spent an hour with him in my arms before deciding to take matters into my own hands.

"Not really, but being here isn't helping him."

"I agree," Blane adds. "He needs a change of scenery, it will be good for him. Maybe make some new memories to help overshadow the old ones."

Isabel clicks her tongue, "Do you think he will be okay with us all coming?"

"He knows you would never hurt him. Interaction could help especially with people he is familiar with."

"I think this could be good for all of us. Our little family is expanding."Rhea smiles.

I know she's right. What started off as a simple visit to the bar has turned into so much more. I've fallen in love and gained another brother. To say I'm attached would be an understatement.

"So, if we are doing this where are we going?" Blane questions.

"My dad owns a cabin on the lake. It's about a two-hour drive from here." I answer.

"When was the last time you guys went?"

Conversations halt as everyone looks at me and I shrug my shoulders not wanting to think about the last time I went.

Rhea waves me off and answers for me, "Her parents' anniversary."

"My dad's anniversary to Giana." I corrected her. I want no association whatsoever with either one of those so-called moms.

Isabel snickers, "She found her dad in the hot tub with Giana, and let's just say," she pauses, "They were active."

I huff kicking Isa's leg.