Between Us

Chapter 32 : Fractured Love

I was in the garage of my mom's house, throwing punches at the heavy bag hanging from the ceiling. Each punch, each jab, each hook, was a release of the pent-up frustration and anger that had been building inside me. I had been at it for about an hour, my muscles aching and sweat pouring down my face, but I didn't care. The physical exertion was a welcome distraction from the chaos swirling in my mind.

After a particularly hard punch, I paused to catch my breath, wiping sweat from my brow with the back of my hand. My knuckles were sore, but the pain was grounding. I made my way back to the kitchen to grab a drink, the cool air of the house a stark contrast to the stifling heat of the garage.

Mia was at the kitchen table, drawing as usual. She looked up as I walked in, her nose wrinkling in mock disgust. "Ew, Engfa, you're all sweaty!" she exclaimed, giggling.

I laughed, reaching out to ruffle her hair, but she dodged away. "Guess I won't give you a hug then," I teased, grabbing a bottle of water from the fridge. I took a long drink, feeling the cool liquid soothe my parched throat.

I needed to prepare to go to Haven later, so I headed upstairs to my room. I found a sturdy cardboard box and began gathering all the documents, papers, and photos I had collected over the past few weeks working at the Austins'. I opened a drawer and pulled out the bracelet I had taken from Charlotte the first night we met. I smiled softly, memories flooding back. I carefully placed the bracelet in the box, a small piece of her to carry with me.

Back in the garage, I placed the box on the a table and resumed my workout, the rhythmic thud of my fists against the heavy bag providing a steady beat to my thoughts. I threw punch after punch, each one fueled by a mix of anger and regret. If I hadn't fallen for Charlotte, maybe all of this would be easier to manage. But I had, and now I was tangled in a web of emotions and danger.

Suddenly, Jax appeared, leaning casually against the frame. "I wouldn't want to be that punching bag," he joked, watching me with a half-smile. "Take it easy, Eng."

He tossed me a bottle of water, which I caught with one hand. I drank deeply, the cool liquid refreshing me. Jax walked over and placed a hand on my shoulder. "How are you holding up?" he asked, his voice soft with concern.

I sighed, feeling the weight of everything pressing down on me again. "Not great," I admitted, my voice barely above a whisper.

Jax nodded, understanding in his eyes. He moved behind the heavy bag, gripping it firmly. "Come on, give it another go. I'll hold it steady for you."

I took a deep breath, my fists tightening as I faced the bag. With renewed determination, I started throwing punches again. Each strike was an outlet for my frustration, my fear, and my anger.

As I continued to pound away at the heavy bag, my thoughts turned to Charlotte. Each punch was a mix of frustration, love, and desperation. "I need to see Charlotte before we go to Haven," I said between breaths, my fists still moving in a steady rhythm.

Jax held the bag steady, his eyes focused on me. "Are you going to tell her the truth?" he asked, his voice low but firm.

I hesitated, my punches slowing as I considered his question. "I don't know, Jax. I have no idea what I'm going to do," I admitted, my voice shaky. "I just need to see her. I need to be with her, even if it's just for a little while."

Jax nodded, understanding in his eyes. "I get it, Eng. But be careful."

I threw one last punch, my knuckles stinging from the impact. I stepped back, breathing heavily, and looked at Jax. "I know. I just... I need to hold her, to see her face."

Jax nodded, understanding in his eyes. "Alright, let's finish up here. We'll head out right after."

He grabbed the heavy bag, steadying it for me. "Alright, let's switch it up. I want you to do a combination of jabs and crosses. Quick and precise, got it?"