The weight of secrets

Chapter 7

The days following Jobe's accident were a whirlwind of healing, not just physically but emotionally. Jude spent as much time as he could at the hospital, juggling his training with being there for his brother. It was an unspoken truce between them; neither mentioned the past, focusing instead on Jobe's recovery. But in those quiet moments—when they sat together watching football highlights on Jude's phone, or when Jude helped Jobe adjust the pillows on his hospital bed—it was clear that things were beginning to mend.

A Turning Point

One afternoon, about a week after the accident, Denise brought lunch to the hospital room. She placed the food on the table, glancing at her sons with a warm smile.

"I can't tell you how happy it makes me to see you two talking again," she said, her voice filled with emotion. "You don't know how hard it was to watch you both hurting."

Jobe looked down at his cast, guilt flickering across his face. "I hurt everyone," he said quietly. "I wish I could go back and undo it all."

"You can't," Jude said, his tone firm but not unkind. "But you're here now. And you're trying. That's what matters."

Denise reached over, placing a hand on both their shoulders. "I've always told you two—family is everything. Life is too short to let something like this tear you apart." She paused, her voice breaking slightly. "When I got that call about the accident, I thought I might lose you, Jobe. And the thought of you two not being okay with each other..."

Jobe reached out, taking her hand. "I'm sorry, Mum. For everything."

Jude nodded, his expression softening. "We're not perfect, Mum. But we'll get there. I promise."

Denise smiled, tears brimming in her eyes. "That's all I've ever wanted."

Back at Home

A week later, Jobe was discharged from the hospital and brought home. Denise fussed over him, making sure he had everything he needed, while Jude hovered nearby, offering quiet support. Jobe wasn't used to being taken care of, and it felt strange, but he couldn't deny how grateful he was.

One evening, as they sat in the living room, Jude turned to Jobe, breaking the silence.

"I've been thinking," he began. "About everything that happened. And I realized something."

Jobe shifted uncomfortably. "What's that?"

"I was angry at you for what you did," Jude said, his voice steady. "But I was also angry at myself. I felt like I should've seen it coming or done something to stop it. Like I failed as your brother."

Jobe's eyes widened. "Jude, no. You didn't fail me. I failed you. I was the one who made the mistake, not you."

Jude shook his head. "That's not the point. The point is, I've been so caught up in my own guilt and anger that I forgot what really matters. You're my brother, Jobe. And no matter what happens, I'll always have your back."

Jobe swallowed hard, emotion welling up in his chest. "I don't know how I got so lucky to have you as my brother," he said softly. "I don't deserve it, but I'll never take it for granted again."

Jude gave him a small smile. "Good. Because I'm not going anywhere. And neither are you."

Moving Forward

As the weeks passed, the Bellingham brothers slowly found their way back to each other. Jobe threw himself into his recovery, determined to get back on the pitch as soon as possible. Jude supported him every step of the way, offering advice, encouragement, and the occasional teasing comment to lighten the mood.

One evening, as they sat on the porch, Jobe turned to Jude, a serious expression on his face.

"Jude," he began, hesitating slightly. "I know things aren't perfect yet, but I just want to say... thank you. For forgiving me. For giving me another chance. I don't take it lightly."

Jude nodded, his gaze steady. "I'm not saying it's all forgotten," he admitted. "But we've got time. And as long as you keep showing me that you're serious about making things right, we'll be okay."

Jobe smiled, a genuine smile that lit up his face. "I will. I promise."

They sat in comfortable silence, watching the sun dip below the horizon. For the first time in months, it felt like the weight of the past was finally lifting.

Because no matter how far they'd fallen, no matter how much they'd hurt each other, they were brothers. And together, they could face anything.