Broken but not shattered

Chapter 24

Marjorie's POV

I woke up and Autumn was nowhere to be found, but I could hear her voice. I slowly got out of bed and walked downstairs, but stopped right before I entered the kitchen. I could hear Autumn on the phone.

"Wait what did he say?" she said, and I could tell she was pissed.

"He won't be about the stand when I'm done with him," she said, and I heard her slam the phone down on the counter. I cautiously walk into the kitchen and Autumn looks like she is about to set the whole world on fire. She looks hot when she's angry. Marjorie focuses.

"Autumn, what was that about?" I asked.

"It's nothing, Marjorie,"

"Nothing? You are threatening someone that doesn't sound like nothing,"

"Fine, that was Winter. He went to see Reece and I don't know what's going on with him, but if he thinks he can talk to the people I care about any way he pleases he has another thing coming," she said as she tries to walk past me.

"Wow, hey, where do you think you are going?" I said, blocking her way.

"To go knock so sense into him, get out of my way," she said, still trying to move past me.

"You are not going anywhere," I said, standing my ground.

"Marj, why are you protecting him after what he said and did? You don't even know what he said about Winter. Just let me handle it," she said, getting more angry by the second.

"NO! I will not let you just handle it. He is just hurting like you said. Just give him time," I said, hoping she would drop it, but I know Autumn. She's not going to.

"I will not drop it. He can be hurt all he wants doesn't mean there won't be consequences. Now move before I make you," she finished, not caring what I was saying.

"I'm not moving. You are going to have to move me, but if you do-" I started.

"Don't give me idle threats Marjorie,"

"It's not a threat, just want you to know the consequences if you choose not to let this go,"

"Oh really, what do you think you can do," she scoffed,

"Autumn, you misunderstand. I know I can't DO anything, but if you choose to go through with this I'm done. I will not speak to you ever again," I finished, a part of me thought she wouldn't care, but a deeper part knew she would. She backed away, pacing the kitchen. I feel the heat coming off her. I began to wonder if I made a mistake, but I had to stand my ground. Yes, I was protecting Reece, but more importantly, I was protecting her. She doesn't show affection like most do. The way she shows she cares is by protecting those she cares for, and if she continued I knew she would never be able to live with herself afterwards. I can't let myself be the reason she loses herself. I won't.

"Why are you protecting him? Why after everything?" she asked, still pacing, trying to decide what she was going to do. I know her first instinct is telling her to storm out of here, but I think she knows I'm serious.

"Aut, it's not about him. Yes, he has hurt me and does that make me so angry, yes. Does a little part of me want to let you go, yes, but I know you. If you go after him, your brother, it will destroy you," I said, and she stopped dead in her tracks. There was a flash of realization in her eyes, of what I have no clue, but as soon as it was there it was gone. Covered by fury.

"I don't need anyone to protect me, especially you," she growled, storming out the door.

"Aut! Autumn!" I screamed after her realizing I wasn't as special to her as I thought. I couldn't stop her from destroying herself. I failed her.