Broken but not shattered

Chapter 28

Reece's POV

I keep replaying what Winter said to me a few days ago. Maybe he's right. I should start taking responsibility for my actions. As these thoughts are running through my head I notice Aj drop of Carly. They looked around not seeing anyone, before leaning in for a kiss. I had walked to work so they didn't know I was there. Forgetting what I was just thinking I stormed outside and straight to them.

"So you are really going through with this. You are really going to see her after what she's done," I growled.

"And what exactly has she done? Expect to want to know her siblings," Carly snapped back. I know she's right but every time I look at Aj I am blinded with rage.

"She has parents, why does she need my family too? She has no right to come in here and destroy my family," I said, stepping closer to the pair. As I did Aj moved around Carly to stand between us.

"What? You think I'm going to hurt her? I would never," I scuffed

"I don't know what you will do, but I can promise one thing: you are not getting near her till you calm down," Aj said, now standing toe to toe with me, her arm stretched behind her, making sure Carly was still there.

"Well then why don't you get back on a plane back to where you came from. Then life can get back to normal," I snarled, not noticing a car pull into the car park.

Marjoire's POV

I pull into the car park still reeling from everything that went down the other day, but am quickly brought back to reality when I see Reece standing in front of AJ and Carly, and AJ looks like she's about to lose it on him. I quickly get out of my car and run over to them, hoping to stop them before they do something they regret.

"Reece, what's going on?" I asked.

"Nothing, Marjorie, just mind your business," he growled, his eyes never leaving AJs.

"You may not be my business anymore, but she is," I said, pointing towards Carly.

"Marjorie, don't make this about us. It will not end well for you," he said, now standing toe to toe with me.

"Reece, you need to stop, you're drowning and you're trying to take everyone down with you. You need help,"

"I am fine, I don't need help!" He screamed, and his hands came up pushing me down. Before I could process what happened Autumn was standing in front of me restraining Reece, twisting his arm behind his back. I look over and AJ is holding Carly's head on her chest, while she sobs.

"How dare you lay a finger on her," Autumn said, calmly, twisting his arm farther and farther. She looked calm on the outside, but I know on the inside she is burning with rage.

"Aut, let go of me. This doesn't concern you," he said, trying to pull himself free, but it was no use. Autumn was always stronger than her brother.

"Reece?"

Everyone turns their head to see winter, concern written on his face. Winter walks up to Reece slowly, not acknowledging anyone else. His only concern was the man in front of him.

"This is not the man we all know and love. Let us help you," he said, and in the moment Reece broke. Falling to his knees, tears streaming down his face, and all you could hear was the gut wrenching sobs coming from the broken man in front of us.

"It's going to be ok. You are going to be ok." Winter said, kneeling in front of him placing his hand on his face wiping away some of the tears.

"Autumn, you can let him go now," Winter said, looking up at Autumn but never removing his hand.

"Ok," was all she said, letting go of Reece's arm and backing away, but you could see the slight confusion on her face as she did. To someone that didn't know her that well you would never see it, but I am fluent in her. I can see the smallest change in her behavior or speech. It was plain as day to me.

I could see her take a deep breath before turning to me. "Are you ok, Marjorie," she asked, helping me to my feet, looking me over for any injuries.

"I'm fine, My love, just shaken," I said, not able to meet her eyes. I quickly make my way over to Carly and Aj.

"Carly, your shift starts soon, why don't you go in and take a minute before you have to get to work," I told her, hoping by the time I turn back around Autumn has gone inside. After what I said I don't know how I can spend all day in the same room with her.

"Yeah, she's right. I'll walk you in," AJ said, guiding Carly into the building. I looked back over to Winter and Reece and they are now standing and winter is looking over to me.

"I'm going to take him home. He shouldn't be here right now."

"I think that's a good idea," I said, never looking at Reece. As they walk away I feel Autumn's eyes still locked on me.

I try to make my way inside. I need to ice my wrist. I can feel it swelling. Before I could make it two steps I felt a hand wrap around my wrist, "Marj-" she stopped when she saw me whence in pain.

"Did he hurt you?" She asked, worry echoed on her face, soon replaced with anger.

"I'm fine, just need some ice," I said, taking my hand back, still unable to look her in the eye. I couldn't handle this right now. She gets so protective of me. She cares so much, and normally I would enjoy that, but it's too much.

"I've got to get inside, you know check on Carly," with that I quickly ran inside leaving Autumn alone in the carpark.

I found Carly in the break room, crying into Aj's arms. I slowly made my way over, kneeling in front of Carly.

"My Love, I'm sorry for everything that happened just now, but it will never happen again. Reece has gone home for the day and hopefully he will use this as a sign that he needs help, but in case you are not alone, and you never will be," I looked up at AJ and continued "and as for you, thank you for standing up for her. I'm so happy you two found each other. I just want you two to know that I'm in your corner," I finished, getting up and heading for the door.

"Thank you, Marjorie, I could image my life with you," Carly said.

"Me too, my love," I said walking out.