Colton's Spring

Chapter 13

Once he awoke, Colton found himself checking his watch every ten minutes or so. He's managed to microwave a pasta frozen dinner and eat it without spilling any of it, but that hadn't killed much time. He'd flipped on the news channel only to see the promo for Jessica's story. It was going to be leading the national news, which he supposed was fitting. Actually, he should be grateful. His arrest had been carried nationally, so maybe his exoneration was worthy of the same treatment. It tied his stomach in knots, however, and that disturbed him.

Mallory was due home tomorrow and he had no idea what to expect. His sister could be a powerhouse and a force to be reckoned with him, but she could also be insecure - a side she only ever showed to him. To the world she was competent and confident yet with Colton, she was like a little girl lost. He supposed it was good she could be honest with him, but it broke his heart. He could give her all the love and support, but he wondered if it would ever be enough. She could be very fragile sometimes. He again cursed the fates who had ripped his family apart at such a critical age for Mallory. It had been hard on him as well, but he'd been forced into the role of caretaker of his sister and it had been a role he'd managed. Sure, there had been days when he'd been afraid of failing her, but he had done his best.

Mallory was successful in her professional career, succeeding beyond her wildest dreams. In her personal life, however, she had struggled. Colton had hoped something might come of her two year relationship with Darius Evans, but nothing had. Instead, they'd parted ways and she'd been devastated. Colton thought it was more because she'd felt she'd failed at the relationship than any depth of feelings she'd had for Darius.

In truth, he had no idea how Mallory would handle these new events.

A knock on the door brought him back to the present. He called for whomever it was to enter.

Spring poked her head in. "Bad time?"

He couldn't help it, he grinned. He actually grinned. "As if there could be," he said. "I'm desperate for company."

She stepped into the condo and pulled off her boots. "So anyone will do?"

Colton shook his head. "No, not anyone will do."

Spring returned his smile, although hers was tentative. She glanced at her watch. "You ready to watch the news?"

So that was why she had come by. To hold his hand during the news. He fought back the wave of disappointment. "I'm ready," he said. "Why don't you have a seat?"

To his disappointment again, she chose the chair instead of sitting on the couch next to him. Of course it might be because she didn't want to jostle his arm, but it still stung just a bit. They didn't have a chance to speak before the familiar notes of the newscast began. They covered the main stories and Colton's story was the first. He almost wished there had been some major tragedy or announcement today, but no such luck.

The anchor, a woman Colton recognized, began her intro and soon turned the story over to Jessica. He held his breath as Jessica began to detail the accusations and then lead into Belinda's recantation. It went pretty much as Spring had said it would, with Jessica asking questions in a soft and understanding tone. There were no recriminations, just as Colton had hoped. Jessica was fair and balanced, telling both sides of the story without actually taking sides. She spoke of Colton's reticence to defend himself, explaining how he supported Belinda's decision to voluntarily enter a rehabilitation facility and how he wished her the best.