Heart of Glass

Chapter 13

Cracked.

Her heart was cracked.

She stared at it, unable to believe what she was seeing. This can't be real.

Tentatively, she reached out placing her finger on the thin jagged line. A sharp jolt of pain scorched through her chest and she snatched her hand back. ­­

The crack ran the length of her heart. It didn't appear to be deep, but she was too afraid to touch it and examine just how deep it ran. Her hand returned to the scar, her fingers brushing it with trembling strokes. The burning pain was beginning to fade, a hollow ache filling its place.

Everything around her faded away as she stared at the crack. All she could think about was her Grandfather. His gruff laugh, the twinkle in his eyes when he used to let her win at checkers, his smell of aftershave and mints – something he had always smelled like since he gave up smoking and started popping peppermints to quell the cravings.

Memories of him filled her head, consuming every other thought until she could barely breathe, while the only thing she could physically see was her cracked heart.

A shadow moved over her, casting her heart in shadow making the crack appear darker and more sinister. She could feel something large standing beside her, but she didn't know how to look away from her heart.

"Ariel?" It was Lucas.

The shadow shifted as he folded his large frame to sit beside her. A small hand touched her hair.

"Is she okay?" Ben whispered. "I think she's hurt."

Ben passed held the phone up, finding the message so he could see. A small growl rumbled in Lucas' chest. "She's hurt, just not where you can see it."

Yes you could, she thought, her eyes still on her heart. It's right there.

"What's that?" Ben whispered. He'd seen her heart.

"It's her curse," Lucas said, leaning over. "It's her –" His voice froze as he saw the large crack. "That wasn't there before," he whispered before turning to Ben. "Go and find your Dad. Tell him I'm bringing Ariel to his office, now."

Her heart disappeared as the lid closed. Lucas took the box, placing it gently in her bag. Passing it to her, he wrapped her hands around it before letting go. Her loose grip tightened as large hands came around her, lifting her into the air before resting against a firm furry chest.

Her head lolled to the side, resting against his shoulder. "He's gone."

"I know." His voice was soft. "I'm sorry, Ariel."

"I never got to say goodbye." Her voice caught in her throat and her eyes closed as tears started to fall again.

Lucas held her closer, increasing his pace. He was probably still angry at her about Peyton, and now he was forced to carry her crying back to the house.

"Lucas, about Peyton –"

"Forget it."

"But –"

"Ariel, forget it."

By the time they reached the back of the house, the shock of the crack had worn off, allowing her grief to seep back in, consuming her. She turned her head deeper into his shoulder as the sunlight shone against her face. Muted voices sounded about her as they entered the house.

"Upstairs, Lucas."

The Doc's voice washed over as he directed Lucas up to her room. His own voice rumbled against her skin as he spoke to the Doc but she didn't know what he was saying. She just wanted them to all be quiet and go away.