#4 stole my heart

Chapter 32: Crying

Braden's pov:

I wake up on the couch. That's where Kelly and I fell asleep last night. I immediately go to open the note that she had given me and told me not to open today. I'm about to unfold the paper when Kelly's singing makes me stop. She's in the kitchen making breakfast, singing at the top of her lungs like an absolute goofball. But she's my goofball.

I put the note back in my pocket for now and walk into the kitchen. Kelly has her back to me, while she's dancing to and singing "Stitches" by Shawn Mendes. I take the opportunity to scare her. I slowly sneak up behind her and when I'm close enough, I grab her waist and she screams like a little girl.

"BRADEN!" She's trying to be mad, but I can tell she's holding in a laugh. "Don't do that to me'" She lets out her laugh and smiles at me. "So, what do ya think of pancakes for breakfast? I've already started making them so you kinda have to say yes." She winks.

"Sounds delicious." I say, winking back.

We continue mixing batter and make the pancakes in no less than 20 minutes. I grab my plate and Kelly grabs hers and we head over to the table to eat.

"So, what are we gonna do today?" I ask her, stuffing my face with a pancake

"Well, today's the day the police are supposed to come by and talk to me about their progress in my rape case. Do you think you could stay with me when they come?" She asks

"Of course Kel-Bel." I smile at her and she blushes, how adorable.

"They should be here around noon and it's already 11 now so let's finish eating then clean up the kitchen so the place is nice when they're here." She says.

I nod in agreement, I can't talk because my mouth is full of pancake goodness.

We finish breakfast and wash our dishes. Then we make the kitchen look nice and also the living room, which is probably where we'll all talk.

Just as I'm straighten out the last pillow on the couch, the doorbell rings. Kelly runs to the door and opens it.

There's 2 officers that come in and they both smile at me and shake my hand. We sit on the couch on and get to it.

The bald officer starts talking first "So, Kelly, we have some pretty great news about your case."

Her eyes light up. "Really?"

The other officer finishes for his partner "Yes, we were able to find the man who did this to you. His name is Gary Franks. And don't worry, once he saw cops, he confessed to the whole thing."

"So, is it over? Is he in jail?" I ask

"Well he's in jail, and he'll be going to prison very soon. So yes, the case is over. Will you ever be able to put all this behind you and move on? That's a whole other story."

Wow. He's right. Even though the guy who did this to Kelly is locked away, is he really gone? I mean, will she ever be able to forget him?

I look over at Kelly whose face is frozen in shock. I grab her hand and squeeze it tight.

"There's really nothing else to do so we hope you can find it in your hearts to move on from all of this and be ok." The bald officer says, standing up.

They nod their heads and head out the door.

I turn to Kelly who looks like she's about to burst out into tears.

I don't say a word, I just hug her.

She smiles weakly and wipes away the tear that falls down her face.

"I'm ok, honestly. I'll be alright." She says, but I can tell she's still upset.

"This Gary guy has no control over you, like I said before, don't let him take away your happiness." I gently rub my hand across her face to show her I care.

"Thanks, but that's not it Braden. I really do believe that I can put all of this behind me and be ok again. It's just.." Her voice trails off. "I'm sad because.." All of the sudden she starts sobbing.

I pull her in close and rock her back and forth. "What's bothering you so much? Just tell me, c'mon. I'm your best friend don't I deserve to know?"

She looks up at me with watery eyes and a red face. She struggles through sobs, but manages to let 3 words escape her mouth.

"Read. The. Note."

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A/N: cliffhanger again!!

love my lovelies!💝