Being Broken

Chapter Five

Chapter Five

•Justin•

While Brielle was changing, I decided that I better go back downstairs. It was clear that any open feelings she had yesterday had closed up again. The way she backed away from me was a sign enough. I wouldn't hurt her, regardless of what she might think, and I had to show her that. So, I decided that I would give her space- as much space as she needed, but while still being around me. I figured that would be the best way to make her feel more comfortable around me, and hopefully she'd start to open up.

"Hey Justin," Aidy said as I walked into the kitchen. She was putting a plate of pancakes on the table, while Noah was placing silverware around at each of four seats. "What did Brielle say when you went up there?"

I leaned against the island that was in the center of the kitchen. "Well, I think I surprised her."

Aidy let out a chuckle. "I figured you would. I always go up in the morning to get her when I have breakfast ready. So, I'm sure it was a shock to see you."

"You make breakfast every day?" I asked.

Aidy nodded. "I try to. For some odd reason, it's Brielle's favorite meal of the day. It's probably because she's so hungry because she's been up for so long."

I frowned. "What do you mean?"

She opened her mouth to answer me when Brielle walked in. Snapping her mouth shut, Aidy gave me an 'I'll tell you later' look before taking a seat at the table. I looked at Noah with a confused glance, but followed Aidy's lead and took a seat by Noah.

"Hey," Brielle quietly said to her sister and brother-in-law.

"Good morning," they replied.

"Sleep well?" Aidy asked.

Brielle gave her a flat look. It was clear there was a meaning behind it, but I didn't understand it.

Sparing a single glance at me, she took her seat beside her sister. As she scooted her chair closer to the table, a section of her reddish-brown hair fell in front of her face, and I wanted nothing more than to brush it behind her ear.

Having to literally sit on my hands to keep from doing so, I turned my attention to the plate of pancakes that were being shoved in my face by a very smug yet happy Aidy. She was giving me a look that said 'I just saw you staring at my sister like a stalker.' I would think that because Brielle was so guarded, Aidy wouldn't want me anywhere near her sister, but with the way Aidy acted around me, it was almost like she wanted me to stay around Brielle.

Taking a couple pancakes, I passed the plate to Noah. He was seated next to me on the left, and Brielle was on my right. She already had her food, and she was halfway done. Damn, girl can eat. I liked that because it was so much better than a girl who was stick thin and ate salad for every meal.

"So, Justin," Aidy said, breaking the silence. "Noah and I have errands to run today, so it'll just be you two here."

Brielle's head shot up. "W-what?"

Aidy let out a small sigh and turned to her sister. "It's okay, Brielle. You can trust him."

"She's right, you know," I cut in. Brielle's eyes flickered over to me, and I could clearly see the panic in them. "I would never do anything to hurt you, or make you feel uncomfortable."

I saw Aidy nod when I said this. "Plus," she said to me. "It'll give you time to explain your little situation to her."

My heart dropped. I didn't want to talk to Brielle about that yet! She knew the little kid me. She doesn't know the famous me. It's going to be tricky to not only get her to believe me, but also just explaining that this wasn't part of the reason I left so many years ago, even though it may seem like it would be. That's a different story.