Broken Love

Broken Love: Chapter 1

"You have no idea how much I miss you." My voice was hoarse, cracking in so many places. A cool breeze blew past, ruffling the loose strands of the braid that was draped over my shoulder.  

"Why did you have to leave me, Tristan?" I whispered. "Do you know how much it hurts every time I open my eyes in the morning and you're not there with me?"  

A tear slid down my face and landed on the grave. "I can't handle the pain, Tristan. It just hurts so much. Nothing feels right anymore." 

My vision blurred with tears. "Why did you take that hit for me? If I'd been quicker you wouldn't have had to. If I hadn't been so slow then this never would have happened. Damn it, all of this was my fault!"' 

I was sobbing now, my shoulders shaking uncontrollably. "I'm so sorry, Tristan. I'm so so sorry."  

A stronger gust of wind hit me and I could see Tristan's face in my mind. His beautiful green eyes. His strong arms. His warm embrace. And he was gone. 

"Ryleigh." I didn't turn even though I knew who it was. Arms encircled me but they weren't the arms I yearned for. My brother's familiar scent comforted me as I buried my face into his chest and sobbed. 

Liam soothingly rubbed my back and held me close as I soaked his bare chest with tears. "Shh, it's going to be okay," he murmured. "I've got you, Ry." 

"I miss him so much, Liam," I cried.  

"I know, sis, I know." Liam continued to hold me until the tears stopped. We stood there for a while before Liam spoke. "Do you want me to call Nikkole and tell her you aren't going to make it to dance tonight?" 

"No," I said, shaking my head. "I have to dance. It's the only thing I have right now." 

"You have me," Liam said. "I'm here for you, sis." 

I gave him a strained smile. "Thanks, Liam." 

"Come on, let's get you home," Liam said, wrapping an arm around my shoulders and leading me away. I brushed my fingers over the headstone before leaning into Liam's side as he led me home. 

Tristan and I used to take walks like this. I could still remember the feeling of his hand in mine, the tingles I got whenever he leaned in close to whisper sweet nothings in my ear. He would never do that again. 

A depressed sigh left my lips and Liam pulled me in closer. "Are you sure you want to dance tonight? Nikkole will understand if you can't." 

"I'm sure," I said softly, my voice barely audible. 

When we arrived to the house it had started to rain. I headed into my room and pulled on a loose t-shirt and a comfortable pair of black soffe shorts. After slipping into a jacket, I walked downstairs and was hit with a distant memory. 

It was late and I'd snuck out of Tristan's arms to find a snack. As quiet as I'd thought I'd been, I wasn't quiet enough. I squealed when Tristan suddenly lifted me up and held me, bridal style, in his arms. 

"Trying to sneak away from me?" Tristan asked with a pout on his beautiful lips.  

"I was hungry," I defended myself.  

"Guess I really did wear you out in bed, didn't I?" Tristan smirked and I punched his shoulder, but I couldn't stop myself from laughing.  

"Carry me down the stairs?" I asked.  

"Of course," Tristan said, giving me a light kiss.  

In the kitchen, I searched through the refrigerator for something to eat when I felt something wet hit me in the head. With a furious glare, I turned to see that Tristan was holding up a bottle of chocolate syrup.