The Sweet Encounter (Completed)

Chapter Twenty-Two: The Story

As Brie sat in the car, her mind was at a loss for words. How could Trey possibly think of her in that light? She had never seen him with such a dark personality. He wanted her to leave. Was it for that moment only or forever?

Jerry started the car and put it in reverse, as the car backed up; Brie placed her hand on the door handle and opened the door. He braked the car so fast, their bodies motioned forward and then back.

"Brie. Jesus! What are you doing?"

Her mouth opened but the words didn't come out. She stared into Jerry's eyes and knew what she had to do.

"I'm sorry, Jerry, but I have to be there for him. I love him and don't want to lose him."

"Brie. I would have never ever let you go. Please don't."

He didn't know what else to say to make her stay. He held onto her hand in hopes she would get back into the car, but her body was already out of the vehicle. She closed the door, and he saw her running towards the hospital entrance.

Brie slipped through the opened door of the room and saw Trey standing at the window. His gaze was distressed as he was transfixed on the city lights beyond the glass. They had already taken Mrs. Bryson out of the room, so it was an empty room full of grief and pain, she thought.

She went behind him and wrapped her arms around his waist. He flinched at her touch not realizing she had returned. Her head rested on his back. He didn't move to accept her hands. He didn't speak a single word.

Brie didn't know how long they stood there, but she told herself she would wait forever until he would say something.

"I'm sorry, Trey."

She didn't want to say too much in fear that he wouldn't listen. All she wanted to do was comfort him during this time of loss.

"She remembered you." His soft spoken words about his mother brought more tears into Brie's eyes. How she wish she had been here and how she wish she could turn back the time.

"As I lay here praying for her and letting her know that I didn't know how to be alone, she answered me. She called out your name as if she knew that you were the answer to my life."

He seemed emotionless but continued.

"All the while, when I needed you the most, you were with him. It took me a while to come to the realization, but seeing you in his arms, it was clarity for me."

She moved herself in front of him and held his face with her hands.

"What you saw had no meaning. I admit I was wrong in wanting to have Jerry in my life as if it wasn't going to hurt you."

His gaze wasn't attentive to her plea, and she didn't know how else to capture him anymore.

"Trey, look at me."

He tried his best not to give in to her, but his heart still yearned for her. Even in his state of sorrow, he couldn't bear to see her eyes filled with tears. He closed his eyes and let his head fall.

"Trey. You can push me away, but I'm not going to leave you. Please don't ask me to leave you ever again. I felt so powerless, but I know where I need to be."

He lost his will to fight against her. He pulled her up against his body and engulfed her with his arms. They both stood there, releasing all the pain they had been holding in.

"Forgive me, Brie. The words I've said were too much."

She shook her head, "It's alright, as long as you'll still have me."