Trial Of Hearts: (game on) 🤍

Δ brother Δ

listen to "I'm just a kid" by Simple Plan

Kate

I can't remember how we got to the park.

Did it take long? Who came with? Was there a hidden camera somewhere, or all of this was happening for real?

One moment I was at the Hales, trying to strangle Tall John, and in the next, I was in Nadia's car again, with Jasper and Ryan Hale now in the back seats.

Kyle was relocated with Chris now in another car. Thank God, otherwise we probably would have gotten each other by the throats and caused an accident.

I could barely hear Ryan explaining where and when he'd last seen my brother. My brain was busy searching through the last few weeks' memories if something...anything has indicated that Jason has gone mad.

Why would he set our local park on fire?

Yes, I still believed he could do it.

He has grown up drowned in our family's tragedy and the events that I have personally triggered.

What if it took its toll on him?

What if he became like...like...like that person who's name I cannot even allow myself to think?

Kids played in that park EVERY DAY. What if someone got hurt? God, I'd die. My heart was beating so fast right now that I couldn't breathe.

Nadia's cold hand over my own brought me back to reality.

"Breathe, Kate, you're hyperventilating. It's going to be fine."

We have arrived somehow.

Jazz and Ryan were already otside in the parking lot with the other hundreds of people who have gathered there for God knows what reason.

I breathed in. Then out.

Had to stay adequate.

  "Kate, I know what you're thinking...and it's not like that, I'm sure of it. Look at me.", Nadia said and as I did, I knew she had my back. "Jason is okay. Whatever shit he's into, we're getting him out, okay? We're savage strong, baby. Made of stone, remember?"

I nodded and we hugged.

What was I ever going to do without my best friend?

Before my dad and my step mom had my sister Maya, I was on my own with 4 brothers. When Clara came into our lives 9 years ago, she brought her only son Rob, to live with us - another male that I thought I'd fight with. Can you imagine my misery - the only girl among five boys? Hell on Earth.
For as long as I could remember, I have always wanted a sister, and I found one in Nadia. She's an only child, so we clicked right away.

I was relieved that she was here with me now, ready to kick ass.

  "Come on, this way."

As soon as we go out of the car, Ryan pointed to the woods on the right and made us a sign to follow, despite the fact that all the other people were headed in the opposite direction.

I tried to question his decision but he was already willing to explain and shush-ed me, so I won't interrupt.

  "As I said, saw your brother walking through the park earlier today as I was meeting up with the guys. He looked like shit to say the least. Had his back pack as if he had been to school, but when I thought he'll come  skate with us as usual, he ran in the opposite direction. In other words, here..."

  "Guys... What the fuck..."

Nadia was the one to interrupt Ryan, however. She was looking at something through the trees on our right and obviously didn't like what she was seeing.