Broken (Sequel to Keeping Secrets)

Chapter 17.

*Norman's P.O.V.*

Thunder crashes and I sigh. As if my day wasn't shitty enough. At least she will be happy. I know she will be. I hate the idea of her not being here when I get home anymore, but she did have a point. It will be easier for the both of us. Especially for me. I couldn't imagine what I would look like watching her walk through that door for good. I don't even want to think about it.

I quickly take a shower and get dressed. I'm kind of surprised that she is still sleeping. I'm glad she finally fell back asleep. That hour and a half of her sighing and turning over and over again was exhausting, even for me. I should have wrapped my arms around her when she kept moving. I knew that's what she wanted, but I didn't do it. I couldn't do it. All she needed was for someone to hold her and tell her everything was going to be okay and she would have been out like a light. But no one was there. God knows I was somewhere in la la land having self pity because I'm the piece of shit that's drove her to leave.

I kneel down beside her side of the bed. I tuck a piece of loose hair behind her ear. Her breathing is calm and she looks like a child. She looks so beautiful. I kiss her forehead and tell her that I love her and that I always will. I grab the car keys from the dresser and make my way to the god forsaken clinic.

*

"Um, Hi, I'm Alexis. I'm almost forty, and I've been an addict for about two years now," The woman pauses, wiping her cheek with the back of her hand. "I've lost everyone in my life that I cared about. My family, my home, I lost my job, I lost everything. I've been staying here at the clinic until I get better and can get another job and find a home. I'm hoping that by the time I get out of here, I'll be able to relight my daughter and I's relationship," She sighs and her eyes go dark. "There's a possibility that she doesn't want anything to do with me, but I pray every night that she does." She gives a light smile and takes a seat.

"Anyone else?" The head counselor asked. "How about you Mr.-" He pauses, looking at the clipboard in his hands. "Reedus?"

"No," I answered quickly. "Not today." I answered again, not wanting to sound too rude.

He nods and gives a smile. "Well, you will go at one point, Mr. Reedus,"

"Yeah, yeah." I chuckle. I'm never going. I'm fine and dandy sitting right here, just listening. I don't need anyone's pity.

"Tomorrow we are going to do some trust exercises and talk some more about finding that light and grabbing a hold of it to bring ourselves back to the surface, you guys are free to go." He nods and dismisses the class.

"Mr. Reedus, I'd like to talk to you for a little, actually. So, can you please stay?" Are you fucking kidding me? No I will not stay. I have shit to do.

"Um, yeah, sure," I scratched the back of my neck and sat back down in my chair. Within minutes the room cleared and the two of us are left alone.

He takes a seat in front of me and laughs quietly to himself. "You don't know who I am, do you?"

"Should I?" I asked, furrowing my eyebrows.

"Yeah, you should," He raises an eyebrow, giving me a sarcastic smile. "Jeremy Clarkson?"

Jeremy Clarkson? Who the hell is-

My mouth fell open and I cough, trying to catch my breath.

"Jeremy?" I take a good look at the man in front of me, and underneath all of the facial hair and the muscle, I could see him. The boy that was Danielle's best friend.