Broken

Chapter Twenty-Four

Emma Payton

I threw my crutches to the ground of the bus and sat down. I can't even get on the bus without tripping or anything. I can't even run. Oh my. I can't run. This is official the worst weekend of my life. I hate this so much.

I somehow manage to fall asleep on the bus until we got back to the high school. Luckily Skyler drove me, so I don't have to drive home myself. I yanked my duffel bag from the cabinet and wobbled  my way off the bus. I met up with Skyler and we drove home in silence.

I hopped into the house. I made my way into my room and slammed the door shut. Posters of runners surrounded the walls of my room. I look at all the metals and trophies I have won from winning races. Something about them make me angry. I am can't even look at them. My eyes threaten me with water. I can't do this anymore. Tears spill out from my eyes. I throw the crutches on my bed and tore off the poster on the walls. Every piece falling to the ground.

I slid my hand throughout the shelf, making everything fall to he ground with a loud thud. I scream. Why does it have to me of all people.

A quiet knock came from my door, causing me to jump. My sobs stop. I open the door slightly to reveal Brooks. Why would he be here?

"Hi." I croak, unable to not cry.

"Oh my god." He pushed the door open and took me in his arms, making me feel safe. Like nothing ever happened. I could tell he saw the mess I made, because of the loud gasp coming from his lips. His grip around me tightened.

"Em. What happened?" He asked, his brown eyes meeting my blue,broken ones.

"I'm sorry." My lip started quivering. "I'm sorry." I repeated myself, letting more tears roll down my cheeks. He gently whipped my tears away with his thumbs.

"There is nothing to say sorry for." He whispered. "Now let's clean this up."he gestured to my room and I nodded.

Brooks helped me clean my room and after we sat in silence. We were both unsure of what to say, it was very awkward.

"Thank you." I smiled but at the same time he said, "You ok?"

"You go first." We say unison.

"Thank you." I repeated myself.

"Anytime, Emma. Really, if you ever need me. I'm just one call away." He grinned shyly.

"I know. I'm just angry at the world. I'm angry that I'll never be able to run. To do anything for that matter. I'm scared everyone is happy I'm no longer running. I'm scared in general. Why did it have to be me? Why me?" I rambled. Brooks grabbed my hand and met my eyes.

"Don't say: Why me? Say: Try me." He stated. He is right. Maybe I could get over this leg and run again. But I can't go to state and win. That's been my life goal since freshmen year.

"You listening to me, Emma?"

"Yeah. I guess." I frowned. I want to believe him. That maybe I can. But I can't.

"It's not your fault the cliff was there." He whispered. I looked into his brown eyes.

"It's my fault I fell." I stated.

"It's their fault, Emma. They should have put up railing so that this.." He paused and gestured to my leg. "This wouldn't have happened. Don't go blaming yourself. I hate seeing you like this."

A hint of sadness comes rushing through his eyes.

"I'm pretty sure Skyler is worried about you, I know I am." He said and grabbed my hand, gently rubbing circles with his thumbs.

"Thank you." I whispered.

"For what?"

"For being here. For helping me. For even talking to me. Before you came here I wasn't happy, I was mad. Mad at the world, wishing everything would stop. But then, you came. You made it better. So thank you." I smiled.

"Of course I'm here. I.. I care about you." He stuttered. Something about those words made my heart flutter.

"Can I tell you something?" He asked, running the back of his neck.

"Anything." I smiled.

"So... I've been being to tell this girl I like her, but I don't know how to." He chewed on the inside of his cheek. A part of me was sad.

"I say just tell her how you really feel. If she doesn't feel the same way, then she doesn't deserve to be in your life." I grinned.

"Ok... Ok... When is the perfect way to tell her?" He asked.

"Just tell her. If she feels the same way, then she wouldn't care how you tell her."

"I like you." He said bluntly. I couldn't help the smile form on my face. He likes me.

"If you don't like me, then—" I cut him off by crashing my lips on his. Taken by surprise, but soon kissed back. He wraps his arms around my waist as I move mine around his neck. We both pulled away. My smile faded away when my thoughts went to my best friend. His sister. My breathing gets heavily.

I just kissed Skyler's brother. Of all people. She is going to hate me. I run my hands through my hair.

"Whats wrong?" He asked.

"Skyler is going to kill me." I stress.

"Who cares what she says." He smiled. No, she would literally kill me if she finds out. I grab my crutches and stand up.

"I like you, a lot. But Skyler is my best friend. I can't do this to her." I frown.