Broken and Fearless // C.B.

Chapter 66

Colby was packing his bag. "Are you coming to Witches Forest?"

I shook my head. "No, uh, my dad needs me back in Boston."

"Why?"

I swallowed a sob. "Uh, my grandfather. He's sick, and they don't think he'll last much longer. My dad wants me to be there in case I need to say goodbye."

Colby nodded. "I could probably convince the guys to put off the--"

I cut him off. "No, don't put off a video for me. You go ahead to the forest. I've got an Uber coming."

He kissed me and nodded. "Keep in touch, babe, okay?"

"Yeah. You stay safe, you hear? Don't do any rituals or anything stupid."

"Not even for protection?"

"Look, so long as you come back unharmed and alive, I'll be happy. I love you, Colbs."

"Love you too, Jules. Have a safe flight."

My Uber arrived and I climbed in.

After security and all that fun stuff, I boarded my flight.

Seven hours later, I was at Logan. I got my bags and met my dad outside. "How's Grandpa?"

My dad looked at me, smiling tightly. "Hanging in there."

"Dad, do you think he'll make it?"

My dad paused, debating what to say. "Dad, I need you to be honest. Please."

"I don't think he'll make the night."

My breath hitched and Dad said softly, "I'm so sorry, Julie. I'd give anything to tell you otherwise."

"Can we visit him, Dad?"

"Of course we can."

Dad drove us to the hospital and I was instantly greeted with hugs from my siblings.

Jackson's eyes were glassy. He had a close bond with Grandpa. They would spend hours talking about things Grandpa had been through.

"Jack, how's he doing?"

Jackson shook his head. "Not great, Julie."

Jenna walked out from Grandpa's room. "He's hanging in there. Grandma went off to grab something to eat from the cafeteria."

The monitors started beeping and doctors and nurses rushed into the room.

The four of us stood outside, awaiting the verdict.

His doctor stepped out and said, "He's stable for now, but he could crash again."

I nodded and asked, "Can we visit him?"

"Juliet..." Dad began.

The doctor gave me a small smile. "Of course."

We walked into Grandpa's room. He was pale and looked sickly. There was a nasal cannula helping him breathe.

I noticed my family looking at me worriedly. "Guys, stop it. I'm fine."

I got a text from Colby. 'Hope everything's okay with your grandfather. Witches Forest is crazy. A lot of shit has already happened... And we've only visited an actual witch. A good witch, so you don't have to worry. Keep me updated, Jules. Love u'

'Be safe, Colby. For now, everything's okay'

I went to go get coffee, since I felt like I was crashing. I didn't want to be asleep if my grandfather died.