Chapter 45
"Y-Your stepbrother?" I stuttered out, "But, why? He doesn't know my Grandfather, right? Why would he go and kill him? It makes no sense!"
"Maybe he does know him..." Harry mumbled. Marie and I looked at him confused, "What do you mean?" Marie asked. Harry quietly sighed, "I know you probably don't want to hear this after all that's happened, but I think I should just tell you what I think. You know how Nicole's Dad's side of the family was in a gang, well they had more members... what if Alex is one of them?"
"Why is everyone in Nicole's dad's gang?" Marie whined. Harry wrapped his arm around Marie's waist, "Look, it's getting late, let's just get some sleep and worry about this tomorrow, okay?"
We all agreed to do that. I climbed into bed and fell asleep.
*
"Momma, Momma!" the small voice of someone chanting woke me up from sleep. I rubbed my eyes and sat up. I saw Addy standing next to my bed, staring at me. I looked at her confused, "Addy, what are you doing here?"
"Daddy brought me here," she replied, climbing onto my bed. I frowned and picked her up. I carried her out of my room and down the hall, towards the kitchen. I heard voices in the kitchen. I peeked in and saw Marie, Harry, Niall, and Aedan sitting at the table. They were eating breakfast and talking.
"I can't believe you almost hit her..." Harry mumbled, "But, I know you were mad about how Nicole blamed you for Bethany's death. I would be mad, too, but you should have figured out a different way to resolve your conflicts."
Niall sighed, "I know, and I really regret what I did..."
"Seems like you guys are both even, can't you just accept that and forgive each othter?" Marie asked. Niall sighed again, "I wish it was that easy... but, I don't think Nicole will want to forgive me after what I did to her... I could see the fear in her eyes when I lifted my hand... it was horrible..."
I decided now was a good time to step out. I walked into the kitchen with Addy still in my arms, "Look, Niall, I do realize what I said was horribly mean, I really regret it, but you wouldn't even listen to my side of the story, and I just grew angry."
Niall stood up, walking closer to me, "Can you tell me, then?" he asked when he was in front of me. I sighed, deciding to tell him now, "Yeah, I did cut, but I didn't do it anymore. Addy made me realize that I was not only hurting myself, but the rest of my family. I didn't do it again."
"I'm sorry, love, for not listening; could you ever forgive me?" Niall asked. I sighed and nodded, "Yes, I forgive you," I replied, and Niall pulled me into a hug.
*
Another long month as passed by. The grief over Bethany's loss still hasn't left us. I can't get her out of my mind. Every day I miss her. Every day I cry. Every day I regret not being able to save her. I thought that grief would leave... but it never does. Niall and I just sit at home with the kids each day, not doing anything but housework and taking care of the kids. I feel like I don't deserve to do anything anymore.
I had the TV switched on to some Disney movie the twins were watching. Ella was also here, actually. She is here a lot more often. She tells Niall how she doesn't have many friends at school, so she likes coming here to hang out with us and the kids. We remind her of Bethany. It's really hard for Bethany. She still cries in front of us sometimes, whenever something reminds her of Bethany.
The movie ended and I glanced at the clock. It was eight already, so soon the twins would need to get to bed. Ella glanced at the clock, too, "My mom should be picking me up any minute now..." she mumbled, mostly to herself. Ella played with Aedan and Addy for a little, well, until the doorbell rang.
