Pierced your arrow through my heartThrough the door at 10:06 pm after Caleb nodded off on the couch. I took our glasses into the kitchen, covered him with one of the fur blankets from his bed and let myself out, locking the door behind me.
Wanted me, now want me gone
In your hiding, you’re alone
Kept your treasures with my bones
Told me lies, told me tales
Lived for bad, and hit the rails
Hate you, boy, with what I know
Picked my love up with my bones
When I came in the side door Lochlan came off his chair like there might be a spring underneath him. PJ had him blocked before he even registered that it was just me.
You're here!
I told you I wouldn't be there long. We had a drink and I'm home as promised. I think he really enjoyed the day. Thank you for helping keep the peace.
His composure fought an incredible battle on the inside. I could see his expressions cycling through as he went for neutral and wound up with pain, relief, stubbornness and love all mixed up together. Then he bailed on the whole mess and just pulled me into my place, tucked under his chin, in his arms, underneath his flannel shirt, pressed against the t-shirt that is so old it feels like his heartbeat is the thrum of huge heavy butterfly wings muffled by clouds.
Three seconds later another chin lands on the back of my head and the sandwich is complete as I feel Ben's hands press to my ears. Okay then. Jesus. They painted me a reckless liar. Wait, I am one. This feels awful.
You okay? Ben's question is as weighty as Loch's relief so that I get crushed underneath my own guilt.
I'm fine. We had a drink. I'm home.
He let you go?
He can't 'keep me'. He fell asleep. It happens. People get tired.
The Devil isn't 'people', Bridgie.
I shrug and push myself out of the embrace. PJ checks his eyebrow raise and asks if I want tea. I shake my head and ask if we can watch a movie or something. Lochlan gently reminds me that it's late and he has to get up early so bed it is. Off we go.
Why did you stay up then?
I was holding out until PJ let his guard down and then I was going to come get you.
Loch-
Just don't, Bridget.
You don't trust me.
I don't trust him. You know damn well if he wants something you can't-
Can't refuse him?
Can't fight back. He absolves me with that. He forgets the minute I am home, always.
Sure I could. I'm tougher than I look.
He shakes his head and then pulls off his shirt and the t-shirt underneath. You think he..I don't know, do you think he's going to leave you alone?
I don't want to ruin this perfect victory of a day, complete with cake, balloons, presents, touching speeches and self-reliance with disappointment so I just strip off all my clothes, climb into the middle of the big bed, bracelets and all and forget to kiss the boys goodnight.