Page 18 of Broken Desires
Arriving home, I’m relieved to find the living room empty. I don’t have the energy to face anyone. As I limp to my bedroom, every step is a reminder of the night’s physical and emotional toll, but the muscular exhaustion feels almost blissful.
I collapse onto the bed, not bothering to change out of my dress. As soon as my head hits the pillow, exhaustion overwhelms me, dragging me into a deep, dreamless sleep. Despite the pain and fatigue, there’s a sense of contentment. Tonight, in my own way, I danced away some of the shadows that have long haunted me.
Stirring from an uneasy sleep, I find myself waking up earlier than expected. The events of last night hover in my mind, leaving me uncertain about facing the girls, especially Poppy. I’m not sure how I can explain my sudden departure from the ball without giving her the whole story, but maybe this is what I need to do now.
My watch vibrates, and I grab my phone from the nightstand. It’s a notification from the airline congratulating me on the purchase of my tickets and for the confidence I’ve placed in them to take me on this “exciting” journey. This turns my mood to a new low, especially with all the dark memories and cruel words that reopened barely-closed wounds.
“Exciting journey to hell.” I snort as I sit—my muscles still ache from last night’s much-needed session. I can’t help but laugh at that. Not the kind of session I would have liked the night to finish on. I would have hoped for this ache to be caused by Liam’s raw passion.
I get out of the dress and change into my flannel pajamas with bat prints before stumbling out of my room to the nice aroma of bacon, seeing Poppy opening the fridge.
“Who died?” I grumble, barely awake.
Poppy looks over her shoulder, a bit startled, a bottle of orange juice in her hand. “Died? Why would anybody be dead?”
She motions for me to take a seat. “Because I think it’s the first time in three months that anyone is actually cooking anything.”
I notice Eva, already dressed in her sophisticated ensemble, and I raise an eyebrow. “How come you’re already ready? It’s only eight thirty on a Saturday,” I huff as I slump onto the counter.
“Yes, it’s already eight thirty,” she replies, and it’s one of the times when I see Eva as being nineteen going on fifty.
Poppy hesitates, then says, “About last night,” she pauses, probably trying to choose her words carefully,” I think we need to talk.”
It’s too early for this. I’ll need something far stiffer than coffee to spill my heart out.
I roll my eyes and pour creamer into my coffee. “I’m not sure we need to.”
“I think we need to let it out. I?—”
Suddenly, there’s a shuffle at the door. A worn envelope slips under it. Poppy reads the letter with a frown between your eyebrows.
I can’t resist a jab. “Is that a love letter from Hawthorne?”
“Earth to Poppy.” I snap my fingers in front of her face. She’s lost in her thoughts. “You can’t leave us hanging,” I prod, curious despite myself.
Poppy waves a piece of paper. “It’s for a rage room, booked for lunchtime. Can you believe it?” She looks at us. “Are you game?”
Eva seems unsure, but I’m already grinning. “Smashing stuff for free? I’m so in.”
Poppy turns to Eva, who’s hesitant. “I’m not sure…”
“Are you scared to let it all out?” Poppy jokes, but Eva’s serious response kills the mood. “I’m not sure I’ll be able to close the box if I do.”
I put a comforting hand on her back. “That’s exactly why you need to, Eva. Because we’re here to help you close it again.”
After a moment of silence, Eva nods. “Okay,” she whispers, “let’s do it.”
And just like that, we’re gearing up for a day of destruction and release. Something tells me this is going to be more therapeutic than any of us expect, and it will help keep my mind away from last night, or so I hope.
As we enter the rage room, my heart skips a beat when I spot Ethan, Liam, and Cole already there. The nervous anticipation in my stomach is quickly replaced by a different kind of excitement when I see Liam. His gaze meets mine, and there’s no hint of pity or discomfort, only admiration and something deeper that makes my pulse race. It doesn’t feel like he’s looking at me as the deaf girl but as someone beautiful, someone who matters.
As the safety officer explains the rules, Liam moves to stand close to me, and it’s nice to feel his quiet strength. My heart swells as I feel the back of his hand brush against mine.
I glance at him, and he winks at me, making me happier than I have been in a very long time.
“Hey,” he says, his voice clear enough for me to read his lips easily. “Glad you could make it.”
I smile, feeling a rush of happiness. “Wouldn’t miss it,” I reply, my heart fluttering at the way his eyes crinkle when he smiles back.