Page 22 of Malevolent Hearts
Once again, my gaze drifts towards Cadden, impeccably dressed in a suit and tie, motorcycle helmet tucked under his arm. It was him that taught me the power of a poem, and suddenly it feels wrong to recite one I wrote now, but I do it anyway. “This one is called Like Liam Did.”
If you want to love;
love with your soul.
Like Liam did.
When you need to fight;
fight with your heart.
Like Liam did.
If you dare to dream;
dream beyond the sunsets.
Like Liam did.
When it’s time to die;
leave a lasting mark.
Like Liam did.”
Suddenly, the walls begin to cave in around me. The air in my lungs fades to nothing. Bowing my head, I step off the podium and rush towards the nearest exit. Once I’m outside, I drop to my knees and turn my face to the sky, finally able to draw air into my lungs. “I’m sorry, Liam. I can’t say goodbye. Not to you.”
A hand settles on my shoulder, making me crane my neck. Tortured eyes find mine, and I can’t conjure the strength to hate him, not while the world crumbles around me.
My body rattles as I pull away from his touch, covering my face with my palms. “You can’t be here.”
Dropping to his knees, Cadden tugs at my wrists, trying to hold my gaze. “Beibhinn, please.”
Finally, I look his way, allowing him to see how broken he made me. The strong, fearless queen he’s used to seeing is lying in the box next to her brother. “Just go, Cadden. I can’t even look at you right now. So, please, get on your bike and fuck off back to where you came from.”
“I never meant for any of this to happen, B. You have to believe me.” The hurt shining back at me mirrors my own, but I just… I can’t.
“Tell me how to make this right.”
“You can’t. You took him from me and there’s not a thing you can do to bring him back. So, please, just go. I can’t be near you, not now.”
Without another word, Cadden rises to standing and lowers his head. My eyes trail his every step, watching him stalk towards his bike.
Turns out, love is a long road to heartbreak, and I’ve reached my destination.
Twelve
Beibhinn
The Present
And my soul from out that shadow that lies floating on the floor
Shall be lifted—nevermore!
—Edgar Allan Poe
Fuck this. I can’t do it.