Page 50 of Redeeming Heart

“Sasha?”

I caught my feet when I whirled around, recognizing the deep voice and for a fleeting moment, I almost didn’t recognize Brandon in his dark jeans and leather jacket.

There wasn’t any time to find out what he was doing here as I had to get going.

“Hey…can’t talk.”

I dropped my board and skated down the street towards the cemetery where I was hoping Maggie will be. I know it’s where I am every year on my birthday, sitting at my mother’s tombstone and talking to her as if she can hear me.

I was a few streets away from the pub when a car suddenly pulled up beside me and almost made me jerk out of my skin.

“You do realize it’s kind of late to be boarding at this hour, right?” I heard Brandon say.

“I don’t have much of a choice,” I replied.

“Get in and let me take you to wherever you are headed.” He offered, not backing away.

“Not tonight, Brandon.” I insisted.

“I can always be a pain in the butt and follow you all the way, just to make sure you get there in one piece.”

“Do you ever give up?” I questioned with annoyance.

“Not something I’m familiar with.” He remarked with a smug smile.

I can be twice as stubborn, but I wasn’t looking forward to having him follow me around with his car. It will only draw unnecessary attention and it wasn’t something I needed right now. So, I decided to back down from my stubbornness and accepted his offer.

“So, where are we going?” I sensed he was quite smug with himself but he didn’t show it.

I tried not to smile when I realized I was going to ruin his good mood and he might just change his mind about giving me a ride.

“Cemetery.”

I was grateful when he didn’t ask any questions. He just drove off towards the cemetery and got out with me when we pulled up.

I thought about letting him off the hook—telling him he can leave.

“I am not going to let you go in there by yourself.” He protested.

“There are only graves in there, what are they going to do? Scare me to death?”

He didn’t appear to be amused with my remark.

“There can be grave robbers.” He insisted, grabbing a flashlight and switching it on—testing to see if it was working and followed me down the path that led to my mother’s tombstone.

He stayed close and I tried to imagine him being one of those guys that screams like a girl if something scary must happen.

I turned to look at Brandon when I found Aunt Maggie sitting hunched over in front of my mom’s tombstone.

“You don’t have to stay, I’ve got this,” I assured him.

I was feeling a bit self-conscious that he has to witness any of this.

“I’m staying, Adams.” He said with a voice that left no room for arguments.

“Okay, but just give me a few minutes alone with her.”

He nodded and left me to go over to aunt Maggie.