Chapter 19: Forever Gone

 

I woke in a hospital bed. Only Stone was next to me and he had tears down his face. I tried to roll over but a tube in my arm held me down. I thrashed and tried to rip it out but Stone held my arms strong.

“Stop, you need that. I won't lose another brother.” I looked to him bleary eyed.

“What do you mean?” He sat down.

“Chris and Dan are dead. Father killed them.” I began to hyperventilate before a nurse rushed in and I was out.

I woke again I don't know how long I had been in here any more. But someone came to get me. I looked at Stone he looked tired. I got up and changed before I was discharged. It was a heavy downpour and he was yelling at me, how stupid I was to try to take my life. He didn't know of my nightmares or the fact that I was so messed up. I saw head lights oncoming, he looked to me then to the road. He tried to swerve but we hit the other car head on.

“Take care of them.” Was his last words as my brother died next to me. I watched him die. Three of my brothers gone. I shoved the door open with my shoulder and walked with a limp over to the other car. I checked for a pulse but there was none. I looked to my forearm and saw the huge gash. I heard sirens in the distance. I took off running. My leg slowing me down. I collapsed on the ground soaked and I looked up into the sky and the thunder roared around me and lightning struck close. I turned and saw the cop behind me. I just let him tackle me to the ground. The cuffs came on my hard as he dragged me from the ground. He kept shoving me towards his car and from there I was arrested. Charged with involuntary man slaughter and fleeing the scene of a crime. I arrived at jail and knew it was late and Angelina hadn't got much sleep lately but she was all I had left. Once I was processed and given a blanket due to being totally soaked I had my one phone call.

“Hello?” Came the groggy voice of Angelina.

“I need you to come get me Ange.” She sat up.

“Where are you?” I sighed.

“Jail?” I tried to chuckle but I just couldn't.

“I'm on my way.” I hung up. I was led back to my cell. I stared out into a now clear night. I wished I never came out here. It was because of me my brothers were dead. Stone, had a month with his daughter. I wish I fought for her, then maybe I wouldn't of drank all those nights, or almost killed my self. She came to me and I held her tight. Trying not to cry.

“Hes gone, Ange. He's dead. Its all my fault.” I sobbed as she started to cry against me. She composed her self and drove us back to the house, she was wiping a tear away constantly. She sat me at the table.

“I don't know whether to strangle you my self, or to just break down.” Her voice quavering with every word.

“I didn't mean to, I didn't mean to get him killed. Please it wasn't my fault. I've lost everything, my mother, my brothers.” I shook with the sobs that racked my thin frame.

“He was just bringing me home. I haven't slept since i've arrived. She was the only one who could stop my nightmares. I had injured my self and wanted to die, not the other way around. Please Ange believe me.” She sat down at the table.

“And what am I supposed to tell my daughter? Her father will never be around. It is your fault, Ethan. I want you packed and gone by morning. Never come back.” She sobbed. I stood and just grabbed my stuff and walked out to my mustang.

“Damn it! Why the hell me god? Why do I have to lose everything! Haven't I suffered enough!” I screamed into the sky. I slammed the door close and just sobbed into my hands. I saw the kitchen light go out and I sped off. I took to the night knowing she got my charges dropped due to me being disoriented after having to witness my brother die. I just drove back to Oregon. It was early in the morning and I unlocked the front door. She was sitting at the table with a cup of coffee in her hands, she was as beautiful as I remembered. I pulled my shoes off and she noticed my presence. She ran to me and hugged me, I bit back the pain as she crushed my forearm and a broken rib. I pull out of her embrace and pick my bag back up. I don't even look at her as I make my way to the stairs. I just collapsed in bed, not really caring if tomorrow came.