Broken Dreams Stories

Shattered Girl

Chapter 30

Mike and I were out of the shower when Drew stuck his head into my bedroom and told us the pizza was there. I threw my hair in a messy bun and followed Mike to the dining table, where the other guys were waiting for us. We all helped ourselves to pizza and breadsticks, then grabbed sodas; we returned to the living room and found a movie to watch while we ate.

We had just finished cleaning up and deciding how to spend the rest of our evening when Drew’s phone alerted us to a text message.

“Hey, Patrick’s on his way home. He should be back late tonight and wanted to know If Emmy would like to spend the day with him tomorrow?” Drew glanced at me, waiting for my answer so he could respond to Patrick.

“Sure, I would love to spend some time with him. It feels like forever since I saw him.” I smiled. As Drew typed out my reply, I looked around at the other guys. There were no signs of jealousy; no one seemed to be upset that I would be spending a whole day on one instead of with the group. Maybe the guys were right, and this could work out. I had zero examples of what a healthy family or relationships in general looked like. My mom was gone before I could remember her, and by the time I was ten, my father was ignoring me unless he was hitting me. I had always wanted a family full of love and kindness. Maybe I should trust what the guys say and let things happen naturally.

Drew had finished answering Patrick’s text when I asked if the guys would be willing to answer my questions. They all quickly assured me that I could ask them anything.

“So, I’m going to be gone most of the day tomorrow with Patrick, and none of you are upset or jealous?” I sat between Jake and Drew but glanced around at all the guys, looking for signs of anger or jealousy. I saw none, which allowed me to heave a sigh of relief.

are doing things together, and there will be times we aren’t. It’s the same with private time in the bedroom. None of us expect

While I enjoyed my bratty moments and winding Josh up, I love his praise even more, and I have a feeling he’s figuring out. He stands as I approach, holding out

he turns to retrieve something from his desk. Coming back to me with a box in his hands, he sits beside me and holds it out. I take it from him, turning it over in my hands. I spot the picture

too much.” I say. I was looking at a brand new phone, and it was the

plan, and they shipped the phone right to the house.” He took the box from me, slid it open, and took out the phone and charger. He moved closer so I could see what he was doing. Turning the phone on, he selected English as the language and handed the phone to me, telling me to follow the directions. I follow the prompts until get to the part where it’s asking for credit card information. Josh takes the phone back,

want to live off you guys.” I crossed

Josh said, holding up a finger. We are a family, and we share everything. When you are healed, you can decide whether to go to college, get

and closed my mouth, not knowing what to say, and Josh leaned

would get me in trouble, and followed the prompts on the phone after setting up my fingerprint and face ID. I brought the phone over to Josh; he had set up several different colored cases for me to

1/2

–

Chapter 30

few minutes later, he had applied the screen protector and case, and my brand new glittery purple phone was back in my possession. I sat on Josh’s lap, giving him a deep kiss, which he returned. Smiling happily, I ran my fingers

he followed me out of his room. I went right to

sweetheart.” He acknowledged, kissing the tip of

asked Mike if it was ok for me to have Patrick’s number. Mike sent me Patrick’s contact information. After I saved it, I texted him, telling him I was looking forward to tomorrow and that I missed him. He responded almost immediately, telling me he missed me too and would be here at eleven to pick me up. I replied, telling him