The Hockey Star’s Remorse

Chapter 48

The hospital room was dimly lit, casting a flourescent glow over Timothy’s frail form lying in the bed. A cry escaped my lips at the sight of him in such a weakened state. His face was pale, and his eyes were heavy with pain.

Fresh tears welled in my eyes as I approached his bedside. As I walked closer, his eyes snapped open and he smiled brightly. It was almost child–like, his eyes full of hope as he caught me standing there,

“Hey,” he said softly, his voice hoarse.

“Hi,” I replied. “How are you feeling?”

“Better now that you’re here,” Timothy said. He tried to sit up but groaned at the pain in his shoulder. I rushed over and adjusted the pillows so that he could be propped up.

When I was sure he was comfortable, I pulled a chair close to the bed and sat down, reaching for the glass of water on the nightstand. “Here, Timothy, you need to stay hydrated,” I said gently, offering him the water.

He smiled weakly and took a few sips, wincing slightly as he moved. “Thank you, Evie,” he whispered.

I shook my head, tears streaming down my cheeks. “I’m sorry I got you involved in all of this. I never thought he would go so far!”

Timothy sighed. “No, Evie, this isn’t your fault. Bruce had the knife and decided to use it.”

“Still,” I looked away from Timothy’s intense stare. “If I hadn’t gone to him on my own, he wouldn’t have been able to kidnap me.”

Timothy’s eyes filled with concern as he looked at me. “How long has he been harassing you for money? Was he like this when you lived with him?”

Taking a deep breath, I looked back at Timothy. It was time to be truthful, even though it was a truth I hardly wanted to acknowledge.

“Bruce was my stepbrother, but I hardly considered him my sibling.” I began, my voice trembling. “He was the reason I left home suddenly all those years ago.”

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Chapter 45

“What?” Timothy’s eyes widened.

1 took a deep breath, mustering the courage to speak on Bruce. It was a reality that I hardly told anyone, not even Aria.

“When I was living at home with my father and stepmother, Bruce

wavering with emotion. “He

but he remained

much just tease me,” I explained further. I hugged my torso and looked away as the shame returned in full

started to change. He would whisper nasty things in my ear, and he was always touching me,” I added. “Whenever I

about your parents?” Timothy pressed, his fists tightening. “Don’t tell me that they knew

was doing, but they didn’t

absent, and my stepmother, Bruce’s mom, thought I was just exaggerating about her son or making

worse.”

and turned his head away, like he could visualize the harsh memories pooling out of me. His heart monitor quickened

don’t want to stress you out with

You can tell me, if you’re comfortable. I want to know what

had begun to scab where the skin was

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Chapter 48

lips parting at my touch. His skin was so cold, it must’ve felt nice that I was sharing

continued, “It all escalated. I was in my room, lying down, when I heard Bruce creeping into my room. He kept trying

curious expression. The next part could come off unintentionally as a guilt–trip, which didn’t suit the situation with him being confined to a hospital bed. I wasn’t sure if we were ready to be honest about that

for. I could set aside

enough to sleep with you, Timothy, then I’d spread my legs

his entire countenance shrouded in horror

a sound left him as he leaned back against the pillows and stared up at the ceiling. His grip began to slip away from my mine and I let him drop hist hand back

went on. “I fought back with everything I had. There was a lamp on my bedside table I managed to

my life if I ever told anyone. what had happened. He eventually passed out, and I thought that I’d killed

thing. I’m so sorry, Evie. You never deserved any of that,” he

knew I couldn’t

up found myself alone in the wilderness, afraid

lifted his hand and brushed it against my cheek. He took my hand in his and pulled me closer. All at once, I found myself buried in his comforting embrace. “You were protecting yourself,” he murmured,

I said, my voice slightly muffled against Timothy’s good shoulder. “She saved me and

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Chapter 48

away my tears. “Figures you would bounce back after everything you’ve