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

I began, my voice wavering with emotion. “He

clenched with anger, but he remained silent, encouraging

yank my air, call me names, pretty much just tease me,” I explained further. I hugged my torso and looked away as the shame returned in full force. It felt like I always

whisper nasty things in my ear, and he was always touching me,” I

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

and stepmother about what he was doing, but they didn’t believe me. Well,

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

worse.”

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

you

back open and he panted, “No, Evie, please. You can tell me, if you’re

around mine, much colder in temperature. I ran my fingers over his swollen knuckles, which had begun to scab where

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Chapter 48

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

all escalated. I was in my room, lying down, when

with him being confined to

it was what he asked for. I could set

to sleep with you, Timothy, then I’d spread

entire countenance shrouded in horror at

at the ceiling. His grip began to slip away from my

had. There was

told anyone. what had happened. He eventually passed out, and I

face darkened with anger. “You did the right thing. I’m so sorry,

cheeks. “I knew I couldn’t stay there any longer. So,

I up found myself alone in the wilderness, afraid

closer. All at once, I found myself buried in his

to meet Aria,” I said, my voice slightly muffled against Timothy’s good shoulder. “She saved me

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Chapter 48

leaned back, gently wiping away my tears. “Figures you would bounce back after everything you’ve