Love Survives (Love's Suicide #2)(45)

Wrapped in smaller, individual packages were three presents. I smiled as I pulled them out and opened them. The first box contained chocolate truffles. I’d been getting them in my stocking since I was a child. My parents knew they were my favorite. I popped one in my mouth, savoring the familiar flavor. It was like heaven, almost bringing me back home for just a moment in time.

The next box contained a pair of gloves. Even though I had military grade ones, these were a newer version, and much more versatile for the weather conditions I was currently experiencing. I could use my weapon without having to remove them.

The third package was a photo. It was one I recognized immediately. I had a copy of it in my room. Branch, Kat and I stood outback under the tree house. We were all about eight at the time. They’d obviously blown up the original to a larger size and included a note with it.

Brooks: I thought that maybe you’d like to have something to remind you of what home is all about. We’ll always be family, no matter how far you all go. There’s no place like home.

Love: Mom & Dad



I sat there holding that picture for the longest time, hoping one day I’d be able to return to that yard. Even though they weren’t pictured, I appreciated my parents more than they’d ever know.

The second box addressed to me contained books and magazines. They must have known how boring it might get. Once I was done with them I’d leave them in the rec area for everyone to be able read also.



Before I could change my mind, I grabbed some paper and started writing my parents back. They wouldn’t get it right away, but at least they’d know I was grateful. Just as I began to write their names down I felt a burning in my eyes. This wasn’t how I saw my future when I was a kid. I’d never pictured being away from my family, missing out on traditions, and sharing moments together. I missed them all so much, but knew there was nothing I could do about it.

I crumbled up the paper and headed to where the phones were located. After waiting in a line, I finally had the opportunity to dial their number.



Hearing my mother’s voice was so relieving.

“Hello?”

“Mom, it’s me, Brooks.”

“Oh, honey, it’s so good to hear from you. We’ve been so worried.”

“I miss you.” I could barely get the words out. “It’s getting hard to keep it together, mom. I think I made a huge mistake.”

I could hear her beginning to cry on the other end of the connection. “I pray for you every day. We watch the news, hoping you’re okay over there.”

“I’m trying to be. I lost a friend last month. We were in basic together.” I fought back the burning in my throat. She didn’t need to hear me upset. “I watched him die right in front of me.”

“I can’t imagine what that was like for you.”

I decided to change the subject, to keep from losing my shit and wasting the call. “How is everyone at home? Are you ready for the holidays?”

“We’re getting there. Did you get your packages yet? We mailed it two weeks ago.”

“Yes, I got them this morning. They’re awesome. Thanks for sending them. It was nice to wake up to presents.”

“I wish we could fit more in the boxes. Your father thought I was silly for wrapping them all individually, but I wanted them to be special.”

“It was sweet, mom. Thanks.”

The line was quiet for a couple seconds. “Brooks, there’s something I want you to know. Katy called a while back. She didn’t say much, but she asked if you were okay. I think it was the fourth of July. She seemed upset.”

“Why didn’t you tell me this sooner?”

“She hung up after that. I didn’t have anything to tell. The call couldn’t have lasted more than thirty seconds. I told her to come home. I pleaded.”

“It’s okay, mom. You don’t have to be upset about it. Kat obviously needs more time. I’m sure it’s hard for her to face you and dad after what happened.”

“I love her as if she were my own child. We’d never turn our backs on that girl.”

“Maybe it had to do with pride. I don’t know. Not a day goes by where I don’t think about her, but there’s nothing I can do. Until she wants to be found, we just have to sit back and wait.”

“You’re right. Though her presents keep piling up. We still include her, expecting she’ll come home one day. I can’t give up hope.”

“I can’t either.”

Once again the line was quiet. I’d said too much about Kat.

“I hope you have a good day tomorrow, Brooks. Your father and I love you so much. He’s going to be upset he missed this call. Please keep your chin up. You’re stronger than you know.”

“I love you, mom. Tell everyone I’m okay. I’ll talk to you soon. I promise.”



For a few minutes I stood outside trying to calm down. Kat had reached out to make sure I was okay. She still cared. Even though it was temporary, I was happy for the first time in months.

Feeling the sentiment of the holidays I headed to grab something to eat early so that I’d be able to see Anderson and Spence. Like always, the girls were sitting at a table having their coffee. Spence smiled when she saw me approaching. I pulled the box of truffles from behind my back and sat them on the table. “Merry Christmas, ladies. My parents sent these. I’ve been trying to watch my figure, so I thought I’d share the calories around.”