Life After Light by E.S. Maria

Author:E.S. Maria [Maria, E.S.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Le Haute Books
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

“Tell me again why I’m doing this? I can’t go on, Brodie. This is insane!” I nervously whisper to my brother while we’re sitting in the booth closest to the stage. I’m already on my third shot of tequila, hoping this liquid courage will actually work.

“You got this, Han,” he reassures me. “You should be loosening up by now. How many shots have you had, anyway?”

“First of all, no, I don’t ‘got’ this. I have never sang, nor have I played guitar onstage. This will be my first, and possibly my last performance. And this tequila’s not working! Are you sure you gave me tequila?”

“Hey, if this will be your last performance, which I’m highly doubtful of, then bloody make it count!” Brodie sighs. “Look, the place is packed, and most of these people know who we are. They’re not here to judge you or me. They’re here to have a good time. Why don’t you just give them a little bit more credit, huh?”

“I know. I’m just … I don’t know,” I mumble. The noise buzzing from the crowd muffles the sound of my nervous heart beating, but I can still feel it thumping.

Okay … now I feel nauseous. Oh, boy.

“Oh my God. Hannah?” a familiar, sweet-sounding voice calls my name.

That voice. How can I not know who owns that voice?

“Brook?” I turn my head to the direction where the voice comes from, feeling equally astounded. “Brooklyn Sanders, is that you?”

“Oh my God!” she cries, then her familiar scent hits me, followed by familiar arms wrapping around me, and not letting go. “I can’t believe it. I mean, I was hoping to visit you at your place while I’m here for a break although I never really held any hope that you’d want to see me. But you’re here, and you can’t escape me now!”

“I’m so sorry, Brook. I was in a really bad place after Paul … and now I’m blind …”

“I know, you don’t need to explain,” she tells me. “We all felt Paul’s loss. We all grieved with you, Hannah. And we understood that you needed time.”

I say nothing, as I close my eyes, feeling my chest clench. I remember vividly the shame I felt, self-loathing after our accident. It led me to drive off everyone I cared for. I hated myself for what I did, and I was too scared that they’d see through my grief and find out that I was the cause of it all.

“But hey, you’ve been given this gift of a second chance, Hannah. And I’m sure Paul would want you to use this gift and continue to live.”

I choke on my tears, nodding. She’s only been here for less than five minutes and she already knows how to make me feel better.

“I’m trying to live again, Brook. But it hasn’t been easy. I’m just thankful that Brodie’s here right now.” I reach for my brother, giving his shoulder a good squeeze.

“Hey, Brook,” I hear Brodie speak apprehensively.

“Hey …” Brook hesitantly answers back.

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