Erica patted Brooke on the shoulder her moving almost mechanical due to the infrequency of gentle touches between the two. “Why don’t you come with me to get a drink?”
Brooke nodded her unshed tears threatening to spill as she moved her head.
The two left the hospital and headed over to Erica’s house after deciding (or rather Erica decided) it would be better if Brooke had an emotional breakdown at her home instead of a restaurant.
Erica unlocked the door and pushed it open, the friendly scent of her house greeting her.
Brooke stepped in silently behind her wondering why on earth she had agreed in the first place. She should be at the hospital making sure nothing happened to Laura.
Erica gestured towards her couch as she usually did when she invited someone into her home. “Sit down, I’ll go get you a drink.”
Erica fixed Brooke a drink which she gratefully accepted and sipped slowly. Erica found a spot on the couch beside her.
Brooke put the glass down on a coaster and smiled wearily. “You know, Laura was just starting to get her life started, she got accepted into PVU and was looking forward so much to starting,” her voice started wavering. “and now it’s going to be taken away....she’s going to be taken away, and I don’t know if I can take this.”
Erica sighed. She saw the tears start falling and knew she had to be of some comfort to Brooke so she draped an arm around her shoulders and hugged her close as she cried softly. She knew that inside she should be cringing, wanting to vomit for being this close to someone she hated, but she didn’t. Instead it felt kind of...nice. It confused Erica momentarily then she pushed the thought away carelessly and waited for Brooke to finish.
Brooke removed herself from the comfort of Erica’s arms. “I’m sorry to be such a bother.”
“Nonesense.” Erica said. “I’m happy to help you. I know I would want to same if I were in your position and Bianca was in the hospital. Which is why I’m going to get David out of jail for you. He is the one who can help Laura best.”
“I just don’t know Erica,” Brooke wiped away her tears.
Somewhere along here a door opened and Bianca walked in unnoticed.
Brooke’s eyes started flooding again. “It seems so hopeless.”
“Shh.” Erica said softly as she took Brooke’s hand into hers. “Everything will be fine. I will make sure of it.” Something about seeing Brooke so vulnerable made her feel needed, like she should help her in any way she could, so she just smiled and stared deep into Brooke’s face until she couldn’t help but smile back.
Erica heard a small noise and looked up to see Bianca standing at the doorway. She dropped Brooke’s hand and stood up. “Oh, hi honey. I didn’t hear you come in.”
Bianca flashed what she hoped was a confident looking smile. “Hi Mom, hi Brooke.”
Brooke smiled at Bianca and said hello.
Bianca went upstairs and left them alone once more.
Brooke shifted uncomfortably. “I think I better be going now. Thank you for inviting me over.”
Erica nodded. “My pleasure.”
Brooke left shortly after grabbing her purse.
end.
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