Chapter 57
What am I doing? Annie thought. I never cry, and here I am making a blubbering idiot out of myself, she groaned inwardly, afraid of what he might think.
As the sobs subsided, Annie reluctantly pulled away despite her strong urge to stay in his arms where she felt safe. So many things in her life had turned upside down that she struggled to find the one thing to hold on to amid the chaos. Michael had proven to be a solid source, someone she could trust, but her own tenacity prevented her from giving up her independence to rely on someone else.
Annie closed her eyes as Michael reach up tenderly to wipe the wetness from her cheeks with his thumbs. His gentleness and compassion was exactly what she needed right now, as she struggled with the varying emotions that she felt.
"I'm sorry, I don't normally let things get to me like that," Annie apologized, gazing down at their entwined hands.
"After everything you've been through, baby," Michael tilted her chin up with his finger to get her to look at him. "I'd be worried if you didn't."
"Thanks," Annie murmured quietly.
His deep green eyes locked with hers and she could feel her pulse start to race. Annie was glad she wasn't attached to the monitors or she was sure the alarms would be going off by now.
"Uh," Michael stammered, breaking the heavy tension in the room. "Um, how's your brother doing?"
The soft smile Annie wore quickly faded as a wave of sadness overwhelmed her. She tried to pull away, but he held tight to her hands so she knew it was useless to struggle. She didn't want to hurt Michael anymore than he already was.
"Baby, talk to me," Michael pleaded, his voice laced with worry as she dropped her head to once again study their clasped hands. "Please tell me what's wrong, Annie."
I can't do this, Annie thought. He's okay so I should just go and let Charles come answer his questions, she told herself, but her body wouldn't cooperate as she continued to sit there.
Annie opened her mouth, but nothing would come out. Squeezing her hands reassuringly, Michael looked at her encouragingly but didn't push. However, she wasn't sure if she could tell him. Closing her eyes, she took a deep breath, drawing on the strength she felt radiating from him.
"He's dead," she blurted out. Hearing his sharp intake of breath, Annie opened her eyes, their gazes locking again. "Craig died on the way to the hospital," she murmured so quietly it was barely above a whisper.
"Oh my God, Annie, I'm so sorry," Michael cried, pulling her back into his arms.
As his strong arms enclosed around her, Annie couldn't help but think of how comforting it felt. A part of her wanted to stay there, where nothing could touch her, and she'd only have to feel him next to her. However, she knew it wasn't realistic.