#FlashFictionMagic: Broken Promise

During the arraignment, Jonah’s eyes locked on the Rourke siblings. At night, he dreamt about them, trying to make sense of a relationship to which logic did not apply. Some nights, they were partners, and Maeve orchestrated the attack. Other times, it was a case of mistaken identity and the attacker was another red-haired monster. Then there were the dreams where she came back to him. He hated those the most. Of all the kind, sweet women in the world, why did the one he wanted have to have the world’s most manipulative piece of crap for a brother? 

When Declan entered his plea, a smug “not guilty”, Maeve squeezed his arm firmly. Then, seemingly by accident, she took a quick glance at Jonah. He didn’t avert his gaze, and her fair skin flushed his favorite shade of pink. If he were more expert at maneuvering his wheelchair,  he thought he’d probably just go to her. He’d beg if he had to. Please. Choose me. Believe in me. 

“Time to go, man,” Nate said, patting his shoulder and nodding toward the exit. Reluctantly, Jonah turned away and wheeled himself up the aisle. He had therapy this afternoon. More excruciating effort to make his legs move how he wanted. He remembered Maeve’s promise the night of their second date, the one with the coffee: “I’ll be there every step of the way.” Now, though, it was clear that whenever he ditched the wheelchair, Jonah would be walking alone.