Chapter Fifty Six.

"I'm fine, I just need a moment." I breathe deeply, calming myself down. Brody nods before moving away from me, creating some distance. Awkward tension fills the air and I wish the ground would open me up and swallow me whole. I don't want to be here right now, not when the confrontation is beginning to escalate.

"He's really angry, isn't he?"

I nod my head, focusing on the oxygen filling my lungs.

"Yes, I don't agree with him being an ass to you but I don't blame him for being angry. Jedd and Tia are the only people who saw how hard the break up was on me. He's being protective, just like an older brother should be." I defend him, slumping in relief as I'm finally able to control my breathing again.

"I don't blame him either." Brody says quietly, his eyes flickering over to study my face. "I don't like the way he yelled at you though Bella."

I close my eyes, rubbing the spot between my eyebrows to relieve some of the tension.