TANGLED BETWEEN BROTHERS

Liam's POV

Nicole's fingers lingered on my sleeve even after I parked in front of the nursing school.

It was always like this with her, soft pauses, quiet moments that felt safer than they should. I leaned over the console and kissed her, slow and familiar. She smiled, that gentle smile that made me feel like I had done something right with my life.

"Text me when you're done with classes," I said.

She nodded, tucking her bag higher on her shoulder before stepping out. I watched her walk away until the glass doors swallowed her whole.

Only then did I drive off.

The city swallowed me, I got stuck in traffic, some cars blew their horns. The calm I felt with Nicole faded as my phone buzzed against the console.

I glanced down. It was Anna.

My grip tightened on the steering wheel.

I hadn't saved her number again. I didn't need to. Some names branded themselves into your memory whether you wanted them to or not.

At the next red light, I checked the message.

An address.

A restaurant name beneath it,

7:00 PM. We need to talk.

I scoffed under my breath.

Talk. That was always her word. As if conversations were neutral things, as if she hadn't mastered the art of twisting them into weapons.

> "I'm very preoccupied, I don't think I can come." I replied to her.

Another notification came through.

> "You owe me this, Liam. I just want us to talk, nothing more. I can wait till you round off from work for the day."

I didn't trust her, Anna was a conniving bitch.

> "I don't want to see you Anna, we don't have anything to say, we have already said all that there is to say the moment you chose to leave." I texted her back, I felt frustrated."

>"Come on Liam, I won't waste your time and also I have a proposition from my dad to you."

"Shit." I cursed inwardly.

> "Fine, I will see if I can come but know that I won't stay long." I gave in. Something in me wanted to hear what she had to say.

>"I will be waiting then." She texted back adding love Emojis.

I shook my head, starting my car. The light turned green. I drove on.

But Anna's message sat in the back of my mind like an itch I couldn't scratch.

I told myself it was closure. One last conversation to shut the door properly. I told myself Nicole didn't need to know because nothing was happening.

I handed over my keys, straightened my jacket, and stepped inside the Ryder's building, today was my first day, since my change of position.

_____________

Nicole's POV

The hallway smelled like antiseptic and exhaustion.

I clutched my notebook tighter to my chest as I walked into the nursing building, forcing my steps to stay steady even though my thoughts were anything but. Liam's kiss still lingered on my lips soft, reassuring, practiced. The kind of kiss that was supposed to mean safe.

So why did my chest feel tight?

I shook it off as I pushed open the classroom door. The familiar chaos greeted me, students arguing over seats, someone cramming last-minute notes, the low hum of anxiety that lived permanently in this place. I slid into my seat, breathing out slowly.

Focus, Nicole. This is your way out.

The lecturer walked in. The room fell into silence.

"Today," she said, "we'll be doing emergency simulations."

My stomach dropped.

Mannequins were wheeled in. Monitors beeped to life. The lights dimmed slightly, creating an atmosphere too real for comfort. I swallowed hard. I'd prepared for this, I had. But preparation didn't stop fear from finding you.

We were split into groups.

I stepped forward when my name was called, hands already cold inside my gloves. The "patient" lay motionless, vitals flashing erratically on the screen.

"Start," the instructor ordered.

Everything blurred into motion, I started by checking airways, calling out vitals, hands moving on instinct rather than thought. My voice came out steady, even though my pulse was roaring in my ears.

Then the monitor flatlined.

A sharp, piercing sound cut through the room.

For a split second, I froze.

The sound wasn't just a sound anymore, it was a memory. Hospital lights. Machines. A doctor shaking his head. My parents' faces in my mind, still and unreachable.

My breath caught.

"Nicole!" someone snapped.

I blinked hard. The room rushed back in. "I-" My voice trembled, and I hated it.

I forced my hands to move again, louder this time. Chest compressions. Count. Breathe. Again.

The beeping resumed. Relief hit me so hard my knees nearly buckled.

"Good recovery," the instructor said, watching me closely. "But hesitation like that can cost lives."

Her words lodged deep.

The first class ended soon after, but I stayed seated, staring at my hands like they didn't belong to me. Around me, people laughed, stretched, and complained about stress. Life went on.

Mine felt... off.

I stood up slowly and headed to the restroom, splashing cold water on my face. The mirror reflected a girl who looked put together, neat hair, calm eyes but I knew better.

My phone buzzed.

I expected Liam.

Instead, it was a notification I didn't recognize, an email alert reminding me about my bills.

Why does everything start falling apart the moment I feel safe?

I wiped my face, straightened my shoulders. "I need to get a side job, I just can't depend on Liam for everything." I sighed tiredly as I walked out, he eyes still glued to my screen.

Another buzz came through but still no message from Liam.

"He must be busy at work." I kept my phone in my bag trying to zip it when I suddenly collided into someone. Although it was just a minor hit.

"I'm so sorry." I apologized immediately.

He looked at me weirdly as he picked up his note. "Be careful next time sweet heart." he then smirked.

"Yeah." I scoffed as I walked away, he looked like a Playboy who was trying to catch its next prey.