BRIAN POV :

Brook and the kids have been living here for a few weeks and things have been going great. I get to spend all my free time with them, and it has never been overwhelming. I’m glad they’re with me, because Brook shouldn’t have to raise them alone, I want to help. Sometimes I can see her getting stressed out with Madelyn fussing and Cameron acting wild, so I’ll grab one of them and take them outside. Usually it’s Madi, for some reason once I get her out the back door it doesn’t take much to calm her down. We’re like our own little family, and I love it. The other day I came home from the studio just before dinner, and I walked into the kitchen to see Brook dancing around with Cam while she was cooking dinner. I think I fell even more in love with her at that very moment. She’s such an amazing mom, and she’s so loving and loyal. I don’t think life could get any better right now, I had an amazing girl and amazing friends.

I was sitting in the kitchen drinking my coffee when Cameron came running in “Good morning Brian! Can you get me an apple please?” He asked, looking at me with his big brown eyes. “Cameron James you wait just a second.” Brook said, coming down the stairs, “you have to eat more than an apple. I’ll make you pancakes.” “Nah, sit down babe, I’ll make the pancakes” I said, meeting her in the middle of the kitchen and kissing her forehead. “You look cute, lazy day at work today?” I chuckled, looking at her ripped jeans and Metallica tshirt. She looked good in anything she wore, especially when she wore her hair all messy the way she had it. “Oh stop” she said, lightly slapping my chest, “I’m exhausted today.” “I told you we should have gone to sleep instead of playing Guitar Hero all night” I smirked at her and she rolled her eyes, “oh please Bri, you were just mad because I kept beating you.” I laughed and kissed her nose, “you’re right, maybe you should be the lead guitarist for Avenged Sevenfold.” “I think I’ll talk to Matt about that later today, you’re ass is getting booted babe.” she said with a wink and walked over to the fridge to grab a bottle of apple juice. “Yeah right, he’s going to say no. The ladies love Syn Gates.” I said, mixing the pancake batter. “Oh is that so? And here I thought they all loved JC.” she said sarcastically. “Oh well, I guess the ladies will just have to be jealous, Syn Gates is officially off the market.” she whispered in my ear and kissed my neck before walking over to the breakfast bar, leaving me flustered. I finished the pancakes and made everyone a plate. I went and sat next to Cam, who was in between Brook and I, and we all ate our breakfast in silence. Once we were finished it was time for everyone to go. “Bri can’t I just go to the studio with you today? I promise I’ll be bery good” Cameron pouted, not wanting to go to his daycare today. “I’m sorry buddy, not today. We’ve got a lot of work to do today” I said, squatting down to eye level, “and besides, you have to go see your girlfriend today. What’s her name? Penny? Pepper?” “Paisley, Brian. Paisley.” he said, rolling his eyes. “Oh yeah, Paisley. How about this my man, this weekend we’ll have a guys’ day, and I’ll take you to pick a Valentine’s Day gift for Paisley, and you can help me find something for your mom.” I suggested, watching his face light up. “That sounds great Brian! Can we go to the pizza place too?” he asked, jumping up and down. “We sure can little dude, you be good for your mom and your teachers all week and I’ll even take you to get ice cream.” I said with a smile. “Oh thank you Bri you’re the best dad ever!” Cameron said, throwing his arms around my neck. I stiffened, hearing the name he just called me, before I immediately relaxed and hugged him back. “You’re welcome Killa Cam, go put your shoes on so you’ll be ready to go once your mom gets Madi ready.” he nodded and ran toward his room. I grinned and went to find my girls. As I was walking up the stairs I could hear Brook singing softly to Madi, who was cooing and laughing back at her mom. I leaned against the doorway, smiling at their interaction. “You’re my brown eyed girl.” she sang to her daughter while she was putting her pants and socks on. “Do you remember when we used to sing sha la la la la la la la la la la tee da” I walked into the room and kissed her head. “You are the best mom, I swear” I smiled, watching her face turn pink. “Thanks babe, they’re worth it. Aren’t you my pretty little baby.” she cooed at Madi. “Okay, you go finish getting ready or do whatever you want, I’ll put her in her seat.” I offered, picking the baby up off the changing table and carrying her over to the carseat. “Oh you just wanted to hold her, don’t lie.” she joked, “I don’t have anything else to do except make sure Cam has his shoes and jacket on.” “Well, go check. And I’m not going to admit to anything” I said, winking at her. I strapped Madi in her carseat, and made sure she had a warm blanket covering her legs. I met Brook and Cameron downstairs in the living room, making sure I had everything I needed to take to the studio. “Okay kids, let’s jet.” I said, leading the way to Brook’s car. I fastened Madelyn in her base, and told Cam to have a good day before I walked over to the driver’s side of the car, wrapping my arms around Brook. “I’ll see you tonight baby girl, don’t worry about cooking dinner. I’ll call you on my way home so I can pick up some takeout.” “Are you sure babe? I don’t mind cooking.” she said, looking up at me with those beautiful blue eyes. “I’m sure, you’re exhausted and deserve a night off from cooking.” “Thanks baby, I really appreciate that.” she said with a smile as she stood on her tiptoes and kissed me. “Be careful on your way to the studio, I’ll talk to you later. I love you.” “I love you too baby, you be careful too.” I walked over to my car and hopped in, heading toward the studio.

We had been working for hours until we decided to stop and have a late lunch. We were all sitting around the lounge eating subs, Zack talking to Gena on the phone, who had just had lunch with Brook. I didn’t bother calling her, because I knew she didn’t like being on the phone in the car. Suddenly we all heard Gena scream “Oh my god, Brook! Zack! Oh my god, oh my god it’s so bad! No!” “Gena! Baby, what’s going on? Gena!” Zack was frantically asking, while my heart dropped to my stomach. “Zack. Oh my god, you guys have to get here as soon as you can.” I heard her sob on the other end of the phone. I quickly stood up, sandwich forgotten, and headed toward the door. “Bri, wait up man, I’ll drive.” Jimmy said, running behind me. “We’re all going, come on guys.” Matt said, Zack on the phone with Gena trying to calm her down. “Do you know where they had lunch?” Jimmy asked, pulling out of the studio’s parking lot. “Yeah, Appalachian Grill. Holy shit, what the fuck is going on Zee?” I asked frantically, turning around to look at Zack. “Man I don’t know, she won’t stop screaming and sobbing. Whatever it is, it doesn’t sound good.” Zack said sadly. “Jim hurry up man.” “I’m going as fast as I can. She’s gonna be okay Brian.” Jimmy said, though he didn’t sound very convincing.

Right before we got to the restaurant I saw it. Brook’s car was a heap of silver, wedged between a tree and a black truck. “Holy fuck.” I breathed, and jumped out of the car before it stopped. “Brook! Brook!” I shouted, running toward the heap of metal. “I’m sorry sir, you can’t get any closer.” an officer said, stepping in front of me. “That’s my gilfriend! Come on, I have to know that she’s okay!” I said, tears blurring my vision. “The squad is doing everything they can to get her out right now, she’s unconscious but alive. You’ll just have to be patient sir.” As soon as the officer walked away I felt my legs give, but I never hit the ground. “Come on Bri, come sit over here. You can’t do anything if you’re passed out on the road.” Jimmy said, pulling me towards the sidewalk. I never took my eyes off her car. It looked so bad, the firemen were trying to cut the door open so they could get her out. “The kids, did she have the kids with her?” I questioned frantically. “No, they’re at the daycare. Leana can go get them if you want her to, she’s authorized to pick them up.” “No man, let them stay there. I have no idea what’s going on, it’d be better until I knew something.” I said, putting my head in my hands. “I cannot lose her Jim. I love her more than anything in this world.” “I know you do man, and you’re not going to lose her. With all the shit she’s been through she’ll make it through this no problem.” Jimmy said, squeezing my shoulder. I heard shouting and I saw that the firemen had gotten the door off. I leapt to my feet and took off toward her car, the same officer stopping me. “Sir, I’m not going to ask you again to back off. You won’t be helping her if you’re in the way.” I sighed angrily and stood where I was, watching them pull my girlfriend out of the tangled metal. “Holy shit. Brook.” I breathed, tears coming to my eyes once again as I saw her body. She was covered in blood, a brace on her neck. “Oh my god.” came Johnny’s voice behind me. “Bro, we gotta get to the hospital. Come on. We’ll be there when they bring her in.” he said, pulling me toward Jimmy’s car. Once I finally tore my eyes away from the wreckage we headed toward the hospital.

The ambulance carrying Brook pulled into the bay right as we walked through the emergency room doors. “Excuse me, that’s my girlfriend in that ambulance.” I said frantically to the first nurse I could find. “Okay, follow me to the waiting room, someone will let you know once we have more information.” she said, leading us toward the secluded room. Once we all sat down we all pulled out our phones. I had the hardest job: calling Brook‘s mom. Luckily Brook had given me her number in case of emergencies. I quickly dialed her number and waited for her to answer. “Hello?” she said on the other line, “Hey Mrs. C, it’s Brian.” I answered sadly. “Oh, my favorite guitarist. Is everything okay honey?” she said, concern lacing her voice. “No mam, it’s not. Brook was in an accident. She’s alive but unconscious, I’m sitting in the waiting room at the ER waiting to hear something. I don’t know what to do Cathy.” I sobbed into the phone. “Those kids need me, and I need to be here for her, what am I going to do?” “Brian babe, you’ve just got to calm down. You’re not doing anyone any good being hysterical. Ask some of the girls if they could please watch the kids until I get there, I’m getting on the first flight to California. Send the boys to pick me up, and you stay there until you hear something about my daughter.” she said, taking charge of the situation. “Okay, yes mam. I know Leana is authorized to pick up the kids, so I’ll have her get them and take them to my place, let me know as soon as you have a flight, and I’ll keep you posted whenever I hear something.” I told her, wiping the tears out of my eyes. “Okay sweetheart. It’s all going to be okay, I’ll see you in a few hours.” we disconnected and I turned to the guys. “That was Cathy. Jim, she wanted you to ask Lee if she could pick up the kids and take them to my house, and Zack, Johnny, if you guys could ask the girls if they could help out I’d really appreciate it.” “Of course man, you don’t even have to ask.” Zack said, pulling out his phone. “I’ll call Val too. I think it would be better if they were all in one place anyway, to support each other.” Matt said. “She said she’s getting on the first flight to California, I just need someone to go pick her up.” I said, rubbing my face. “Don’t worry about it Bri, as soon as she sends you the information I’ll go get her.” came Johnny’s reply. “You just worry about B, we’ll take care of everything else.” “Thanks guys. You have now idea how much you all mean to me right now.” I said, slapping Jimmy on the back. “You know we’re always here to help our family.” Matt said, giving me a hug. I had just received a text from Cathy, saying her plane would land in about 3 hours, when the door opened and a doctor walked in. “Are you guys here for Brooklyn Jones?”