She watched as Chad joined her brothers and they looked through the apartment. Items were strewn across the floor and she looked in horror at her torn up clothing. Why would the person want to destroy her things? That didn't make any sense.
"Get out of my way. Where's my daughter? Why wasn't I called last night?" Bree heard the unmistakable voice of her father. She smiled, already feeling as if she knew him well.
"We didn't see a reason to alarm you. We had the situation under control," she heard Chad say, to which George started thundering again.
"Under control! My daughter was shot at, and you say the situation was under control. I ought to take you out back and whip you, boy," George roared. Bree figured it was a good time to get out there and save the men.
"Hi, Dad," she said as she walked up and gave him a hug.
His anger evaporated as he took her in his arms and held her so tightly she couldn't breathe. When she started gasping for air, he finally released his death grip.
"Are you okay, baby? I've been so worried. They should've called me," he said in a rush of words.
"I'm okay, Dad. They really did handle everything. It was late," she said, instantly regretting it when she saw the fire light back up in his eyes.
"I had to learn about the shooting from my friend who works at city hall. How do you think that makes me feel? My child gets shot at, and a virtual stranger is the one to tell me about it. I would think I'd raised you kids well enough that you'd call me in a crisis," he said, sounding more hurt than angry.
Bree quickly threw her arms back around him, and had to fight the tears wanting to fall. She couldn't stand hurting this man who'd been nothing but good to her.
"I'm sorry, I really am. Next time, we'll call you the minute something happens," she promised.
"I certainly hope there won't be a next time. I think you need to come back home," he said as if that would solve all problems.
Bree watched as Chad tensed on the other side of the room. She thought about taking the easy out and going home. She even tried to make herself nod her okay, but found herself shaking her head, instead. No matter how much she told herself to accept, her head wouldn't listen. She just kept shaking it, no.
She noticed Chad visibly relax at her refusal.
"I don't understand it. You're still as stubborn as ever, even with amnesia," he said, but there was also pride in his tone. She could see he was proud of her for taking a stance. For some reason, his approval meant a lot to her.
"I just want to keep you safe," he pled.
"I know you do. I'm overwhelmed with all the love you've given me. I know it won't take long for me to remember everything. With a family like mine, I have to. It would be a crime to lose an obviously great life," she said, soothing his feelings.
Though she was trying to make him feel better, she found that she meant the words. She wanted to remember her past, her family. Even if the worst were to occur and she never regained her past, she would love them anyway.
"Bree, maybe it would be better if you just went back home. I know you don't have your memory back, but as the only impartial person in the room, I think I can speak honestly without a lot of emotions getting involved. Someone is obviously out to get you, and you don't know who it is. It seems the smart thing to do would be to go home, where your family can keep you safe," Charlie said.
Bree looked at him blankly, not having a clue who he was.
"Sorry, Bree. This is Charlie, my best friend. You'll remember everyone after a while. He wanted to come to the hospital, but got called away on business," Trenton said.
"I'm Sorry, Charlie. I still don't have my memory back," Bree said, feeling bad when she saw the hurt expression on his face.
Bree looked over at Chad who was glaring daggers at Charlie and not even trying to hide it. It seemed Chad didn't like another good-looking man in the room who wasn't related to her. Bree's hackles stood up and she gave Charlie a hug, partly to make up for not knowing who he was, and partly to show Chad she could do whatever she liked. She could swear she heard him growl. She smiled.
"We may as well sit down and try to figure this out," George said, and Charlie released her. Bree thought that was wise, considering she noticed Chad took a menacing step toward them. She decided to back off Charlie before a fist fight started.
She sat on the couch, where Chad quickly joined her, cutting Charlie off. The testosterone was flying through the room. Bree wanted to get up and open a window, but dutifully stayed where she was.
"I may not have my memory back, but I know I want independence. I feel safe at Chad's ranch, and I don't think there's any need for me to be moved. I'm not a child, and I don't need to run home every time I get scared. I hope you can all understand that," Bree stated with little emotion in her voice. She wanted to make a point without hurting feelings.