"Don't be scared, child. I'm there for you. Don't worry about the future or the past that haunts you. Live in the moment; don't be afraid to show me who you really are. Your brave, your strong, you're the world's brightest star."
"When You Find The Last Piece of a Puzzle" By Evelyn
Three Weeks Ago
Ally …
I had never been so scared in my whole life. After Austin kissed me, I freaked out because it was my first kiss. And even though I felt like I could trust him, I still wasn't certain. I only met him a week ago. I was afraid he was one of those guys who was a player. Once I got home, my dad was intimidating and asking me where I was. I had no explanation, and hit me. It was different when was drunk because I knew he didn't mean it. But this time he did. I thought it would be over after that, but he kept hitting me and kicking me. He punctured every kick with a remark on how I'm worthless and how I ruined his life. I was used to it, I've heard it all before. But the breaking point was when he blamed me for mom's death. I've thought about it, but I never heard him say it.
After he passed out, I escaped. I couldn't go to Trish's house looking like this. I ran to Austin's house, memorizing his address. The green paint on the house was chipping and lawn needed to desperately be mowed. I focused on the task at hand, knocking on the door with a soft knock. When there was no answer, I knocked a little louder. The door opened, and Austin's eyes widened as he saw me.
"I'm sorry …" I spoke in a raspy voice. "I didn't have anywhere else to go."
He led me inside and closed the door, wrapping a blanket around my shivering body.
"Oh my god, Ally, what happened!" His voice was dripping in concern as he tried to warm me up by holding me.
"I'm okay …"
Austin looked at me with this 'kicked puppy' expression, and I swear I felt my heart break. "No, your not," He looked my in the eyes. "Who did this to you?"
I looked down, not wanting to reply. Austin took notice of this and went to heat me up some soup and grabbed a bowl and washcloth. He brought me the soup and I took it quickly, scarfing it down. Then only meal I had today was two slices of cheese on stale bread. So this soup tasted amazing. He lifted up my face and soaked the washcloth in warm water, dabbing it on my face to remove the blood.
"Now will you tell me what happened?"
I swallowed. "After I ran home, my dad noticed I was gone and asked me where I was. I refused to tell him, because I didn't want to get you in trouble. So he started beating me. I'd get kicked, punched, slammed into walls, and whipped with a belt." My voice was wavering and before I knew it, I was crying. "Then he'd scream at me, telling me I'm worthless, that I should be dead and not my mom, because I was the on who killed her." I started crying even harder and I saw this dangerous look in his eyes. It scared me.
"I'll kill him," It came out almost like a growl.
"No! Austin he's my dad, he was probably thinking subconsciously!" I shouted.
He got up and started pacing back and forth. "Subconscious or not Ally, its still child abuse! It's still a crime!"
I stood up and yelled. "Exactly! He could go to jail for this and if that happens then where do I go? I'll get put in a foster home, who knows where!" I sat down again, crying. "I don't want to be alone anymore,"
His eyes softened and he ran back over to me. "I'm sorry, I didn't think about that. But you can't just stay with him, it's too dangerous."
I looked at him, my black eye feeling red and puffy. "I have to Austin. If I stay with you then he'll find me. And if I go to the police, then I'll be taken away."
He looked at his hands, which were currently holding me. "Stay with me tonight, I can get you home early tomorrow."
I nodded. "Thank you, Austin, for everything." I pulled him into a tight hug, which he gladly returned.
"Hey, can I ask you another question?" He asked, pulling back. I nodded and he continued. "Why did you run away after we kissed?"
"I um, I was scared, because I thought you were going to hurt me. I wasn't sure, and it was also getting late. But I wanted to kiss you, so I just-,"
His lips were on mine in seconds. I kissed with passion, with everything I had. He somehow made me forget about the world and all its troubles. It was this weird feeling I couldn't explain.
He whispered in my ear. "I would never hurt you, ever."
I smiled at him. "I know that now."
x.x
We spent the next hour watching one of his favorite movies, Romeo and Juliet. I cuddled up to his side and he held me. I turned to him when the movie ended.
"So, what do you want to do now?"
He smiled and grabbed his acoustic guitar. "I want to sing to you …"
Check yes Juliet Check yes Juliet kill the limbo [Chorus:] Run baby run Check yes Juliet Check yes Juliet [Chorus] Run baby run We're flying through the night The view from here is getting better with you Run baby run Don't sell your heart, don't say we're not meant to be
Are you with me
Rain is falling down on the sidewalk
I won't go until you come outside
I'll keep tossing rocks at your window
There's no turning back for us tonight
Lace up your shoes
O
Here's how we do
Don't ever look back
They'll tear us apart if you give them the chance
Don't sell your heart, don't say we're not meant to be
Run baby run, forever will be
You and me
I'll be waiting
Wishing wanting yours for the taking
Just sneak out and don't tell a soul goodbye
Here's the countdown:
3,2,1 now fall in my arms now
They can change the locks,
don't let them change your mind
Lace up your shoes
O
Here's how we do
Don't ever look back
They'll tear us apart if you give them the chance
Don't sell your heart, don't say we're not meant to be
Run baby run, forever will be
You and me
We're flying through the night
Way up high
By my side
Don't ever look back
They'll tear us apart if you give them the chance
Run baby run, forever will be
Run baby run, don't ever look back
They'll tear us apart if you give them the chance
Don't sell your heart, don't say we're not meant to be
Run baby run, forever will be
You and me
You and me
I smiled, clapping enthusiastically. No one has ever serenaded me before. We embraced and grinned at each other, he then got a very serious expression and turned to me.
"Run away with me …"
Song is Check Yes by We The Kings. The song in the other chapter was I Won't Give Up by Jason Mraz. Happy Holidays!:)
-Evelyn
