((AN: Hello again readers! As with the last story, I don't own the rights to Next to Normal. Darn. I do, however, own this little story, and hope that you all enjoy it! As with any story, reviews are appreciated! In fact, looking at my email and seeing that a story has a review makes my day. So, when you finish, let me know what you think! How's that sound? On to the story!))
Staring at my bedroom floor, I could feel my throat getting thick with tears. Everything out of Henry's mouth was a promise; at this moment, a promise not to leave. Not if I went crazy like my mom, not if I kept popping pills and putting myself in stupid situations, nothing could make him leave… I felt tears running down my cheeks now, hot and sticky. Nothing I said could make him understand that I didn't want him to hurt the way I had seen my dad hurt for the past sixteen years. He was so damn persistent. And he just kept talking, telling me that it would get better, that he loved me, that he would be by my side every step of the way. I was beginning to feel sick to my stomach, though I wasn't sure if that was the result of several days without the pills or my fear of becoming my mother.
Eyes still locked on my old, faded rug, I finally spoke. "And if I want you to leave?" My voice came out stronger than I had expected it would. The silence in the room became tense, and I could tell I caught him off guard.
After a moment, I looked up at him. I could see a hint of fear in his eyes; he was trying to convince himself I wasn't serious. His doubt was exactly what I needed.
"Natalie…"He spoke softly, his voice shaking.
"I mean it," I snapped back, tapping into my anger at myself. This was for his sake. "Go Henry. Just leave! I'm done! I'm just… done…"
I could feel my heart sink with every second that passed. He was crushed, it was clear on his face… In silence, I turned and fixed my gaze on my vanity mirror, watching my door in its reflection. Maybe he needed to be crushed, to learn to put himself first sometimes…
I could see him turn, could see him walk to the door and leave as I stared into the mirror. I turned to my desk as soon as the door was closed and his footsteps could be heard in the distance. Tears flowing more freely, I shoved the contents to the floor, fighting back sobs. It was my turn to keep a promise, the promise I had made to myself not to hurt Henry, to protect him from the mess I knew I was…
Stepping carefully over textbooks and papers, I crossed my room to stand before my window, pressed my hand to the glass. It was cool to the touch. Rain had started falling outside and Henry was in his car, pulling out of the driveway. I closed my eyes and set my forehead against the pane, sinking to my knees as a sob worked its way out. That was it, we were through, I had actually done it. I had kept my promise to myself.
