Living Without a Mom ~ Chapter 3: A Helping Hand

Is it bad that today I managed to break a Macbook in the Apple store? Haha, oops.

A couple of weeks later

Leighton and Opal managed to continue their secret relationship as they grew closer. Opal planned to break up with Jared sometime in the near future. They seemed to be growing apart anyway, though she couldn't help but still feel guilt over what she was doing. She was cheating on her own boyfriend with a guy she was still getting to know. But it just seemed so... right.

But really, Opal needed to break up with Jared sooner rather than later. More and more people were becoming suspicious about her and Leighton. So they had to agree to only meet outside at school, at hidden locations.

Sadly, Jared was also aware of the rumors spreading about his girlfriend. He'd soon sort it out once and for all. He made his way to Opal's house and hammered his fist on the door.

'Oh crap. Someone's here.' panicked Opal as she and Leighton were cuddled next to each other.

'Leighton, you need to hide in the attic. It's the only place you can actually be right now?'

'What?!'

'Don't waste your time! Go!' urged Opal as the door was hammered on for a second time. Leighton scrambled up the stairs into the attic and Opal shut the latch after him. Then she ran downstairs and answered the door, only to find Jared standing there.

'Oh... hi Jared.' she fake smiled. Just what she needed, both of her boyfriends under the same roof at the same time. She was just praying that Leighton would keep quiet.

'Hey there babe. Can I come in?' grinned Jared. He already had her wrapped around his finger without her knowing.

'Sure. Can I get you anything?'

'Nah, I'm fine. I was actually wanting to ask you something.'

'Yeah?'

'Would I be able to stay the night? I'm locked out until the morning.'

'Sure. Anything for you, babe.'

Upstairs, Leighton thought he was going crazy. Surely Opal didn't just agree to let Jared stay the night? How was he supposed to get home now if he was locked in the attic?! Great.

Back downstairs, Jared was making himself at home. He'd already helped himself to a large packet of Doritos and bottle of Pepsi. Opal sighed.

'Just one more night with him... and then he'll be gone.' she reassured herself.

She sat next to him on the sofa.

'So babe, everyone's been saying lately that you've been cheating on me.' began Jared.

'Why would they be saying that? I love you and only you.' lied Opal.

'I know you do. I don't believe a single word of those rumors. But if you are cheating on me, I'd advise that you tell me now.'

'I'm not!'

'Are you sure about that?'

'For crying out loud Jared, of course I'm sure! Are you accusing me of lying?!'

'You know what, Opal? Yes I am. I know you're cheating on me. I believe the rumors. It was pretty obvious, did you think that I was stupid?'

'Jared, please leave.'

'No, not until you tell me the entire truth!'

'I am!'

'You are not! And I will continue to shout at you until you tell me! Got it?!' he then pushed her hard against the wall, causing a huge bang throughout the house.

Leighton had to get out of the attic as soon as possible. Opal was in trouble and he knew it. He was extremely worried for her, the entire house went quiet after that bang. Something had happened.

Scurrying across the attic for something he could use to help break him out of there, he quickly found a hammer. Not the best, but it would do. It would probably damage the ceiling too, but he'd pay for it to be fixed. As he began hammering away, he heard Opal scream before Jared yelled at her. Leighton hammered faster and faster until a section of the wooden floor dropped down onto the upstairs passage. He dropped himself down before running down the stairs. Opal and Jared were nowhere to be found.

Scanning the room for clues, he noticed that the door leading out into the backyard was open when it was closed earlier on. A small trail of blood also led to the door.

'Crap.' thought Leighton. Here comes his first real fight. He ran out through the back door and found Jared still yelling at Opal, demanding she told the truth. She was sobbing like crazy, blood pouring down her face. What the hell did Jared do to her?

Before Leighton could do anything else, Opal's friend Annabelle just appeared out of nowhere. Well, she did live across the street. She probably saw something or other.

'Jared, get off her now!' screamed Annabelle, trying to tackle him to the ground, away from Opal. She noticed Leighton standing there sheepishly by the door.

'Don't just stand there! Help get him away from my friend!' she ordered.

Leighton jumped at the opportunity of finally getting to hurt Jared. He hurt Opal, he deserves as much payback as he can get. Without a second thought, he ran over and kicked Jared right where it hurts. He fell to the ground in agony. That was probably the most violent thing that Leighton had ever done. Annabelle then gave Jared an extra kick for good measure.

Behind them, Opal was still bleeding like a waterfall but this time she was on the ground and couldn't even get up.

'Opal! Are you alright?!' gasped Annabelle, running to the side of her friend.

'I... I think so... Is Leighton alright?'

'Yes Opal, he's fine. He isn't hurt. So it was true then? About you and him?'

'Yeah.'

'Thought so. You two go together so much better than you and Jared.'

'Where is Leighton?'

'He's right behind me.'

'Can we have a moment?'

'Sure. I need to call the police and the hospital anyway.'

Annabelle stepped aside and kicked Jared yet again whilst she was at it. He was still groaning in pain. Leighton ran over to Opal and kissed her on the forehead.

'It's alright Opal. You're safe now.' he reassured.

'Did he hurt you?'

'No, he went nowhere near me. I'm more worried about the fact that he hurt you.'

'I don't wanna talk about it.' mumbled Opal.

'It's alright, I understand.'

'Leighton?'

'Yeah?'

'I... I love you.'