Disclaimer: I don't own Victorious
2 hours later
Robbie's P.o.V
I am lost staring at a picture from the past. I have no idea what the time is, nor do I care. Right now my mind can only feel the darkness closing in.
"Robbie?" I hear faintly calling out to me. Whether it was faint because my mind was lost or because the caller was being quiet I am unsure. But the question brings my mind into sharp focus. I focus my eyes in the direction of the sound. My eyes take a second to focus on the petite figure in the door, lit only by the light of a solitary lamp.
I recognise Cat standing there hugging Mr. Longneck. What really shocks me is that she appears to be wearing one of my t-shirts. When did she put that on? And was she unaware that it didn't quite provide enough cover for her? I look away out of embarrassment and because I know that if I look at her again I will feel obliged to protect her from her own innocence.
"Yes Cat?" I ask, focusing myself back on the photo in my hand.
"I can't sleep, the storm is too scary and Mr. Longneck is crying." Cat explains, holding Mr. Longneck under her chin, as if to stop his tears. "We were wondering if you could come a sleep with us. The storm won't hurt us if you are there."
She really knows how to hit me right in the heart. I simply can't deny her, but I know I need to at least reign in this type of behaviour in. If I am going to do this then I will have her help me. "On one condition," I begin, tightening my grip on the picture. "Tomorrow you help me take down all the pictures of my parents."
When I finish Cat comes and sits next to me. I smell the perfume she is wearing, a strawberry scented concoction. She takes my free hand in hers and rests her head on my sholder.
"If that's what you want Robbie"
She then takes notice of the picture in my hand. "Can you tell me about this picture please?" Cat asks, "I feel like I know nothing about them."
I retreat into my mind when she asks me this. She deserves to know something if not all then at least the last untainted memories I have of my parents. Besides maybe reliving a good memory will lessen the pain. It is at least worth exploring. I look at the picture again to help recall the memory. It is a picture of my parents and me at Disney Land Florida, with Goofy giving me a hug.
"This was taken back when I was 8. My parents decided that we needed a holiday, so they asked me where I wanted to go. Being the typical boy I was then I begged to go to Disney Land." This is harder that I thought. "Goofy was the first character I saw and I ran straight up to him and gave him a hug." My dad asked if we could get a picture and when they said yes I started jumping up and down on the spot. That was one of the happiest moments in my life up till then. The innocent boy in this picture didn't know that it was about to get a lot better."
"What happened?" Cat asked, attention held by the story I am telling.
"You see Cinderella in the background?" I ask, pointing her out in the picture. "Well when I walked up to her she gave me a kiss on the cheek. I was blushing for a solid 10 minutes after it."
This is when I feel myself stop. I physically can't continue, the memory is too painful. It is only now that I realise that cat is no longer at my side, but is prancing around the room. I guess when I mentioned Cinderella she wanted to feel like a princess. It took her a moment to realise that I am no longer talking.
"Why did you stop?" she asks.
"After this trip everything changed." I state feeling tear fill my eyes. "Please don't ask me why. I'm not strong enough to live that memory right now."
I focus my mind on detaching myself from my emotions. Not wishing to cry now. I place the picture face down on the table next to me. "Will you please do what I asked earlier?"
"Sure Robbie. Will you come upstairs now, Mr. Longneck is sleepy?" she asks stifling a yawn herself.
I stand up and lead her back upstairs. She clambers under the sheets and I slowly make my way over to the bed. I climb on top of the sheets and lie next to Cat. She immediately snuggles up to me. At this point a clap of thunder sounds, causing Cat to whimper.
"You're safe Cat." I whisper in her ear.
"KK, night night Robbie," Cat says.
"Sleep tight, don't let the bed bugs bite." I say jokingly. I can't help but feel secure at Cats loving demeanour.
"WHAT'S THAT SUPPOSE TO MEAN!" she screams.
"Nothing Cat, just that it's time to sleep," I explain, forgetting how she is so innocent.
With that Cat snuggles up to me again and closes her eyes. I wait till I hear the steady rise and fall of her breathing to signify that she is asleep.
Damn it! What should I do? Cat is right next to me, after me saying I want space. She makes me feel like the old Robbie. But at the same time she is causing me such pain. I know what I need to do is ask myself one simply question.
Do I trust her with my heart? Do I trust the woman, who in the space of one night has made me feel safe and also great pain?
Right now that answer would have to be...
No.
A/N I know I've got these first few chapters up pretty quick, but the pace is going to slow down. I know where i want to go but having a bit of trouble on how to get there. Thanks for all the support will update as soon as possible.