"If You Let Me"
by Cherie
Kevin had persuaded his long-time friend Angie to join him for lunch on one of his free days from promoting his group's album, Millenium. As she glanced at her watch for the 10th time in an hour, he asked,"Where's the fire?"
"Oh, it's just that I've got to get home and get the house cleaned and all -- I haven't cleaned in ages", Angie explained. In reality, that was the furthest thing from the truth. Her boyfriend, Steve wanted things just so, dinner at a certain time each night, and so on and so-forth, which meant Angie spent endless hours catering to his needs. He had convinced her that because of his horrid childhood that he deserved these things, and that she could do no better, that no one else would want her.
"Alright then, I guess I should let you go."
“C'mere and give me a hug-- it's been too long!", he told her, as he stood and embraced her gently. She winced a bit, and he asked, "What's wrong, are you sick?"
Angie shook her head no, "You know me, I'm so clumsy, I slipped down the steps the other day and bruised myself up a bit. I'll be alright though, don't worry."
Afraid of any more of his questions, she quickly paid her bill, said her goodbyes and hurried from the restaurant. Her heart filled with dread as she knew she'd never have enough time the get everything just right before Steve got home. She became more fearful still as she rounded the corner and saw Steve's car in the drive. She took a deep breath and entered the house, wondering just what awaited her.
"Where the hell have you been??", he yelled angrily.
"I, I went and had lunch with an old friend, that's all...", she tried to explain.
"An old friend, huh? Is that cologne I smell? It was that pretty boy band guy wasn't it?? I thought I told you never to see him again!", Steve said accusingly.
"Nothing happened, I swear! He's been on tour and I haven't seen him in a long time!", she told him.
"Bullshit!", he yelled, slapping her across the face. She flew back and hit the wall, covering her face with her hands so he couldn't hit her again.
"Im going to the bar, and you had better have this place cleaned up when I get back!" With that he stormed out, and Angie curled into a ball and cried.
Meanwhile Kevin noticed that Angie had left her wallet on the table. He looked inside to find her address and quickly drove over to return the wallet.
He got out of his car and walked to the door and knocked lightly. When he got no answer, he knocked again, a bit harder. He knew Angie was home, because her car was in the driveway. After a few minutes he decided to try the door, and finding it unlocked, he let himself in. He found Angie still curled up in the corner, sobbing heavily. He quickly knelt down to wrap his arms around her, and she pulled away until she realized who it was, then she let herself cry against him, soaking the front of his shirt.
"Honey please tell me, what happened?", he pleaded. She took a deep breath and explained everything, as Kevin listened intently, gently wiping her tears away as she spoke. Just then, a song came on Angie's cd player...
What ya gonna do, come to me
Come to me, you always run to me
Girl this can't go on, you've been cryin' much too long
But still I'm here for you
Cant you see, cant you see girl, I can set you free
I could hold you here beside me
I could make you feel at home
If you let me, I can show you
There's no need to be alone
Wipe those tears away
If you want, Ill stay
I could be the one that you need, that you need
All you need
Girl when he leaves you lonely
Your heart runs to me
And I could be your one and only
I know I could be...
"C'mon hon, you don't need to be here...you're gonna stay with me, at least for now...", Kevin told her.
I can't-- I can't just leave, he'll...",Angie started.
"Yes, you can, and you will. No one deserves the things he put you through, no one at all", he explained. They proceeded to pack the few things she was allowed in the house. Angie pulled the door closed behind her, and never looked back.