I knew I had my ways of completely screwing it up, along with myself, my life, my world. Before him, I had never imagined anyone could hurt my being more than myself. I thought that I was the only one capable of that. At first, selfishly, I was glad that, for once, my love wasn't just some stupid dream. And at the same time, I was still foolishly pretending that it wouldn't be stolen from me. Looking back, I knew that I always had been wrong when I was a little girl. I was blissful and stupid and I hadn't understood anything. Not like he had either.
I knew, at that moment, as I was walking nowhere down an unfamiliar street at night, that I was going to have to face what had happened. I couldn't hide anymore. He was back, and whether it was for me or not, I was going to have to be with him again. I didn't understand how, or why, but it would happen. For the millionth time in that day alone, it seemed, I cried.
I eyed my watch when I was able to get under a streetlight. It was ten-thirty. I was undoubtedly grounded, or worse. Damn.
At that time, it shocked me to think that it had been so warm earlier. I was freezing now, in my bikini top. I didn't even know where I was. Frightened, I sat down on the curb, holding my body to keep warm. It reminded me how cold we had been that night, how he had held me in his arms, and told me that I was his. That he loved me. Feeling hopeless, I buried my face between my legs.
"Excuse me, malady, but I noticed you sitting here, and I realized I couldn't let such a beautiful being sleep here." I looked up, rising out of my sleep. In the darkness, I saw the silhouette. "Oh, God," I gushed, throwing my arms around him. I began to shake and cry again. He didn't expect me to do that, I could tell. Yet he embraced me, forcing a smile. It still felt so real.
"I'm sorry I came back...I told you I wouldn't, but I had to. I'm sorry, Abby. I didn't want to. I didn't want to break the promise." I nodded and pulled away, my body numb. "I don't care. You shouldn't have come. You told me you'd go away; I'd never have to see you again. You're making me worse. I haven't missed you, and God knows I don't need you. Get away from me." I hated to be cold, but I felt I had no choice. He didn't appear phased. I rose to my feet and began to walk away, mascara streaming down my face.
"I don't care what you say, I know you've missed me. I saw it in your eyes earlier. You aren't okay, are you, Abby?" I just kept walking, trying not to nod. Zachary Hanson sighed. "Now, come on, I'm taking you to your house. It's one in the morning, and it's not safe for a thirteen-year-old girl to be sleeping out on the curb. Come on, we're going home." He walked after me, grabbing at my arm. He tried to pull me back in the direction of his Jeep. I wanted to pull away, wanted to keep my guard up, but I couldn't. Feeling his hand on my arm, I felt safe. I hadn't felt safe in years. I hesitantly took his hand, smiling at him. He smiled back and led me over to his vehicle.
I knew that, for once, I would be home.
Chapter 3-Joy
