Chapter 18: Adia

Justin was aggravated. The last 3 days and no word from Keira. He tried everything he could think of. Calling, e-mailing, everything. It seemed like he pissed her off and that's why he hadn't come to the house yet. She sure was mad. He could never forget the look on her face.

He glanced at the clock which read 10:30 in the morning and breathed out, rubbing his face. He knew this long he just couldn't live without her. 3 Nights ago he cried himself to sleep. He feel like he let her down and he had. He knew that now. He also felt something horrible happened to her. He could've just taken her back to his place. The way she was pleading with him almost made him surrender.

He yawned and went to the bathroom to clean up. He dressed and had a bowl of cereal thinking about how a royal prick he was to her. He rinsed the bowl and thought for a moment. He'd been going between just going over there and seeing her face again. The day at the park was only for her. He tore a piece of the paper towel, wiped his mouth, and tossed it in the trash.

OK, he should just do it. He should really leave her alone. "Fuck it, I'm not gonna be another one that leaves her."

That was all he needed as grabbed his keys and ran to his car practically speeding toward her. He wasn't like the rest. The difference? He cares. He knew she was mad but he didn't care about that, it was her he gave a shit for. He pulled out his cell and dialed her digits. He waited and waited until it went straight to voice mail. He cleared his throat and spoke his prerogative.

"Angel, its me. Listen, I'm coming over right now. Honestly, I have no clue what's going on but I'm gonna find out. These last 3 days were complete hell without you. I feel really bad about what I did, I just can't stay away from you though. Please don't shut me out. I'm on my way to you. I'll see you later. God, I miss you Keira." he looked at phone and sniffed as he hung up and threw it on the chair next to him.

He breathed out. He meant it. He was going to find out what's going on once and for all. She almost had told him and he felt that she was a few days ago in his car. He knew something was off. It seemed like she was really scared of her mom. Wait. Her mom? What did she do? Maybe she would know. He was so confused.

He licked his lips nervously as he made a final turn towards the pink house he knew so well already. He parked the car and ran to the doorstep.

Despite his qualms to break down the door and whisk her away somewhere where there isn't pain, he instead opted for a soft knock.

He heard footsteps and the door slightly ajar. He peeked closer and heard a clearing throat, "Who is it?"

"Madison, its me. I came to see Keira." his voice, scared.

He heard muffled stuttering, "She can't see you now Justin."

He sighed. He was not giving up, there had to be a better reason. He'd go near her with polio, what the hell is he thinking?! "Why not?"

"She's studying now," she said simply.

He wasn't buying it, "She can spare 60 seconds, I just want to say hi."

"I'm sorry Justin but you can't do that. Now please leave," she shut the door in his face.

I knew something was up with her. I know, the ladder she uses. Thank you Keira! He smiled and went around to look for it.

He found it in the same place its always been and climbed up carefully. He reached the roof and made his way to the window. The window was a crack open and he opened it more for his body to get in. He closed the window and looked around her room. Her bed was made, things were organized, it was pretty much tidy. He scratched his head and noticed the door to the bathroom closed. He went towards it and opened the door.

"Oh my god! Keira! Sweetie? Keira, wake up! Oh no! Oh god!" he grabbed her unconscious, beaten body in his arms.

He shook her a gently and she opened her eyes a little. He cradled her cheeks, "Ju-ustin, what's going on?"

He shook his head and kissed her forehead, "I'm taking you with me. Can you stand?"

"Wait, what? What's going on?" she whispered.

He picked her up easily and opened her door, "You're staying with me, Keira. I need to get you out of here."

She groaned, "You came?"

He looked at her and smiled, "Yeah, let's go."

He helped her walk to the top of the stairs and they walked down quietly until they reached the bottom. It was a good thing mom was outside and not inside fucking. Justin carried her the rest of the way to the front door, he opened it and ran as fast as he could to the car. He secured her in the passenger seat and fastened her seatbelt. She had her eyes closed and she looked extremely torn and broken. He brushed a piece of loose hair from her eyes.

"I know things seem unbearable now but I promise that everything will change. I'll be there and I'll listen," he paused to look her over. Her bruised face brought glassy windows to his vision. "Let's get out of here."

He got in the front seat and pulled out driving to his house feeling like the world was falling down and hanging on by nothing really. As he drove he stole glances at her sleeping. He was going to change. Change for her. He has to. This girl has no idea what love is. He can bring it out again. He did at the park. She really has no recollection of human emotions. Ugly people tore that gracious smile out of her reach. The one he saw at the park. Seeing her smile was not only something extraordinary for her, but it was highly the pinnacle moment in his life. Seeing her smile just melted all cold attitudes that used to fill his world.

This is nothing compared to what she has done to him. She more than saved him. She saved him and this is how he says how grateful he is. He doesn't even give her chance. He didn't even listen to her what she was telling him that night. He turned to look at her when he was stopped at a red light.

She was still a beauty, she was there somewhere. He caused that horrid mask to cover that amazing light that shines. He banged the wheel as tears started finally peaking out. His eyes kept protesting the flood but no it was too damn strong.

He felt a hand on his hand and picked his red eyes up to look at what mess he made of everything. He licked his lips, as his tear-stricked face scanned the only thing that never changed. Her eyes.

He sniffed, "Keira, I promised I would take care of you and look at me? Look at me? I fail you. I -- I don't even care anymore. I can't apologize for anything. I'm so weak now it scares the shit outta me."

As she took in the words, she looked up and gave a curved-mouth smile. "Whatever had happened, doesn't matter really. I'm happy I had at least seen your face. Seeing you, no matter what face you show, makes life everything I dreamed it to be. What would've been worse was not seeing you. I think I could stomach all the blows I can get, it still wouldn't compare to losing you."

The light turned green. His eyes looked to the light than the girl. Her hand came to his cheek, brushing it delicately, "Its OK, let's go."

He nodded slowly. It was time. Time to go. Time to live. "I agree."

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