Chapter 19: Its Just Like Starting Over... Kind Of

Justin brought her inside and carried her body up his room and placed her on his bed as he ran a bath for her. Keira shivered but instantly felt the warmth in the house. She checked out his room with curious eyes. Her stomach hurt her again and she clutched it while groaning silently. She looked up through her pain and smiled. She smiled because it was true. For the first time her wish came true. Seems like Justin isn't like the world around her. He is her world.

She watched as he took a bottle and poured the substance into the bathtub. She watched his hands. He hand such amazing hands. She can trust those hands. Those were the only hands who saw and cared for her. She breathes just for those hands. If only she can keep those hands. Love those hands like they had shown love to her. If only...

She shook her head of the thoughts as he came over to her. She tucked her lips inside tightly as he carried her toward the bathroom. She had been silent the whole time. Justin had looked as if he was going to break if she made a sound so she just nodded lightly when he left.

He began to get ready for bed, stripping all clothes but boxers. He wiped the tear that swept past his eye. If he looked at her once more he would crumble. His world would disintegrate on the ground. He never felt so low in himself ever. He causes pain to everyone. She doesn't need to know about any of this. She needs him. He can't do this now. He just can't. He almost lost her. He pulled a white wife beater over his head and flicked on the TV. He needed to get his mind off his problems for once.

Keira stripped nude and slipped her body into the tub. Her bruises ached from the hot temperature. They soothed after a couple minutes. Ten minutes passed and she missed him. She unplugged the tub and the water began decreasing. She took the towel on the toilet seat, wrapped it around her body, and walked with a slight limp toward the door. She opened it and spotted him sprawled out cutely on his bed with the TV still on. She walked closer and bent down looking at his face.

She took his hand and rubbed it, "Justin? Wake up."

His tongue licked his top lip as his eyes opened to meet hers. His hand came to her mangled cheek, "I'm so sorry."

She shook her head profusely, "No, you didn't do this to me."

He sat up, making direct eye contact, "I would never even think of doing that to you."

She licked her lips and sat on his bed, she looked down and tried to avoid those eyes that could break every part of her, "Thank you. I really don't know what to say."

He hugged her body close, "I would never let anyone hurt you. Never. Let me go get you some clothes."

She watched him get up and rummage through his dresser. He pulled out some boxers and a long T-shirt and placed them next to her. He went to the bathroom to brush his teeth. He rinsed his mouth and dried off. When he came back out and saw she was sporting his wardrobe which made him stifle a laugh.

He realized he needed to get the ice pack and turned to her quickly, "I'll be back."

She nodded and laid down on the bed. The whole thing smelled like him. That good manly smell. He always smells like fruit. She scratched the itch on her left thigh and winced. She looked at her legs and they were covered in black and blue marks. She couldn't look at it. Was like childhood again. Growing in that estranged, cold environment. The tears went numbly down her cheeks. She leaned back and covered her face. She gulped as she felt weight shift on the bed. Her eyes opened to Justin with a cold compress.

"Here, sit up a little," he told her softly.

She complied gently as he placed the coldness of the pack right on her left cheek. She sucked her breath in as she took over and held it. There was silence once again. Neither of them knew what to say. Both were scared for the same reasons. Keira sighed and leaned back onto the bed post. She stared at him and turned away. She can't seem to read his thoughts now. He was confused. Maybe it was him. Maybe he's scared too.

She looked down listening to him breathe. Taking deep breaths like he was trying to stay alive. She took the ice pack down and played with it. Her eyes hooked on the print on the front side. Her hands started getting cold now. His hand came on hers and she looked up.

The look in his eyes was so poignant. She wasn't sure what to think or know. He just stared at her with an unassuming expression. His hands took the ice pack and put it on the nightstand.

He covered his face and turned to her, "I can't lose you. I can't breath if I lose you. I just want you to know that you have trust in me. I'm not mad that you didn't tell me, I'm angry that I didn't see it when you tried to. I'm so sorry. There's nothing I could say that could make you... I mean anything better. I don't want to see you hurt anymore. I can't bare someone hurting someone so beautiful, so strong. Please don't be afraid of me. I will never hurt you. I couldn't. For now, you should stay here. I want you to move in with me. Keira?"

She tucked her bottom lip in thought. "I don't know."

"I'm not making you. I'm asking you."

Keira thought about the cons and shook her head, "She'll come after you. She will. She-she knows where I am. She's going to hurt you. She hurts everyone. Justin please, I can't do that to you."

He sighed, "I don't care what she will do. I have bodyguards and people who will protect you. I'm more worried about you than me here. K, please?" he held her hand.

"She will hurt you. You don't understand. This is not a normal human, she's a monster. If I live here, I would endanger you and I can't let that happen."

He leaned in and sweetly kissed her forehead, "Baby, please, I realize what kind of rotten person she is now. I'm still not worried. Trust me. If she comes here, Lonnie or Mike won't let her anywhere near you."

Her fingers hooked with his, "I can't put you in her way. I feel she will hurt you."

He brought her in a strong hug, kissing her neck, "Don't be concerned for me. Its time to take care of you. I want to be that person. Here, I gotta run to the store and get some band-aids and Neosporin. You'll be safe here. I got two guys outside who I pay good money to keep my pretty face alive. You gonna be OK?"

She pulled away and looked at him, "I guess. Um, how long will you be out?"

He laughed kissing her hand, "Just 10 minutes. I'm coming back. There's food in the fridge and TV downstairs. Go crazy."

"Alright, thanks," she replied quietly.

"I shall return," he got up and left the room.

She breathed out and leaned onto the bed as she heard the garage underneath open and close. She turned to her side as he drove out of the driveway and pulled away. She closed her eyes and tried to rest. Dammit! The doorbell rang. Five seconds later, maybe they'll go away. No, they didn't. Shit, they won't go away. She took a breath and got up slowly, making her way to the door. She opened it and gasped.

"Uh..." Keira spaced.

Feedback | Chapter 20