(BOOK 2) MARK/HOFFMAN: A Saw Fanfiction

SIX

Abby collapsed against the porch railing and tried to catch her breath as she sobbed. Mark rubbed her back gently, unsure of what to say besides: "It's okay."

"It's not okay!" She exclaimed, leaning on her elbows and burying her face in her hands. "How am I supposed to build a relationship with him if I can't stand him?!"

Mark stood next to her, crossing his arms and standing against one of the porch pillars. He sighed. "You don't have to have a relationship with him hon."

"But remember what you said?! You said at least I can because he's there! You don't get that chance! What would you think of me?!"

Mark shook his head and looked at her with narrowed eyebrows. "Abby I understand, okay? I was really upset when I said that, but I'd rather you be happy without him than you just forcing yourself to be around him."

Abby looked over at him. Her eyes were red and watery, her face flushed.

"I will spend today with them. Then we'll see."

Mark nodded.

She lightly hit the railing with her fist, letting out a low growl of anger. "How dare he be mad at you?! You did nothing wrong!"

Mark was not used to being the emotionally stable one in the relationship. She was always the one calming him down, so when he felt no anger for what her father had said, he was surprised. It did bother him because he agreed that he was at fault, but it bothered him more that Abby was upset and hurt.

"I'm pretty sure he's just trying to blame someone because he feels guilty," Mark told her. "He'll come around."

"Do you think I'm wrong? For what I said?" Abby asked.

"Not at all," Mark immediately told her. "I think you had every right to say those things."

Abby nodded slowly, then let out a shaky sigh as she walked over and gave him a tight hug. "I love you. Thank you for trying to help."

Mark wrapped his arms around her and held her to him, rocking them slowly. "I love you too."

Abby and Mark stayed like that for a little while. When she finally pulled away, she had stopped crying and was taking a deep breath.

"Okay... I'll go back in there..."

Mark nodded. "Okay. You got this."

She smiled softly, then gave him a quick peck on the lips.

They both walked back inside. Linda was very shaken by the whole ordeal. She didn't seem upset with Abby. She seemed to feel horrible for her.

Abby and Mark made their way back into the living room where James sat with a drink in hand. Mark made it a point to keep his eyes away from the alcohol. Abby noticed it too, then looked at Mark to make sure he was okay.

"I'm fine," he whispered.

She nodded.

"Alright, um..." Linda gulped. "Abigail...is there anything we can do for you? We could start a police report, or maybe try and help you financially."

Abby shook her head. "No, that's not necessary."

"Are you going to stay for dinner?"

Abby said nothing for a moment, looking over at Mark's folded hands. James refused to look at them.

"Um..."

The door opened with a slam and fast, loud footsteps filled the house. "Mom! Dad!"

Abby looked over and noticed two young boys running into the living room. They dropped their bags on the floor and stopped dead in their tracks when they noticed Abby and Mark.