Never Let Go

Chapter 25: My Fault

A tear drops from my cheek and splashes onto the painting in my hand. I love this painting, but then I loved every piece of ark work Maya produced. She was such a perfectionist.

It only feels like yesterday when I asked her if I could keep this painting...

"Can I keep it?" I ask.

She raises her eyebrows and smiles.

"Well, seeing as you rescued me today, you can have it. It would've only gone in the trash otherwise."

"Thank you." I smile. "I'll put it with my Maya Carlson collection."

I'm so glad I got the chance to see it before she threw it away.

I remember that day so well - getting into a fight with Dylan and looking around Maya's apartment. I wanted to beat the crap out of him so bad, and if Maya wasn't there then I would have.

I stare at the painting as another tear rolls down my cheek. I wish we could go to the lake again... I'd give anything to be able to climb that tree and sit next to her... I'd give anything just to see her again.

****

Michael winces as I gently dab the blood away from his lip with some wet cotton wool.

"Sorry." I frown.

"It's ok." He says softly and watches me while I clean up his lip.

I look into his eyes and sigh before turning away.

"I'll get you some ice to stop the swelling."

I throw away the bloody cotton wool and look through the freezer for the ice. I turn around and see Michael looking around the room.

"I was hoping you wouldn't see where I lived." I say as I pass him the bag of ice.

"Why?" He lowers his eyebrows.

"It's not the best area... and it's a bit of a mess in here."

He shakes his head.

"I think your apartment looks good."

I give him a look and let out a small laugh. I pull out a chair and sit next to him, and we both stay silent for a few seconds. Michael takes the ice away from his lip and looks at me.

"Are you ok?" He asks.

"You're the one who's hurt, Michael."

"But he said some horrible things about you." He frowns. "You're none of those things."

"I'm fine." I make a face and shake my head.

"I hope I haven't got you into too much trouble at work..."

"You haven't. This wasn't your fault." I frown. "I'm sorry Dylan did this to you. He's a fucking asshole."

"I couldn't just sit there and watch him treat you like that."

I take a deep breath and look down. I bite my lip, feeling angry at myself and Dylan.

"This is my fault. I knew having you back in my life was a bad idea." I mumble.

"What do you mean?" He lowers his eyebrows.

I shake my head and fold my arms, staring over at the kitchen sink.