Breathing Blue

54. "Don't let the door hit you on the way out."

"Thanks for the ride, Tyler," I said while giving him a small wave of the hand.

"Take my number? You can call anytime you need a chauffeur," He grinned as I let out a small genuine giggle.

I nodded and give him my phone, watching him type in his number.

"This isn't a Californian number?" I asked, as he handed me my phone back.

"No, I live in New York," Tyler smiled as I looked at him in shock.

"Oh, that's a coincidence," I said as he looked at me with perplexed green eyes before scratching the back of his head.
"I'm planning on moving to New York soon."

"If you do, give me a call, I'm always around to help or show a friend around," He said as I nodded, my mood slightly improving.

"Thanks, Tyler," I said before hopping out of his car. I waved goodbye before watching him drive away.

I walked towards the front door, noticing a car parked in front of the house.
I opened the door and walked into the living room, seeing Cami speak to Elijah.

I felt my jaw clench as his eyes landed on mine, his conversation with Cami coming to a stop.

"I'll let you two speak," Cami said before glaring at Elijah and walking away.

"Havoc—"

"There's nothing to say, Elijah. You can leave," I muttered as he shook his head.

"I'm sorry, Havoc. I... I just wanted you to realize how much of a piece of shit Aaron is. I know I explained myself by saying that it was for your own good, and in reality it was only partly for that reason. If I'm going to be honest with you and myself... I thought maybe you'd realize that I could be so much better," He said before frowning.
"I guess I thought I might become your knight in shining armor," He finished before looking down at the floor in shame.

"Elijah..." I sighed before walking into his arms and hugging him.
"I understand. That was a dick move, but I appreciate you looking out for me," I said into his chest as he sighed in relief.

"I'll never do anything to hurt you again," He promised before squeezing me into his arms, reminding me of the same promise Aaron had made me what seemed to be ages ago.

"I know, Eli," I said as Cami walked back into the room, gaining our attention.

"You might have forgiven him but I haven't. You helped Claire and Levi humiliate her!" She spat out at to Elijah as he sighed.

"I know... and I've apologized. I would never do anything to purposely hurt Havoc, Cami. You know that," He said paused before continuing,
"Ever since we were kids, I've always looked out for her," He smiled, memories from my childhood flooding my brain.

I groaned and placed my hand over my forehead, a migraine slowly starting to manifest itself.

"If you ever hurt her again, I'll end you," Cami threatened as he hastily nodded.

"I need a nap," I sighed before trudging up to Cami's room and falling face flat into the sheets.
Too much had happened today, and I had harbored no energy at all to deal with all of this. 

I curled up into a small ball, incoherent thoughts roaming around as I closed my eyes, hoping to fall asleep and temporarily have a false sense of peace.

—
TWO MONTHS LATER

"I can't believe you're already leaving," I pouted as Tyler laughed before stealing one of my fries.

"Havoc, I've been in California for four months," He smiled as I gathered my hair into a ponytail.

It had grown considerably since the last time I had cut it. I decided that after the incident with Aaron I was ready to change something about myself, and it was my signature short hair.