Runaway (R.S.L)

Chapter 7

Wanted to give you guys another update because I loved your responses from the last chapter! Here ya go!

My body was shaking and tears were rolling down my face as I rested my back against the brick wall of one of the stores. It was quiet, and the only thing that could be heard were the sobs I was producing. Every time  I wiped my cheeks, new tears stained them. Whenever a car zipped past, I would jump and cower slightly, afraid that Ethan had found me and would finish off what he started. 

When I saw the familiar van appear, I felt my body completely relax and the shaking started to stop. The second he jumped out of the van, he ran towards me and fell onto his knees, pulling me into a much needed hug. I buried my head in his chest and just cried, an overwhelming feeling encompassing my body. 

"You're safe now, Scar." He murmured, running my fingers through my hair. "He can't hurt you." He pulled away slightly and cupped my face with his hands. His eyes landed on my cheek, and his jaw clenched in anger. "He did this to you?" He asked, his finger tracing over my bruised cheek. Wincing, I nodded.

Ross frowned and slowly stood up, bringing me with him. He wrapped his arms around me once again, rubbing soothing circles on my back. "Let's go home, alright?" I nodded against his chest and he led me to the van. He helped me into the passenger seat and even buckled me in. He stared at me for a moment before gently kissing my forehead. I tried to show him how grateful I was for him, but I just couldn't. I was in too much shock to smile. 

When we got home, Ross brought me upstairs to my room, and we ignored all the stares we were receiving. I didn't have the strength to explain what happened, and I didn't think I was emotionally stable quite yet. But I couldn't help but wonder if Ross had told them why he abruptly left the house. I'm sure if they didn't know already, he would tell them what had happened.

Ross softly closed my bedroom door as I sat down on my bed, my cheeks stained with dried up tears. He stepped forward and sat down next to me, brushing a few strands of hair behind my ear. "Talk to me, Scar." He pleaded softly. 

What was there to talk about? I was almost taken advantage of and managed to get hit around in one night.

"Why me?" I whispered, my voice raw from crying. Ross frowned, but stayed quiet. "Why do people always try to take advantage of me? Can they basically see the vulnerability I have?" I sniffled slightly and focused my attention on the carpeted floor. 

"You are not vulnerable, Scar." Ross placed his finger under my chin and forced it up, his eyes staring into mine. "I see you as a strong, brave girl. I don't know your entire life story, but I know that you've been through a lot. More than some people." His thumb brushed across my bruised cheek before he dropped his hand and grabbed one of mine. "I'm so sorry, Scar." 

"Sorry for what?" I questioned, tilting my head in confusion. What was he sorry for? None of this was his fault. I was the idiot who decided to go out with a stranger. 

"For ignoring you." He admitted, his eyes focused on anything but my face. All he did was play with my fingers, which I found comforting. "After you told me you wanted to stop, I just got so pissed. It was like something inside me snapped, and all I wanted to do was ignore you." 

Having him ignore me was like someone was stabbing me in the heart. There was a constant ache in my chest, and it wouldn't go away no matter what. I knew exactly why I felt like crap every time Ross ignored me, but I never wanted to admit it to myself. I knew exactly why I didn't feel anything when kissing Ethan. 

I was falling for Ross Lynch.

He slowly lifted his head and I was surprised to see tears glistening in his eyes. "When you called me tonight, my heart basically stopped." He continued, his bottom lip slightly trembling. "I knew by the sound of your voice that something happened, and I dropped everything I was doing to come get you." He brushed his thumb over my knuckles, and my heart fluttered at the gesture. "There were so many worst case scenarios running around in my head, but the second I actually saw you, I almost cried in relief."