*Landon's POV*
I hugged Caryn and watched her walk away just about as fast as she walked into my life again. She looks older, even though its only been a year since I last saw her. It could be stress, but I doubt it. Something's up with her and Travis, and I don't like it at all. I'll find out soon enough, after all, she's my best friend, no matter what we went through.
*Caryn's POV*
As soon as I knew I was out of Landon's view, I sprinted back to my house. The one I share with Travis, of course. He's going to kill me for being late. I have a strict curfew of 5:00, and right now it's 5:20. Shit. When I finally got back to my house, I tried being quiet, but he was waiting for me at the door. "Where were you? It's 5:20, you know you should be home by 5:00." Travis ordered, waiting for my reply.
"I was at the park, I got caught up in the beauty of the place, sorry." I replied, my voice trembling.
"You sure you weren't seeing Landon?"
"Travis, you know how I feel about him. I hate him, he hurt me. I haven't talked to/seen him in a year. I think that if I was going out to see him, you would've found out by now."
"Good enough, but you never know with him. Remember, he hurt you. He left you and I was there for you. I love you, he doesn't."
"Exactly my point. Why would I leave a great guy like you for a scumbag like him?" I hugged and kissed Travis, knowing it was my only way out of this conversation. The only person I can trust right now is myself. If I told Landon about anything Travis has done to me in the past, he'd call the cops immediately. Mark and Tom would apologize and pay me for my suffering and pay me a little extra to keep it quiet. I love Mark and Tom, but they just don't know what it's like. They know Travis is an asshole, but he's one hell of a drummer, and they can't afford to lose him. Travis would always apologize to me the next morning after sobering up, knowing what he did was wrong, but then he'd do it again that night. Travis just abuses me. When he's sober, he does it mentally and emotionally. But when he's drunk... let's just say it isn't pretty.
"You aren't thinking about last week, are you?" He lifted up my sleeve to see the bruises I have from him grasping onto my arm so tightly. He kissed the bruises one by one and I had to hold back every cringe that came when his lips touched my skin. I knew that this would lead to what he calls make-up sex. I just can't wait until tomorrow, so I can see Landon again.
**the next day**
I woke up and took a shower, knowing Travis had already left for band practice. I got ready in my scarf and sunglasses, and walked to the park. The bench was occupied when I got there. Upon gaining a closer look, I saw that Landon was sitting there, anxiously awaiting my arrival. When he saw me, his eyes lit up. "YOU'RE HERE!"
"Of course I am, I promised I'd come!" We hugged and began to walk to his house. On the way there we talked and I acted as if nothing had happened when I got home yesterday, and he wasn't buying it. After my complete denial, Landon let it go and we just sat around like we used to, talking and having the time of our lives together.
"So, did you inspire any of the Blink 182 songs on Take Off Your Pants and Jacket?"
"Nope, I don't think so. Eh, I didn't really like that album actually. Only a few songs."
"Yeah I feel the same way. But when does Travis leave for tour? I really don't like sneaking around, I feel like you're just going to get in trouble for it."
"He leaves in two days. So I mean I can wait until after he leaves to see you again if you want."
"Are you crazy?! NO! I want to see your beautiful self as much as possible, I've missed you way too much."
"You're so freaking adorable I can't stand it. You haven't changed one bit."
"Nope, not even depression can phase me..." By the way he looked at me after saying that, he knew he had said too much. I mean I knew he was upset and that he missed me but depressed? That's pretty big.
"You.. you were depressed? Because of me?.."
"Look it's really no big deal and I don't want to upset you, okay?"
"Landon, if you were depressed you need to tell me!"
"If you really must know, yeah. I was. Still am. The fear of losing you again just won't leave me. I know that you're with Travis and I'm sure you love him but I just don't know what I'd do without you again. Without you, I was depressed and lonely. I tried seeing other girls, making new friends, but it just wasn't working. I don't know, maybe it's because I had such high expectations of people after you and no one lived up to them. But either way, it just kind of happened when you were gone. Even though you only came back yesterday, I already am starting to feel better. I mean I take depression pills now, and they help, but Caryn, you're doing me better than any medicine has ever done." Landon paced when he explained this to me, and when he was done he stood at the other side of the room, looking at me for a reply. I had no words for this, only actions. I slowly walked over to him, tears in my eyes, and held his face in my hands. What I was about to do could get me in such big trouble at home, but I didn't care. I kissed Landon for what seemed like an eternity. His lips gave me the kind of spark that no other lips could. It felt so right and perfect, I completely forgot about Travis. I didn't care, but I knew I had to stop myself before it ended up like that night. After our kiss ended, much to my dismay, we hugged and I cried while he tried to stay strong. "I love you, Caryn."
"Landon, I-"
"Don't say it back. I know that was a sympathy kiss and I know you have to get home, so go. I'll meet you again tomorrow, same time, same place." He kissed my forehead. I wanted to explain to him how it wasn't a sympathy kiss and how I wasn't sure how I felt, but I looked at the clock that read 4:45, and I knew he was right. I walked out of his house and gave myself time to compose myself before finally getting to my house. I looked at my watch, and it was 4:59 as I entered the house. Perfect timing... or so I thought.
