The Deep Dark Stone Path

Chapter 12 - *James*

After I called my dad I ran home. I went in my room and cried my heart out. My brother dies and now my mom! I am not staying with dad. I would rather sleep in a dumpster! I walked into my brothers room and fell on the bed. I don't know how long  I stayed like that. Next thing I know I hear someone knock on the front door. I figure it is my dad. I just lay there until someone walks in. Then they open the door to my brothers room and walk in. Dalilah stands there with a concerned look on her face. She walks over and hugs me. Tears are still streaming down my face and I start screaming and squirming and Dalilah just hugs me. I don't feel very manly while my new neighbor hugs me and I cry like a baby. Eventually, I stop crying and Dalilah let's go. She rubs my back and says softley, "It's okay. Everything will be okay." Over and over again. After a while I start to believe her. I choke out "Thank you." She grins and says,  "Anytime." I wipe my eyes and sigh. Dalilah says sweetly, "What happened?" I tell her about my brother dying, my drunk abusive dad, my mom dying, and why the house is the way it is. She cried during the process. At some points she hugs me. When in am done she says "That's awful." Then she told me why she moved here, what her life used to be like, how her mom died too, and about her siblings. I say, "What's wrong?" As tears start pouring out of her eyes. She manages to get out, "I know how you feel. I thought life was over when my mom died. I got through it. That is why I know you can." I wipe her tears away. I can't stand to see such a gorgeous girl cry. My emotions take over as I lean in and kiss Dalilah. I pull away first. I open my eyes to see Dalilah smiling wide at me. She grabs my hand and we stay like that for a little while. After a little bit Dalilah says "Would you like to stay at my house?" Oh my gosh, is she serious? Of course I want to! I say, excitedly, "Yes!" We giggle. Dalilah says, "You can stay in the guest bedroom. If its okay with my dad." I nod and grab Dalilah's hand. Dalilah says, "Okay grab a bag and pack your clothes. Bring as much you want." I pack all my clothes in the bag, not having very much, since I don't have a lot of clothes. Then I grab my brothers favorite hat and my mother's favorite jacket. I put those on and grab my pillow and cover. Daliah and I, hand in hand, go to leave when I stop. I pick up my brothers baseball bat that was lying on the floor and bust the T.V to pieces. Dalilah looks at me shocked as I say "A welcome home present for dad."