Painting

Chapter 68

-June? Are you coming or not? I mean, it's not like you really have a choice in the matter, whatever happens, I'll get what I want. The only difference is that with one option you don't send people you love to jail. Aren't you suppose to do anything for the people you love?

My lips begin to tremble and I rub my hands on my shirt.

Can I really get out of this? I need to do something, step up for myself and for them. I can't let someone like him decide what my life is going to be.

-You're just like the cherry on top of a sundae. I'm the sundae. Although, everyone likes the cherry on top. I do all the work.

My heart skips a beat.

-What?

-Aww, you're so cute when you're clueless. I'm saying that you're kind of nothing without me, if that makes sense. Now don't take it the wrong way, I kind of like that you're dependent on me. You need me to survive.

-I don't really like it, when you say things like that.

-Baby it's okay, I know you feel bad and scared, but don't worry, I would never let you wander off to fight on your own.

-Are you gaslighting me again?

-Gaslighting you?

-That's a big word for such a small...

-Teddy, why are you doing this?

-Because I love you.

Victor steps up.

-That's not love.

-What do you know about love?

-I know that it's not that. Love is suppose to make you feel happy, cared for, lift you up and a lot of other wonderful things.

-That's why I want to keep her around, to show her, I can do all of those things, so that she doesn't have to throw herself into the arms of strangers.

-No, you're afraid that you're going to lose the only person that has ever been kind to you. June is full of love and affection, that's why you keep her around, you're the one who needs her. You keep sucking her up expecting her to be dry one day, but she never is, is she? She never gave up on you, no matter how many times you hurt her. So you hang on as tight as you can.

-You would too. You're going to eventually. You are as sick as I am, you just hide it better, I'm surprised the "gaslighting" on your part hasn't started yet.

-I don't need to do that.

-Do you know how much time I've spent making sure I knew everything about her, before finally calling her that night?

-Calling me?

-I've cut up my own fucking arm, to make sure she would show up at my home.

-You didn't...

-I did and you believed me, the first times, taking a part of your night to comfort me through the phone. Finally one night, you decided to come, I had to act quick. God... It hurt so bad, but I was ready to do anything, if it meant having you by my side.

-You sick fuck...

He turns his head toward Tyler.

-Such harsh words... It sounds better when you say them babydoll. I would destroy this entire planet, paint it red with the blood of every human...

-To make sure, I would stay by your side, right?

-Yes and I won't let my efforts be ruined by two guys you met at a party.

Teddy's tone changes.

Anyway, I've had enough of you two. June are you coming with me of not?

-I am.

-What?

I smile at Tyler.

-It's fine. Teddy?

-What?

-I just need to send a text to my mom, so she doesn't worry.

They both look at me, their eyes light up when they understand what I'm doing. Teddy is already going down the stairs. I blow them a kiss and they smile.

I climb into his car.

-You've made the right decision, you know that?

-I know.

I smile at him as he starts the car.

-Can we stop at the art supplies shop on the way?

-Why?

-I need to buy some paint.

-I'll come into the store with you.

-That's fine.

We stop at a hardware store instead.

-I hope you don't mind.

-It's perfect.

We walk into the store, I immediately walk toward the paint section and buy one pot of black paint. In the car, I don't say anything. My heart beats really fast and my hands are still sweaty. Teddy has his unbudging smirk plastered on his face.