My Understandings [ON HOLD/EDITING]

My Understandings: Part 4

-Alan's P.O.V.-

"I'll be over within the next hour or so ok?"

Edith sent me that 45 minutes ago. I want to see her. It's been awhile and I'm really worried about her. As far as I know, her dad's been getting worse with the beatings and I don't want to lose her. I know she never fights back with her dad and she's always getting stepped on. Hell, she could be dead right now if I hadn't have knocked out that asshole when he wanted to kill her. I still don't know why she didn't want me to call the police.

I decide that she probably got held up doing her hair or something and lay on my bed. I'll just play some good old Pokemon until she gets here. I destroy Venasaur with my Charizard and continue on a spree of  destroying stupid little Pokemon. I had already beaten the game 3 times...

My door bursts open and I see her standing there. Her lack of makeup and the fact that she left her hair wavy made me smile. She always looked best like this but she never believed me.

"Hey Edith." I say. She doesn't respond, something's up.

"What's wrong?" I ask. She looks to the floor as I set my gameboy on the table. I get up and walk over to her. She's still not responding, just staring, empty. "Edith." I say as I grab her shoulders. She rests her head on my chest. Something is definitely wrong.  

She feels weak, I won't let her down. I have to be here for her. I wrap my arms around her, trying to make her feel better. I feel her shaking as she starts the sniffle.

"Come here." I say. I pick her up. She's lighter... She's probably not eating again. That asshole won't let her have on scrap of food without calling her fat or a cow.

I bring her over to my bed and set her up against my wall. I sit next to her and sling an arm over her shoulder. I'm sure to hold her close, that always made her feel better. I have to know.

"Is it your dad again...?" I ask. She lets out a sob and I know that assholes been beating her again. She didn't deserve it. She didn't deserve any of it. I put my hands on my face, I didn't want her to see me cry. I needed to be strong for her. It was so upsetting seeing her hurt. If I could I would make sure she never gets hurt but I can't do that. I'm doing all I can...

"He accused me of sleeping with you guys... and ... Austin saw..." She says as she starts crying again. I can't help but look shocked, I trusted Austin but I wish he didn't see. I know how private it is to her. I wish I would have asked to hang out earlier. She's in so much pain...

"Hold on." I say. I know how to make her feel better. I run down my stairs and into my kitchen. My parents aren't home, they must have left. I grab a hot chocolate packet and put some milk in the microwave. While its cooking, I rest my elbows on the counter and put my face in my hands.

Why was this happening? Why her? Why Edith? Edith was smart, bright, shy, and beautiful. She deserves a loving family, someone who loves her. Not someone who treats her like a punching bag.

The microwaves alarm goes off and I take out the warm milk. I stir in the chocolate packet and add some small marshmallows. I hope this woks.  

I walk up the stairs trying not spill.

"Edith I got a surprise!" I shout up the stairs. I see her look up and smile. I love it when she does that. She takes the mug and she takes a sip. I know how much she loves hot chocolate. I suddenly remember another thing she loves.

"And another suprise." I pick up my Xbox controller and turn it on. I go over to Netflix and search for Drake and Josh, her favorite show. She looked up at me and smiled. I know now that I made her happy and that was my goal.

I look down at her and return a smile. I can't help but notice how beautiful she looks today. I was so lucky to have her as my best friend. Her green eyes were shining and her smile was big.

My smile fades as I realize that... No. No. No that's not a good idea. No. I never thought of Edith that way. Not since we dated for 6 months in 9th grade.

No. I don't want her in that way. I look away and clear my throat. She looks confused but I just keep watching tv. No. I didn't think of her that way.

We watch Drake and Josh for hours. Edith falls asleep on me as we're watching tv. I can't help but just want her to stay so I can keep her safe from the world, but I have to wake her up eventually.

It's about 9:50 and I decide to wake her up. She groans and I feel like letting her sleep, but I can't. My parents will be home soon. I nudge her and she opens her eyes and checks her phone for the time.

"I gotta go." She says. I;m beginning to get worried I think... What if her dad hurts her again...

"Ok." I say.  

I watch her walk down the street and close my door. I hear my cell phone going off in my room as I walk up my stairs and run to answer it.

"Hello?" I say.

"Hey dude." It's Austin.

"Oh hey what's up?" I ask.

"Well I was wondering if you wanted to head up to the beach tomorrow with me Phil and Kat?" He asks.

"Yeah sure bro."

"Ok. I'll come get you around 1 ok? And... Invite Edith. She should go too. I'll see you tomorrow." I hear him hang up the phone.

Why did he ask me to invite Edith? I was already going to but the fact that he asked me threw me off. I sigh. It's been a rough day. I walk over to my guitar and begin to play the beginning of "River" by Parkway Drive.

I just need to relax and calm my shit.