Trust

Show Me

I stare out the window as the sun slowly creeps up in the sky. I woke up early in the morning because my phone went off right by my head. I opened it up and found another message from X. For the past two hours, I've been contemplating opening it or not. I take a deep sigh before finally pressing into the message.

X: Not at the adoption center anymore, I see? Another abuser? Or maybe you're being tricked into thinking someone could actually love a worthless brat like you? No matter, I'll find you. And when I do... Well, you can guess what'll happen next.

I shudder and bite my lip. It's him. It has to be him. He's the only one who it could be. I swallow back my tears and attempt to toughen up. Liam is asleep in the bed not even 5 feet away and I don't want to wake him. I lie back in my bed and stare at the white ceiling. I gulp as I think of what will happen if he finds me...

The other bed squeaks as Liam shifts up into a sitting position. He quietly stands up and slips into the bathroom. I sigh and sit up also. I rummage around and grab a quick outfit. I sit patiently on the bed as I wait for Liam to come out. Soon, he slips out of the bathroom, now changed into a tee and jeans.

He looks at me in surprise.

"Awake already? I didn't wake you, did I?" He asks. I shake my head.

"Nah, I've been up." I say. I slip into the bathroom before he can question me further. I quickly get changed and walk back out. Liam sits on his bed, looking bored.

"Wanna do something?" I ask. He shrugs.

"Got anything in mind?" He asks.

"We could go to the gym." I suggest. He brightens up.

"Sure! Let's go!" He says. I smile and grab my gloves. We tip toe out of the room and down the steps to the lobby. We head to the car and I shoot a text to dad that I'm out with Liam. I give Liam directions and we soon arrive at the gym. Liam walks in wide-eyed and immediately begins to try out equipment. I slip on my gloves and start throwing punches at a punching bag.

A deep voice sounds from behind me and makes me jump. I spin around quickly and see Andrew. I breathe out in relief.

"Here for those lessons?" He asks.

"Sure! That'd be great!" I say. He smiles and slips on his own gloves to show me what to do. He demonstrates several techniques and moves. I follow along and attempt to copy them. I get the hang of most of them by the third or so try.

"Wow, you're a fast learner! You've definitely got the build to pull them off, too. With a bit more training, you could easily get into some competitions. I'd love to help. How long will you be in New York?" He asks.

"Umm...." I say. "Liam!"

Liam jogs up to me and casts a wary eye at Andrew.

"This is Andrew. He's been teaching me boxing." I introduce. They politely shake hands. "How much longer are we staying here?"

"We're heading back to Britain tomorrow." Liam answers. I feel my stomach drop slightly as I think of Justin. Tomorrow? I only have until tomorrow? I sigh.

"Well, that's unfortunate. I'd say, look for a local gym. If you ever find yourself back in New York, you know where to find me. Practice, practice, practice. It was great meeting you and I wish you the best of luck." He says with a smile. I smile back and he jogs off to a customer.

"Tomorrow?" I question Liam. He nods. I look down.

"Sorry, Aura. We can't stay forever." He says. I sigh.

"I know." I say. He leads me back out to the car.

"Well, you only have until early tomorrow morning, so why don't you spend today with your friend?" He suggests. I brighten at the idea.

"Yea, I'll talk to him when we get back." I state. I deflate a little. "But dad won't let me go out alone."

"I'll take care of Louis." Liam says. I smile.

"Thanks." I say. He just smiles. The car comes to a stop and we rush back in. My eye catches on Justin sitting in the breakfast bar. I walk up to him.

"Howdy stranger." I say in a faux American accent. He turns around and laughs at me.

"Well, top of the morning to you, old chap!" He says in a British accent. I chuckle at his attempt and slide into the seat next to him. I sigh.

"Umm, I'm leaving tomorrow."I state. His head pops up.

"What? Tomorrow? That's so soon!" He protests. I sigh.

"I know."

"But you didn't even get to sightsee!" He says. I sigh again.

"Nope.... But I really wanna spend my last day with my best, and only, friend." I say. He gasps.

"What about me?" He asks. I laugh.

"That's who I was talking about, you doof!" I say. He smiles.

"Well, I feel honored. I actually don't have work today, so maybe, if the fair maiden would allow so, I could escort you to a certain large green woman with a torch and a book." He says.

"The Statue of Liberty?" I question. He nods. "That'd be fun! But, you don't have to deal with me if you don't want to."

"Pfft, nonsense! Follow me, princess!" He says in a regal manner. I chuckle and follow him, preparing for the best day of my life.