Out of Time

Chapter Fifteen - The Verdict

"Alright Briella, your dad is going to take a ride down to the city tonight. He isn't going to jail, we just think its best to give y'all some space for the night. We called your mother but she said she didn't want to pick either one of y'all up. Since you're eighteen you can stay here but give us a call if he happens to come back." They said as I nodded and Axel grabbed my arm to help me stand up. Despite falling out of a window, I felt fine.

-

For the first time in years my plea was answered. I never want my dad to go to prison, cause deep down I still loved him. Crazy, right? Despite all of this, it is a week later and Christmas is approaching.

This would be the first Christmas that I spent completely alone. Well, no family. Axel told me his doors were always open, but I would hate to do that to his family.

I found myself once again, in my room, alone. My dad rarely comes around after the accident. I don't know where he goes, I just know I come home to the fridge stocked with food, but no dad. I called my mom a couple times, but everytime she just hangs up assuming I'm whining about life.

Finally, it got to the point where I felt lonely. I was curled in a ball on my bed with tears streaming down my face when I realized exactly what I needed. I put my coat on, and headed outside. I walked all the way to Axels house and took a deep breath as I knocked. I heard laughter coming from inside and instantly felt like I made a mistake.

Axel opened the door and smiled at me, "hey babe. Everything alright?"

He loves to call me babe, but we aren't actually dating. I know, I know. He asked, I just have way too much crap going on in my life and I don't need to drag him down with me.

"Um- yeah, I actually came to see your mom. But-" I looked over his shoulder to see little kids sitting by the Christmas tree. "I'm guessing this isn't a good time. I'm sorry, I'll come back another time."

I started to turn away as he grabbed my arm and shook his head.

"Come on Briella, Christmas is in three days. Just come inside, please." He said as he looked at me with pleading eyes. I nodded and walked in. He shut the door behind me and started taking my coat off. I smiled at him as I took my boots off and then followed behind him into the living room.

"Look who decided to make an appearance." Axel said as his mom got a big smile on her face and clapped her hands.

"Briella sweety! How have you been?" She said as she stood up and gave me a hug. I felt like I melted as I hugged her back.

"I've been better." I said with a smile.

"Oh, I'm sorry. Do you wanna talk about it?" She said with a sympathy smile.

"Oh no, no. I don't want to ruin your night. Its just teenage stuff." I said with a nod as she winked at me.

"We'll talk later." I nodded back at her as Axel put his hand on my back and we walked over to the open couch. I sat down as one of his female cousins walked over to me, she was probably about five or six.

She just smiled at me and I smiled back, I slowely looked at Axel who was just staring at her.

"Lucy, this is Briella." She waved at me as her face lit up and she ran to the Christmas tree. I laughed as Axel put his arm over my shoulder and I leaned into him. Lucy ran back over to me with a present and handed it to me with a smile. I smiled as I looked at the tag and saw that it was from Axel.

"Axel- we said no gifts." I said as he started to blush. "Thank you."

"It's for later, don't open it right now. Lucy, can you put it back under the tree please?" He asked as Lucy looked like she was about to cry. He reached forward and ruffled her hair causing her to laugh.

It was comforting seeing a happy family, even though I knew deep down I would never have this. I zoned out and Axel must have noticed as he squeezed my hand.

"Axel lets make cookies!" Lucy squeeled as she grabbed his free hand and dragged him off the couch. His eyes widened as he sighed and looked at me. Next thing I know, he grabbed my hand and dragged me with him.

We got into the kitchen and Axel took out all of the ingredients to make gingerbread men. I felt awkward standing in the kitchen as he knew exactly what to grab, the measuring cups, and everything.

"Ok Lucy, what first?" I asked as she stared at me like I was dumb.

"I don't know." She said with some sass behind her tone, I nodded as I sucked in a breath and looked at Axel who was holding back a laugh.

"Alrighty." I said as I turned around. "What else do we need?"

"Have you never made gingerbread men before?" Lucy said as I turned my head back to her, she had her hands on her hips and was staring at me.

"Um- no. I've never made Christmas cookies before." I said with a smile, hoping Lucy would like, chill.

"Oh- well I wanted to make them with Axel." She said as I looked at Axel and he slammed the measuring cup down on the counter.

"Listen Lucy, you need to start being nicer to Briella. She is having a shi- a really hard time right now. Be respectful or I will tell your mom to bring you home." He said as she stuck her tongue out and left the kitchen. I smiled at Axel as he shook his head.

"I hate kids." He said as started to put all the ingredients back and I put the measurement cups back.

I leaned by back on the counter as I just stared at him.

"Whats up?" He said as he grabbed my waist and stared me in the eyes.

"I've been lying- to you." I said as he just stared at me. "Um- my dad- I haven't seen him since the accident." I said as I looked down at my hands.

"I thought he came home a few nights after? Why didn't you tell me, we could help you." He said as I shook my head.

"No no no. Y'all have been too helping. He's still been buying me groceries, I just never see him." I said as he dropped his hands and I felt a lump form in my throat.

"Is this why you rejected me?" He asked as I shook my head.

"No- I mean, yes? I don't know why I said no." I said as I shook my head, "I'm just fucking stupid."

"Is that what you needed to talk to my mom about?" He asked as I nodded my head.

"I haven't had a mom figure in the house in so long. Even when I did, I never got to talk to her about anything." I said as I shrugged. "Anyway, you should get back to your family."

"Briella please." He said as I turned around and started walking out of the kitchen. "Briella."

I looked at his family and then back at him. "I love you."

I saw his eyes light up a little as he walked with me to the door. I put my shoes on and we stepped outside.

"Can we please try a relationship?" He asked as the door closed.

"I really want to Axel, but I just can't promise anything. I'm a mess." I said as he shrugged and I saw tears enter his eyes.

"I want to be part of that mess. Please?" He said as I shook my head.

"I'm sorry." I said as I turned away and walked as fast as I could away from him, and his perfect family.