Through Pain We Survive

Chapter 57

***TRIGGER WARNING- drugging and violence mentions***

AJ looked up from his computer after hearing a noise. Mr. Meowse had brought his hairy snake toy in to him. "Aww, are we neglecting you, My Dude? I'm sorry, I know it's been crazy around here."

Mr. Meowse jumped up on AJ's lap and meowed.

"Oh, yeah? You think you can just jump up here whenever you want?" AJ hugged and started petting Mr. Meowse.

AJ turned back to his computer, but realized he was not able to concentrate. This was the first time Gwen had gone anywhere alone in a while. She had texted him when she got to Cat's, but it still didn't make him feel any better about the two of them out there alone. He knows Damien is in jail, but there are other crazy people out there.

AJ shut his computer down and grabbed Mr. Meowse's hairy snake toy. He started playing with the feline, thinking of all that has happened and trying to not expand on what could have happened. The love of his life had been put in the hospital twice from these crazy people. She also had food poisoning from them. She was being stalked by them. His best friend had been beat up and in a car accident because of them. They now knew he was physically abusive as well.

Taking a deep breath, he tried not thinking how close he had come to losing the two most important people in his life because of this psychopath. He had tried killing both Nate and Gwen. Why? What is the purpose? YouTube can't be the only reason. We're doing well, but we're no Markiplier. He sighed. I love what I do. But people like Damien just take the fun out of it.

AJ could not figure out what Damien's motive was. Being this competitive over silly videos? It's ridiculous. AJ shook his head. Gwen popped into his mind. My loving wife. She means so much to me, and he's tried ripping her away multiple times. She doesn't deserve any of this that has happened to her lately. Neither does Nate.

Mr. Meowse jumped down. When AJ had stopped giving him attention, he went to the door, meowed, and walked out.

AJ stood and paced around. Maybe if I go to him and talk, he will tell me what exactly he wants with me. Then I can explain we're not taking viewers away from him since we're not even doing the same thing. AJ nodded to himself. That's what I'll do. I'll go to the jail and talk with Damien and see what exactly his goal is.

AJ left his office and went to get dressed.

Gwen pulled up and exited her car. She sent a text to AJ letting him know she had arrived, then got out of the car. She walked up and knocked on the door, taking a deep breath.

Cat opened the door. "Gwen! Thank you so much for coming." She turned and grabbed her scarf from a side table near the door and put it on. "Do you need anything before we head out?"

"Hey Cat. No problem. Umm, I think I'm good. I have a water in the car I'll grab as we leave. Are you ready?"

"Water's a good idea. Let me grab one." She ran out of site, and came back with a water bottle. "Let's go."

They walked down the driveway, Gwen grabbed her water, and they headed down the sidewalk.

"Thanks again for doing this."

"You're very welcome. Is there any place in particular you'd like to walk?"

"How does the park sound?"

"That sounds good." Gwen thought a moment. "Do you walk around often?"

"I used to."

"Before you got involved with...him?" Gwen was hesitant to say Damien's name.