Through Pain We Survive

Chapter 60

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

Nate looked at the time. AJ told him he was going to talk to Damien at the station.

"Do you think that's really a good idea?" Nate asked.

"I just want answers. He has been harassing us for too long now. I want to know the real reason why."

Nate sighed. "Well, the only thing I can say is be careful."

"I will." AJ turned and walked out the door.

Nate knew he would not have been able to talk AJ out of going down there. He didn't even bother trying.

It had been two hours since he left though. Hopefully he's not in trouble.

Nate's phone rang. Looking at the Caller ID, he smiled.

"Hey Bex."

"Hey Natemare. How are you?"

"I'm... okay. How are you?"

"I'm alright. Why the hesitation?"

"AJ went to talk to Damien, but it's been two hours now, and I haven't heard from him. I'm a little worried."

"Oh, goodness. Do you think something happened to him?"

"I hope not. We've all had enough happen to us lately, we don't need anything else."

"That's for sure." She paused. "How is everyone handling this?"

"Gwen is doing okay. She went for a walk with Cat, AJ told me. Cat is apprehensive, obviously. I'm just feeling like I should look over my shoulders still. It doesn't feel like he's in jail, or that we're safe."

"I can understand that. You guys have been harassed by him for so long now, I'm glad y'all are getting a break at least."

"Yeah." Nate sighed. "How are you doing with all this?"

"Me? I'm just glad you're safe," she said, smiling. "Really though, I'm glad he's in jail and y'all can live your lives normally."

"Yeah." Nate looked around. "I just— I have a bad feeling— like this isn't the end."

"Oh, don't say that. That's the last thing we need is for any of y'all to get hurt again."

"Yeah, I know." Nate wanted to change the subject. "It's good AJ asked for you to be in this musical. I won't be able to do anything the next couple months in front of the camera with my arm broken."

"I'm excited to help y'all out. I had a lot of fun the last time." Becca didn't bring up the other thing that happened that day.

"I'm glad. I'm sure Gwen will be happy for another woman to be around."

"I'm sure she will be too. When you two boys get going, y'all can be a handful!" She laughed.

Nate looked at the time. "I am getting a bit worried about AJ. He's been gone over two hours now."

"I'm sure he's fine. There are officers around, so I'm sure nothing would have happened."

"Maybe." Nate didn't seem convinced. His phone alerted him to a text. Looking at it, it was AJ. "Oh, thank goodness. I just got a text from AJ. He, Gwen, and Cat are together at Cat's house. They're all fine."

"Glad to hear." Nate could hear the relief in her voice.

"Me too. Well, I'd better get off here. I have some more editing to wrap up for the next video going out. I'll talk to you later."