Alive (Sequel to Breathing)

Chapter 27

"Are you gonna play nice this time or try and fight me again?"

"No. That's not why I asked you to meet me"

"Good. What do you want?" She flicked her hair off her shoulder and crossed her arms.

I stood at least ten feet from her. I wasn't planning on hitting her but I definitely wanted to. I needed her to not feel threatened by me. That was the only way to get her to do what I needed.

"I want you to drop the charges against Harry"

She threw her head back laughing and I instinctively rolled my eyes. Of course she was going to be difficult. She thrives on making us miserable at this point.

"Why would I do that?"

"Because I'm asking you too"

"Not a good enough reason. Why should I care if your little family falls apart? Should of never said 'I do' if you ask me" She looked at the pictures of us hanging behind her and scoffed.

"I didn't ask you though. The only thing I'm asking is that you end this. Harry didn't force himself on you-"

"You don't know what happened when you weren't around. Shouldn't you be on my side? I mean you of all people know what it's like to be taken advantage of. Aren't we supposed to stick together? Maybe we could start a campaign for victims of sexual assault " She smirked and leaned against the wall.

"You've got a lot of nerve. Do you not have a heart? How dare you take something like that so lightly. "

"Why? Because you're dramatic as usual. You were never raped. You just didn't want Harry to get mad that you cheated on him!"

"You know nothing about what happened you stupid bitch!" I lashed out completely losing the calm composure I was putting on.

"I know more than you think" she narrowed her eyes.

"You don't though. You know nothing about what I went through. If you did, you wouldn't mock me for it. That was the lowest point in my life and you are treating it like a joke. You don't know what it's like to have someone you once trusted and loved to become your worst nightmare. To see their face every time you kiss your boyfriend or even close your eyes. It took months for me to let go of what happened, even a little bit! So throw your verbal punches. I've taken physical ones harder"

She was seeing how far she could push me. On the inside I was already over the edge. I kept picturing Aidan's face if he lost both of us and that was the only thing keeping me from putting her head through the living room wall. It was a silent stand off as we both glared at each other. Her stare faltered a second later like her mind was somewhere besides our conversation for a moment.

"I need to go" she turned towards the door but I quickly grabbed her arm. She didn't jerk away which I found odd but I was glad I didn't need to use more force.

"Payton, we both know Harry didn't force himself on you. Please, look I'm not asking for much. Forget me and forget Harry. Drop the charges for Aidan. He shouldn't have to lose his father over a grudge. That's all this is. You're mad at me or Harry or whoever and this is the only way you think you can hurt us. I'm definitely here to admit we're hurting without adding Harry going to prison for something he didn't do to the list"

"Jesus Christ you're so fucking stupid. I mean how pathetic can you be? The man cheated on you and you're still here begging me to drop charges. Way to step up as a wife" She clapped dramatically.

"Please, Payton" I pleaded with her and she narrowed her eyes again.

"I want you out. I want all your shit out of the building this week. Once you hand in the key. I'll drop the charges"