*Caryn's POV*
"What's going on?!" Travis and his blonde bimbo stared at me from across the room, wide eyed and shocked to see me home. "How long has this been going on for?!" No one seemed eager to answer any questions I had to ask, so I knocked over a lamp and stormed out of the house. Travis called out after me, "But, baby wait! I can explain!" but I ignored him. I ran away faster than I could ever imagine. I didn't cry, and I didn't care. This could be my way out. I was so frustrated with the fact that he was so abusive to me while seeing someone else on the side. I ran all the way to the park and to the bench. Landon was sitting there, and looked happy to see me, until I told him he had to leave. Travis could be coming at any minute, and I don't want to be seen with Landon just yet. He understood and left. I sat there for hours expecting Travis to come running after me to explain himself, but he never came. (Deja Vu, huh?) When the sun set, I decided to walk back home. I was leaving him, no matter what he had to say to explain himself. He could call me names, he could hit me a few times, but I honestly wouldn't care. I've had it with him, and I refuse to stay there any longer. Upon entering the house, he started to explain what happened. "Let me explain what happened earlier.."
"No, you don't have to explain anything. I'm taking my shit, and I'm fucking leaving this hell hole. That was the last straw. I can deal with your abuse and I can deal with you putting me down, but cheating is the last straw. I thought that maybe one day you'd realize how much you hurt me and maybe one day things will get better, but it's been a year, and you haven't changed one bit. I'm done with you, and you lost me. There's nothing you can do to get me back. I'm sorry it has to be this way." After that, I walked past Travis, not letting him have a response, and he let me leave peacefully. Before I left, I thanked him for making it so easy, and his reply was, "Only reason I'm letting you go is because I know you have nowhere to go, and I know you'll be back." I had nothing to say to that, so I just got in my car and drove off. When what Travis said had finally sunk in, I knew he was right. Where did I plan on going? I pulled over to ponder the thought. Landon's house? That wouldn't work, because then Travis would know I've been talking to him again. My parents' house? I haven't talked to them in forever. I don't have any friends, and my only option was either Mark or Tom's house. Mark was more responsible than Tom, but I would have more fun at Tom's house. I could use some fun, but what I could really use is someone to talk to. Mark's house it is. I couldn't decide what to say when I got there, so I went with the flow. It started to drizzle, which turned into a downpour. When I arrived at Mark's house, I rang the doorbell, hoping he would answer fast because this rain was ridiculous. When he answered he was in only his underwear, and he had a confused look on his face. "Did Travis kick you out?..."
"No, I left." Looking shocked, he invited me inside and I explained what happened that lead me to leave. "Can I tell you something that might make you hate me?" Mark asked, and I nodded my head yes. "I knew he was cheating on you, and so did Tom...."
"You're joking, right?"
"I wish I was. Look he told me it was a one time thing about a month ago, and I figured it really was. Evidently I was wrong, because the way you describe her, it's the same girl. I was going to tell you, but I knew you wouldn't have anyone to lean on. Tom convinced me it was better if I didn't get involved, because it wasn't really my business. I know you guys have always had troubles, and I didn't want to make it worse for you. I'm sorry."
I decided he was really just trying to help and forgave him. I've been itching to tell someone about me seeing Landon, but I don't quite know if I can tell that to Mark yet. He leaves for tour in two days, and I guess I'll have to wait to see Landon until then. "Can you help me get my stuff out of the car?"
"Sure thing, is it everything you had at the house?"
"No, but it's a lot. I wanted to try and get it all in one shot, but it all didn't fit in my car. Oh, and can you not tell Travis that I'm staying here? I don't really want to see him anytime soon." Mark agreed, and helped me bring in my luggage. "Where will I be sleeping tonight?"
"Well I only have one bedroom, so I guess I'll sleep on the couch and you can stay in my room."
"Are you sure? I don't want to make you sleep on the couch just for me!"
"It's fine, trust me. My room is right upstairs. I'll see you in the morning. Good night!"
"Night!" I said as I walked up the stairs. When I got to his room, I turned on the light. He had three white walls and one dark blue one with posters plastered over it. There were posters of Tom with hearts all over them and posters of NOFX, Misfits, Beastie Boys, and all bands like that. I admired his room for a while and decided it was time to sleep. I got into my pajamas and crawled into his queen-sized bed, turned off the lights, and fell asleep. At around three in the morning, I was woken up by someone knocking on the bedroom door. I got up and opened the door to see Mark standing there, begging for entrance. "What's wrong?"
"I'm scared of thunder, and I was kind of hoping we could be thunder buddies? In other words, please let me sleep in my bed with you." Before I could say anything, a crash of thunder echoed throughout the house and sent Mark running for the bed. I shut the door and walked back over to the bed, where Mark was shaking under the covers. "Good night, you little baby." I mocked, and just as I was about to fall asleep, Mark got up, turned on the lights, and shook me. "Caryn.. Can we just stay up and talk?"
"About what? Mark, I'm tired, and it's been a long day. Can we just sleep?"
"No, I can't sleep."
"So I guess that means I can't either. Maybe I should've went to Tom's house instead." Just then, the doorbell rang. "Who in the hell is ringing your doorbell at three in the morning?!" We both went downstairs to get the door, and standing outside was Tom, who came in and hugged Mark. "OH MY GOD THE THUNDER IS SO SCARY SO I CAME OVER."
"WE CAN HAVE A SLUMBER PARTY!" Mark replied, I swear I think they're gay sometimes. They ran upstairs and each grabbed one of my wrists to drag me with them. Upstairs, I had to explain to Tom why I was here and what happened with Travis. He confessed to me that he knew, and apologized for not telling me. I forgave him, and started to look at my nails, which needed a manicure so badly.
"I need to get a manicure..." I thought aloud.
"WE'LL PAINT YOUR NAILS!!!" Tom and Mark said, in unison. I gave them a weird look, and they got out black nail polish and went to work on my nails. Great, now I can't fall asleep, or else I'll get nail polish all over Mark's bed.
When it was finally morning, the storm had passed and I was exhausted. Tom and Mark decided to sleep on either side of me, and since my nails dried, I figured I might as well sleep. Staying here isn't bad after all.
