Breaking Gates

Chapter 15

Quickly flitting into Chrissy's bedroom, she jumped up next to the relaxing blonde and presented her with her bank card giving her a similar explanation to how it worked and the amount that would be transferred to it every month. To say the cheerleader was surprised and touched was an understatement.

"Ally-Kat, I can't believe you would do this. Thank you so much, this will take so much of the stress off, but are you sure you want to give so much?" Chrissy asked, hugging the girl tightly.

"Of course, like I said, Steve and Eddie have one too. Knowing you guys have money if you need it will give me peace of mind. I won't have to worry about anyone trying to manipulate you guys. Now, I am off to go give Steve his card. Love you sweetie." Ally cheered before racing off.

Steve reacted in almost the exact same way, only he was huffing and puffing from his training. The young man was soaked in sweat, his muscles burning from the exertion as he tried to hear past the thudding of his heart in his ears. Still, as he looked at the card in his hands, he could feel his eyes stinging with tears.

"Ally, are you sure about this? I mean, my parents are already going to do everything in their power to ruin your reputation, giving me a card to keep me from needing to rely on them financially will just be the nail in the coffin." Steve rushed, worried for the young woman who had become his family.

"Stevie, I'm sure. I don't give a fuck about what your family says about me. I can always sue them for defamation if they push too far. Your parents shouldn't be able to screw you over and ruin this life you're working so hard for. You struggled, and will continue to do so, but you will do it with people watching your back and helping you up. This is my way of doing that." Ally explained, hugging him tightly.

She hated what his family had done to him. She knew he still blamed himself for Barb's death, that something in him broke when he realized she was dead. Then trying to find a place for himself when everyone was against him changing, losing Nancy and fighting for his life, it was no wonder he was a mess.

"You know, maybe you should consider writing a journal or something, you know, as a way to get your thoughts out. I can see your mind racing like a mouse on a wheel. You need something to vent too, otherwise you'll just stew with your thoughts. I use art, music and exercise as ways to cope with my trauma." She offered, hoping he could see that there were ways to deal with all the shit they've been though.

"I don't know, I just feel like the only thing I'm for is protecting the kids, and even then, I'm nowhere near as good at it as you are. Maybe I'm just expendable." He muttered.

Sometimes he really felt like the only thing he was good at was slowing down a monster so that the others could get away. He knew Ally had it so much worse, he shouldn't be complaining or feeling sorry for himself. But it didn't change the fact that he was struggling with how easily his parents threw him away.

"Steve, you are a member of this family. You aren't expendable, or someone we would throw away. I want you to live a nice long life, to be there when Eddie and I get married and be the uncle to our kids. You can go to school, find something you're passionate about and make a life out of it, but first you need to get help." The small woman urged, holding his hand.

"Thanks Ally, you know I really can see why Eddie is so head over heels for you. You guys are perfect for each other." He sniffled, before pulling her into another hug.

"You think? To be honest, it scares me a little bit, just how strong my feelings for him are. I mean, we have only really known each other for two weeks, but I know I would go to hell and back for him, that I would fight a war to ensure he has peace. What if that intensity scares him off, or makes him feel suffocated? I don't know what I would do if I lost the only anchor I have in the chaos happening to me right now." She confessed.