Just Stay

7. Too Many Changes

"You get to leave this God-awful place. Are you excited?" Not really. I love Rafe for trying to cheer me up, but I just want to be alone. "Mom said you get to stay with us for the time being." Yeah, until I get placed in some fucked up home. "Ari, say something, please."

"I'm tired." It's the truth but also, I'm frustrated and angry because I cannot remember the most important life changing event in my life. My parent's death. "This really sucks!"

"I know. I'm sorry." Do not say that! I am tired of people saying that. "I'm sorry that I'm going to annoy the shit out of you." Stupid gorgeous smirk of yours, I cannot help but crack a small smile.

"Better you then some stupid foster home. I mean I'm barely going to be seventeen I should not have to go through this shit!"

"It will only be a little over a year and wherever you go we will follow." I love him for that but would not ask him to do something ridiculous.

"Don't be stupid!"

"It's true." Our heads whip to the door as Rafe's mom Janet enters the room with a nurse and a wheelchair. "I will take Rafe and we will move to wherever you are situated." Stop smiling at me like that you idiot! "Your mother was my best friend." Fuck! I don't want to cry again. "I may not be able to take you in permanently." Stupid court system. Just because she is getting a divorce it's not a stable home situation from what Rafe told me.

"I wouldn't ask you to do that." Wiping my eyes as Janet and Rafe help me into the wheelchair. 

"You're not asking. We will go wherever you do and that is settled." Why I ever stop talking to these people is beyond me. I am eternally grateful to them.

________________

"Are you sure you are ready for this?" Ask me one more time Rafe and I swear to God, I will smack you! "You just got out of the hospital."

"And I do not want to be more behind then I already am. I refuse to be stuck for an extra year because of this shit!"

"Stubborn ass!"

"Damn straight!" I smirk at him as I slowly make my way to my closet in the guest room to grab some clothes. "Are you going to stay and watch me change or are you going to leave?"

"You might need help." Stop wiggling your eyebrows at me! "I am at your assistance."

"Perv!" Laughing I shove him away but then pull him back to hug him to me. He made me laugh. I have not laughed since everything happened after I woke up. "Thank you."

"Don't go soft on me now, Ar." 

Shoving him again he laughs. "Way to ruin the moment jerk!" Arms encircle me and I lay my head on his chest. 

"You never have to thank me. I will always be here for you." Closing my eyes to stop from crying because we don't know that. We never know what tomorrow will bring. I am living proof of that. "Now get dressed if you are really insane to do this."

"If you get out of here."

I can do this. I can do this! The whole ride to school I was on the edge of my seat. Never have I been scared to be in a car before, but now I am, and I don't even remember the damn accident.

"Are you ready?" No. Yes. Hell, I don't know! Oh shit! I think I'm going to be sick. "Breathe Ari." I am, aren't I? "We can turn back around and go back home, just say the word."

Shaking my head and taking a deep breath. "No, I need to do this." Otherwise, I might never have the courage to do this again.

"Okay. I got you." Walking out of the car Rafe takes my arm and leads me into the school. Eyes are all on us and I feel the anxiety building up inside me. "Pay them no mind." Trying to but it's very hard.