You Left Me Stranded

Chapter 7

The car was silent for a moment then Austin broke it by opening the car door and getting out. I sat there for a moment, and started to cry. I leaned against the steering wheel and let my tears flow. I didn't care if anyone heard me, let alone the very man I was in love with. He's probably disgusted with me. He probably doesn't want anything to do with me. Why did I have to be so fucking open with him? I could've just sat there and shut my mouth. I had to let him know, though. He wanted to know. I kept crying then eventually started shaking. I let everything out. Every emotion. I wanted to run and never look back.

Without realizing it, I was being held by someone. Then I realized it was Austin. He was crying along with me. For as long as I've know him, I've never known him to ever cry. So why would he cry now? Especially over someone like me? I pull away from him and look him in the eyes. "Austin, why are you crying? What's wrong?" I was concerned for him and I showed it through my tone of words. He looked up at me and squeezed my hand, then looked back down. "I-I just d-don't know what to s-say." He was hardly able to talk because he was crying so hard. "Ashlen, all this time this was going on I could've stopped it. I could've stopped it all. Now it's too late. I-I'm so fucking sorry. I should've been there. I should've protected you better." I looked at him and started crying again. I brought his face to mine. "Listen to me, Aus. You couldn't have done anything. I didn't tell anyone about it because I felt like no one would've cared or would've been able to help. I kept it hidden away from everyone. The only ones that knew were my mother's side and some of my dad's side. I didn't tell anyone else. I refused to tell you because I didn't want you to feel disgusted in me or hate me. That's the last thing I want to happen." By the time I finished talking, Austin quit crying and was looking at me. I couldn't figure out what he was thinking, which is strange because I can always read him. Austin sighed and said, "Ashlen, I could never ever hate you. You mean the world to me and I love you. You're my bestfriend, dammit, and I will do everything in my power to help you and save you from this nightmare." 'He just said he loves me. God, he's so amazing.. Okay quit thinking and listen.'

"Ashlen, where are you gonna go?" I shrugged my shoulders and sighed while looking at my bags. "I dunno. Probably gonna just live in the car for a while until I can get a job and apartment. I don't have anywhere else to stay so, oh well." Austin looked at me and shook his head. "Uhm, no ma'am. You can live with me in my apartment. I have a spareroom so you're more than welcome to stay as long as you want." He smiled and I smiled back. Do I seriously want to invade his privacy? Yeah, I'm in love with him, but I don't wanna put that weight on him. "Are you sure, Austin? I don't wanna be a burden on you." I looked at him and he laughed. "The only burden I'll have is to know what kind of pads you need every month." He snorted and started laughing. I laughed and punched his arm gently. "You're a dork, Austin. Thank you, really. You're an amazing friend. I don't know what I'd do without you." I wrapped my arms around his neck and gave him a hug. "Anything for my bestfriend. Now, do you wanna go out to eat or dine in at the house?" He looked at me. "Hmm, how about we watch some Disney movies and order some pizza?" I smiled. "Sounds like a plan!" He jumped up and shut my door then got back in on the passenger side. This is gonna be the best time of my life.