A Tough Choice

Chapter Seventy One

Caleb's POV

I sighed as I sat on Emma's bed, listening to them arguing downstairs. I'd known that what I was doing was wrong, but I just couldn't help myself. Ever since the night at the party, we'd had a special connection. The fact that I was still hurting after what Taylor had done was clouding my judgement. I did feel bad for Ethan, I do care about him, even though he doesn't believe it. As much it was upsetting him, he needed to accept that for whatever reason, I was the only one that seemed to be able to get through to her right now. I looked up as she walked into the room. She quickly grabbed her towel from the cupboard. Even when she was crying she was still beautiful.

"You okay?" I asked her.

She nodded slowly, not looking at me.
"I'm sorry that I caused more problems." I said quietly.

She ignored me and left the room.

Ethan's POV

I heard Caleb's voice as I slowly climbed the stairs. My blood began to boil as I thought of him talking to her. He'd only just broken up with Taylor and now he seemed determined to try and take Emma from me. I had no idea what to do for the best. It seemed impossible for me to get through to her and yet Caleb could. I desperately wanted to kick him out, to get him as far away from her as possible. But as much as I hated the thought I knew that Emma needed him around right now. He seemed to be able to reach her even when I couldn't. As I stood outside the bathroom I could hear the shower running. I waited until the water stopped and gave her a moment to get dressed. I paused for a moment, my hand on the doorknob. As angry as I was, I needed to know that she was okay. I slowly opened the door.

I jumped as she screamed and covered her naked frame with a towel.

"I've seen you before." I said smiling slightly.

As I looked at her she quickly looked away and stared at the floor. I sighed and looked at her hand, I couldn't help but notice she was shaking.

"What's wrong, please tell me?" I whispered as I stepped closer to her.

She flinched as I reached down and took her hand. I glanced at her hand as I gently played with her fingers. This was the closest I'd been to her in a while and I suddenly realised just how much I'd missed it.

I glanced at her arm as something caught my eye, I slowly turned her wrist so that the medial aspect of her arm was facing me. I gasped as I saw several deep cuts in a row up her arm. I gently brushed them with my thumb and saw that they were quite deep and fairly fresh.

"What's he done to you." I whispered as I released her arm and stormed downstairs.