The Way We Once Were

sixteen

tw: slight bits of abuse

Travis's POV

The morning breeze rushed through my car window as I drove back to Taylor's house, needing to tell her something I hadn't had a chance to before I had left. I'd barely slept the night before, on Taylor's couch, thoughts of her keeping me awake, her voice in my head replaying over and over. I just needed to tell her that whatever she was going through, she didn't have to face it alone.

But as I neared her street, I saw something that made me hit the brakes. Joe's car was parked outside her house. My gut twisted uncomfortably. He wasn't supposed to be back yet, was he? I thought she'd said he'd be gone for the day.

As I pulled up a little further down the road, I started to second-guess myself. Maybe I should give her space, let her handle things in her own time. But then, just as I was about to drive off, I heard it. A sharp, muffled scream coming from inside the house. A chill ran through me, my senses going on high alert. No. I swore I wouldn't let Joe hurt her again and I broke my promise.

Before I even had time to think, I was out of the car, running toward her front door. A heavy thump sounded from inside, followed by another cry, clearly Taylor's voice. My heart was pounding as I reached the door, my fist banging against it, loud enough to shake the walls. "Taylor!" I yelled, my voice desperate.

I tried the doorknob, but of course it had to be locked. I didn't even hesitate. I took a step back and slammed my shoulder against the door, throwing my weight into it until it finally gave way, and I stumbled into the entryway, scanning the room. My heart dropped at the sight in front of me.

Taylor was backed against the wall, one hand clutching her side, her other hand held up defensively. Blood was dripping from a cut above her eyebrow, trailing down the side of her face, and her shirt was torn at the shoulder, exposing a darkening bruise. Shards of shattered glass lay on the floor, revealing the things that had created the small cuts on both Taylor and Joe's bodies. Joe was standing in front of her, his face twisted in anger, his hands clenched into fists.

"Joe, back away from her," I said, my voice low and steady, barely containing the rage simmering under my skin. I kept my gaze locked on him, not willing to show an ounce of fear. No one was laying a hand on my girl. Joe turned to look at me, a sneer curling his lip. "So, this is the guy you've been cheating on me with?" he spat, his tone venomous as he took a step toward me.

Ignoring him, I moved further into the room, positioning myself between him and Taylor. "Taylor, come here," I said gently, reaching out a hand for her. She took a shaky step forward, her face pale and her breathing unsteady. She looked up at me, her eyes glassy with pain, and the sight of her like this, wounded, frightened, lit something fierce inside me. Nobody was going to hurt her like this ever again. Not while I was around.

"Joe, you need to leave," I said, my voice as calm as I could manage, though my fists were clenched at my sides. "You've done enough." He laughed, a bitter, angry sound that grated on my nerves. "Done enough? She's the one who's been sneaking around, lying to me. She deserves-"

"She deserves a hell of a lot better than you," I interrupted, my patience snapping. "And I'm done listening to you justify hurting her." He took a step closer, his fists raised as if he thought he could intimidate me. "And what are you gonna do about it, huh?" I met his gaze, not backing down. "Try me, Joe. One more step, and you'll find out."

For a long moment, we stared each other down, neither one willing to budge. But then, finally, he seemed to realize he was outmatched. With one last venomous glare, he turned and stormed out, slamming the door behind him.