Broken but not shattered

Chapter 23

Autumn's POV

"Let's get you home," I said, pulling away from the hug. I have never been one for hugs not even with Winter, but it feels different hugging Marjorie. Even when she is crying I don't have the urge to pull away, if anything I want to pull her closer. I don't want to let her go now but must get her home. I put the car back into gear and drove off. We were only five minutes from her place, it was a short drive, but it felt like hours. I would constantly look over to her and she would be looking out the window, trying not to show that she was still crying. I reached over and put my hand on her knee, just to let her know I was still there. We pulled up, I got out and walked to her side of the car. Opening the door I helped her out and walked to the door. I got my key out to unlock the door so she wouldn't have to.

"Aut, I know I said I didn't want to be alone, but you don't have to stay," Marj said, with a sad look. I know she wants me to stay, but she feels like she's a burden.

"Marj, there is nowhere I would rather be right now," I said, moving to stand right in front of her.

"What about Winter?" she asked.

"He will be fine. You need me more right now," I explained, taking her hand and leading her to her room.

"Now, get ready for bed and I'll be in the guest room if you need me," I said, not wanting to leave her side right now, but I don't want to overstep. I headed for the door of the bedroom to leave when I felt small hands around my wrist.

"Don't," was all she said when I turned to look at her, but she didn't need to say anything more.

"Ok, let's go to bed," I said, moving to her closet to get some more comfortable clothes. I grabbed her some shorts and her favorite jumper. As she got dressed I found a pair of sweatpants and one of her old band t-shirts, it was Metallica. Before I walked out I texted Winter, letting him know what happened at the bar and that I was staying with her tonight. As I walked out of the closet I noticed Marjorie was staring at me.

"What is it, Marj?"

"Nothing, nothing, let's go to sleep," she said, but I could see a light tint of pink on her cheeks. Was she blushing? I decided to let it go and go to sleep.

Marjoire's POV

When she walked out in my old band shirt and sweatpants I could stop myself from thinking how good she looked. She always looks good, but something about her in my clothes makes my face heat up and butterflies erupt in my stomach. We lay down and stayed on our sides as she fell asleep, but I couldn't sleep.

"Aut," I whispered, but no answer.

"Aut, " I said a little louder this time, but still nothing.

"Autumn," I said one more time, and it worked, she woke up.

"What? What is it? Are you ok?" she said a little panicked.

"Can you hold me? I know it's unusual, but it's so hard for me to fall asleep now without someone holding me," I asked quietly. Ashamed that I'm even asking her this.

"Come here," she said, holding out her arms for me to climb into. Not questioning, knowing if I did she would probably get annoyed, I moved over wrapping my arms around her waist. She put her arm around my shoulder, and as we fell asleep I felt the same safety I have always felt with her.

Winter's POV

I read Autumn's text and I couldn't believe what I was seeing. I never thought I would see the day that he would start becoming his father. As I thought more about it I realized this isn't him, and if the usual people can't get him to see that then I will. I grabbed my car keys and headed to my car. I'm not sure if he's home or not, but I'll try there first and figure it out from there.