*Lexi's pov
I watched Shawn storm out and I was scared for the guys. They were putting their career on the line for me, they shouldn't be doing that. "Guys, what did you just do?" I asked nervously. I can't believe that just happened what were they thinking? "Lex relax, Shawn won't risk firing us, all of our shows were sold out and we have a ton of interviews lined up. They'll never risk it, besides we got your back." Jesse said sitting next to me. Adam sat on my other side and pulled me close, "don't worry babe," he said kissing my cheek softly. "You can't guarantee they won't let you go. I wish you guys didn't do that, I wish I didn't tell Shawn... I... I" the tears started flowing and I couldn't stop them. "Relax baby please, come on, it's okay" Adam cooed.
I realized I was being silly, and tried to stop crying. I wiped my eyes and sniffed some. "You said they abused you again that day, did it happen a lot?" James asked quietly. I looked up, "yea it happened a lot, daily for 11 years." I said. Their eyes bugged out, "they started when you were 5?" I nodded, "the physical and sexual abuse started at 5 but the verbal abuse started much younger" I said. Adam held me tighter, his head on my shoulder as he looked at the guys. "I.." James started then stopped unsure how to go on, the guys looked at the floor at a loss for words. "How bad did it get?" Mickey asked. I bit my lip, "I almost died, twice" Adam stiffened even though he knew already. The guys all looked at me. "I tried running away but the cops always returned me despite the bruises on my body, my parents always said I fell off my bike or that I slipped on my toys on the stairs, and the cops always believed them" I explained.
"Finally I couldn't take it, I was having a bad day at school and I was running late and was rushing to finish dinner and they came in and started yelling and hitting me. I started crying and then the verbal abuse got worst and I decided it was time to stick up for myself. I thought when they saw the knife they would stop and I wouldn't have to use it but they came at me" I was crying hard now, I don't think I could be head, or understood through my sobs but they stayed quiet, listening, "and I just I used it" I said shaking with fear from the memory. I was finally starting to relax after about 10 minutes. They were all still there, and I was surprised and happy. "You guys aren't going to run?" I asked softly. They all looked at me and shook their heads, "no Lex, we're not, you didn't kill for the fun of it, you did it out of fear and to save yourself." Jesse explained. "You're a sweet girl Lexi" Ryan piped up. "You're stronger than any one I've ever met" Mickey said continuing the compliments. "Lexi after all of that I'm surprised you are as well off as you are, if that was me I don't think I'd be this..." James struggled to find the words. "Normal?" I offered. He nodded some and looked at me. I hugged him, "I'm okay because of all of you. I got by, by listening to Kara's flowers. Then you broke up and I hung on tightly. Then Maroon 5 happened and I clung to it. The lyrics inspired me to get out, to fight. I wouldn't be here without you." I said.
"Okay enough of the heavy! Let go do something!" Jesse yelled. The rain finally stopped and we decided to hit the arcade on the strip by the beach. It was some much needed fun after a heavy, long morning. But I was glad they understood and really knew me now. They knew my past and were willing to put everything on the line for me. I was glad to have amazing friends, but their futures still hung over my head, what was Shawn up to? I tried to shake the thoughts and enjoy time with my friends and boyfriend but I was nervous. Mickey challenge me to a game of air hockey. I could tell he let me win and I challenged him back. "I want a fair game!" I shouted. He laughed and we played again, we were tied until Adam picked me up and carried me to the photo booth allowing Mickey to score. "No!!!" I yelled. Mickey laughed, "I'll give it to ya, you woulda had me" he said as Adam pulled me away.
He sat me on his lap and put in the money. "Lex?" He questioned as it started to countdown, "yes?" I questioned back. "I love you" he said and my jaw dropped as the picture was taken. "Adam?" I smirked. He looked at me happily. "Yea babe?" He questioned. "I love you too" I said as the picture was taken. I had a smirk and Adam had a wicked grin. There were three pictures left I thought to myself. He picked me up and I started laughing as the next picture was taken. He put me down and dipped me slow and low and the picture took as we came back up. The last picture was of both of us kissing. It was the perfect way to capture the first time we said I love you to each other.
