Saving Us

Chapter 22

Alex Romero watched idly as Norma destroyed everything in Dylan's cabin. He wasn't used to her being so upset. Countless screams and swears escaped the lips that he had kissed only an hour ago. His heart ached to be back in that parking lot.

He sighed it was almost time to intervene. She'd been this way for about ten minutes. If he didn't stop her now she'd end up hurting herself and he'd feel responsible. He moved past Dylan towards her unsure of how to go about this. When he reached her he took her arm and pulled her towards him. He was gentler than he had been when she attacked his door and when she broke into his house. He was getting better at this comforting thing.

Alex held her by her shoulders while she protested. "Hey relax. Relax. Norma would you just look at me?"

She whimpered but looked up at him. He hated seeing her this way. He missed her positive yet naive personality. He brought one hand up to cup the side of her face. Norman must have hit her because there was a bruise forming on the right side of her face. He momentarily considered kissing it but remembered Dylan was in the room.

He tried to act normal despite the realization that Dylan was still there watching his every move. "It's gonna be okay Norma. I know it is."

She shook her head. "He's different. Alex you don't get it; without him I'm all alone."

"That's not true Norma. You're not alone. You have me and Dylan. We're not going anywhere."

"No. Everyone leaves me. Sooner or later you'll go." She cried.

"I know you're scared but believe me when I say that we're here. We are not leaving you. We'll get Norman help okay? You're not gonna lose him either."

Norma looked away from him and at Norman. "I can't afford treatment."

"We'll figure it out Norma." Alex paused and then said: "You should probably get some rest Norma. You'll feel better tomorrow."

"Okay." She hugged him.

Alex was a bit surprised as usual but hugged her back. He felt her nestle her head against his shoulder. He rubbed her back gently and looked at Dylan. "Is there a place she can sleep? I gotta stay here with Caleb."

"Uh. She can crash in Gunner's room. He uh isn't here for a few days." Dylan said uncomfortably.

"Okay." He pulled away from her. "Go with Dylan and get some sleep. I'll take care of Norman and Caleb."

She nodded and followed Dylan. Alex watched them disappear into a room and then turned to Norman. He knelt down and checked the boy's vitals. Norman was fine although Alex regretted using that much force towards him in front of Norma. Sadly there wasn't much else he could do without seriously hurting the kid.

Looking at him now Alex couldn't stop feeling bad for Norman. He really was a nice boy when Alex first met him. With him being unconscious Alex could clearly see that sweet little Norman again. He picked him up and gently laid him on the couch. He wiped the hair out of Norman's eyes and went to look for a blanket. He found one amongst the mess and covered Norman.

Alex leaned down and whispered to the sleeping boy: "Don't worry kid we'll get you back."

He took a deep breath he wasn't even close to being done with Caleb. Hopefully he was still holding out okay. Alex started walking outside knowing that he was in for a long night.

"Romero." He heard Dylan call after him.

Alex turned around. "Yeah?"

Dylan caught up with him. "I just wanted to tell you that uh you're really good with her. I've never seen anyone handle her so easily."