Tragedy

Tragedy:08:

*Bella*

7:04 PM

"I don't know what to do, Julie." I sniffed, wiping my eyes from where I sat on the beach. "Am I over reacting?"

"No, I don't think so. He didn't tell you because he didn't want you to know. I understand where your coming from, but at the same time, I don't think he's drinking because he wants to go behind your back. Something is wrong, Bella. He didn't tell you because he's ashamed. He needs help. He knows he has an addiction - sure he's had two slip ups now...but you don't know what those slip ups could turn into."

"I know...I just don't understand. I hate fighting with him about this - and I feel bad for walking out of the house."

"No, don't. It was good for both of you. He had to know he was going to get caught - because even though he's ashamed- it's wrong, and he wasn't going to tell you. You have every right to be upset. He's giving you reasons not to trust him again, and you need to hold him accountable. At the same time, Justin probably doesn't want to ask for help and thinks he's okay. It's hard - he's trying to play the tough guy, but he knows he's hurting you too."

"What bothers me the most is that he knows he has a problem - he said he'd rather have a temporary fix and forget for a while then nothing at all. What does that say? I know that I will never understand what he's going through...but I can't play this game forever."

"You need to tell him that. If he really wants you to be in his life like this - he needs that threat of you or the alcohol. Bella, you deserve to have someone looking after you and caring for you. You shouldn't have to worry about if Justin is at the bar getting drunk - if he's lying to you about something. You don't need that - and I know that's not his intentions...but I know what he did to you before and how much it hurt you - and the fact that you called me tonight crying...I don't know...you both have been forced to grow up so fast..."

"We're both pretty messed up, let's be honest. I just thought...California was going to be a new start for us. He is that person...he's so sweet...but it's stuff like this that...I don't know."

"Go talk to him Bella...I'm sure he's waiting for you. I think it'll make you feel better. Just remember that it's not because he wants to hurt you or upset you. He's hurting too - and all of this partying stuff - it's what he knows. He's sick, whether he believes so or not."

"I know...thanks Julie."

"You're welcome. Call me if you need anything else, alright?"

"I will. I'll talk to you later."

I hung up the phone, sighing as I watched a wave crash down on the beach, then stood up, brushing myself off before heading back to the house.

I pulled on the sliding glass store, closing behind me and walked through the kitchen.

The house was quiet, so I thought maybe Justin was upstairs in our room - but when I got into the living room, there he was sitting on the couch quietly with his elbows rested on his knees, his hands tangled through his hair - until he heard me.

"Bella, I- I..."

I went and sat down on his lap, not saying anything as I just hugged him.

"I'm sorry." He whispered, hugging me tighter in his grasp.

"I'm sorry I yelled at you."

"It's okay. I deserved every bit of it."

"We really have to talk though."

"I know we do."

"You need help, Justin." I sighed, looking away from him. "This isn't something you're going to talk to me about. I'm never going to understand."