Why Wait?

40

"Kelli Ross and Alex Flemmings, please stand."

Though the judge said please, we all know it's a command not a suggestion. She's just being formal. But we know we'd get kicked get kicked out of the court of the court if we don't do as she says.

The first thing you notice when you walk inside a court room is how big it is. It makes you feel intimidated and slightly afraid.

I was already afraid. The girl's parents sued Alex and me, saying that even though the girl threw herself at our car, we have enough money, so suing us wouldn't really hurt either of us.

Alex gives me an encouraging smile before we both stand.

The judge eyes us warily before reading her notes. Explaining how we injured a minor - I'm technically a minor - and how she's now suffering a broken leg and a severe concussion.

I eventually tune her out and just begin to look around the room. I was woken up by Austin this morning. He hadn't said much to me, he acted differently. Not like he had this past few weeks.

I hear someone gasp from behind me and I realize the judge has finally made her decision. And judging by the glare the girl's mom keeps giving us, it doesn't favor them much.

I follow Alex and our lawyer out of the court room and am wrapped in a pair of arms. "You don't have to look like you're ready to kill someone."

I sigh. "I want to go home," I whisper.

He nods. "Let me tell the guys."

Alex heads over to where his brothers and Austin were standing talking. I pull out my phone before leaning against the wall. I was playing White Tiles when I am interrupted by a girl standing in front of me. Looking up, I see the girl's mother pushing a wheelchair in my direction.

My heart literally breaks. The girl gives me a small smile. "Hi," she says quietly. She looks tired.

"How are you?"

She shrugs. "A little in pain. But the doctor thinks I can walk again in a few weeks."

I smile. "That's great."

Then she sighs. "I sorry I ran in front of your car. I ruined everything for you."

My first reaction was to say that it was okay. But it isn't. I lost my dream, I lost my brother, and I lost my best friend. All because this girl couldn't deal with herself anymore. Shindig ruin everything. And I can't do anything about it.

Alex comes back right as I opened my mouth to say something. He places his hands on the small of my back. "Ready?"

I nod, giving the girl and her mother a light smile.

I follow Alex out to his car before getting in the passenger seat.

"Do you want to do something?" he asks me.

I slowly shake my head. "Not right now."

"Do you want me to stay with you while you're at your tour bus?"

Again, I shake my head.

"How about I---"

"I'm not some kind of invalid, Alex. I want to be alone."

He sighs, turning to face me. "Look, I don't know what's going on with you, you've been down for the past few weeks. And I promised I would help you, Kelli. I really want to help you. But you have to want to help yourself. This isn't a one-sided thing."

My throat closes up. I don't trust myself to say anything without crying so I just nod.

"What's going on?" he asks quietly, reassuringly.

The inside of my cheek starts to hurt from where I've been biting it for so long. "I haven't had my medicine in over a week," I say, my own voice sounding foreign to me. "I sometimes think that taking medicine keeps me from being myself. I mean, what if I'm supposed to be some suicidal freak, like that girl? What if being stable and normal isn't me?" A few tears have fallen but I'm not totally snot crying right now like I was last time. "I don't know..."

Alex stares at me for a while. I can feel his eyes on me as I hurry to wipe away the tears. Right when I think he's not going to speak, I hear him laugh. It was quiet at first but then it started building up until he was almost crying from laughing so hard.

I feel myself grow angry. "Why are you laughing?" I ask with a huff.

He continues to laugh. "That has to be the funniest thing I've ever heard you say."

"I didn't have to tell you," I mutter, crossing my hands together over my chest.

He continues to try and stifle laughs. "Kelli," he starts. "Why would you---" he trails off and lets out another fit of laughter.

I really don't find this funny. Without thinking any more of it, I unlock the car door and leave. Its been a pretty bad day and I'm not in the mood to figure out why he's being such a jerk.

"Kelli, wait!" I hear seconds later. "Hold on."

I keep walking but he reaches me in no time. He grabs my arm and gently turns me to face him. "I'm sorry. That was rude."

Rolling my eyes, I cast my eyes downward. "Really? I didn't notice."

He places a hand on either side of my shoulders before looking me in the eye. "You are perfect, Kelli. I wish you would understand that."

~~~tour bus~~~

"Do you have everything?" Austin asks me and I nod.

"Yes, dad."

He turns to glare at me. "Hilarious."

I smile to myself. Austin kind of apologized after he got home from the court. He made me dinner and my favorite dessert. And we talked - avoiding each other's past offences.

"Do you have your meds?" he asks.

"Yes."

"Toothbrush?"

"Yeah."

"Underwear?"

"Austin!"

He shrugs. "What? You'll need those."

I kiss his cheek, flinging my bag over my shoulder. "I've got it all."

"So where are we going?" I ask Alex whenever he starts the car.

He chuckles. "I'm not saying."

"Wouldn't dream of it being any other way."

He chuckles. "You may want to get some rest though."

I take my travel pillow and blanket before closing my eyes. Seconds later, I was sleeping. It felt like I had only slept ten minutes when I feel myself being shaken awake. "Kelli, were here," Alex says.

I wipe the sleep from my eyes before looking around. Immediately, I hear myself gasp, I'm sure ale did too. "Is this for real?" I ask, turning to face him with a grin on my face.

He nods, smiling back. "Hope you like it."

"I love it," I exclaim. "Now lets go before they close!"

I haven't been here in forever.

SORRY IT TOOK SO LONG. THANKS SO MUCH FOR READING. HAVE A GREAT WEEK!!