The Guardian

Chapter 13

A/N : This chapter is dedicated to @dotsie for being the inspiration to that line, you know which one it is. As well as always asking me to update.

Chapter 13

I pull into the Walsh's drive and I swear it feels as if the butterflies that have taken residence in my stomach since my decision to come back have multiplied. Micah and Luca's cars are in the drive and another I don't recognise. Pulling on my black leather jacket and removing my sunglasses I head to the front door. I nearly turn back but the mere fact that Nevaeh is on the other side of the door motivates me. I knock thrice and wait, Micah opens the door laughing until he sees my face and I go sailing back as he punches me square in the jaw. The blow was unexpected and I scramble to get back to my feet preparing for another. I owe him this. Nevaeh's laughter coming through the house causes my breath to hitch in my throat and my eyes lift expectantly waiting for her to come in to view.

He lands another this time on my chin and because I'm expecting it I don't even wince as my head snaps back. Refusing to fight back and defend myself because I know this is the least I deserve, I prepare for another punch, but it doesn't come. Micah touches my shoulder and his demeanor changes.

"Get in here you fucking asshole. If I didn't know that you were suffering as much as my sister was I'd leave your ass outside," Micah says moving aside and allowing me to enter. "She was hurting for a long time, she still is," he continues.

"I know, I'm here to fix it," I respond and he looks at me sceptically.

I make my way to the kitchen where I hear Nevaeh's laughter coming from.

I stop in the doorway, dropping my hands in to my pockets and assess the situation. Nevaeh, Cole and Stephanie have their backs to me and are laughing at Luca who's mouth drops open as he sees me. Nevaeh turns to me to see what his reaction is about and the second she sees me the smile on her face disappears.

"Holy shit Cruz," Luca recovers first and makes his way over to me, enveloping me into a bear hug and lifting me into the air. He's been a good friend these past few months and even though I never responded to his texts either, he still let me know what was happening. As much as I want to fully acknowledge Luca, I can't take my eyes from Nevaeh's. Her blue depths are immediately filled with unshed tears and shining. She breaks the connection first and carries on talking to a now sour looking Cole who has also done nothing but stare at me since becoming aware of my presence.

"You know what, no, I'm not doing this," she states as she turns to me and walks off brushing past me. The mere touch of our hands in passing sets of a kind of electricity which I know she felt as for a fleeting moment her eyes raises to mine.

She walks into the dining room and I follow.

"Hi," is all I manage to get out. Three months of planning the perfect speech for should I see her again and all I say is hi.

"You fucking asshole. You know, it's not even worth it. It's my own fault. I gave you a heart to break so I can't be mad when you did just that." She says, a lone tear escaping down her cheek. I take a step forward and she takes one back.

"I'm sorry. I ..."

"You don't get to speak to me, you don't get to apologise and feel better about yourself.," she continues, her voice soft.

"Nev is everything okay in here," Cole asks her from the door. Bile rises in my throat as I realise this is him trying to save her from me and he must mean something if he thinks he can do that. And Luca's text pops into my mind that they went to Prom together.

"It would be if you left." I practically growl at him. Nevaeh steps toward me and shoves me with her hands, knowing what I'm capable of and sensing my anger.