The Dysfunctional

Chapter 18: The Voices Return

         "I think I love you," His words were echoing in my head. My heart began to race, and by hands were getting warm. He put his head down, looking directly at me. "I don't care if you don't feel the same, but I will protect you, at any cost," was all he said before placing his lips on my cheek. The heat in my body instantly raced to my face, dusted with pink, unfortunately. As we walked to the small tree house that remained, Finch spoke. "You're doing that thing again Stella," He said, looking at me, his eyes glistening with joy. The air grew hot, as I knew what he was talking about. "S-sorry," I said, trying to hide my face, but resulting in me tripping over a large branch. I could feel the air sweeping across my face, as I was falling. "Don't be," Finch spoke, as he grabbed my arm. Pulling me back towards him, he spoke again. "You know, you're really cute when you stumble," He grabbed my face, turning it towards his own. Then, he finished, with a husky whisper in my ear, "whether it's over your words, or over you're own feet," I could feel every once of blood rush to my face. A shiver sent down my spine, as the warm ocean breeze picked up where it had left off.

               "Stella," he continued sweetly in my ear. "Y-yes?" I questioned, trying  not to stutter, but failing horribly. His intimidating stare was quickly replaced with a childish grin. oh no, here we go..."Let's go climb the tree house!" I stood there, amazed by his sudden change in mood. Tripping and falling, I failed to get to him in time. Holding his leg, he was dramatically breathing. Hee hee, hoo hoo, over and over again. I swear, he's such a drama queen. Not as bad as Brittany was though...Hmm.

         I was quickly pulled out of my thoughts, with Finch, pretending to cry like a child. "Stella! Won't you kiss it better my dear?" Walking over to him, I hold my arm out, offering to help him up. Taking my arm, he dusts off his black jeans and winter blue hoodie. Fixing his shaggy black hair, his crystal eyes, and clear face light up with amusement. "Let's go up there!" he said, nudging his head towards the tree. 

       I silently followed him up the wooden ladder, and stood next to him, leaning on the railing of the tree's "porch". Looking out into the sunset, Finch is smiling, but soon fading into a regular expression of loneliness. "What's wrong?" I question, turning my head to him, soon looking into his cold gaze. "Just thinking, I guess," he replied, looking back out into the ocean. "You didn't say it back," his voice soon turned into a sad expression, a single tear sliding down his soft face. "Is it because you saw?" He asked me, trying to stay calm, but slowly losing it. "Saw what?" Before he turned around, a sigh escaped his lips, as he walked inside the tiny room. Taking his shirt off, he threw it on the ground. "Stella, you know how I told you my parents were abusive to me?" I nodded at his question, waiting for him to continue. "When I was younger, I was locked in the basement, and if I didn't do as I was told, this is what I'd get," His voice trailed off as he turned around, revealing his back. His shoulders relaxed, but the tension was still noticeable. "F-Finch, I'm so sorry this happened to you," I said, silently walking to him. As I went to glide my fingers softly on his scars, I could feel him jump, as well as see it myself. 

         Finch soon relaxed as I glided my hands down his back. "Now Stella," Finch started, walking closer to me. I fidgeted with the cloth around my right arm. Suddenly, it began to feel itchier the closer Finch got to me. "Show me your scars," he finished, gently grabbing my hand. With hesitation, I let him slowly unwrap the fabric, falling to the floor. Pulling my arm up to his vision, he examined closely. "Please stop," was all he said, before gently kissing each and every slice in my skin. "F-Finch!" I started to break down. I fell to my knees, grabbing his leg. I could feel the hot tears fall. kneeling down to me, Finch grabbed me, and pulled me into his embrace. "I-I'm so sorry! I won't do it again." I bawled into his chest, as I began to feel dizzy. "Stella, you're okay, nothing can hurt you with you in my sight," He held me close, and I fell asleep in his arms, once again.

                      Finch lay beside me, as I woke up, still in the treehouse. "Come here Stella," I could hear someone whisper to me. I look over at Finch, who is still asleep.  "Stella, I'm waiting," Scrunching my face, I slowly climb down from the treehouse, trying not to wake Finch up. As I came in contact with the ground, the wind picked up, and my dress flows with the wind. "Stella, hurry up," who's talking to me? is someone here? Clark is already asleep...I look around frantically. "H-hello, is someone there?" I continue to look around, coming to a stop. "He doesn't love you Stella, I do, come to me," Multiple voices seemed to be speaking to me at once. I began to tear up again. "H-he doesn't-" The tears began to flow, and I was thoughtless again. I saw the cliff. "Yes, come here Stella, let me help you," the whispers were calling me as I walked. Getting louder and louder, I got closer and closer. I could hear someone running up to me, but I couldn't move other than the direction I was walking in. "Stella! Get away! It's a lie!" I could hear someone yell, but I couldn't turn around. It was like I was in a trance. I couldn't move, and I couldn't speak. More and more tears began to flow as the warm breeze soon turned into cold gusts of wind.

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         A/N Hey! chapter 18 is out and ready! please vote and comment! thank you guys so much for all the reads! It means so much!