Saving Sawyer [Boy/Boy] - 2013

Chapter 5: The Last Straw

Saving Sawyer: Chapter 5: The Last Straw

Cade's POV

               The gentle beeping of his monitor sped up a bit and I instinctly released his hand. Did I make a mistake by touching him? Despite my question going unanswered, I reached out for him again. This time I disregarded the monitor and held his hand clasped in mine. "I - um...I have no idea what to say. Honestly, I'm not even really sure why Vivian called me here." I studied the difference between our hands, anything to take me eyes off him. The Sawyer I saw at school was not the one lying in bed now. He seemed so fragile and vulnerable. "We were friends; you know...I really don't understand why we couldn't be again. And Liv didn't mean anything by what she did - or said." His heart monitor beeped wildly again and I let go of his hand. I had no idea if he was even hearing anything I said. I guess it was a bit therapeutic to say it...As I stared down at out linked hands I noticed the small marks that line his skin. Minute scars that practically blended in with the surrounding areas - making them almost invisible. I looked over my shoulder to where Vivian and her husband were talking in hushed voices across the hall before walking to the other side of his bed. I gently separated his bruised fingers, the cast not allowing much wiggle room. He also had scars here too but these stood out a bit more against the bruises. His injury looked like more than an accident, it almost looked purposeful but I knew Vivian couldn't have caused it and her husband was never really the type to physically lay his hands on anyone. 

"Cade, is everything okay?" Vivian asked, noticing my prolonged staring. 

I cleared my throat, not sure how to react to being caught. "Vivian, all these scars...were they caused by his parents?" I knew I shouldn't be asking but my curiousness was getting the better of me. 

She rubbed at her throat, not really sure how to answer. "To be honest with you, I don't know. He won't tell us or the authorities. I was hoping he would talk to a therapist but he refuses to do that either." I could tell she was struggling. She really cared about him and she wanted to help but it was hard to help those that didn't want it. I hiked my bag up onto my shoulder and stood, having nothing else to say for once. 

               I trudged up the front steps, so reluctant to go inside. My dad's car was in the driveway, as well as another I'd never seen before, so I knew he was home and they waiting for me. I sighed and opened the door. Walking in, the first thing I heard was the laughter of children...Liv's words bounced around in my head and I knew I was screwed. I began to get light headed but forced myself to stay upright. A kid ran into the hall and froze. He only looked, maybe six or seven, with messy brown hair and large eyes. "Mommy!" He turned and ran back into the living room.  

My dad poked his head around the corner and smiled. "Welcome home Cade." He looked genuinely happy, even with the bombastic laughter. "Leonie, this is my son." 

A woman walked around him, her stomach protruding with the carrying of yet another spawn. She was a bit shorter than me but her face was warm. "It's nice to meet you Cade. Your dads told me so much about you." 

"Wish I could say the same. Are these your kids?" I asked, trying not to sound too pissed off. 

She smiled widely and called them over. There were three in all, the oldest was nine and the other two were four. "This is Steven, Maxxie and Jersey." All boys...I feigned a smile and pulled my dad off to the side. 

"What's wrong Cade?" He asked, still beating the batter in the bowl he currently held. 

I rubbed the bridge of my nose. "Please tell me that you didn't knock her up." 

He put the bowl down and took off the apron he had wrapped around his waist. "Cade, come walk with me." I reluctantly did, really having no other choice.