Picture Perfect

Chapter Twenty-Six: Giving Up

Francis Payne
I could hear each individual that stood in the foyer hollering Sabrina's name. I experienced a pang in my stomach of guilt and nervousness. All of the people- not just the media, it also included several of my fans- were after her all because of me.

Shifting my fake spectacles to keep them from falling, I hurried to the fire exit which was the less complicated way to reach her. As I got to the entryway, I tugged on the steel gate that was locked. I needed to smash the padlock or climb the screen. I exhaled in frustration and scaled up the barrier, successfully making it to the other side.

I went upstairs and gasped. Sabrina was sprawled on the floor with a broken glass right beside her hand.

I slipped the window free and transferred her to her bedroom. I observed her body for any wound- there was none thank the Lord.

"I'm so sorry." I say hugging her close to my chest, tears streaming quickly out of my eyes.

Tucking her in, I sat on her desk chair and watched her.

I can't help but think that all of this wouldn't have happened if I haven't sneaked into her apartment and destroyed her camera completely. Then we wouldn't have been spotted. Or maybe I could've dressed in a better disguise. Or maybe I shouldn't have run away with her straight to her apartment so the paparazzi can know where she lives. I could just slap myself any minute.

After about an hour, she woke up coughing.

"Sabrina!" I whispered as I approached her.

She opened her blue eyes and stared at me. Pressing her hands against her duvet to help her up, she looked exhausted.

Finally she spoke. "What are you doing here?"

"I had to come and see you and-"

"So what, so you could ruin my life? You've already done enough damage here!" She screamed as she started to sob

I endeavored to calm her down. "I'm sorry please listen,-"

"No you listen!" Sabrina rose to her feet and came near me, our faces inches apart. "I came to New York from Michigan to get into this internship that could help me in college. Now because of you and these stupid reporters, Mr. Peterson requested that I should go home and forget about the internship. You know, just because you're a stupid celebrity, does not mean you can go around and ruin others' lives! Not all of us can get in to the world and become famous! Some of the people in this world are struggling to find jobs that can help their family. And thanks to you my future is ruined!"

My world threatened to crumble at each of her words. My heart sank. She was right. I did trash her life. I stroked her shoulder trying to clarify but she struck my hand away.

"Leave."

"Sabrina please,-"

"NO! Leave me alone!" She bellowed with her last breath.

That's when I lost hope. A wave of hurt crushed my heart. I sneaked out her window and glanced back at her. She looked so cold and heartless. The tears would never stop because of this. I loved her. But now I guess that love can only give you so much pain.