Let Go (Wattys 2017)

Chapter Fifteen-Thank you

I sat in the library studying for finals. Adam wasn't there, he had detention for texting in class. To be more precise, texting me. He was something else. I liked it.

I groaned and let my head fall into my book. Finals were in one week and I barley studied. I heard a knock on the table. I peeked and saw Aiden. He smiled at me, I smiled back.

I smiled back, I watched him pull out a chair and sit. He took out his phone and started texting. My phone binged from my pants pocket.

Did I do something wrong yesterday?

I looked at him and he had this sad confused look on his face. I felt guilty knowing I was the one who put it there. I gave him a sympathetic look, reaching out touching his hand trying to comfort him. "No, it was just I'm really trying to get over something that scarred me for li. Literally." I said giving Aiden a sad smile.

Aiden gave me a puzzled look and started texting. I picked up my phone waiting for the text.

?

I bit my bottom lip and took off my hoodie leaving me in a white spaghetti strap. I pulled the neckline down just enough for him to see the scars. His eyes met mine again and he gave me a pity look and reached out touching my hand again.

I felt myself kind of flench from his touch. "Sorry." I said. He just shook his head with a smile. He started texting again.

I know how it feels to have so much to say but can't tell a soul

I gave Aiden a weak smile, "We're not so different after all."

My phone binged again,
Sometimes, it feels better when you show that whatever it was didn't stop you. It didn't stop you from living your life.

I gave him a smile, "You sound like Adam." It was funny how even though I was nowhere near Adam he could still pop in my mind.

Aiden gave me a half smile, "You know what?" I said putting my face in my hands, looking at Aiden.

He shook his head leaning forward, I smiled, "A party sounds good."
****

I made it home just in time for dinner, I are silently at the table. I tried to focus on something besides sleep. I knew I would be tormented by another nightmare tonight.

"Molly,"

I looked up to meet my Dad's eyes. He chewed slowly on a piece of broccoli before swallowing, "Yes?"

"So you and the neighbor's boy, anything you want to say?"

I looked across the table at Tim he shook his head, "No." I said.

"Good, because we all know he deserves better. Ebony, would be perfect...if she was alive." My heart jumped when he added the last part. The room became deathly silent.

"Jason!" Mom said shocked. At the mention of Ebony she started to tear up.

"Dad, that's uncalled for!" Tim yelled.

My hands were in tight balls, trying to keep from crying, "Why do you hate me?" I whispered looking up at my Dad. The room fell silent again.

Dad smiled at me, but his eyes were cold, "I don't hate you, I hate the things you did."

"It wasn't my fault a car hit us. I wasn't the one driving drunk!" I yelled.

"I guess what happened to you at the party wasn't your fault either." Dad said looking at me coldly.

My hands twitched, "Fuck you."

Dad jumped out his seat and charged for me, the commotion was full of screams and Tim and my mom holding dad back. "I hate you!" I screamed and ran out the door.

I hopped the fence and banged on Adam's door. Tears ran down my cheeks and my hands were twitching, I started scratching the skin on my fingers. "Adam, please."

The door opened, Adam looked sleepy but his eyes grew wide with urgency when he saw me. I feel into his arms.

My tears stained his shirt and he wrapped his arms tight around me. I felt Adam lift me cradling me against his chest. He carried me to what I assumed to be his room and laid me on the bed.

"Molly, what happened?" He said putting his hand on my cheek. I put my and on top of his, "Is it my fault?" I asked tears drowning my eyes.

Adam's eyes ran to my hand, I knew he was looking at the scratches, "It's not your fault."

He laid in front of me and stroked my hair, "Shhhhh, go to sleep." He whispered, I shook my head no. He nodded, "Go to sleep."

I hesitantly closed my eyes, I felt Adam's hand rest on my cheek, and my body shook with closed off sobs.

"You deserve better." I whispered.

"I couldn't ask for better, because it's already here."

I felt his lips press against my forehead.

"Thank you."