Good Girls Don't Fall In Love

Chapter 4// Pain

{ Abby's pov: }

Hannah dropped me off at my house and I immediately went to the freezer to find some much needed ice-cream.

I only find vanilla and it's not really what I wanted, but it's all we have so it'll do.

My parents aren't home, it's the middle of the day after all, so I cozy up on the couch and turn on Criminal Minds, one of my favorite shows.

3 episodes later, the ice-cream carton is empty and sticking to my blanket from when it started melting. I sigh and get up to throw away the carton and put the blanket in the washer.

As I head back to the living room, the door opens. Dad is home with Caleb.

"Hey sissy!! Wanna hear about my day?" He bounces with excitement as I scoop him up and say a quick hello to my dad. I then carry my brother over to the couch.

"I would absolutely LOVE to hear about it bud. What did the 1st grade have in store for you today?" I run my hands through his small curly hair.

"Well first we did math. We started subtracting numbers and it's really hard, but I think I got the hang of it." He smiles wide like he's accomplished something big. "Then we learned about colors! Did you know that blue and red make purple?! How cool is that??"

"Very cool." I laugh.

"Then it was time for recess. I played hopscotch with Adam and Travis. Next was lunch and I had a peanut butter and jelly sandwich with apple slices, it was so good! Then it was time for reading! Mrs. Sands read us a book about a dog who got lost, but found his way home by using his nose to sniff it out! It was great! Then daddy came to pick me up and now I'm talking with you." He takes a breath and smiles at me.

"That sounds like a wonderful day Caleb. A lot better than mine." I joke.

"Why? What happened? Did someone do something mean to you again sissy? Like Josh did? If someone hurt you, I can go yell at them if you want! No one does that to my big sister." He makes a 'tough' face and tightens his grip on my hand.

I stiffen up at the mention of his name. I swore I would never speak of him again, not after what he did to me. But I put on a brave face for Caleb. I can't let him see how badly Josh really hurt me. "No honey. I just had a rough day, you know, teenage problems. You'll understand when you're older."

"So I don't have to yell at anyone?" He perks up.

I smile at how innocent and pure he is. I wish he could stay that way forever, and always be my baby brother. Is that too much to ask for? I just don't wanna see my sweet little guy grow up on me. I lean over and whisper in his ear. "Not today."

He screams of joy and kisses me on the cheek before getting up and running away.

I take a deep breath and count to ten, something my old therapist had taught me to do when I felt like exploding. I don't go to see one anymore, I thought I was finally over everything that had happened. But maybe not.

*•*•*•*•*

"Abs come on, dinner's ready!" My mom screams from downstairs.

"Coming!" I yell back.

I told my mom what had happened at school today when she got home and she completely understood why I had left early. She said she'd make me my favorite dinner tonight, tacos,  and even pick up some chocolates if I wanted. I said I was okay but I seriously have the best mom in the world.

I join the rest of my family at the dinner table and we all say grace before eating. We talk about our days and I have 5 tacos, yes, 5 tacos because 1) I was starving and 2) I'm on my period so leave me alone.

As we all finish, I collect the dishes and start washing, it's the least I can do.

My mom kisses me on the head and says goodnight before heading off to bed with dad.

It is a school night so I need to get Caleb to bed so I hurry up with the dishes. I put the last one in the dishwasher and then head to the living room to find Caleb sleeping on the couch with Scooby-Doo on the tv.

I know my parents wouldn't want him to stay on the couch so I turn off the tv and pick him up gently, trying not to wake him up. I then carry him upstairs to his room. I get him set in bed and pull the covers over him and turn off the lights to leave, but he pulls me back.

"Abby?"

"Yeah Caleb?" I squat down beside his bed and he plays with my fingers.

"Promise me you'll tell mommy and daddy if someone hurts you like Josh again, ok? I didn't like seeing you in that much pain and I don't want to almost lose you again." A tear slips down his cheek.

I quickly brush it away, kiss his cheek and run my fingers across his soft skin. "I promise. Now get some sleep." I kiss his forehead goodnight.

"I love you sissy." He whispers, eyes closed.

"I love you too bud." I whisper back.

I close the door behind me and head to my room. I lay down on my bed and stare blankly at the ceiling for a second. Josh had more effect on Caleb than I had thought. I start to cry over all of the pain he caused again and eventually I cry myself to sleep.

That night, I have nightmares about him.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A/N: so i bet you're wondering who this "Josh" is haha well you'll find out soon enough((;

Until then, I hope you enjoyed!

Xoxo Kelly