Between Us ➳ [J.B]

Chapter 10: I love it here

Arielle's POV

The car ride to Justin's house was quiet, my mood evident. When I first got in after the run in with my mom and Mark I quickly muttered what happened then rested my head against the door and shut my eyes.

I could see the worry in Justin's honey eyes and that was enough reassurance to keep me from having a complete breakdown. I knew that if he was by my side I would be forever fine.

I felt the car come to a halt and the ignition's rumbling was silent . I looked up seeing that we had arrived at Justin's house. Although I'd been here a few times it seemed different. It wasn't what I had typically been use to but I was grateful for him welcoming me with open hands.

Justin nervously wiped his hands off on his jeans and picked Esther up after she finished shaking herself off from her nap. 

"It's um not much but I like to believe I'm blessed to even have a roof above my head." He looked down ashamed and I felt a pang in my chest and I couldn't help but to frown.

"Justin stop. You don't have to worry about judgement okay ? I'm extremely proud of how far you've come and I know it's not easy but you're doing it! I admire you so much for that." I looked him straight in the eyes and softly stroked his cheek while giving him a small smile.

He nodded hesitantly and looked ahead where his old car stood in the sun.

"Let's go inside real quick then I can bring your things inside." He didn't wait for my response and handed me my keys to my Rover then stepped outside, shutting the door quickly.

I kept my eyes on him and watched as he approached the side door of the house he stayed at. This nice old lady had put a room up for rent and it was all Justin could currently afford.

Justin unlocked the door as I caught up to him, hearing nothing but the gush of the wind and Esther sniffing the ground to release herself somewhere .

The door screeched loudly making both Esther and I jump of fright . "You'll get use to it." Justin grumbled clearly showing his grumpy mood.

As I stepped in after him I looked around the space I would now call home .

It was pretty empty and I looked while trying to make sure I kept my reaction neutral, not wanting to hurt Justin's feelings anymore than he had done himself.

"It's cute babe." I smiled at him and watched Esther attempt to jump onto the unmade messy bed.

"Sorry it's not cleaned up. I wasn't expecting visitors and I've just been sulking in self hatred lately." He tried to laugh off his last comment while picking up Esther and setting her down on the bed then straightening up the bed a bit.