Into The Unknown

08

**WARNING***MOMENTS IN THIS CHAPTER MAY BE GRAPHIC***  

Chris's POV

I sat in the hospital bed, waiting to be released. After finding out about our win, I decided I was just ready to go back home. Raegan and Amber were still bickering about Malcolm. More or less, I wished that it was all over. My mind began to wonder as the doctor walked in. I made a pact with myself that after this was over, I would never talk to Raegan again. It's simply impossible for me to face my demons and hers all together. The doctor began to remove the tubes and chords from my body while he told me, "Take it easy son. We don't want this to happen again." I nodded at his remark as Amber gathered my things. This was the chance I took to speak my mind.

"Amber," I spoke. She simply smiled at me to acknowledge that she was listening.

"I need to talk to you about something," I managed to say.

"Don't keep me waiting," she teased.

I pulled her into the bathroom once Raegan decided to go back to the hotel and pack her things.

"Ask me," I said. Earlier, I could by the way she handled my belongings that she longed to ask me about my situation.

"Where are you staying," she spoke.

I scoffed in my shoes and glanced at her face. I could feel her soul drop to the pit of her stomach when I failed to answer.

"Chris, not even a shelter?" I nodded slowly. I began to gather my words once she asked her questions.

"Once a week," I whispered

"What about a correction facility"

"They closed down the one I was in three months ago. I've been sleeping on the park bench," I dropped my head.

Amber slowly grabbed my hand and this time, I didn't flinch.

"Chris, you have to tell somebody, okay? Anybody. You need somewhere to stay. It's cold up north; you could die out there. Plus, anything could happen to you. What about your...," she trailed off.

I chewed the inside of my lip while she spoke. Her words were quick and flowed like rushing water coming through an exploded dam. She let go of my hand after a knock came on the door. I rubbed the back of my head as she exited the bathroom. I hope she doesn't tell Raegan. I do not need any more drama than I already have.

Amber's POV

I let Chris's news hit me like an eighteen wheeler. I felt sorry for him because of the events that occurred in the past few days. Raegan likes him and she likes him a lot, but she can't seem to get away from that Malcolm guy. She says she's going to let me meet him because he's sweet when he wants to be. That is the biggest thing that scares me when it comes to her relationship with Malcolm. He's sweet, when he wants to be. I understand that getting out of abusive relationships is hard because of what happened to my mom. I would never forget what happened to her because it always happened while I was doing my schoolwork.

*Flashback*

"Get your a** back over here. NOW," he barked at my mom.

My mom sobbed as she attempted to crawl to safety. The night had taken a turn for the worse as dinner went on. I always wondered why she didn't pack up and leave while he was at work. Every time she would bring that up he would always respond:

"WITH WHAT?! That car is in MY name. I will call the cops and have your a** arrested for theft and have your whore of a daughter sent to foster care."

That statement alone would make her stay. She didn't want me to have the same lifestyle she did. Too bad, it ended up like that anyway, but I digress. She wanted the family to stay together. Unlike her, I wanted something better for me and my mom. I wasn't able to sit and watch her get beat into a pulp when she took a breath because she was tired.

One day, he beat her too hard. One day, he took my mom from me. One day, he beat my mom until her blood flowed down the stairs from the upstairs bathroom. When I got home that day, he was covered in her blood. I began to curse him and holler out my mom's name. The one thing she tried to prevent from happening ended up happening anyway.

When I finally saw my mom's body, she didn't look the same. Her facial features that I used to find beautiful, were now covered in the thick red substance that needed to stay within her. I wept over her body until I realized a strong pair of hands picking me up. The man I once called father was being carried away in the back of a police car. I could tell that my mom had given up. She didn't want to fight anymore. She gave up, but I will always keep her hope alive. I was put in foster care not too long after that. I was homeless from the ages fourteen to sixteen until I finally got my own apartment.

*Flashback Over*

I understand exactly where Chris is coming from. Living on the streets is no joke, but asking for help is even harder when you are child. I hope one day he will find it within himself to ask someone. I had to. His demons are strong and are capable of taking over his body, but the questions is whether or not he is strong enough to fight them instead of fighting himself...

Raegan's POV

Chris hasn't said a word since we left the hotel. He's basically acting the same way he was when I first met him. His eyes stayed glued to the floor as his hands fondled with the loose string on his jacket. I hated the way his body rejected everything I was trying to do. His heart didn't want to let me in, but I want to know what is making his heart like that. There's no telling what he's going to tell Mrs. Kinnery when we get home. I hope no one finds out about this.

"Chris," I whispered.

"Hmm," he huffed.

I simply rolled my eyes at his response. I don't know if I'm upset about his choice, or shall I say lack, of words to answer me or if I was confused at how he didn't want me. Everyone wanted to get me, but he simply didn't want to continue any type of relationship with me.

"Were you going to say something," he responded in a hush tone.

I turned to him quickly as the blood started to boil within my stomach.

"Why are you so weird? Why don't you want to talk to me? I'm just trying to help your a**, but you don't want to let anyone help you. You're ignorant, Chris. You jumped off the building, not me. That was your choice! Why don't you want to talk to me? Everybody wants to talk to me. Are you going to answer me? Why don't you want to love me," I trailed off as the tears rolled down my face.

He simply stared at me as I went on with my rant. It started to anger me that he wouldn't say anything to me. When I stopped, he simply chuckled.

"Say something...," I begged lowly.

"Your rant was not for me. You said verbatim 'Why don't you want to love me.' You're taking it out on the wrong person," he whispered lowly while staring out the window.

I clutched my bag and nodded.

"I guess I should go home," I finally said gathering my thoughts, "Nice meeting you, Christopher."

He nodded slowly and started to walk away.

I have to make this right. I have to have him and I don't know why. I went off on him for no reason and it made absolutely no sense...