Battle Scars

chapter 6 - it's ok when I'm with him

I wake up at about 4:30 in the morning it's still dark outside and Brandon's still holding me. He looks so peaceful and so perfect. I know Steph and Lena will be awake soon for work and even though he was just comforting me last night, if they caught us like this, they'll assume the worst.

"Brandon?" I say and on the first try, his blue eyes open. "Brandon, I think you should go."

He sits up. "Why, are you kicking me out?" he jokes. I look at him and smile.

"Thanks for last night.... I really needed it."

He looks down at his lap, sighs, and looks back up at me. "Callie, I'm always here for you, you know that right?" I nod my head even though I really don't know that. "So don't ever try something like that again. Ok?" he grabs my hand. It's like I'm under his spell because I can barely do anything but nod. "Promise me?"

"I promise." I whisper.

"Look I'm sorry for asking, but why'd you do it? I mean I want you to be able to talk to me."

I take a deep breath and tell him my whole life story. Starting with how my mom died. I told him the whole story; not just that she was in a car accident. I told him that my drunken dad was driving and they crashed into another car. Some people in that car died too so he went to jail. With no family to take us in, me and Jude went into the foster system. I told him about the Olmstead's and why we left there, where we went next, how and why I had to leave the abusive foster home, and about the Schratter house. He already knows everything after that.

For the fifth time since we met, he wipes my tears. "It's not going to be like that anymore. My moms promised that this will be your last foster home. And I promise you, you guys will be safe here."

I smile through my tears. "Just answer one question?" he nods and squeezes my hand tighter. "Why? Why do you care so much?"

"Because I might not understand what you went through. I know that nothing like that has ever happened to me. But, Callie, I do know that you've been through more than anyone should ever have to. I know that we just met like a month ago, but I also know that you're not worthless. I know that you have a purpose and that you mean more than you'll ever know. I care because even with how much you've been through, you didn't give up. You...you're perfect Callie. No matter what other people think of you."

His answer was more than perfect. It was exactly what I needed to hear. I smile at him in amazement. He's still holding my hand when we hear footsteps. The door opens and Lena enters.

"We were just talking Mom." Brandon says and its so unbelievable that, even though I know its true, I almost don't believe it.

"At 5:00 in the morning? On a Saturday? Holding hands?" Lena questions and Brandon pulls away.

"Yes. Mom I swear. We know the rules."

"Whatever. It never happened." Lena says before shutting the door behind her.

"Thanks for not telling. You know, what I told you." I say in a soft voice knowing that Lena and possibly Steph are awake.

"Callie. I'm not going to tell. But I think you should."