Monsters In My Bed

bandaids can fix bullet holes if they're big enough.

"What do you mean, daddy?" Gabby stared into her father's eyes, sitting up.

"I...have to go."

"Daddy...why? I know you didn't mean to."

Chase's eyes popped out of his head and he turned to me. I shrugged. I didn't tell her, but I do know that she's our daughter, and she's smarter than we think. He looked back at her, squatting beside the bed, and pushing her hair back gently.

"Do what?"

"Let the monster get me. I know you were trying to protect us. But it broke loose, and that's okay. When we went to the restaurant? And he almost came out..." she was stopped by Chase.

His cry was so ugly, I had to cover my mouth to stop myself from dying laughing. He wiped his eyes, and let out an unmanly snort, cupping her face in his hands. She stared at him, her big brown eyes twinkling with amusement. He started to cry harder, and then I realized how serious he was.

"Mija, you mean everything to me. I'd never ever trade you for nothing. I love you, so much. Okay? No matter what I do, or what the monster does."

"I know, dad." She laughed, holding his hands against her face. "I won't run. Anymore! If the monster come I'll let mama handle it, because she is very smart!" Gabby giggled. "You don't have to go away."

I winced. "Maybe not even me." I whispered, obviously catching his attention.

He glared at me a little, and I already knew why. I was the one being stubborn, and he told me not to follow him. My throat itched, as he looked away from me, and I stared at my lap. I deserved to feel this way, because I'd put them all in the situation.

My phone rang, and I jumped, answering instantly. Kimberly's voice comforted me, and I realized how long it's been since I've seen her. She was my best friend. She wanted to come see us, and bring food. But Chase didn't seem to okay with it.

"Hold on, I'll call you back."

"Talk to me in the hall." Chase walked out, and closed the door.

I hung up, taking a deep breath, and going outside. I was so scared, I thought he was gonna choke slam me into a wall.

"This your way of guilt tripping me?"

My eyes shot wide.

"What the fuck, Chase? No."

"You know that I didn't mean to, and it wasn't my fault!" He stuck his finger in my face, flaring his nostrils. "See, this is what happens when you don't listen, Isabella! What if she would've died?!"

I didn't know where this sudden anger came from, but I'd let him throw his tantrums.

"Tantrums? You fucking serious?! Social Services, or something, is gonna be on my ass in a few days, my mom's gonna think her son ran away, my brother's gonna have no good example, and I gotta deal with the fact that I could've killed my little girl!!!" He screamed.

"I was just trying to help you!" I snapped back. "So I fucked up, Jesus! You don't think I feel bad that this is all my fault, huh? You think I forgot that? Or do you think I do this shit for fun?" My eyes were burning, but I wasn't gonna cry.

I'm too tough for that.

"You got me fucked. My mom's gonna be on my ass too! My whole family. She knows we left." I waved my arms, pissed. "Maybe you should realize that we both fucked up. This isn't the first time she's been around your little monster, anyway."