Changing the Stars

Chapter 17: Forgive Me

(Pre-chapter A/N: OneRepublic is my all time favorite band, so enjoy!)

It was James. He had saved me again. I was still pretty drunk, but I don't think that's why James wouldn't put me down. He made me feel safe. He was a prince. I knew he would make someone happy some day.

I closed my eyes, but I was still very much awake. I felt James quickly moving through the crowd and the next thing I heard was Care.

"Holy shit! What happened? Is she okay? WHERE IS DANIEL?" I heard Care practically screaming. Mainly to be heard over the blasting music, but also because she seemed genuinely worried.

"That's what I'm wondering," James answers angrily.

What did I do to get such good friends? A prince and his sister.

"That son of a bitch," he remarks.

I open my eyes, feeling safe with James. He narrows his eyes in a direction that would be too hard for me to turn to see.

"James, my savior. There is no need to curse. I just want to go home," I say finally gathering my thoughts. I rub my hand softly against his cheek to try to get him to unclench his jaw.

He looks down at me and his eyes seem to soften.

"You're right. Let's get you to your room so you can relax. I'll kill him later," James declares.

He turns to Care when he says, "I'm taking her to your room. We'll talk later, but for tonight you should stay in my room with Aaron."

"I can't just leave her like this," Care pleads, wanting to come with us.

"You didn't seem worried about that when she was being physically assaulted. After everything she's been through, Care, and you let her out of your sight?" James comments.

"James that was low. I'll let you take her home, but god dammit we will talk tomorrow," she says, tears brimming her eyes.

I felt bad, but I also felt exhausted. And drunk. I was going to regret this tomorrow.

****************

After what felt like hours I woke up with a pounding headache. It was coming back. What happened. What I said to James. What he said to Care.

This was all my fault. I brought trouble with me everywhere, but these people didn't leave me.

Care spiced up my new life, and James gave me a supportive shoulder to lean on.

I turn on my phone because James must have, thankfully, charged it when we got back.

13 missed calls from Daniel.

23 missed texts from Daniel.

These basically consisted of short blurbs that went from anger to worry. As soon as I saw his name I remembered. I was struggling and he left me. He left me alone after what I went through.

2 missed texts from Care.

These were even harder to read.

Dri, are you alright? Please don't be mad. You're my best friend, and I would never try to hurt you. - Care

You're the best friend I've ever had. Please forgive me. I love you like a sister and I would take a bullet for you. Please reply. - Care

I cried. For myself. For Care. For James. They changed my life. Care was my sister here. She was the closest thing to family I had in the states. James brightened my day by listening and inserting sexual innuendos where needed.