Twenty Øne Reasons to Live

Chapter Eighteen

Tyler's Point of View

Kirsten came back. To be honest, I was worried that she would never speak to us again. But tonight she showed up and made both of our days. She looked tired, beaten down and afraid. But when she talked to us, a light sparked behind her eyes. It was then that I realized God had big plans for her. That's why she was struggling so much. If she was dead, she wouldn't be able to accomplish any of the wonderful things I have no doubt she'll do later in life. 

She cared about the jerk kid, too. That actually came as a surprise to me. They had a history, I could see this clearly the moment she jumped in front of him. She cared deeply about him, or at least she did at one point. It was still there, somewhere inside of Kirsten. 

Through all the pain she goes through, through all the misery- she still stood up for someone who quite literally abused her- vocally and physically, no doubt. This told me she has a heart bigger than most, and that is what causes her most pain. Kirsten can't stop caring about what people need, or think, even if it hurts her in the process. 

We were all telling stupid stories when she had stopped talking. Just moments later, she jumped up in a frenzy like some horrific information had just assimilated into her mind. Josh went after her, and so now it was just Sarah and I, because Jenna went to the restroom.  

"What do you think is going on?" I asked Sarah, who still looked surprised by her little sister's outburst. 

"I don't know, but my only guess is that Rider did something..." 

I wagged my head. "That wouldn't surprise me. 

"He's bad news." 

"Tell me about it, the way he hits her like that, it's sick."

"He what?!" all the blood drained from her face in that moment. Oh, I wasn't supposed to say that apparently. I just thought it was common knowledge other than to her parents......

"So anyway, wanna take more pictures?" I suggested, smiling. 

"No. Go back to what you just said. What does Rider do to my sister?" 

My Point of View 

"He stole my car..." I choked out, feeling a tightness in my throat, and tears welled in my eyes. How could I of been so irresponsible? I should've been more careful, I should've seen that coming! Mom and Dad didn't say losing our car to a psycho ex-best friend, but I think it kind of went without saying. 

Josh rubbed the back of his neck before replying. "So technically he stole your car radio so-" 

I hit his arm. "Not the time," I said, still staring at the empty parking space, watching as my steamy breath entered the vacancy. 

"Right, sorry." There was a few moments of silence. "Wait! Rider stole your freaking car?! That little-" 

"This is bad." Now I was tearing up, doing my very best to fight it off. 

His hand fell on my shoulder. "Hey, it's okay. You'll get it back. Tyler and I will give you a ride home." 

Out of no where, I just broke down. "No Josh you don't understand. I-I-I w-w-w-on't be-be-e-e-AUGH!!!" I screamed in frustration. 

"It's okay, Kid. Breathe." 

I gasped for air, seeing everything get worse and worse. I turned and fell into him, already feeling his hoodie get soaking wet with my tears. 

"What's going on?" Tyler asked, jogging towards us. 

Josh's Point of View 

I was either missing something or she was just having a major emotion breakdown. I feel terrible either way. What was freaking wrong with Rider?? He hurts such a sweet little girl like Kit, then she shows him kindness that he in no way deserves and what does he do? He goes and steals her car. I could do such illegal things to him.......But I can't, not now that I know he's as much as a flightless bird as Kirsten is... 

Tyler asked what was up, and I bet he heard Kirsten's audible cries echo through the parking lot. I turned to him, still hugging her, and I mouthed, "I don't know..." 

"What happened?" he whispered. 

"He stole her car," I replied. 

Tyler's face contorted into pure, unabashed anger. His face is exactly how I feel on the inside towards that little monster. 

Seeming to semi-collect herself, she pulled away, then saw Tyler and broke right back down again. But this time, she collapsed into him, and now he looked at me like a little puppy dog. He felt bad her already. 

"Guys..." her small, shaking voice spoke, and it was like a little mouse squeaking. "You don't know what this means, do you?" 

We looked at each other for a split second before saying we weren't sure. 

She looked at everything but us now. She shrugged and bit her bottom lip. "Mom and aren't going to let me come to see you now. I just majorly screwed up so that's it. It's over." I tried to speak up but she kept going, her tone changing. "But I guess it figures, right? Finally found friends and God forbid I'm not wanting to kill myself for three seconds. My life, I swear!!" she was sobbing now. 

That hadn't dawned on me that her parents would associate this mess up with us and our band, which does probably mean no more Kirsten. I needed to stay something that would help her but I was about as shaken up as she is, and I looked to Tyler for some help. As always, he was right on it. 

"I'm sure if you just explain that Rider stole it, and you'll get it back, they'll-" 

"No you don't understand. Mom and Dad already weren't going to let us come because they think you guys are trouble. Sarah stood up for you and they agreed but there were a bunch of conditions, and being responsible with the car was included. It was made clear if I fail at any of those things we're done..." She buried her face in her hands, as her shoulders shook. 

I took a few steps closer, and pulled her into a hug, saying, "It's okay. It'll be fine." 

Swallowing, I looked up at Tyler, who had tears in his eyes, and I couldn't help but think if it will be okay.... This honestly could be the end. 

UPDATE!!! First, I'd like to apologize to Clueing_F0r_L00ks for not updating when I promised. Turns out I had a really busy day and was not home MOST of the day. So I am very sorry, and also I'm sorry for this being so short and stupid. But still, tell me what you think, and stay alive, frens! |-/