Shot in the Dark

Return from the past

James had returned to his tormenting at home now as Mum and Will were getting busier and busier with work, and with Alec at University not occupying him he suddenly had a lot more time to focus on me. I had come back to my room completely trashed, with my belongings scattered all around the floor. What had torn my heart was the photo of me and Dad that had been on my bookshelf that now led on the floor with the frame smashed to pieces. That had been my birthday present from Dad on my seventh birthday, the last birthday I had with him.

It had also been weeks since that day with Susan and not one person has spoken to me in school. That's why today was the weirdest day, I wasn't alone for a brief moment. That wasn't the weird part, it was Tyler. 

Tyler and I had been best friends years ago but one day last year he had cut me off and everyone in school for that matter and hadn't spoken to us since. So for him to be sat next to me was something I couldn't have ever imagined happening today.

He slid a note towards me and said "I know what he is doing, meet me tonight" and with that he left as quickly as he had came. The note held a number and an address which I didn't recognise with '7pm sharp' written at the bottom. I was beyond confused, so pulling up Google Maps on my phone I found out that this was on the outskirts of town, which isn't the nicest of areas. Still Tyler had me intrigued, I had always wanted to know what happened between us. As soon as I saw the note I knew what I was going to do.

James hadn't noticed that I had left, with Google Maps plugged into my Bluetooth in my car I began to drive to meet Tyler. It took longer than I thought but I still managed to arrive ten minutes early. It was dark and with my headlights off the rain blocked all chances of being able to see ahead. I sat in my car and waited for what seemed like and eternity. I didn't feel safe. 

A knock on my window caused me to let out a yelp until I recognised Tyler's face that was hidden behind a black hood. As soon as I jumped out the car, his hand was on my wrist and was dragging me inside to a small house that appeared to be falling apart. The sudden brightness from the light took me a while to adjust until I could see Tyler stood in front of me in what seemed to be a combined lounge and kitchen area.

"So, I'm guessing you're wondering why I brought you here but I'm just going to speak, so don't interrupt me." I nodded my head showing Tyler that he had my full attention. 

"Belle, I know about James. I know what he's doing to you, and I know you're wondering how I know this. He did it to me too, he threatened me and I couldn't risk facing his wrath. That's why I stopped talking to you, but I guess you didn't manage to escape him either.

He paused before coming closer to me, "I have been thinking for weeks of how to speak to you, but seeing that you had Susan I kept my distance knowing that you weren't alone, that you had someone to lean on. After the argument with Susan I did some digging. I figured that he must have somehow got a hold of your phone, which is how I found out that he was living with you. I couldn't stay quiet any longer, I went through this alone and it nearly killed me. I couldn't do that to you Belle, I couldn't" he finally breathed as if the weight of the world had been lifted off his shoulders. 

I had no words so instead I just wrapped my arms around his shoulders and tucked my head into his neck hiding my face from reality. I had missed the way he always called me Belle and the way I could always rely on him. I had missed my best friend, for over a year thinking that I had done something to drive him away. After months of him rejecting every form of me reaching out to him I decided to take the hint. 

Tears started falling down my face as I realised what he must have gone through, knowing what I have been experiencing I couldn't imagine having a year of it all alone. Tyler didn't even have a family to support him at home, his brother who worked in the army had taken custody of him after his parents had died in a car crash, but that left Tyler living alone for most of the year. Tyler had been dealt a bad card, and I imagine James had threatened to tell the authorities how much his brother was actually absent from the house. I assure you if they found out he would undoubtedly be put into care. 

I understood, Tyler had no choice. "Tyler, I forgive you. I know what he must have threatened you with, and nothing or anyone is worth that happening." His shoulders slouched showing the relief I had just provided him. "Thank you Belle, I need you to know though that if ever you need me I will always be here from now on. I'm not saying it's a good idea for us to be together at school because James will find out. I think you can imagine what would happen then. However, if you ever need me my number is always there and I always have a spare couch if he sets your room on fire." 

I had to laugh at that, somehow Tyler always seemed to put a positive spin on life. That I had seriously missed. I knew Mum and Will would be getting home soon and I wasn't sure I could face their questions so after having a short conversation with Tyler I decided to leave. Tyler had given me hope, hope that I wasn't alone. Hope that James couldn't turn every single person I knew against me.

Author' Note

So what do you think of Tyler guys? Seems like James has been causing problems for a while now!

Please leave me any questions/ comments/ thoughts

Also, I didn't think I'd be able to post as much as I have because I have University exams, but i'll try to post more than once a week if I can, but I'll definitely be posting every Monday from now on :) Monday is the day guys!

Much love

-T