Been You

Chapter 48: Forgive With Me

JUSTIN'S POV:

As I am walking back to Ely's dorm from my psych class, all I can do is worry. This is the first time that I've left her alone since the party. When I left this morning, I thought the situation was completely behind us. However, the whole time I've been out, there've been glances and whispers. I admit, it is a little uncomfortable. I'm used to being admired - the guy everyone wants to talk to, not talk about. But I'm not so much concerned about me. I don't really care. I'm more concerned about how people will treat Ely. Will she be able to take it? Damn, I really want to fuck Ryan up. But I know that'll only bring added attention, which will end up hurting Ely in the long run. Which is another reason why I haven't been home yet. Temptation is too strong. Za is supposed to bring me clothes later, so I'm one hundred percent fine in staying with Ely. Just getting to wake up to that beautiful face makes me a lucky guy.

Now that I've made it to Ely's dorm, I'm more than eager to see her. I put my key in to unlock the door, but when I open it I see something I'd never be prepared for in a million years. I see Ely sitting on her tiny dorm sized couch. But that isn't what shocks me. What has me completely floored is who she is sitting next to: Tyler Posey, Ely's ex. All the shit he's done to her keeps running through my mind: him picking at her appearance, comparing her to other girls, being unfaithful to her, Ely leaning over the toilet with her fingers in her mouth, Ely struggling to eat that burger in the diner, Ely crying, thin, broken. All because of this jackass. I take a few steps so that I can give this prick a piece of my mind - or my fist. But of course, Ely being Ely, she steps in between us. And of course, me being me, I stop. I look at her pleadingly, silently begging her to step out of the way.

"Justin, please. It's not what you think. Please just let Ty explain," she asks cautiously. I look to the ceiling in disbelief. Ty? Let Ty explain? What the fuck? I breathe out a sigh of frustration, relaxing my tense muscles to signify that I'd do as she asks. What else could I do? Ely steps out of the way so that I am able to see... him. I glare at him angrily. He better speak fast because my patience is wearing thin.

"Look, man, I know you hate me and everything, but my intentions are good, I swear," he starts. I roll my eyes. "I saw Ely's picture going around on twitter and the things that people have been saying about her... I just came to make sure she's alright. I mean we did date for quite a while, I still care about her," he explains. Now my blood is practically boiling. I can't contain myself. I grip him up by the neck of his shirt, my face red with anger, teeth clenched.

"What people have been saying about her?! What about what you've said about her?! Telling her she's not good enough?! Showing her she's not good enough?! How dare you even think to show your face here, you -" I rant furiously, balling my fist up in preparation.

"Justin!" Ely shrieks, scaring the hell out of me. I hate hearing her voice so afraid. I never realized how much violence affected her, but in retrospect, it's always bothered her. I kick myself for not realizing. I release Tyler, the guilt consuming me. Tyler fixes his shirt, clears his throat, and straightens up.

"As I was saying," Tyler continues, "I know I wasn't the best boyfriend to her, and that she deserves the best, but I still care about her. And I think I owe it to her to be here, to help her," he finishes. Bullshit.

"I think we'll be okay here without your 'help,'" I respond, my mouth forcing a smile, my eyes still angry.

"Babe," Ely says, grabbing my shoulder, I now realize is tense with fury. "He's just trying to be nice," she whispers. She always sees the best in people, even after all that she's been through. I love that about her. But I know better. He can't be trusted. I look over to see Tyler, his eyebrows raised, his lips parted in shock.

"Oh, so now it all makes sense. Why you've never liked me, why you're so angry that I'm here now. You're jealous," Tyler deduces, his mouth spreading into a smile.

"I never liked you because you hurt the most important person in my life," I spat back, disgusted at his presumptions.

"Then why won't you let me make it right?" He challenges, amusedly.

"Because I don't trust you not to do the same shit that you've always done," I say, my face and voice deadpan.

"Babe, he can't hurt me anymore," Ely coos to me. "I have you," she says, enlacing her fingers with mine and batting her lengthy eyelashes at me. Oh, what she does to me. "And it's not like I'm particularly swimming in friends..." she says under her breath, looking downward. Now I feel bad. She's right. She never has had many friends, and at a time where it must feel like everyone hates her, having any one in her corner must help. I won't like it, but it's not about me.

"Fine," I mutter. "But watch yourself, jack ass." Tyler spreads his arms wide in preparation for a hug.

"Bring it here, Eels," he says excitedly. Eels? Who is this guy? Ely goes over to hug him loosely, but he pulls her in tighter. I groan internally.

"Alright, alright, alright. Enough touching my girlfriend," I instruct, separating the two.

"Thank you, baby," Ely sings sweetly, kissing me softly. Longing to assert my dominance, I kiss her deeply, inserting my tongue in her mouth. Overcome with passion, Ely moans into my mouth. Yes. Tyler clears his throat, to remind us that he's still there. Trust me, I haven't forgotten. Ely pulls away to say, "Sorry, Ty." I force a smile.

"Yeah. Sorry, Ty," I echo.