'You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view... Until you climb inside of his skin and walk around in it'.
Book clutched in hands, I read silently. It was my favorite book 'To Kill A Mockingbird' and that quote made me rethink everything I've thought about Justin. For him to be able to forgive someone who hurt him so much so easily was very thoughtful. He wanted to let go of the past so he can have a brighter future with his baby girl and girlfriend. The other thought that made my heart ache with heartbreak was that he had a soft spot for Danny.
***
The next day arrived quickly and when I woke up, I realized that I fell asleep reading the book. The hard covered book was still clutched in my hand and the lights were still on, which was incredible odd. Looking around, I noticed that nothing has changed from yesterday. Everything was in their places, the lights were still on, the space next to me was empty. My eyes looked around for Justin, he was nowhere in sight inside my bedroom.
Hasn't he came back from his date? I thought, tucking in my upper lip. The thoughts of him getting back together with Danny crushed my heart into little pieces and if he hasn't came back from the date yet, it will only mean one thing: they're probably sleeping together right now. I shuddered at the thought of that, quickly replacing it with happy thoughts. Deep inside, I hoped that they weren't back together.
I dangled my legs over the bed and pulled my messy hair into a ponytail. I was in my very short shorts and a tank top, something I would never let Justin to see me in. I dragged myself outside to the living room, I had completely forgotten about Cara after I fed her before I went to read the book. After stepping outside, I spotted her in her napper, she was thankfully asleep.
I stopped dead in my tracks, realizing that Justin did come back from his date. My eyes darted to the sectional couch to see the hunched over figure of Justin. His knees were up to his chest and he had his face stuffed in a pillow. I lifted a single eyebrow at him, he was soundless and that surprised me. The date didn't go well, I thought, and as bad as it sounded, I wanted to high five myself.
Something must have went wrong because he didn't wake me up to tell me about his date, or even complain––which I was always happy to listen––and it seemed odd. I tip toed to him realizing that he was probably in his deep sleep, I wanted to magically teleport him to the bedroom so he would have a more comfy sleep but sadly, I had no magical powers.
“Justin...” I softly whispered, taking light steps towards him to receive no answer. Confirming that he was asleep, I was about to pat his back to wake him but something shiny on the coffee table stopped me. I rapidly blinked at the two beautiful looking rings, I could recognize the silver one but I've never seen the matching one that was in gold instead. It was the ring that Justin wore most of the time, and seeing it off his finger, I realized how fancy and expensive looking it was. Both of the rings were laying next to his phone and my car keys.
I began feeling lightheaded all of the sudden after I remembered how bad it was the last time Justin saw Danny. He attempted suicide that time, and I certainly didn't want to go through that horrifying experience again. Now that I’m more attached and attracted to him, I couldn't help but feel the need to make him better.
I shook his shoulder delicately to not startle him, getting nothing in result. My heart pace picked up as I shook him rougher this time and he groaned, shoving my hand away harshly. I would have gotten upset but I felt extremely sorry for him, something very bad must have really happened to turn him into this again.
I brought my shaky hand to my forehead. “What happened?” I asked shakily, both of my eyes fixed on his body that never moved. “Have you taken anything?” No reply.
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