The Pick

The Pick - Chapter Eighteen

**PLEASE READ THE AUTHOR'S NOTE AT THE END AFTER READING**

Chapter 18

I lay there, motionless, unable to move or speak, but able to hear. I could hear crying and soothing words. I could only guess who it was. I had heard the door slam open and my mother and Braydon's voice. But I didn't hear Jake. Was he the one sobbing?

I doubted it. He was probably still beating the life out of Dale for the abuse he gave to me. I knew that was probably just a sample, and that I definitely don't want a full serving. 

I felt pain wash over me and finally a groan arose. Though it didn't sound like a groan, it sounded more like an animal dying rather than a groan. I immediately heard all sounds cease, except for the constant beep of my heart rate. 

After several attempts, I was finally able to open my eyes and see the three pair of eyes looking back at me. The first eyes I saw were warm and brown, I looked down a bit to see her tear stained face. My mom. 

I gave her a smile, but she knew it wasn't real. It hadn't reached my eyes. 

"Boys can you give us a moment?" My mother finally spoke up. 

The hesitantly went to the door and walked out. Jake and Bray. I wanted to call them back, to tell Jake to stay, but I couldn't and I wouldn't. 

"Oh baby, I'm so sorry this happened to you!" She wailed, and threw her hands up. She wrapped me up tightly into her embrace and I hugged back just as hard. I had almost lost her, and she almost lost me. 

She looked me into the eye, "Do you remember anything that happened, Liv?" 

I shook my head, "No, I can't. I remember swimming then being in the locker room. I don't remember anything after that," 

She nodded and got up, "I'll let Bray in," 

She walked out and Bray came in moments later. He hugged me a little gentler than my mom, causing me to laugh. 

"Hey Bray," I said. 

He gave me a sad smile, "Hey Liv. So, what do you remember?" 

"You on the ground then Jake and Dale then Darkness," I had lied to my mother, not wanting her to know it was Dale just yet. 

He clenched his hands at the mere mention of Dale's name. I sighed. I really don't get boys - at all. 

I looked at Braydon, "What did he do to you?" 

His face turned a slight pink as he spoke, "He, uh, he kneed me where the sun don't shine?" 

I started laughing, causing his face to turn into a crimson red. He was too funny! Too  funny... 

"Okay," He said, standing up, "Well I'll go get Jake," With that he left the room. Anxiety was building up in me, what was I going to say to Jake? Should I tell him about the dream? Should I keep it to myself? 

He walked in the room, worry evident on his face. He had tear stains also. He must've been the one crying  while Braydon and Mom were talking.

Immediately he ran to me and embraced me tighter than ever before in his arms, I hugged back without a second thought.  

I felt a stray tear run down my face and hugged him tighter, not wanting to let go. It felt so right, me being in his arms. It felt as if we were meant to be.

He pulled away, and I grudgingly did the same. I didn't want to let go. Not now, not yet, not ever. I always wanted to have him by my side. 

"Olivia," He started, "I think you deserve to know what happened exactly," I nodded, not wanting to speak just yet, "Well, you probably remember the part where he kneed Braydon then I came at you guys. I hooked him hard in the jaw, he dropped you and your head hit the floor. I tried to keep you from falling asleep but it was too much trauma. I'm so sorry, Livy," 

By the end he was sobbing and I, myself, had teared up. I hugged him again which took him off guard but he hugged back. I nestled my head into the crook of his neck and he held my in his lap, "It's not your fault, Jake," I told him he just nodded and I sat there in his arms. 

Just then the door opened and in walked Braydon. 

"Okay so what do you two lovebirds want to eat?" I looked startled while Jake just rolled his eyes. 

"I'll have the usual," I chirped. I zoned out while Jake told Bray what he wanted. He gently shook me from my thoughts. 

"Huh?" I asked, confused. He laughed and shook his head.

"You're so cute when you're confused," I smiled at him toothily at him, causing him to laugh again. 

I rested my head back on his chest and he reclined back into the bed. I wanted it to stay like this forever. Me on top of him, perfectly happy. Knowing he'll always be here for me. But things aren't ever that way, right?

I mean, maybe I've just had my heart tossed and torn too many times. 

I closed my eyes, dreaming about a perfect fairytale ending that will never come true. Because life isn't a fairy tale, and the world is larger than you can imagine. 

People will try to take you down on the way, but if you don't let them get to you, you'll get to the top, and somewhere along the way, they'll eventually get shaken off. The best people are treated the worst, but they can still get to the top.

And I was determined to get to the top while holding on to Jake. 

-Author's Note

 Hey!! Okay so sorry for the wait, i've been caught up with school. Only two more weeks guys!! YAY!! :D lol so anyways I'll try to update one or two more times today. K? Lol, love you all and please read the bottom!!! FAN VOTE COMMENT!!

-lexx

****IF I CAN REACH 15 VOTES ON THIS CHAPTER I WILL PUT IT INTO THE WATTY AWARDS. THANK YOU*****