The Cost Of Love (Bxb, Rape, Abuse)

Should I Stay... Or Should I Go

It was the morning after the storm and Ryan was already up and out helping his dad with the clean up. Austin had a difficult time sleeping last night after Ryan admitted that he had feelings for him and that he didn't want him to leave. Even though Ryan said he would understand if Austin left it didn't make it any easier. Why did Ryan have to tell him those things. It would have been so much easier to leave not knowing. He needed a cup of coffee and his morning smoke then he could try to think about things. Austin was just about to open the door when there was a knock.

"Mornin' Austin, how did you sleep last night?" Shelly said as she stood there with two cups of coffee.

"How did you know I needed coffee?" Austin said as he gladly took the cup.

"If you're anything like me, you can't function without your first cup." Shelly said with a smile. "Michael called this mornin' and said he would be stoppin' by to see you."

"I didn't know he made house calls." Austin questioned.

"It's on his way to the hospital, so he said he would. Let's go sit on the porch and enjoy our coffee, and I'm sure you hankerin' for a smoke."

Austin just smiled; boy did she know him well. He grabbed his smokes and followed her to the front porch.

"I always love the mornin' after a storm. The air smells so clean and fresh, just like a brand new start. Speakin' of which, have you thought about what you're going to do when you're released to drive?" Shelly asked as she sipped her coffee.

"I really don't know." Austin said with a depressed look on his face. "Part of me wants to stay and part of me wants to leave."

"What are the reasons you want to leave? You already told me that your grandparents don't know your comin' so it's not like they are waitin' on you."

"The thing is Eric; he is not going to give up on trying to get me back. When he sets his mind out on something he doesn't stop till he gets it. He already knows that I'm down here in Levy and I don't want you guys to get caught up in my mess."

"If he is really that hell bent on gettin' you do you think that runnin' to Florida is goin' to stop him?" Shelly asked with a raised eye.

Austin paused in thought. "No, you're right about that. I just don't want him causing trouble for you guys. He already made a mess at the Motel and you work enough at the bar to support your family, you really don't need someone else to worry about." Austin replied as he lit a smoke.

"Hun, to tell you the truth it's a little too late for that."

"What do you mean by that?" Austin asked.

"You have made your way into my heart. I care for you and don't want to see you hurtin'. I know that if you went to Florida there wouldn't be a day that would go by I wouldn't be worrin' about you. You're a very special person and you deserve to have a happy life." Shelly said as she rested her hand on his. "And you would be a nice addition to our family."

"If I did stay, what would I do for work and how would I solve the problem with Eric?"

"Those are all issues we can work on but you have to take it one step at a time or you're gona get ahead of yourself. The choice is up to you but just to let you know that if you did stay you would be welcomed with open arms." Shelly offered. "Well, I flapped my gums enough. I better get started around the house. Michael should be here around 10."

Once Shelly left, Austin was left with his thoughts. She was right though, if he did go down to Florida he would have to start all over again and to admit it he kind of liked it here. The people in the town were very nice and he liked the slower pace. At least if he stayed here he would have a fighting chance against Eric because he wouldn't doubt for a minute Ryan would blow him away.