Save The Girl

Handle With Care

~ Selena ~

     I had never heard such a silence echoing through my home as a night like this. I sat awake in my childhood bedroom without a care in the world, because I always felt safe at home. Always.

     My mind however was running ramped, my thoughts going back to Demi as she lay down the hall in the spare room with Charlie. I was trying to understand the new struggle of self she was having, but I too was struggling with this situation. Yes, I knew who I was and where I came from and nothing so much as me falling as a kid and scraping my knee ever happened to me. And yet, I knew where she was coming from. But I couldn't understand her constant need to push me away. Just moments ago, Joe and I were standing in the hall with her and she practically just went limp in his arms. Although I admit jealousy was something I developed within the past few weeks, it was only because of our current situation.

     We were always on the run. Always looking over our shoulder to make sure no one was trying to follow us or harm us. It was exhausting. Joe was Demi's comfort zone and I knew and respected it. But what about me? She had somehow lost the tenderness she held and began growing cold once more. As I studied my old room, the dark paint covering the walls as light colored photographs held themselves in frames, I wondered what I could do to ease her mind. If only for tonight. Without much convincing, I crawled from bed and entered the hallway. I could hear a slight mumbling noise coming from the room both Joe and Nick was sharing.

      Just past their door sat my parents' room. Their light was still blazing brightly, my father pacing as he searched something in his hand. I ignored the odd behavior and marched towards the guest room, gently turning the knob before peering inside. Charlie had been asleep, something I hadn't expected. Demi however, had shifted to face me, her eyes wide awake and alert. I pressed my shoulder against the doorframe, studying the woman as she sighed.

     "I know you don't want to talk." I brought up, whispering as to not wake up the woman in the other bed. "But... can you just come with me?" I found myself falling into this state of nervousness as the woman studied me. If she wanted to say something, she hadn't. I awaited her actions, but she laid where she was. I gently pushed the door open more, pacing over towards Demi's bed, sitting at her side. I didn't know what to say, or if I could even move her from the spot she now laid in.

     The silence was deafening.

     "We have a garden out back." I whispered, waving my hand towards the window. "My mom usually tends to it well. I bet she has fruits on the trees." I smirked, trying to forget that cold stare I was receiving. "Demi, whatever I did..." Before I could finfish I stopped myself. I wasn't about to apologize for whatever it was I hadn't done. "Just walk with me." My fingers slid over her hand, giving her a gentle tug as she closed her eyes. I thought she was going to protest, but instead, she inhaled before nodding. The short repetitive walk towards the lower level was a quiet one. I even spotted my dad staring at us from his bedroom door. Once in the kitchen, I slid open the door and allowed Demi to step out first.

     "I don't know what's happening between us." I was the first to speak. "Or with you." I studied the cobblestone path which lead through the grass and towards the gated garden. Leading the way, I refuse to look back to see if Demi had been following. "This situation isn't ideal for any of us. I know it's not where I thought my life would end up. It sounds crazy. Running from the government, being chased down by some unknown entity, it's like a book you can't stop reading." I sighed, finally stopping at the gate before placing my hands against the cold frame.

     "I just feel so lost." The first words to leave the woman's mouth didn't come out as a demand or a defensive tactic.

     "Lost how?" I glanced over my shoulder as Demi took my side. In the distance, the moonlight played against the homes like a shadow chasing it's own image.