Incubus

Chapter 31

Sometimes we need to Forget some people from 

our Past because of one Simple Reason; 

They just don't belong to our Future

~Unknown

As I ran away, I could only hear what that man, Liam, had said to me. Those terrible things that I feared would be true about Hayden. 

Hurry, hurry, hurry!  This order nipped at my heels as I ran.

If what Liam said was indeed true, I couldn't bring myself to be around Hayden. Someone like that would only drag me down with him in the process, and I couldn't go through that. But I knew even now, that I would have to face him sooner or later. This fear gripped me tightly as I tried to run away. My body was saying one thing, but my mind was commanding another. 

Talk to Hayden. Get the story straight.

I couldn't shake the voice in my head, no matter how hard I tried to, no matter how far and long I ran. So I found myself in front of his place, knocking on the front door. Terribly aware of what a stupid idea this was. Knowing I shouldn't need an explanation to tell me to stay away from him.

A sudden breeze blew, and goosebumps erupted over my arms and legs. I looked up to see clouds slowly making their way in- vast and threatening. The wind continued to bluster around me, and a leaf soared through the wind, landing right at my feet as if deciding that the inconstant wind didn't control it anymore. That it wouldn't be pushed around by a stronger force. Refusing to budge even with the insistent wind. 

Staring down at it, I felt that it was a sign for me to stop letting myself be pushed around by everyone in my life. Maybe it wasn't a sign at all, and I was only misinterpreting it. But I knew, sign or not, that this realization was right. I couldn't let people push me around anymore. Wouldn't allow them to control me anymore. And so my feet took off, leaving the steps to Hayden's apartment building bare. 

Deciding that I was safe for now, and far enough away to be found by anyone, I stopped to catch my breath. I realized then that I'd been running a lot lately. Either away from Hayden, or to him to save him from his terrible demons.

I looked around to see where I was when I spotted a figure in the distance. I froze, taking a stance to get ready and run again. But the figure was waving their arms as if telling me not to run. 

It was Hayden. Even from this distance, I could recognize him. 

I didn't know what to do. Should I stay and hear what he had to say? Or run, and maybe never find out if what Liam said was true?

I must have had faith in Hayden or have been completely crazy and out of my mind because I found myself staying. He made his way to me and stopped, necklace dangling from his neck, his chest heaving, skin gleaming with sweat. Hayden wiped his hair to the side and I saw a trail of blood running down the side of his face.

"Hayden, what in the hell-"

"Please, listen to me," Hayden said as he gazed at me, eyes imploring for me to listen, to give him a chance.