Second Heartbeat [Avenged Sevenfold]

Chapter 21

I sat the the table in one of Jimmy's oversized t-shirts, stirring my coffee absentmindedly. It had been a month and a half since I walked away from Brian and ever since I had been forced to stay at Papa Gates house. My health had started to deteriorate rapidly, I wasn't sleeping because the nightmares had come back and I wasn't eating because I was never hungry. In an attempt to drown all the negativity in my life, I had traded my bright orange hair for a more subtle black and blonde. All the guys had tired to contact me, including Brian; but Jimmy was the only one I ever spoke to.

"How you holding up Buttercup?"

I ran a hand through my hair pondering on how to answer Jimmy's question. Last time we spoke he threatened to return home if I hadn't gotten any better.

"I'm doing just fine." I sipped at my coffee and diverted my gaze eventhough he couldn't see me. A deep sigh was audible from the other end of the phone.

"Scarlett, can you put me onto Papa Gates. I need to speak to him."

"He's not around."

"Scarlett." He said through gritted teeth. It scared me how serious Jimmy sounded because he was always a carefree guy who never got angry at anyone.

"Okay." I slipped off my chair and made my way into the loungeroom where Papa Gates sat strumming a melody on his guitar.

"Jimmy wants to speak to you." I held out the phone and he took it from my grasp with a puzzled look on his face. I sighed and made my way back to the kitchen. I grabbed the remaining rements of my coffee, tipping it down the sink.

I looked out the window at the piercing blue sky. The heat of the day was radiating through the window reminding me of the countless mornings I woke up to the exact same feeling and scenery with Daniel by my side. I shook my head willing the memories to go away and ran the water to wash the dirty dishers.

"Leave them Scar." The sound of Papa Gates' voice startled me, making me jump a little.

"Go get ready and pack your things. We're meeting up with the boys."

> Brian's POV <

Knowing Jimmy had been talking to Scarlett killed me. It killed me even more that he, or anyone for that matter, refused to tell me how she was doing. I knew it wasn't good. Every time I would ask they couldn't look me in the eye and would make up some excuse as to why we couldn't talk about it right then.

Jimmy ran around the bus with a determined look on his face, picking up all the empty bottles and cans from out previous nights antics; something he never does. He had been on edge ever since he had gotten off the phone this morning and it made me wonder if he was expecting someone.

Matt's laugh was audible from outside as he laughed at a snide remark another person had just said. The bus shook slightly as he made his way up the stairs and onto the bus carrying a suitcase in his hand. My eyebrows furrowed in confusion as my dad's figure appeared behind Matt.

My breath caught in my throat as Scarlett slowly made her way onto the bus and came into view. I placed my beer down and shot up from the couch where I had been sitting. She looked horrible. Her eyes displayed heavy bags underneath them, her face was as gaunt as ever.

She looked lifeless.

"You guys are here!" Jimmy rushed from the back of the bus like a three year old and wrapped Scarlett in a bone crushing hug.

"I've missed you Buttercup!" She giggled hugging him back.

"I've missed you too Jims." Her voice was tired and weak.

"I cleaned out the back room for you. Matt can show you the way and you can get settled in." He let go of her and led her over to Matt.

"I've got it." The words flew out of my mouth before I even registered what I was saying. They all looked at me as I made my way over to Matt and tried to take the bags out of his hands; without success.

"I've got it, Brian." Matt spoke through gritted teeth. I stepped back and nodded slightly, watching them as they made their way to the back of the bus.

"You're my son Brian and I will defend you under any circumstance. But you've really messed her up."

I turned to him and opened my mouth to defend my pride but he held up his hand and cut me off.

"She stayed true to her word. Everything was packed and out of your house within a day." His voice was low and harsh, his words making me cringe.

"She moved back into her house and was doing alright, y'know. A week later I get a call from the hospital telling me that Scarlett's in there because she collapsed from exhaustion. She doesn't eat, she can't sleep. Do you know how bad her nightmares are Brian?! Every night she wakes up screaming and crying and refuses to fall back asleep and this is all because of you! If you had of defended her when.."

"Ok dad I get it." I spoke through gritted teeth. He mock laughed and shook his head.

"No, Brian. You don't. You don't get it. And will not get it until you experience what I just experienced this past month. I sat there, helpless, as I watched someone destroy them-self. She is broken, Brian."

He whispered the last part as I sunk down into the edge of the couch and buried my head in my hands. Matt emerged from the back of the bus and walked straight outside followed by my dad. I slowly stood up and made my way toward the back of the bus.

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Finally updated! Sorry for the wait.