Best Friend

Chapter 21 : Exhausted

Chapter 21

Jeff POV

"I told my mom that your dad hits you."

"What!? Why!? Nick, you promised me!"

I sat straight up. Tears started falling down my cheeks.

"Jeff, I had to. I was scared you were going to kill yourself."

"Why?"

"Because you're miserable! You just told me before that you didn't think you were doing better. I just wanted to protect you."

"I'm going to get put in foster care, and what if those people hurt me!?"

"Jeff, calm down. My mom said she was going to-"

"I'm having a panic attack."

My chest got so tight. My mind was racing, but none of my thoughts made sense at all. I felt so dizzy and light headed.

Nick put his arm around me tightly.

"Jeff, she's going to see if we can take you, ok? I told her you wouldn't do well in foster care."

"But what if they say no!?"

"Jeff, just calm down."

I pulled away from him and laid down. It felt like the room was spinning, and it kept going faster and faster.

"Jeff. Breathe."

"I c-can't!"

Nick took both of my hands.

"Jeff, I need you to focus on me."

I opened my eyes and stared right at Nick.

"Breathe in... And out."

I did as he said. He kept telling me to breathe in and out, and after a few deep breaths, the room stopped spinning, and my chest felt so much better.

I was too exhausted to cry. I just laid there, out of breath.

"My mom is at the police station right now. You're probably going to need to go in for questioning. You need to tell them the truth, ok?"

I nodded.

"What if they take me away from here?" I asked, quietly.

"Jeff, the only person they're taking you away from is your dad. I'm not letting you get put in foster care, ok? They have to let you stay with me."

I sat up and hugged Nick super tight.

"I promised I'd protect you, Jeff. And I can't protect you if you're still living with your dad."

"It's ok... I trust you."

"I was so scared you'd hate me."

"No. I trust you. And I don't want to be hit anymore."

"I don't want you to either."

"Promise me you won't let them take me."

"I won't, Jeff."

Later...

Jeff POV

Nick's mom brought me to the police station so they could talk to me about my dad. I told them everything. And there were even still some bruises on my back, so I let them see. They asked me who I was staying with right now, and I told them I was with Nick's family, but also Dalton Academy. And they said I could stay there for now until they sort everything out. And then they'd bring me back in to figure out what to do with me. I was too scared to ask if they were going to let me stay with Nick forever. So I just went back to Nick's house, feeling anxious about it.

I felt like crying for the rest of the night, but I was too tired to cry. When I got back to Nick's house, he took me out on his front steps, and we looked at the stars again. It felt strangely calming. 

"How was it at the police station?" Nick asked, breaking the silence between us.

"I told them everything. And showed them my bruises."

"What did they say?"

"That for now I can stay with you and Dalton Academy until they sort everything out..."

"Good."

I laid my head on his shoulder, and he put his arm around me.

"I promise it'll turn out ok, Jeff."

"I believe you."

"Then why are you so tense?"

"Because it's been a really long day."

"Maybe we should head to bed, then."

"No! Not yet. I like it out here."

"So do I."

"Nick?"

"What?"

"If I live with you, where am I going to sleep?"

"We'll get another bed, Jeff. And you can sleep in my room."

"Really?"

"Really."

"Did you ask your mom about letting me stay here?"

"Yes. She knows we're best friends, Jeff. And she doesn't want to split us up."

"Your mom is so nice..."

I yawned.

"Come on. Let's head to bed," Nick said, standing up.

"Fine."

I stood up and followed him in. We went to his bedroom and got changed into our pjs.

"Don't forget to leave the light on," I said, getting into bed.

"Mom said I could leave the hall light on."

Nick got into bed beside me. I curled up and closed my eyes.

"But what if they don't let me stay with you?"

"Jeff. Stop worrying about it."

I turned over on my side and pressed my face against Nick's arm. I sighed, and just tried to relax and stop thinking about it. I'm safe with Nick. And that's all that matters.