Our Paradise

4

(A/N: Hi there.... So, I could've sworn I'd updated this sooner, but then again I'm literally being haunted right now and it's messing with my brain.

SO

Here's chapter 4!

I'm not okay after writing this.

But then again, when am I ever okay??)

*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Keith pulled into the driveway of Leanna's home. A promised study and get to know you session was supposedly taking place in a few moments, and he couldn't help but be excited. Leanna was somewhat of a free spirited person. She knew what she was doing when it came to Lance, and also knew how to manage herself in a soothing way.

To say the least, Leanna was the bomb.

Keith turned off the ignition to his car and stepped out onto the smoothly paved driveway. Just as he was approaching the door, a voice from the driveway over caught his attention.

"What the hell are you doing here?"

Keith sighed, lowering the hand he was going to use to knock on the door. He turned to answer, but was interrupted by another voice.

"Lance, it's okay-"

"So he's the one you're hanging out with today?! Lee, what the he-"

"Lance, calm down."

"No! You told me you were hanging out with a friend of mine! Not this ass!"

Keith shot a sharp glare in the direction of the boy, clearly unimpressed with the insult.

"Lance. If you give him a chance, you'll see he's not bad. He's pretty cool and he cares. He wants to help."

"I don't want his help! I don't want your help! Just leave. Leave me alone!" The boy turned and made a mad dash for the door to his house. Keith didn't see him go inside due to the garage obstructing his view, but he heard the loud slam, indicating he had rushed inside.

Leanna approached from the opposite driveway, shaking her head.

"Sorry... I didn't realize it'd be such a big deal." Keith watched as she unlocked the door before turning to face him.

"It's okay, Keith." She smiled warmly. "He'll come around eventually. I made garlic knots."

Keith smiled back and followed her inside. He admired the sleek, polished oak wood staircase and handmade hall-tree. There were quite a few pictures decorating the walls, and Keith took note of the fact that Lance was in more than half of them.

He looked over at the couch where Leanna had made herself comfortable. She was holding an old scrapbook of sorts and he approached her and sat beside her.

"So... you really sure you're ready to know all of this?"

Keith nodded slowly, almost second guessing his decision.

Leanna smiled softly, opening the scrapbook.

"Well, there's really no good place to start, but I guess here will do."

She opened the book to a page decorated with pictures of her and Lance on the beach. They were obviously way younger than they were now. The two were splashing in the water, sharing ice cream, playing in the sand and so on. It looked amazing.

She pointed to one photo in particular, and Keith could just barely make out a few small bruises on the small boy's arms.

"Lance's family has always been...special."