Stepping Away

Leaving

(Warning y'all, gonna be some strong language in this chapter!)

BOBBY'S POV

I sat her on the couch and wrapped a blanket around her shoulders. I turned on Netflix and handed her the remote. I sighed quietly and shook my head as I went to the kitchen to make her something that would hopefully be light on her stomach.

First I decided to text Matt with an update.  I still hadn't processed what she had told me, but I don't think she really did either. If she knew that he was cheating on her, why did she sleep with him? Did he force her? I forced my eyes shut and shook my head, not wanting to think about that.

I pulled out my phone and pulled up my boss's number. I sent a quick text before I started making some toast.

B: Hey. She's not so great right now. I've got her up and talking, but... it might be awhile

Matt didn't text back, of course he had to call.

As I set the toast on a plate my phone began to ring. I sighed and grabbed the butter. I answered, sliding the phone between my ear and my shoulder as I lightly buttered her toast. "Hello?" I put the knife down and handed her her meal.

"Hey Bobby, what's going on?"

"Hang on."

She quietly thanked me, not lifting her gaze from the movie she had on. How the Grinch Stole Christmas...in October. Very festive.

I bit my lip, knowing that she wouldn't look up at me. I shook my head. "Let me know if you need anything, okay?" My voice was softer as I spoke to her.

She nodded slightly, her gaze falling to the plate in her hand.

I turned and headed back into the kitchen. "Okay, sorry about that." I spoke to Matt now as I took a seat at the kitchen table.

"No no, it's totally okay. How is she?"

"I've never seen her like this before." I shook my head, resting my head against the back of the chair. I fell silent, listening to Matt sigh on the other line.

"What happened last night?"

So I told him. I told him what she had told me. What had happened the night before and how she was now. Saying it aloud was hard.

I finished, shaken up myself.

Matt was quiet for a moment as he took everything in. "Wow." Was all he was able to say.

I swallowed and nodded.

"Um...do you...do you think it'll be okay if we came by later?"

I tapped my fingers on the table. "I'm not sure. Honestly she hates just when I see her like this. It might not be the best idea, but I'll let her know that you're thinking about her."

There was silence again.

"We'll be back at the office soon, I'll keep in touch."

"I know you'll take good care of her."

With that we ended the call. I tapped my phone against the table and texted my brother.

Bobby: Hey Bill, can you bring the dog over to Taylor's apt at lunch?

Billy: Yeah totally, I'll be there in a couple hours.

I figured that her dog might bring a smile to her face, even if it was small it would still be progress.

I turned my phone on silent and made my way back to the living room. I figured she heard me because she pushed herself up and as soon as I sat down her head was back down and in my lap.

I offered her a small smile, even if she didn't look at me, I knew she saw it before my gaze fell on the TV. The Nightmare Before Christmas. Now that was a bit more in season.

I looked down at her about twenty minutes later just to see that she was out. I brushed a strand of hair from her face and smiled down at her. Finally she looked at ease.

I looked back at the movie, but didn't stay awake for long.

I woke up to the sound of the door opening. I blinked. Billy didn't have a key, did he? I looked down at my lap and saw Taylor curled around me at this point. Slowly I was able to slip out of her grasp without her waking up.

I went to investigate, stepping towards the kitchen. I heard hushed voices, one of which I easily recognized. My stomach knotted.

"Are you fucking kidding me?" I stepped into the kitchen, watching the two people freeze in their tracks. The man with his back to me, the woman on the other hand shot me a look.

"Is this your roommate, baby?" She purred, slipping off the counter and taking a step in my direction.

I shook my head and crossed my arms over my chest. I was beyond pissed. I ignored her, direction everything at Gunner. "Gunner." I growled.

Slowly he turned, avoiding my eyes. She advanced on me again, reaching out to me.

I grabbed her wrist and looked her dead in the eye. "I think it's time you left."

She scoffed and looked back at Gunner for help. His shoulders had fallen and he just shook his head.

She yanked her wrist from my hand. "Fuck you." She breathed in my direction as she turned her wrist around and left the apartment, slamming the door behind her.

Shit. I turned around. Taylor stood right behind me. She honestly was looking a little better, until she saw some random woman storming out of her home.

TAYLOR'S POV
Gunner saw me and shook his head. He fumbled for words, knowing there was nothing he could say to make this better.
"T-"

"No." My voice was stronger than I thought it would be. I protectively crossed my arms over my chest. Everything I was told was true. I shivered and raised my eyes to meet his. "What the fuck Gunner?" I yelled, finally able to take out all of my emotions. "This? And last night? And...did anything we do mean anything to you?"

"Wh..what? Of course it did!" He defended himself. He still didn't meet my eyes.

I bit my lip, fighting back my tears. "Then why the hell would you sleep with somebody else? Was I just not good enough for you?"

He shook his head. "No, it's not that...I don't know."

I looked over at Bobby who seemed just about ready to punch him in the face. I wiped my eyes and took a step forward, pushing my ex away from me. "We're through Gunner." I said as I turned, storming to the bedroom and packing my things.

This left Bobby alone with him.

All I heard was a groan and a thud, but I didn't bother with it. My heart ached, my
head hurt, nothing was right. I packed a bag, thankful that most of my stuff was already at Bobby's.

I was running on adrenaline at this point. My mind had gone numb.

I wiped my eyes with my shirt and headed towards the front door. Bobby was already there and holding it open for me. I stepped out, pretending I didn't notice the blood on his knuckles.

(Shoot we're almost to 300 reads. Honestly when I started this I wasn't sure how far it was going to go. I know 300 might not seem like a huge accomplishment to some people, but I'm pumped. Thank y'all. I love y'all!)