Just let me in

Chapter 14

Kellin's P.O.V

I woke up with my arms empty. Cassidy and I had fallen asleep next to each other with my arms wrapped around her. She was so fragile I was scared that I would break her if I even hugged her too tight. I looked over. We had taken the couch so Mikey and Josh were asleep on the floor. We had billions of blankets out last night in a sort of fort. Part of the fort had fallen off, but Mikey and Josh were covered. They were fast asleep, so I got up quietly so I didn't wake them. I went into the kitchen and found Cassidy standing over the sink. I wrapped my arms around her waist, and put my lips to her ear.

"Morning sunshine." I feel her tense up but soon relax when she realises it's me. I kiss the top of her head but don't let her go. Scared that she might fall if I let go. "Just so you know, I'll always be here to stop you from falling, ok? You can tell me anything. No pressure. Tell me only when you're ready."

"Thanks Kel. What do you want in your omelette then?"

"What you making?"

"Um... cheese. They're for you guys though. I don't really like omlets that much. I'm making bacon though as well."

"You don't have to go to all that trouble just for us, Cass. We'll eat anything." She laughed. A real laugh. It was always so rare to here her properly full on happy, everything is alright and I'm happy laugh. This was close enough. I would get that laugh, though. I was determined.

"And I know you will. You're all being so kind and letting me stay and stuff. It's my way of saying thank you."

"But-" She cut me off.

"And I can cook so I will cook. I never cook for myself anymore, so I might as well for you guys." She poured the finished omlet mixture into the pan.

"5" I whispered in her ear.

"4" she whispered back.

"3" We said together. "2."

"1!" With that Mikey walked in, with Josh close behind him.

"What's cooking?"

"Mmmmm smells good." They started walking towards us.

"You can have some after you've showered and changed. The bacon will be ready then as well." Their faces lit up at the mention of bacon and they both shot upstairs. "Boys."

"Brothers." We laughed shaking our heads at them.

"And why are you still standing there?"

"I." I declared hand on heart." Am going to help." Cassidy burst out laughing. "What?" I said, frowning. "I am." I pouted and sat on the chair, arms crossed in front of me.

"Awwww. Ok, then. You can do the toast. No wasting, and the ones you burn are the ones you eat." I sprung up and started making toast. Sure enough I burnt all but 3 slices and had 2 eat 4 slices by myself. I complained it was Cassidy's fault for being too pretty, but she wouldn't believe me, and soon enough I was forced to admit that I couldn't cook. Even though I can. Well sort of can. Toast is hard, ok? I just wished Cassidy could see how beautiful she was. We finished and I got the boys and I to do the dishes seeing as Cassidy made breakfast, and she went upstairs to get ready. We were taking her shopping today! I had seen what she had packed and what she had at home. She didn't have a lot of clothes and shoes and most we're quite old now, so I had enough money to spend for her, and we had to pick up some food anyway for dinner and just because we'd run out. The boys decided that they were going to bring their own money and buy something nice for Cassidy to decorate the guest room with or that she could keep, seeing as she was going to be staying for a while. She came downstairs in a pretty white lace top with a vest inside. She was wearing black skinny jeans and tattered checkered vans. I could see that there were bracelets peeking out underneath her hoodie.

"Guys, go get your stuff. We're leaving in a couple of minutes." When they were out of sight, I held her hands and pulled her toward me in a hug. I pulled away and put my hands on her shoulders. "You look so beautiful, Cass. Take off the hoodie. Please. The scars and cuts only make you more beautiful because they show that your imperfect. But that's what makes you perfect. Your so strong and beautiful and kind and caring and you deserve the world. Take off the hoodie. I know the bracelets don't cover then completely. For me?" I looked her straight in the eyes and she knew I was serious. I rolled up her sleeve and kissed her scars. Her eyes were full of tears and a small smile played at the corners of her mouth. Beautiful. That was what she looked like. She started to take it off, and I felt my heart break at the sight off all of those cuts. She was hurting. I was determined to make it better. I ran upstairs to grab my backpack, and stopped the boys before they continued down the stairs. "Don't stare." I warned. I saw Mikey's eyes widen. Joshua went straight up to her and pulled her into a hug. Mikey joined and now they were all crying. I returned with the backpack. They were sitting on the floor in the hallway, still hugging.

I shot her an 'I told you so,' and she just rolled her eyes at me. They all got up and before long we were on the bus to the city centre. This was going to be a fun day.