You Ran Away, You're All The Same

Part 6

*Corey's POV*

I keep replaying that morning over and over in my head. They way he touched her, they way she let him. Use to, she would have a panic attack when someone one would touch her. Why did she allow him that close? And then to kiss her.

Little did she know, I woke up when I heard her go downstairs. I quietly watched as she started to clean up from her party. Why couldn't she have waited until I got up? Or hell, she could have come and got me.
Once Joey took her arm and lead her outside, I watched them from one of the windows. I could hear their conversation. It pissed me off even more.

I stood and watched every move he tried with her. Putting his arm around her, that's what I do. When they kissed, I about ran out the door and beat the shit out of him.
I had all I could take. I opened the door, they didn't notice. Once I cleared my throat, Stephanie looked at me like she never had before. A look of shame and disappointment in herself.
Once she ran inside, I just glared at Joey. Not saying a word, he ran in after her.

I went inside and started making coffee. I knew she would be down here any minute. Once I heard her sit down, I couldn't look at her. I didnt want her to see how upset I was. Once I turned around, and saw her face, my mood changed. I had been falling in love with my best friend for awhile, and so far this morning, it was very clear.

I handed her a coffee cup, she looked so perfect wearing my shirt. Keep it together Taylor. I couldn't think of anything to say, I only was able to warn her about Joey. He did have a tendency to hurt every girl he dated. She told me I would always be her number one, I felt like I was floating when she said that.

It's been four weeks since that night, I can't sleep and can't eat. All I do is drink myself into oblivion and smoke a pack of cigarettes a day. I've been ignoring everyone's phone calls. Even hers. At first, I would answer, but wouldn't say much.

Paul has called me every hour today. I just glared at the phone until it would stop ringing. I tried to start writing for the new album but no matter what I do, everything reminds me of her.

I heard my front door open. Shes here. Great. I could hear her and Paul talking then someone started walking up the steps. I turned my radio off and waited. It didn't take long for her to knock on my door. She kept asking me when was wrong, then she placed my face in her hands and I was forced to look at her.
All I could do was cry. I'm so angry with myself for not telling her, angry that Joey was able to get that close, angry that I hadn't talked to her.

I put my arms around her waist and didnt let go until I had calmed down.
She agreed to make dinner, I couldn't get up until I made sure she going down the steps. What I would give to have her here with me everyday.

After we ate, her and Paul went outside. I can only imagine that she told him about finding me. I sat in the living room, drowning in my thoughts when Paul came in and sat across from me.

"Spill Taylor. What is going on?" Paul asked while sitting back in the chair.
I told him everything. How I was falling in love with Stephanie. How i wanted to kill Joey. Everything.
"You need to tell her, man. You will never know if she feels the same way unless you talk to her." I nodded my head and took Paul's advice. I went outside to where she was sitting, today is the day I ask her to give me chance.

Looking into her beautiful green eyes, I told her everything, even how I wanted her to be mine. She had her cigarette in her hand and when she asked when our first date was, I about lost it.

I finally have the opportunity to show this woman how I truly feel about her. I can only hope she feels the same way.