Standing By (Avi Kaplan fan fic)

Twenty six

Nervousness prickled the back I my neck as the others filed into my hospital room. There expressions showing relief over the simple fact that I was alive. But that didn't help me any. I know what is to come. The bombarding questions over what John was actually talking about. How I was a murderer. How if I really killed my father. Not in cold blood. No. I felt the bed dip as Kirstie and Mitch sat at the end of the bed. Avi still lay next to me. Holding on to me for deer life.

"So..." Mitch says, scratching the back of his head. "I didn't murder my father." I breathed. My voice shaky. Almost angry, the sudden outburst waking the others from there blurry trance and staring in surprise. "My father attacked my mother." I began, closing my eyes and breathing in deeply. Avi now sat up. His gaze affixed on me, unblinking.

"And I did what only a 12 year old could do. Defend her mother. My father had came back drunken and violent. My mother was his victim that night. He repeatedly beat her. Never letting up. It was to the point to were he sat on the floor. Blood escaping her lips and nose. Her eyes glazed and fixed on me. Silently willing me to stay under the bed. But no. I was so shocked and scared that I would loose me mother. The only one that loved me. I looked around for the only thing available to help my attack. An aluminum bag. I ran out from under that bed and bashed him upside the head. But I meant to hit his arm and break it. Using all my force. I caused my fathers death. I still remember the sound of his skull breaking open and the light draining from his once happy eyes."

Silence was the only answer I retrieved from my friends. Possibly. Just possibly they hated me now. The mere idea of a twelve year old murdering her father probably scared them. It would scare me. "I understand if you-" "shoosh." Mitch snapped and stood. Walking over. His face sad. Tears dripping from his cheeks and into my shirt. I expected him to attack me. But instead he wrapped my body into a tight hug. The others joining in. There own tears escaping.

---

I quickly filled the others in on my life story. Avi simply cradled in his arms, his head nuzzling my neck. Avi's breath had steadied and slowed. Growing deep. I listen to his rhythmic breathing and study his face. Noting every feature, not wanting to forget it. The others had asked for beds, Scott and Kevin. While Mitch and Kirstie lay at the end of our bed, there backs pressed together and a blanket placed over them, while Scott and Kevin also slept in there own beds. And with that. I did as well.