Who Do You Love - Dean Ambrose

Chapter 6: Love Doesn't Have To Hurt

For the majority of the journey home the four of us sat in silence. After all, what in the world was anyone supposed to say? The night was in ruins – much like my emotions – and the only thing left to do was go home and go to bed. Tomorrow would be better. I mean, it almost had to be considering it could hardly get any worse.

Kelly was still ranting – and sipping her cocktail – from the front seat of their expensive luxury SUV and although I was vaguely aware of her sentiments, I was far more busy half-burrowed into Dean.

"I mean, who the hell does he think he is? I never liked him Laurie – I'm sorry but it's true. The guy always acted like some damn insurance broker instead of a teenager. Seriously, it's not right. And as for this violent streak? Never saw it coming. The guy is messed up, alright? Seriously messed up."

Throughout it all, Dean stroked my hair soothingly, running his firm warm fingers across my scalp. He didn't say anything – with Kelly monologuing it was impossible – but that was largely because he was angry as hell. I could feel the tension still running through his muscles and I felt guilty that I had caused it.

Well, partly anyhow.

I had been stupid in going off on my own – so stupid – so in that way, the situation kind of was all my fault. I knew that Andy was going to pose a problem and yet I had put myself directly in harm's way. Dean was right, I was a trouble magnet but that couldn't be coincidence.

It had to be me.

By the time we got back to my mom's little house I felt totally exhausted by the night's weird events. Kelly was still barking but even she had cooled a little and as Brent pulled kerbside, everyone fell quiet.

"You okay sweetie?" he asked me softly, eyes in the rear view seeking me out. I sat up from Dean and wiped my cheeks absently, nodding unconvincingly,

"Uh huh, thanks guys."

It was croaky and wobbly, but the pair of them smiled anyway and Kelly reached around and gave my hand a tug,

"Hey, if you need me, you know where I am okay? I'm serious Laurie, phone, drop by, day or night."

Leaning in across the seats towards her, I enveloped her in a girly and wholly grateful hug.

"I know," I whispered, sniffing again, "I love you."

"Love you too."

Brent patted my back.

By the time we broke apart, Dean was already out of there, slamming shut his door and coming round to open mine. He helped me out while fumbling in his pockets, throwing Brent a nod as he dragged free the keys.

"Take care of her feller," Brent offered gently and Dean grunted an affirmative but said nothing else. With a final look at Kelly, I followed him up the driveway and then shuffled past him as he let me into house.

I didn't pause for long in the hallway, numbly heading for the bathroom instead. Once there I set about taking off my make-up and shedding my shoes and my badly debuted dress. I stared at myself for a minute – or maybe longer – trying to make sense of what had gone on, but failing that and feeling my eyelids drooping, I sighed and trudged dejectedly back to my room.