Growing Pains (Book I)

Chapter Seventeen

Cont...

"Leave." I whispered.

She unwrapped her arms from around me and began putting her shoes on.

I wanted to grab her and allow her to see me so vulnerable but I don't know how it'll go.

She approached the front door and looked back at me one last time before walking out.

I released a breath that I didnt know I was holding.

She walked out.

I want to go and chase her down but I can't.

I broke down.

Life isn't fair. For a moment, a split second, I was happy and everything was going great... Now, I'm planning a funeral when they're suppose to be planning mine.

I roughly wiped my face and headed upstairs.

I stripped and threw my clothes in the hamper.

I adjusted my shower and began brushing my teeth.

Once I got in the shower I felt myself getting emotional again.

Last night just kept replaying in my head.

The fear in my dad's eyes as he knew he was approaching death.

I'll never forget that shit.

Aaliyah

I hit a u turn in the middle of the street.

After I was worried sick about him last night, they practically drug me from the club because I didn't want to leave without him, this is what he does to me?

I entered the gate and drove back onto his property.

I had so much to say

I put in his codes and walked back into his house.

I searched around until I found him in his room putting his clothes on.

"Aubree."

He turned around.

"I didn't scare you?" I asked.

"Heard you pull up." He responded as he kept moving.

"I--" he walked out of the room.

I wasn't leaving this time.

"Aubree!" I yelled.

He stopped walking but never turned around.

I walked up to him and wrapped my arms tightly around him, resting my hands on his abs.

"I'm here for you. For whatever you need." I held him as tight and as comfortable as possible.

"Aaliyah, let me g-go." I heard him getting choked up.

I walked around to see his face.

"I'm not leaving you... Ever." I wrapped my arms around him again.

I'm willing to be whatever he needs right now.

"My Pops got shot last night." He spoke barely above a whisper.

My mouth dropped.

"The bullets were intended for me." He spoke again.

"W-Well, it's going to be alright, baby." I hugged him tightly.

"I gotta tell my mama. She don't even know!" He roughly pulled away and walked off.

"You're leaving?" I asked.