Save Me From Myself

In The Open

  Once the last note rang out through the quiet dark room, I felt a tear roll down my cheek. Quickly bringing my hand up to wipe it away. Taking in a shaky breath, I look up from the keys into the still dark room.

  Taylor has been silent since I began. I have no idea what his reaction was or if he was even still listening. Then I felt his hand on my arm causing me to jump slightly.

  He smooths his hand up and over my shoulder, causing shivers to run down my spine. Then his other hand pulls the hair away from my neck. His thumb massaging a spot there, relieving the tension. I feel him lean in closer, his breath ghosting across the side of my bare neck.

  He whispers "Breathtaking" Into my ear. I couldn't tell if he was talking about the song or something else.

  Pressing a kiss to my temple, I close my eyes, just basking in his touch. In the intimacy of the moment. He then moves to my shoulders and begins massaging them.

  "That was an amazing song Dani. You're very talented." He finally spoke from behind me.

  "It's nothing special, just a way for me to express how I feel. I've always been better doing it through my music."

  "It is special because it's you. It's raw and painful. Its beautiful." His voice is quiet in this dark room.

  "I never planned to share it with anybody. Why were you here by the way?" I kindly ask.

  "I left my key in the dorm. When I came back you weren't in. I tried calling but you didn't answer." He answers honestly. Pulling his hands off my shoulders and sitting next to me.

  "But how did you know I was here?"

  "I ran into Finn on his way back to the dorm. He told me you were in here, he gave me the key." holding up said item. "Thank you for replaying the song."

  "Sure thing. Its late. We should probably head back to the dorm. I'm tired." I say while getting up and shutting the key lid.

  I head over to my stuff and pick up my bag. Turning back around to see Taylor waiting for me by the door. I walk up to him, nudge his arm with mine and say "let's go"

  The walk back to the dorm was nice. We laughed and joked. Genuine smiles on our faces, until we walked through Anderson Halls doors. The DA was standing there, with his arms crossed and a scowl on his face.

  "Care to explain why both of you are coming back-" looking down at his watch "-2 hours after curfew?"

  I see Taylor tense beside me. Adopting a defensive stance.

  "If you two want to sneak off for private time. Do it before curfew." He scoffs

  "Excuse me? What did you just say?" Taylors voice is full of anger now.

  "I said, if you want to sleep with your roommate here do it-" And then Taylor was moving. Slamming his fist directly into the DAs ugly mouth. Sending him falling to the ground.

  "You're in a lot of trouble you punk." The DA says while holding his jaw and getting up off the floor.

  Taylors fists are still flexed and his shoulders tense. Ready to send another blow. I put my hand on his wrist, trying to get his attention. No luck, his eyes are staring daggers at the DA.

  "Taylor come on its fine." Still no luck "Taylor please." anxiety is starting to take over. This is bad, I need to get us out of here quickly before the DA is punched again or I have an anxiety attack.

  "Taylor!" I yell. Finally he snaps his gaze towards me. Thank god. "Please let's just go."

  He nods his head and grabs my elbow pulling me towards the elevator.

  "That's right. Listening to your newest toy was the best decision you've made tonight." Fuck.

  Taylor spins on his heal, charging right up to the DA and tackling him to the ground. They struggle for a minute and then Taylor is throwing another harsh blow into his nose.

  This is bad so bad. He's going to be suspended. The commotion is going to wake people up. I need to stop this.

  I run over to Taylor grabbing his arm. "Taylor! Taylor stop!" He rips his arm from my grasp and punches the guy beneath him again.

  I grab his arm once more "RYLAND!" I scream, body shaking and tears streaming down my face now.

  That grabs his attention. As well as a few other people, who are now poking there heads out into the hall looking for the source of the noise.

  I notice their stares and immediately shrink into myself. I go to throw my hood up but I'm not wearing my hoodie. It's on the floor with my bag. No, no this is bad. So bad. To much attention.

  I'm shaking now, hyperventilating, grabbing at my head trying to disappear. I drop to the ground, pull my knees to my chest and hide my face in them.

  Then there's something that smells districtly like Taylor, being placed over my head. Shielding me from all the eyes. Taylor picks me up, pulling me to his chest. I wrap my legs around his waist and tuck my face into his neck. I can feel my bag on his shoulder and my hoodie in his arm under my butt.

  Last thing I hear before the sound of elevator doors closing is Taylor yelling "The faculty office will hear about this!"

  He's still holding me when we get to the room. My breathing has evened out and tears stopped. His scent has a strange calming effect on me.

  Finally setting me down onto my bed, be removes his jacket from my head. Moving to sit on the ground in front of me. His expression a mixture of anger and regret.

  "Dani, I'm sorry I put you in that situation. You had an anxiety attack because of my stupid fucking anger issues." Hes mad at himself now. "Forgive me?"

  Those words so pleading and vulnerable. I can't stay mad. He was defending me. He was defending me.

  I grab his face with both of my hands. Making his cheeks squish and lips pucker like a fish. His brilliant blue eyes stare back at me. I can't help but think how grateful I am to have him on my side.

  "Don't apologize. You were protecting me. That's what you said you'd do right? Keep me safe?" I said softly smiling.

  His puckerd lips smile as best they can "But you will have to apologize to the DA." Instantly the smile falls and his fish lips are accentuated by a hard scowl.

  He pulls away. "No. I'll go to the faculty office and accept full consequences from hitting the guy. But I'm not apologizing to that asshole creep!"

  I sigh. Knowing he won't budge on this. "Alright, fine. Now go to bed hero." I say while climbing under my covers.

  "What did you call me?" His tone surprised.

  "Hero. Because you saved me." A huge smile spread across his face, as well as a blush? Oh my god was Ryland Taylor blushing?

  Before I could say anything he cleared his throat, ran a hand over his face and climbed into bed.

  I heard him say 'thank you' quietly before shutting off his light. Smiling to myself, I snuggled into my sheets and went to sleep.