Broken Without You

CHAPTER 24

Emily's pov

I get closer to my driveway and spot Catherine talking to Axel on his porch.

They seem to be in a heated conversation and Catherine is screaming with her hands in the air.

Why do I always end up in situations like this? Can't I just enjoy my new car in peace?

I pull into my driveway but look in my rearview mirror, not being able to stop myself.

Axel is looking at Catherine with brows furrowed and lips in a straight line, not saying anything.

A couple of seconds later, Catherine sighs and mutters something, before turning around and getting in a black SUV.

I get out of the car and the chilly weather hits me hard, despite having a jacket on.

Ugh I hate winter.

I look behind me and Axel doesn't even see me, he looks distressed, and like he hasn't had a good night's sleep in a while.

He runs a hand through his hair and goes inside, gently closing the door behind him.

Guilt washes over me, thinking that I might be the reason of his inability to sleep, but I quickly get rid of that thought.

Axel wouldn't lose sleep over me.

I rush inside and find mom on the couch.

I immediately get excited and want to show her my car.

"Mom, look what I got!" I say.

"What do you have honey?" She turns to me and smiles.

I show her my car keys and smirk.

She jumps up from the couch and runs to me.

"Where is it?" She says excitedly.

"In the driveway mom, where else?" I laugh and we both head outside.

"Oh, it's a beauty." She says as spots it.

"I know." I reply, proud of my choice.

"Can we go for a spin?" She smirks and dangles the keys in front of my face.

I laugh, take the keys and we both get in the car.

We drive around for about an hour then get home and watch movies with Max.

I open my eyes and it's Saturday.

The days are passing by, and I am becoming more detached from my surroundings.

Christmas is coming up, and so is my birthday right after.

This time of year I'm usually very excited and full of the festive spirit.

But as I get out of bed and approach my mirror, I see the aftermath of the hurt Axel caused me hasn't washed away.

No matter how hard I try to, I can't ignore the pain in my chest, and my shortness of breath whenever I see him in the halls, or when I catch him staring at me in History or at lunch.

I know he still wants to talk to me and explain his side of the story, but I can't muster up the strength to talk to him.

I'm afraid I will be easily fooled again, and tricked into thinking he's genuine.

I don't want to put myself through that.

Although standing here and looking at my tired face and dull eyes, I can't help but wonder if I'm doing myself a favor, or making my situation worse.