Ride On

Hurt

My heart stopped for a split second. He was happy to see me, but I was scared to see him. I'm surprise he didn't recognized my lip. I know he can't recognized my ribs nor black eye because they're covered. He closed the door and I slightly flinched. Am I really that traumatized?

"So... where's Kylie" he asked

"She's with Luke.. she was sleeping.." I said

"Oh... what's uh... what's wrong Jade"

"Nothing really... I mean your the one who blew up my phone.. Kylie and I made it safe"

"I wouldn't have blown up your phone if you would've told me"

"I know you care.. and all... I don't want you to hold yourself to it"

"What are you sayin"

"Do you remember arguing with someone that night" I asked

"I don't remember that night Jade... last thing I remember was making it home.. how I don't know myself... and after that I dont remember the rest... why are you asking"

"I'll be back" I said

I walked into the kitchen and grabbed a paper towel. I wet the towel and wiped my face. Clearing all the make up off. I can't believe I'm doing this but I am. I wiped my face again.

"Jade" he softly

I took a deep breath. Holding back the tears. Never I thought it would be this difficult to work it out with someone who beat me. I mean there was Jake but I didn't love him as much as I love LJ. But LJ, the man I loved hit me, without warning. At least Jake warned me before he did. Like he said he doesn't remember. I swallow my pride and turned around. His expression changed from concern to sad.

"What happened to you" he asked in a shakey voice. Like he tried not to cry.

"Umm.." I bit my lip

"You did it" I found my voice

"Seriously Jade... what happened"

"The night you came back drunk... you tried taking off with the truck... while intoxicated.. I grabbed the keys from you.. you got on a whole new level of angry... you shoved me...back handed.. and punched me.."

"Baby... wha-.. I did this to you" he said and approached me.

But I moved out of his way. He looked at me confused. I put my head down, not even caring to look at him. My body ached. He walked towards me again. I kept backing away from him.

"Babe.. please" he said ready to cry

"Larry.. I cant... I'm sorry.." I said in a shakey voice as well

"Baby you know I would never do this to you"

"I never thought you would... but look" I said and lifted my shirt

His eyes grew wide. Tears running down from his eyes. I looked down at my ribs. It was blue and purple, and kind of swollen. Then I put my shirt down.

"Jake didn't even do this much damage... he may have dislocated my shoulder...but you... you bruised my ribs and gave one of em a hair line fractured" I said

"And now... I can't rodeo for two months... now how am I gonna provide for my family.." I said trying to be strong

He stood there shocked out of his mind. Not a word spoken from him.

"Did I do anything to Kylie" he asked

"No... just me.. and you came back with a love bite... so I don't know where we go from here" I said