Pulse

Chapter 11

Briggs

My dad has just left after dropping me off at the rehabilitation center. I was pissed, hurt and worried too many emotions that I couldn't blame anyone but myself.

I sat in my bed feeling like the worst person; how could I treat Layla the way I did. I know the trance part wasn't my fault, but when you can't control what is happening, it's scary as hell. 

I never want her to be scared of me, or fear me like I am some monster. I could see she was trying to be ok with me, trying not to make it a big deal what I did. But I could see she was scared. The look in her eyes tore at my heartstrings. I was a monster in her eyes, the bad guy, the man she should steer clear of.

But damnit now that I've had a taste of her, I don't go to let her go. She's too good for me, but I'm not ready to let her go.

I hear a knock at my door and look over and see Axl standing there.

"Dude, what the fuck did you do?" He hobbled over with his cane. He took a seat beside me, not before smacking the back of my head.

"Fuck!" I swatted at him.

"You hurt Layla pretty bad." He gave me the 'what the hell look.'

How does he know?

"How do you know?" I asked.

"Sadie, Layla's sister told me." He replied.

"So what the fuck happened?" He wasn't going to let this go.

I rubbed my face with my hands feeling sick to my stomach with what I did.

"I choked her, man." I could barely say it; my voice cracked as I feel my emotions breakthrough.

"Fuck, like for real?" He looked shocked.

"Yes, like I was in some sort of flashback, and I was seeing a man that was a threat. I was choking him. All I could see was red and an enemy. I came to, and I saw my dad pulling my hand away from Layla's neck." I rubbed my hand over my aching heart.

Axl shook his head, realizing how bad this was. It's, unfortunately, not something we can control. It's like the panic attacks that will hit us, nearly paralyzing us in erratic fear. Everyone's effects from the war are different.

"Sorry, man." He rubbed my shoulder.

"What do I do?" I ask him.

"Honestly, do you like her enough to show her every part of you, the good, the bad and ugly?" He asked.

"Dude, what if I hurt her?" We both share a look of unknowing. Not sure what to do. Even he can't say what I should do.

"Sadie wants me to come over, why don't you come too." He offered me a chance to fix things.

"What if she doesn't want to see me?" I mumble doubtfully.

"Sadie says Layla has been drinking, so maybe she will be ok more receptive."

"Guess it might be better. She's plastered to see me."

"Alright, let's go, enough pity party. We need to stop by the florist." I say.

"Now, we are talking." He nodded in response.

"Do all girls love flowers?" I asked Axl.

"Yes." He said as he helped me into the wheelchair, he pushed me out of my room and down the hallway.

He had ordered an Uber to take us to Sadie's place.

I was nervous as hell, but I need to find the courage and set things right.