Save Me. (Matthew Espinosa)

Chapter 19 - A Friend

Lacey's POV

I feel sick to my stomach.

Trying to remain calm, I make my way up to Taylor's room in a somewhat rushed manner. As a whole, I'm completely at a loss on what to do. Seemingly, the only thing I've done since I got here is split apart a friendship; though, that wasn't ever my intention. I intend to try my hardest to avoid being involved in anymore unwanted drama.

My first concern is to check on Taylor.

When I reach his room, I knock on the door a bit loudly, willing someone to answer. When I get no response I knock again, this time pleading for somebody to let me in. After a few more moments, the door is pulled open by Aaron, evidentially not to let me in, but purely by coincidence as he brushes past me, exiting and leaving down the hallway. I catch the door just before it shuts, curious to Aaron's peculiar behavior towards me.

I slowly walk in, footsteps light and silent- cautious. I find the room is empty apart for the one person I actually came to see. He sits on the couch, staring at the wall blankly, body tense. I walk around to the side of the couch opposite to the side Taylor sits on. I vigilantly take a seat on the cushion, keeping a distance between us. I look forward for a short time, the silence between us deafening.

Ultimately, I look over at him. A few injuries catch my eye. It's obvious that someone cleaned them up. He isn't nearly as bad as the images my brain had torchured me with but it's blatant to see that he got into a scrap with someone. I release a shaky breath breath as I reach out to him to run my thumb over a small cut just under his left eye gently.

"Don't touch me," he orders, turning his head away from my touch. I frown, pulling my hand away. I blink a few times, pursing my lips while I look at the blank television sat in front of the couch. I don't know what to do or say.

"Taylor, I-"

"You should go."

With forlorn features, I look over at him, nodding slightly despite the fact his eyes aren't aimed at me. I awkwardly arise from my seat and walk to the door. I open it and take one last fleeting glance at Taylor before leaving.

The elevator meets my presence once again, taking me to the floor above. I stop at Mahogany's door. The knock is quite light compared to the one Taylor's door received before. I don't have to wait long before a small figure and flaming curls appear in my vision.

"Hey!" She is as perky as ever and it's almost refreshing compared to the seriousness everyone else seems to be holding lately. She evidentially missed the whole violent string of events that happened.

I smile at her as a response but it doesn't quite reach my eyes. She notices.

"What's wrong?" She frowns, ebullient nature faltering.

"Uhh.. Long story.." I scrunch my eyebrows, looking down at the floor. "Anyway.. do you think I can stay with you for a little while?" I figure that the best way to handle this situation is by staying away from both Matthew and Taylor, no matter how challenging it may be.

"Of course! I don't see any reason why you couldn't! I mean, I have this whole hotel room to myself." She gestures behind her in exasperation, sparking a laugh from me.

*~*~*~*

One for Matthew, one for Taylor and one for the ruined friendship between them, thanks to me. I carve three deep, long lines into my skin, all along the same arm. The sting that accompanies is exactly what I was desperately craving, bringing me an odd, pitiful relief. Thick, red blood draws to the surface instantly, only to be washed away by the stream of water flowing down from the shower head that looms above my limp body.