Where We Fell

Part Two. Chapter 10.

Cash

"I've been ... lost lately."

I nodded my head. I understood the struggle of keeping it together. My Freshman year of high school was harder than ever. I wasn't always tough, muscular and tall. People were terrible to me because of how short and skinny I was.

I ignored them, pushing past my real feelings and kept going. I continued to play football with my dad since the team never let me on it. After months of bullying, crying and almost giving up, I toughened up. I started to work out everyday, pushing past the pain it put me through. I would run after dinner to burn the calories.

Everyone finally quit being bitches and softened up. Eventually, I was put on the team and I've been the Quarterback ever since. The only person who helped me through and gave me courage was my sister. Dallas gave me little pep talks before school, she would snap at my enemies in public even though she was in seventh grade at the time and she would sit with me and listen to my rants. When I'm alone, I can still hear those nasty comments people would say.

I would get into a lot of fights and arguments with everyone. Luckily, Hunter showed up and snapped me out of my phase.

"You there?" Austin broke me out of my thoughts. "Anyways, home life hasn't been the best and I needed someone or something to lean on. Dallas doesn't know but she's helped me a lot." He paused for a second. "I felt like I needed something else. Something was missing. Um, one day while I went into Austin I met these people-" I interrupted him.

"Please don't tell me you were using," I braced for his anwer.

"No, let me tell you. No interruptions. These guys were starting a group for people feeling down or lost, like me. It was like a support group but free. I joined and we meet every Wednesday. I enjoy talking with these people and sharing my feelings.

"Well, tonight I met one of the guys from the group. He was drunk and he was saying stupid shit about his girlfriend. It pissed me off. I fought him in the alley. It wasn't much of a fight because he was so drunk," he chuckled.

"So when you found me, I was in a bad mood and in this dark place in my mind. Uh, it's actually been happening quite often. I feel like I just want to hurt something or someone. I've never told anyone this." Austin smiled a little.

I was struck. I never thought Austin as the type of guy who would need support. I always knew he was a darker person. I was glad that he told me this but I was still confused. Why would have a knife on him? I always kept a little weapon in my pocket just in case, but a knife? I decided to leave it alone.

"So there you have it, little old me," Austin chuckled a little bit. I didn't see anything funny about it. These people could be dangerous. I know it's his life and he gets to make his own decisions.

"I really don't know what to say," I admitted.

"It's okay, I get it. Just don't tell Dallas," he said, voice laced with worry.

"Fine, but you have to tell her eventually," I wasn't fond of his request but I accepted it.

"Understood," he responded. We sat in silence for a second before I got up and we said our goodbyes. I drove home and paused at the sight I saw in the living room. Dallas was laying on the couch, asleep. Chase was crouched before her, stroking her hair, looking at her with so much love. It made me gag.

"I knew that was your truck," I said as I walked into the living room. He jumped and stood up.

"Yeah, I wanted to make sure Dallas was safe. She passed out a couple hours ago. I think I let mine close too. How did it go? Did you find Austin?" Chase told me. I walked into the den and he followed. I told him everything except the part about the support group. I respected Austin's privacy and feelings.

"Wow, thats crazy," Chase said after I finished.

"Yeah," was all I said. We walked back into the living room, only to see Dallas still sleeping. Chase looked from me to her. I understood what he was saying.

"Can I?" He asked, still looking at me and then my sister.

"Yes, Chase you can carry her upstairs, but only this once." I told him. His face glowed as he picked her up bridal style and walked upstairs to her room. I followed him upstairs and waited outside as he put her down and covered her with blankets. I appreciated Chase and even his crush on my sister.

"See ya later, Cash," he said once he was sure Dallas was comfortable.

"Later, thanks again." I said and walked him to the door.

"No problem," he left and I heard his truck pull out. I walked into the kitchen to grab a snack. I had a half an hour before Mom and Dad came home and forced me to sleep.

"Austin?" Suddenly, Dallas was at the top of the stairs. I jumped.

"It's me, Dallas," I turned to look up at her from the bottom of the stairs.

"Oh, sorry, I had a dream about him and I was worried." She started to walk down the stairs but I met her halfway and told her to go back to bed. She went reluctantly. I made sure I heard her door close before I finished my chip bag and went to my room. I turned the TV on and adjusted the volume. Once I was satisfied with the volume, I tore off my flannel and jeans to find something more comfortable. I finally fished out a pair of black sweatpants. I pulled them on and relaxed into my bed.

I watched the show on the TV for a few more minutes before my phone vibrated with a message from my on/off girlfriend Tiffany. She was a Sophomore with Dallas. I've heard from Dallas that her and her friend group are nasty to others. I completely disrespect that. She was funny and pretty but she was clingy as hell. I couldn't do anything without her. I keep telling her that we're not together but she always finds her way back to me. Another text arrived.

Tiffany: You can't ignore me forever, Cash.

I ignored it.

Tiffany: I really hate you right now. I'm getting together with Tucker if you don't respond.

Tucker was also a Sophomore. I didn't know much about him but I knew that he was on the nerdy side. Him and Dallas are really good friends. It's funny to see the look on Austin's face when they talk and laugh together. I respect him.

Cash: I really don't care.

I kept my responses simple and to the point.

Tiffany: You should. You know you like me. And I like you too. Please don't make me go out with Tucker.

Cash: Unless he tries to murder you, I could care less.

Tiffany: Funny. I'm coming by.

Shit. She can't come, not tonight.

Cash: Fine. But I'm not letting you in.

I didn't get a response from that. I assumed that was her way of leaving me on end if she would come by or not. I hated when she assumed that I needed her all the time. I rolled off my bed to put my phone on the charger and fell asleep.