FOREVER MINE

C H A P T E R 6

ANGELA
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As I sit next to Elijah on the side of the pool with our feet in the water, I can't help but smile.

It's way past bedtime and daddy was asleep already, aswell as my brothers.

Elijah sneaked into my bedroom - like he has done way more times than I could remember- whenever he couldn't sleep.

I had suggested we sit by the pool to get his mind off the things that were bothering him.

It makes me happy that he always seeks me out whenever he needs someone.

It makes me feel special.

"Why can't you sleep tonight?" I ask softly.

Elijah takes a few seconds before answering. He turns slightly to me and my heart jumps when I see his bruised cheek and busted lip.

"The usual." He whispers and that's when I see tears brimming his eyes. My chest tightens at the sight.

Elijah rarely shows emotion and him being able to trust me with his vulnerability makes my heart beat faster.

My hand reaches up and I hold his face in my palm. The way he leans into my touch makes my heart nearly leap out of my chest.

Even though Elijah hasn't told me directly why he's always covered in bruises, I always knew.And I think he knew that I did, so he never felt the need to tell me.

I don't know how to help him even though I really want to. I've talked to my father about it but he always tells me to stay out of their business or Elijah won't be able to come visit anymore.

And I don't want that.

I want to give him comfort , like he always seems to give me. I want to be able to take away his pain, like he takes away my worries. I want to be a good friend like has always been to me.

"Can you promise me something?" I ask and he nods.

"Can you promise to always tell me the truth no matter how much it hurts. I want you to be able to trust me as much as I trust you."

He stares at me intensely before holding my cheek in his palm aswell. "I promise, Angel."

I smile.

"Thank you, gummy bear."

I'm flung awake, drenched in sweat as I barely catch my breath. I close my eyes before laying back down in bed.

Memories of the past always seem to haunt me at night - memories I don't want to remember.

It's ironic how I've lost my memory for over ten years but as soon as I get them back, all I want to do is forget about them. All these memories seem to do is make my heart clench with longing.