I'll Meet You There

Chapter 13

"Hey kid." Dad says when I walk in the door. "Aren't you home early? How was school?"

I burst into tears.

"It was horrible!"

I run to my room and slam the door.

He and Mum try to talk to me, but I ignore them.

I cry and cry. And then I call Lane.

"Hey." he says.

"I'm not coming in." I mutter.

"Are you crying?" he asks.

"I don't wanna talk about it."

"Okay." He says. "Whatever it is, it'll get better."

"I know."

"Alright, bye."

"Bye."

"Sissy, Liam's here." Izzy says outside my door.

I sigh.

"Tell him to leave."

"He's standing right here." She says quietly.

I stare up at the fan for a minute, watching it go around and around the room, and then I sigh and get up, ripping my door open.

I walk out, right past Liam, and then outside.

He follows me onto the porch.

"What do you want?" I snap.

"To apologize." He says. "I'm sorry. You know I never meant to hurt you."

I know Mum and Dad and Izzy are listening.

"I'm not a fucking china doll, Liam. All I wanted was for you to stay calm and not fight. And what do you do? You fight him!"

"He shoved you, Abby. He treated you like shit. He deserved it, and I'd do it again."

I bury my head in my hands, fighting hysteria.

"Liam, I had a terrible fucking day! First the issue at Clearwater, having to switch schools, Logan chasing me, you punching him, you kicking me out of the car, you fighting him...I can't take it! I don't have to fucking deal with this! Just go home."

He shoves his hands in his pockets, and he looks really upset.

Actually, he looks devastated.

"Atkinson...he said he gained some respect for me for protecting you. I'm not in trouble, and you're not either." He whispers. "Logan got detention for tomorrow and Thursday."

"Okay." I shrug.

"Are you breaking up with me?" he whispers.

"No." I sigh. "I just, I'm really mad at you, way too mad to deal with you right now."

He nods slowly.

"I never meant to make you upset. I was trying to keep you safe."

I'm about to cry harder than I have all day. My chin starts to quiver.

"I know." I choke out, tears falling slowly down my face.

Quietly, he walks away, back to his car.

I stand on the porch and watch as he leaves.

I just need to go on a long drive. I need to clear my head.

I go inside and put my shoes on, and I grab my wallet and keys.