Promises to Keep

pineapple on pizza

"Here, let's get you home" Tyler told Tayla, helping to stand her back up on her feet. Tyler wasn't sure where she lived, but he wouldn't mind finding out; especially if it meant making sure she made it home safely. 

Tayla simply nodded meekly, earning a sympathetic smile from both Katie and Jamie. 

"Are you sure you're okay to take her home?" Jamie asked Tyler, knowing he would want to do this by himself. Tyler nodded, a little on edge about the whole situation. Though it was a chilly night in Dallas, Tyler felt like he was sweating bullets. 

"I'll get her home, you guys get home too" Tyler told them, and they nodded once more. Katie was in a state of shock; she couldn't believe someone would try to do that to Tayla. "I hope you're okay too, Katie" Tyler added, as if sensing the fear in her. 

"Just shaken up" she confirmed his suspicions, and Jamie wrapped a protective arm around her shoulder. "Let's get home. Tay, call me in the morning" she spoke up, and Tayla nodded. "And Ty, text one of us when you're home. I know it's only a few minutes away-"

"I will" Tyler cut her off. "Night guys" he waved turning in the direction of Tayla's condo. "I'm not sure where you live- you'll have to lead the way if that's okay" Tyler told her softly. "Or you can come stay with me tonight- whatever will make you feel safer" 

Tayla thought about it for a moment. In truth, she didn't feel comfortable with either returning home, or going to Tyler's. There were too many memories in that house, she wasn't sure she would be able to handle walking in without having a full mental breakdown. 

"It's just up the street from here" Tayla pointed in the direction of the street. "It's only a few minute walk" she added, finally releasing herself from Tyler's grip and beginning to walk. She walked close to him, feeling safer the closer she was to him. 

"It's nice you live so close to everything" Tyler commented, trying to make small talk. 

"Yeah. It's a nice place" Tayla replied, going along with the small talk. Regardless of what they were talking about, Tyler was just happy to have Tayla speaking to him. As much as he wanted to bring up their future, he knew he needed to listen to what she had said three months earlier; she still needed some time. Tyler wasn't entirely sure how long that would be, but he was willing to wait as long as it took. 

They walked the rest of the short distance in a comfortable silence. Tayla still felt herself dizzy from the alcohol, and her heart rate was finally beginning to slow down from the events that had transpired. Never in her life had she had a situation similar to this, she had no idea how to react. She figured walking anywhere at night was now not an option, destroying any opportunity she had to go for late night walks that she had become so fond of over the last three months. Anytime she was missing Tyler, she would go for a walk, listen to music, sometimes cry it out, and move on. 

"This is the place" Tayla pointed to the building at the end of a dead end street. Tyler had to admit the places were nice, though he wouldn't expect Tayla to live in a dumpy apartment by any means. 

"Do you want me to walk you up?" Tyler asked, once she explained she lived on the second floor. She nodded, as the pair walked into the lobby. Though she typically took the stairs, this time she took the elevator. 

"Here's the place..." Tayla trailed off, biting her lip. Dare she ask...? "Can I ask you something?" she blurted out before she had the chance to stop it. 

"Sure, of course" Tyler eyed her, concerned. 

"Can you- can you stay? I know you have an afternoon skate tomorrow, and if you already had plans I totally understand-"