Chapter Sixteen:

The morning started off about as normally as I expected it to. I awoke coated in a sheen of sweat with a voice screaming at me to kill myself.

Then, as any teen boy has from time to time, I realized I had a raging boner.

Of course I did.

I silently willed it to go as I had a sleeping Gavin snoring soundly in my arms. Of course, my attraction to him just made my friend stick around for longer.

Eventually it did disappear and I could truly appreciate the moment I had with Gavin now. Craning my neck back as far as it could go without disturbing Gavin, I scanned his features, really taking in everything about him.

He was much more handsome then I had presumed him to be at first. He really screamed teenager, retaining some of that teenage charm we all know and love. He was lanky, but also much more muscly then I had first assumed him to be. He didn't have a six pack or anything crazy (and trust me, I did check as I quickly realized Gavin is a heavy sleeper) but it was obvious he tried to keep himself in shape best he could. His hair was surprisingly soft, even though it looked like he just went for a car ride in a convertible. He also smelled strongly, but also faintly, of cologne. Like he put some on earlier and the scent was just beginning to fade. He really was very handsome, already showing that he was going to be an incredibly attractive man when he got a bit older.

However, my analysis of him was cut short as Gavin began stirring in my arms, cuddling up more into my chest. My heart fluttered at that and I instinctively tightened my arms around him. A small smile appeared on his face and he slowly blinked open his eyes.

The blue-green orbs slowly traveled up to my brown ones, seemingly taking in where he was. I took note that his smile never left his face, even after he locked eyes with me.

"Hello, love," Gavin murmured, stretching out his legs awkwardly as he realized he still at the ankle brace on. However, I felt my heart skip as he said the words, making me fall all the more for him.

"How are you doing?" I asked, concern present in my voice. I really was concerned for the British boy. He had endured so much more than I had previously assumed and I felt strongly for him.

"I had a couple nightmares but nothing too horrible. I just... the feeling... and his words. They seem all too real, like he's here for me," Gavin whispered. His voice became progressively wavered as he thought about his father.

"I don't want to pry or anything but... can you tell me more about what happened?" I asked, surprised by the words leaving my mouth. I had almost taken them back however Gavin sat up, as if preparing to tell me a long story. I sat up as well, moving slightly away as to give him some room. However, I was surprised when he grabbed my hand and started playing with it.

"I was nine when it happened. My mum and brother went on a trip to London. I couldn't go due to something or other so my father stayed home with me. I wasn't looking forward to my only protecters leaving me but I didn't have a choice," Gavin explained, his voice cracking.

"Look, you don't need to tell me if you-," I started before being cut off.

"No... I think it's time somebody knew the whole story. Not just something I managed to squeak out in a dark moment. I've kept this secret for too long. Too long," Gavin said in a sincere voice before trailing off with the lag couple words. I nodded, giving him my full attention.

"Once my mum and brother left, my father started his tricks. I... I remember being thrown and... violated." He didn't elaborate beyond this. Not that he needed to. "I was so confused. I had no idea what he was doing. All I knew was that it felt wrong and I wanted to die," Gavin choked out. Tears welled in his eyes and he let them swell and drip down his face. His hand tightened in mine.

"Luckily my screams alerted our neighbors and my father was arrested. My mum and brother came home and tried to comfort me but I was too far gone. I don't remember much from afterwards. It was mostly just therapy appointment after therapy appointment to try and get me to open up about what happened. My mum said she's never heard of anyone staying silent for so long."

"Once my father was thrown in jail and my mum's divorce to my father was final, she proposed George, her and I move to America for a fresh start. It was only after we moved that she said I started to improve. I never realized how grateful I was for that until years later. They gave up their whole lives for me, just so I could recover whatever part of my sanity I had left."

I listened to his story, sympathizing more for him than I had first expected. This poor kid, having gone through so much, and so young. It was a miracle that he recovered from it in the first place. He was such a happy person now, so full of life.

Something I longed to be.

"I know I'm safe now, but that dark part of my mind that I forced myself to forget about reminds me that he'll be out someday and he'll be able to get me," Gavin finished, squeezing his eyes shut and finally wiping the tears away.

"But, don't you have a restraining order or something against him?" I asked.

Gavin looked up at me with sad, fearful eyes.

"It's only valid in England. I have no legal protection here." Gavin said, yet another heartbreaking waver in his voice.

I thought for a moment, running over everything Gavin just told me. He was brave to have made it this far without giving up. If I were him, I would've given up a long time ago.

"Well, if you have no legal protection... then I guess you'll have to have illegal protection," I started, hoping he catch on. When he didn't, I sighed and thought of what to say.

"You've been through a lot, Gavin. Definitely more than I would've presumed at first glance. So, if you ever need protection... I'm your boy, I guess," I proposed, seeing Gavin's face light up in a small, overly grateful smile.

"Thank you, Mi-cool," Gavin said, genuine happiness in his voice.

I nodded, realizing the awkward silence that was slowly being drawn out. Suddenly, Gavin's face shot up, as if he realized something.

"Well, now that I opened up, I think it's your turn," Gavin said, hope layering his voice.

"Eh, I think it's time I head home," I said, beginning to stand up before Gavin grabbed me and pulled me back.

"I just revealed my biggest secret to you. I think I deserve to know something about you," Gavin said, his eyes shining in encouragement. His face suddenly went dark, as if he was remembering something.

"Maybe you could explain to me why you were bleeding in the bathroom stall that one day."

While my mind went into panic mode I tried to think of something to say to pass this off as a joke.

"Well, I hate school more than you'll ever understand," I started, watching Gavin roll his eyes.

"We all hate school, Mi-cool. It's part of being a teenager," Gavin said, already brushing off what I told him.

"Alright... fine," I started, realizing a few seconds later what I was about to say to Gavin.

"I... I really don't like myself. Like, at all. I'm constantly locking myself in my room at home, hoping to god my parents don't get to me. Then when I leave for school I'm pushed around and harassed by the students. My life is miserable ninety nine percent of the time," I explained, feeling Gavin's hand squeeze around mine, as if trying to comfort me.

But I was too far gone from comfort.

"What about the other 1 percent? Is your life happy in the other 1 percent?" Gavin asked me, giving my hand yet another squeeze.

"I think it's more hope rather than happiness, Gavin. I used to think my brother was my hope for a better life but... maybe you're that hope," I stated, watching Gavin's face contort to a look of hope as well.

Then, as if something came over me, I leaned forward and locked my lips with Gavin's. He didn't recoil, like I had expected him to. Instead he leaned even more into the kiss, moving his hands to my shoulders. I moved mine to his waist and leaned him down, moving away for a moment to catch my breath.

Gavin's eyes blinked open, very lust blown and loving. His eyes traveled down to my lips, nearly devouring them a second later.

And for the first time in a very long time, I let myself feel what I presumed to be happiness.

And hope.
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I apologize that this chapter is a little shorter. I just wanted to leave this chapter on a happier note.

I really like the direction this story is going and I think the pacing is much better than in my other books. I'm actually really excited to see where this story goes.

Ok I'm done praising myself. Thank you for reading!

P.S. Excuse the typos, I'm too lazy to check them.