Page 55 of Bad Kind of Love

It was pathetic but also heartbreaking.

“For what?” I lift my chin, while spiteful words rest on my tongue.

“I’ll come back, I promise.” She smiles, revealing her decaying teeth.

“You’ll come back?” I ask while reaching into my pocket for the five dollar bill I have stuffed inside.

“Yes, I’ll come back.” She eyes the bill like it was gold. “Then I’ll come home.” As I handed it to her, she quickly snatched it from my hold and thanked me over and over. But the words faded in my ears as she continued to speak.

Her lies sliced through my already damaged heart, stab after painful stab, she continued to wound me. As a child it was hard enough that she abandoned me, but now, it felt as though she never even loved me.

She chose this life over me, and now it was my turn to walk away.

Tears began to cascade down my face as I stared into my mother’s eyes one last time. “Goodbye, mom.”

“I’ll come back. I promise.” She ran a finger across my cheek before disappearing into the night.

Falling onto the ground, I let myself cry. For this first time in years, I let it all out. Not just because of my mom, but for everything.

Feeling a hand touch my shoulder, I tense up and immediately think it’s my mom. My head whips in their direction, but it’s not her.

It’s Wes.

Peering down at me in worry, he crouched down low and softly touched my face. His cold fingers wiped the tears that covered my face and I felt myself leaning further into his touch. “It’s me.” He coos. “It’s okay, I’m here.”

My sweet Wes, always there to pick up my broken pieces.

My tears still fell, but I found myself distracted by his gentleness. Wes’s eyes turned sorrowful as he scanned my face, and I tried to turn away from him.

“Look at me.” He whispers softly while placing his fingers under my chin. I let him turn my head, but my eyes were casted downward. “I heard everything.” He admitted.

Lifting my eyes, his face was inches away from mine. His breath was dancing across my wet skin, creating a cool sensation that soothed me.

“I’m here for you.” He promises, and I feel my heart flutter. “Anyone who could leave and abandon someone like you is a stupid motherfucker.”

His words caused me to chuckle, and I let my head fall and crash against his beating chest.

“We don’t need them.” He mumbles while brushing his fingers through my hair. His gentle touch and words stopped my crying and I let the beat of his heart relax me.

“We don’t need them.” I whisper into his shirt.

But I need you.

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