Page 34 of Love in Pieces

Abby relaxes with each passing hour. There is nothing I’d rather be doing than this, my hand tangled in her hair, her giggles at the people arguing on TV. Is this what true butterflies are supposed to feel like? Like you’re floating? Like you can’t release the energy radiating from your stomach?

“Can I stay here?” Abby asks suddenly, looking up at me. God, those eyes do something to my head.

“As in, move in?” I clarify, my heart leaping from my chest.

“Yeah, I need somewhere to stay. I can’t stay at my apartment. The thought of going back there terrifies me,” she says, playing with a frayed edge of the blanket.

“Absolutely. I’ve been hoping you’d say yes, but I didn’t want to be too pushy. I don’t think Logan will mind. You’ll be safe here. You can take the spare room, decorate it however you like, and we can even pound nails into the walls if you want.” When she lets out a small laugh, I ease a little knowing it was my doing. Logan might mind, but I’m not giving him a choice. “We’ll get some things for your room this week.” I can’t help the obnoxious smile on my face and force my heart to settle.

“Okay,” is all she says, before she focuses back on the TV and I force myself to do the same, not wanting to think too much into it.

Her breathing evens out after a while. It grows shallow as she drifts off to sleep. I run a hand through her hair in an attempt to soothe any remaining thoughts she might be battling. I tuck a strand of hair behind her ear and lean my head against the back of the couch.

It felt good to open up to someone other than Rose and Logan. They’ve heard me talk about Cole more times than I can count. I know Rose would never get tired of talking about him, but I don’t know about Logan. He may be my best friend, but he can’t be the only other person I vent to. His life feels perfect in my eyes since the only things he complains about are school, his parents, and sometimes girls. The vulnerability tonight is all new to me, from both ends.

The front door clicks and Logan walks in, carrying a duffle bag and his backpack. The absolute confusion on his face when he sees Abby lying on me could have been humorous if the past two days hadn’t been as crazy as they were. Before he says anything, I shush him with a finger to my lips and hold up that same finger, telling him to wait a minute. I carefully move the pillow under Abby’s head to rest on the couch. After successfully keeping her asleep, I follow Logan into his room where he starts unpacking.

“Okay ... um ...” He clasps his hands together. “Who?” His eyes scrunch as he waits for me to explain.

“Well, first of all, welcome home,” I start but he quickly cuts me off.

“No, no, no. Nice try, but we’re not going to just ignore the fact that you had a girl asleep on your lap out there,” he says, pointing towards the living room. “You’veneverbrought someone back here. Not even Aubrey. So, I say again, who?”

I take a deep breath, preparing for the coming story. “So, you remember that girl we helped at the party?” He cocks his head giving me a knowing look. “Yeah, she’s still here. Her name is Abby.” I go on to tell Logan about the last couple of days and the abundance of information that follows has him in disbelief. He doesn’t stop me to ask questions. He simply listens, taking it all in.

When I finish, he sighs, shakes his head a bit, and takes a moment to process. His brows furrow. “I told you on Friday, and I’ll tell you again, I still don’t like this. But at the same time, you’re telling me, theassholethat beat her, and theassholethat broke into her apartment are still walking around as free men?”

“Unfortunately. If it were up to me, they wouldn’t be able to walk anymore. But Abby begged me not to call the cops. She’s terrified. Of everything. She doesn’t want to go back to her apartment. I don’t want her to either. She doesn’t even want to be alone here. She tagged along with me at work this morning.” I shrug, but honestly, I’m terrified for her. “I can protect her. I have to. I don’t know what’s gotten into me, but everything in my being is telling me to protect this girl.”

Logan runs a hand through his hair. “Fuck, dude. That’s a lot to deal with in two days.”

“I’m just glad she’s sleeping right now. I don’t think she’s gotten much sleep the last two nights. Or maybe she’s sleeping better than she ever has because she’s so exhausted. Either way, she needs the rest.”

He starts to put the rest of his things away, tossing his dirty clothes into the ever-growing pile in the corner of his room. The chair the pile balances on might collapse at any moment. “She’s okay, though?” he asks, pausing for my answer.

“She’s got a bruise on her cheek from her ex. I saw a few other bruises on her wrists, too. I’m assuming those are also from him.”

“What the fuck, man. How in the actual hell does anyone think that’s okay?” He tosses his empty duffel bag into his closet before sitting on his bed; a creak from the springs sounds underneath him.

“I don’t know. But I can tell you one thing. That fucker ever comes anywhere near her ever again, Abby won't be the one getting beaten.”

“Ooh, can I help?” Logan asks, jumping up and down like a child getting a new toy.

I laugh but shush him, glancing at the closed door where Abby is hopefully still sleeping on the other side. “Gladly.” I smile, standing up to leave. “It’s late. I should get Abby into bed.” I turn to leave but catch Logan’s mischievous smile from the corner of my eye.

“Get your mind out of the gutter. We’re not sleeping in the same bed. I’ve been sleeping on the floor or the couch. Oh, and by the way, she’s moving into the spare bedroom.” I step out of the room before he can say anything. He peaks his head around the corner, holding his hands out in confusion. He shoots me a brash eye roll before disappearing back into his bedroom.

Thankfully, Abby is still sleeping, hugging the pillow tightly though she looks a little cold. I kneel in front of her, resting a hand on her shoulder. “Hey,” I whisper, continuing when she wakes a little, “do you want to sleep here or in bed?”

“Mmm, probably bed.” As we wander to the bedroom, she pauses in front of the door. “Did you lock the front door?”

“I did. I’ll check it again before I fall asleep. By the way, Logan is home. He’s in his room. I’ll introduce you two tomorrow. It’s late. You should get some sleep.” She looks behind her at the door one more time before continuing into the bedroom.

Once she’s comfortable under the covers, the couch calls my name, so I strip down to just my sweats. I check the front door one more time to feel the resistance on the deadbolt and confirm it’s locked. I sleep with my head facing the front door, and once I’m satisfied I can keep her safe, I drift off to sleep. I hope her dreams are a sweet escape from reality.

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