Chapter Eighteen:

After a few minutes of pleading with Doug and swearing that I didn’t feel comfortable leaving my car at my mother’s vacant house, he caved. I promised him that I would drive straight to his place and let him take me to his doctor and get checked out.

As soon as I sat down in the driver’s seat, I let out a shaky breath and started sobbing. I couldn’t control it or even begin to compose myself. I’m so fucking tired of surprises. Why can’t life ever send me lemons? Isn’t that the way the saying is supposed to go, anyway? ‘When life gives you lemons, make lemonade.’ I don’t remember it changing to, ‘When life sends you fucking psychos, brace yourself.’ Holy shit.

Get it together, Lydia. I took a deep breath and mopped my face, hurriedly. I’m stronger than this. One man can’t break me. I’ll be damned if I let that happen.

After my quick self-pep talk, I turned on my car. The engine roared to life and music flooded my ears. I flinched and turned it louder. It’s a welcomed distraction – even if it is just for a few minutes.

Wait, I’m coming undone.
Irate, I’m coming undone.
Too late, I’m coming undone.
What looks so strong – so delicate?

Wait, I’m starting to suffocate,
And soon I start to anticipate….
I’m coming undone.
What looks so strong – so delicate?

I hummed off key, softly. I barely registered my surroundings as I drove. I probably shouldn’t be driving, but screw it. It’s not the dumbest thing I’ve done in my life. I highly doubt it’ll be the last.

Choke, choke again, I find these demons are my friends.
Pity me in the end.
They’re out to get me.

Since I was young, I tasted sorrow on my tongue.
And this sugar sweet gun does not protect me.

I was vaguely aware that I was parking my car and turning it off. I stumbled out of my vehicle and made my way to Doug. He was waiting by the passenger side of his car, holding the door open for me. My attention flickered to the window and I saw Brian and Zacky watching us. Brian looked like he was about to come outside, but I shook my head. I don’t want them to see me like this… not any more than they already have.

“Let’s go, Sweetheart.” Doug urged me, gently. I looked up at him and nodded. I didn’t say anything as I sat down in his car. I buckled my seat-belt and my mind ran wild. I wonder what my mother would say about all of this. I bet she’d be furious. She’d probably call me an ungrateful brat for not letting Derek have me, again. She won’t be gone for too much longer. I know that it’s only a matter of time before she comes back and drops some kind of bomb. What if she makes good on her threat and brings my father out to California? My stomach lurched. I covered my mouth with my hand.

Doug seemed to realize what was happening, because he slammed on the brakes. I unbuckled and wrenched the car door open. I fell to my knees and started expelling the contents of my stomach. I sobbed and dry-heaved until I felt a hand on my back. Doug handed me a handkerchief to wipe my mouth with. I took it with silent gratitude.

I got back in the car and we resumed driving. My mind was running through all of the worst case scenarios and it wouldn’t stop.

“Lydia, I won’t let that happen.” Doug told me. I jumped at the sudden noise.

“Wh-what?” I asked him.

“I won’t let your father hurt you.” He assured me. I looked at him, puzzled.

“I didn’t realize I said that out loud.” I told him.

“I meant what I told you. You’re safe while you’re in my care.” He promised me. I nodded, blankly.

“Thank you.”

“You needn’t thank me.”

“I do… All my life I’ve known one thing to be true, ‘nothing’s free’.” I argued. “You’re one of the only people I’ve ever met that didn’t want something in return for helping me.”

“That’s not necessarily true.” He contradicted. I shot him a wary glance. “I told you that I’ve wanted a daughter.” He joked. I laughed. It sounded high-pitched and hysterical. God, what is wrong with me?

---

The doctor that attended to me was pleasant, but I really didn’t expect anything less. I may not know much about the Baker men, but they seem to surround themselves with pretty commendable company.

My injuries weren’t too bad, considering what I’ve been through this past week. I have a mild concussion, which explains my nausea. The black eye that Derek gave me the other day, that had started to heal, was definitely worse. I was feeling sore and light-headed. I answered what I could of the doctor’s questions. He asked some personal questions and wrote down the answers to keep on record – in case anything like this did happen again.

It felt nice to be taken care of for once in my life. And, I’m not saying that I haven’t had anyone look out for me, because I have. I have a handful of friends that have always had my back. I also have the odd-end family member that will rear their face if I’m in a bind… but it’s nothing like this. It feels so much… more comforting to know that you have a grown person in your corner that’s willing to go to bat for you.

My chest started to heave as I started to cry. The day is taking its toll and I feel overwhelmed by the whirlwind of emotions that are hitting me, full force. I feel loved and appreciated. It’s strange, but welcome. I can’t put in to words how grateful I am that Doug is trying to give me something that I’ve never had before. It’s unnerving. I feel helpless and pathetic, because Derek keeps finding ways to get the better of me. Most of all, I feel angry and determined to make sure that nothing like this ever happens again.

“Lydia, it’s going to be alright.” Doug told me. I didn’t even look up at him. I felt his arms go around me and the tears came with renewed fervor.

---

The guys didn’t say anything when we arrived home. They looked over at me, but kept their distance. Well, everyone except for Brian. He took my hand, gently, and pulled me into a hug. I accepted it, gladly.

“Have you lot eaten?” Doug asked them.

“We wanted to wait for you guys.” Zacky answered.

“How does Chinese takeout sound?” Doug asked us. I nodded against Brian’s chest.

“Sounds great,” he answered for the both of us.

“Brilliant – I’ll call it in. Why don’t you take Lydia upstairs and help her get cleaned up?” Doug suggested.

“Sure thing. Come on, Ace.” Brian led me upstairs. “What happened?” He asked me. “Doug told us a little, but it was all pretty vague.”

“Derek showed up, but can we talk about it later?”

“Of course, let’s get you clean, Ace. How does a bath sound?” He asked me. I’ll just have to be careful not to wet my tattoo, too much. “I was worried about you.” He whispered. I gave him a sad smile. I turned on the bath water and climbed onto his lap.

“You don’t need to.”

“It comes free with my boyfriend duties.” He deadpanned. I rolled my eyes and he laughed. I reached up and pulled him into a soft kiss.

“Would you… would you mind sitting in the bathroom with me? I don’t want to be alone.” I whispered. He kissed me again.

“I don’t mind. I never mind if it’s helping you, Ace.”

Notes

Music Credit:
"Coming Undone" - KoRn

I'm excited for the next few chapters. I've got the majority of the plot for those planned out. Have I mentioned how awesome you lovely people are? Or how much I love reading your comments? I haven't? Well, I do! And you make my day.

Ink Master is on tonight. *fist-pumps* New chapter will be up by tomorrow.
Lots of love!
Katie