The Space Between

If Tomorrow Never Comes

I was glad when I opened my eyes and found her sleeping next to me. She radiated warmth and security. I needed her strength. She was everything to me. After everything that my heart had put me through, I knew that it was safe with her. She had changed a lot over the last year. Whatever burdens she used to carry, were long gone. Her eyes were bright and clear without the haze of alcohol. She was steady.

The conversation with Nate did not go well at all. He exploded in anger. I had never seen him so like that in all the years I had known him. Once he calmed down, he tried to convince me that we could work it out. When that didn't work he began to cry hysterically. I had no idea what to do. The part that scared me the most was what he had to say about Demi. I was legitimately concerned for her safety. He threatened to kill her. There was something about the way he said it that worried me. He was so calm and determined when he uttered the words. It chilled me to the bone.

Before I could let my mind wander any farther, Shane barged in.

"You've got to be fucking kidding me!" He exclaimed.

Demi immediately woke up and snapped at him. "Haven't you ever heard of knocking?"

"This is real cute." He said laughing. "I cannot fucking believe this.

"Shane, get out." She said calmly.

"How could you do this to him. He's your little brother Demi." He said to her, his eyes pleading for an answer.

"It doesn't matter."

"I think it does."

"Shane, it's not all her fault." I said quickly.

"Selena, shut up." Demi snapped as she stood to face her brother.

"You betrayed him. Your own flesh and blood over a piece of ass!" Shane yelled.

"No. I fell in love with the same girl he did." She said calmly. "This isn't some random hook up."

"You know what really gets me Demi. The fact that you lied. I could look past you and Selena hooking up or whatever, it happens. The fact that you looked me in the eye and lied to me without blinking is unbelievable. I don't even know who you are anymore." He said sadly.

I could tell she was struggling for something to say. "You're right. I've done some things that I'm not proud of. I love her Shane. She wasn't happy with him."

"Then you never should have married him!" He said angrily as he looked at me. "How do you even look at yourself in the mirror. Nate's a lot of things but he isn't a bad person. He deserves better."

"That's why I left him." I said with a shaky voice. "I couldn't live a lie anymore."

"This is between you and I. Leave her out of it!" Demi yelled at him.

"Perhaps you should have taken your own advice." He retorted.

"Shane. Don't be a fucking smart ass!"

"I don't trust you. I can't even look at you Demi. You were supposed to take care of him. Protect him. Not completely betray him and shatter his whole world!" He said waving his arms before dropping them to his sides.

"I didn't do this on purpose!"

"Oh, so you accidentally fucked his wife and started a relationship?" He asked sarcastically.

"That's not fair Shane..."

"Tell me, how does it feel Demi?"

"Fuck you. Get out of my room."

"Don't speak to me." He said pointing his finger in her face before he left the room.

"Where's Gracie?" Demi immediately asked.