The Story of Us

Chapter 33

Flashback..

2 years earlier..

"I really think this is the one, Calum," My perky social worker, Mrs. Sullivan, said smiling at me as we pulled up to the large house.

I peaked out from the slightly dusty windows of the sedan. The large house loomed over us, casting a shadow. Even the house was intimidating. My stomach flopped. I turned towards Mrs. Sullivan, as I shrugged. "You say that every time.." I said quietly.

"Calum," She said as I could hear the heartbreak in her voice. I hadn't mean to hurt her - I knew she was trying her best. I wasn't exactly the easiest case. "I know I've messed up before. I'm sorry about those other homes, but I think that this will be good for you."

"Why would they want me?" I asked turning towards the window again. I pursed my lips, and shook my head. "I mean they're rich, right? Why would they need the money?"

"Some foster parents really do care about the kids," Mrs. Sullivan said reassuringly. I was unconvinced.

"Yeah, I can totally tell," I mumbled sarcastically. "I'm sure the last family cared about me when--"

"I told you I was sorry!" She exclaimed as her cheeks flushed. She bit her lip, as I felt guilt rush through me. She pushed her graying hair out of her eyes. "I thought the Kents were nice people. I-I...I didn't think they'd abuse you. I'm so sorry."

"It's fine," I breathed out, as I unbuckled my seatbelt. "Really, Mrs. Sullivan. I've been through worse."

"After everything we've been through together, you can call me Diane," She smiles sadly. We sat in silence for a few seconds, exchanging a fearful glance. She cleared her throat, speaking up. "It's time to go in."

I exited the car, as I opened the back of the car pulling out my suitcase. I slammed the door shut, as I bit my lip back. It wasn't okay. It never had been. I couldn't do this anymore.

This would be my last foster home. Or else I'd be sent to a group home, and everyone knew that was the end of the line in the system.

This was my last chance.

End of flashback.

"Calum, that home..that was Tyler's, wasn't it?" Luke asked quietly as I paused my story.

I nodded softly. "It was nice at first. His mother..she was kind to me," I said trying to hold back the tears that welded in my eyes. I never cried in front of anyone. It was something I'd picked up from the system. "I..I finally felt for the first time in my entire life..like I was wanted.."

He immediately reached forward lacing his fingers in mine. I could feel my heart pounding like a drum in my chest, as I silently let the tears roll down my cheeks. I quickly wiped them away.

"Cal..are you..?--"

"I'm fine." I snapped at him. "Look, what happened with Tyler - that was years ago. It's not my fault, okay? Just back off."

"Calum, please tell me what happened. You can't..you can't just block me out!" He exclaimed breathlessly, as the determination in his voice surprised me.

I looked up at him with tear stained eyes, as I choked on my tears. I wetted my lips as I regained my breath. "It was the longest I'd ever been in a foster home. 2 months. I thought..I actually thought maybe they would adopt me..I thought maybe I was family...

"One night, I caught Tyler's father with another woman. I didn't know what to do, so I told Tyler. He was so..so angry, but not shocked," I paused wiping my eyes. "He made me promise to keep quiet until he figured things out. He was like a brother to me, so I listened. And I did keep quiet..for a while. But, one night..I was talking to Tyler's mother and..it slipped out. She was so devastated. She said they'd been together for 28 years, or something.."

Luke squeezed my hand tightly, as I smiled at him weakly. I'd never been this..vulnerable with anyone before. It was uncomfortable..but comforting.

"She said he'd cheated before, but he'd promised I'd never happen again. I told her that she should take Tyler, and get out. She promised that..she promised that she would. She said that she would..and she would adopt me," I smiled uncontrollably through the tears. "But, the next morning, she was gone. She'd left a note for her husband saying she wanted a divorce, and that she'd be back for Tyler and I. Tyler never saw the note. He knew I must have been the one to tell her, and he blamed me for her abandoning him. He said that she had a drinking problem, and that she must have cared more about that than him.

"As a kid who had been through the same thing, I blamed myself, too. Tyler became cold. He would barely talk to me, but when he did it was horrible. He promised me he'd never stop until he ruined my life the way I ruined his. A few days later, Tyler's dad said he was calling my social worker to come and get me, because he never wanted me. It was just Tyler's mom. So, I ran upstairs, packed my stuff, stole some cash, and ran away. I've been flying under the radar ever since. But, when I saw him that first day in the cafeteria, I freaked out. I tried to get out of any classes I had with him, and avoided him at all costs...but, he found me and cornered me. He said that he hadn't forgotten about what I'd done, and that this would be the year he ruined me."

Luke sat in awe, as the silence took over the car. He ran a hand through his hair. The puzzle pieces that had been the last two weeks must have fallen into place for him. "Calum, Tyler's dad got remarried. His stepmom...she..she raped him."

"What?" I exclaimed in shock.

"She raped him. And..she's pregnant. It was too late to have an abortion. She told Tyler's dad that he raped her, instead of the truth. He believed her, and they are keeping the baby." He said calmly, with a frozen expression.

"This is all my fault," I whispered as I slammed my fists against the steering wheel, causing the horn to go off. "If I hadn't told his mom to leave, this never would have happened."

"This is not your fault. You did the right thing." Luke reassured me, as he embraced me tightly. I leaned into his chest, as my breath quickened. I could smell his natural scent that calmed me.

"Why do I feel so wrong then?" I asked as my speech was muffled.

His lips softly kissed my forehead, as he looked down at me. "Because, Tyler doesn't deserve this. He's hurt, and when people get hurt, they do crazy things to protect themselves."

"He isn't protecting himself," I said coldly, sitting up. "He's too much of a coward. He wants revenge."

"If you want someone to blame, blame his father for cheating," Luke said boldly. "That lying, cheating, son of a--"

I cut him off by kissing him softly, as the tears rolled down my cheeks. He kissed back, as his fingers rested on the back of my neck, pulling me closer. "It's okay, Luke. We'll figure this out."

"What can I say to make this better? What can I do?" He asked as his ocean blue eyes filled with compassion, and concern.

I smiled as I stared at him shaking my head. "Nothing. Just please be here with me."

"I'm not going anywhere. I promise," He said as he kissed me again.

I smiled into the kiss, as I pulled back. I smirked ruffling up his hair, as he exclaimed in annoyance. I laughed. "Good, pretty boy. Because, I kind of like you."

Luke left his messy hair in its mess, as it turned and waved in odd ways. It was kind of cute, I had to admit. He reached for my hand, as he smiled at me. "Let's get back on the road, I need to get home."

I raised an eyebrow laughing. "I thought you weren't going anywhere..?"

"If I don't get home, my father will kill me," He laughed softly.

"Okay..but, how about one more stop before I take you home..?" I asked hopefully.

He nodded. "Okay, one more stop. But, that's it." He said as a smile stretched over his face. I leaned forward pecking his lips.

"Brilliant!" I grinned, as I started the ignition again. We both buckled our seat belts again, as he turned to me.

"So, where to?"

"A place you'll never forget."