You saved my life

                          Chapter 1: 

       I sleepily,  still trying to wake up , reach for the bathroom stall handle . I pull myself up and open the door of the stall and walk over to the mirror of the school’s girls bathroom. My mom kicked me out of the house three months ago. She had been a single mom for six years . My dad had died when I was ten years old in a horrible car accident . She had been struggling ever since she had no money , no job , no nothing. She fell into a deep depression and stopped really paying attention to everything in life including me. Three years after my father died . My mom started drinking and she has never stopped since. The only reason I am in high school now is because my dad had paid for my high school before he died . He went to this high school so he already enrolled me few years in advance.
        Anyway after a while of my mom drinking she stopped taking care of the house or me really. She and I started to get in more and more fights every single day. They were always about stupid things like forgetting to make the bed . Or walking in front of the tv while she was watching a show. But the fights were always extreme because she was always so drunk. They ended in yelling and her throwing things at me or beating me up. So a three months ago she had enough and kicked me out of the house. At that point and still I have no friends . I’m homeless and I sleep in the school bathrooms or a tunnel near a creek .  
             I sighed and looked at myself in the morning trying to not think about everything with my mom. I quickly combed through my hair with my fingers. I then grabbed my bag and crawled out of the bathroom window . So I would not get caught trespassing on school property . I went as quickly as I could to the normal school entrance and walked in looking down at the floor hoping no one noticed me . I get bullied and beat up a lot here . So I try to avoid it as much as I can. So I went to all my classes . They all were so dull and they seemed to take forever . I just want to get out of there. After a very long day I was extremely tired and just depressed and ready to leave . I rushed out of there as fast as I could but not nearly fast enough. As I rushed out into the parking lot I got a tap on the shoulder.
           I looked over at the hand on my shoulder hoping against hope that there was no brass knuckles on the person’s fingers. Because if this person was wearing them it would be Max! He was the most feared guy at school maybe even town. Him and his group always picked on people and vandalized places and stuff like that. They also seemed to really enjoyed picking on me and beating me up. I looked down at the hand on my shoulder and as I feared . Max’s hand was on my shoulder. I turned around and he punched  me right in the jaw with those hard very painful brass knuckles .
          I stumbled backwards and tripped on one of the guys in his group’s legs. I fell to the uneven rough ground in a heap. I considered getting up but what was the point . They would only hurt me more if I fought back. They all started kicking me with their big feet as hard as they possibly could . They yelled insults at me and they just kept kicking me all over. They kicked my face several times and my stomach and chest . It felt horrible every kick felt like someone had just knocked the wind out of her and stabbed her with a knife at the same time. 
          The world was spinning and I was bruised and bleeding . After around ten minutes of them kicking me they stopped . I thought they had finally finished . But I was wrong they picked my limp weak body up and they threw me extremely hard against the gravel and kicked me several more times. Then they finally left and drove off laughing cruelly. I lay there holding in all of my tears . My whole body ached like crazy and I could barely find the strength to move. I looked down to see what damage had been done. My arms were covered in scrapes, cuts, bruises and swelling . The cuts and scrapes aren’t as deep as they felt . But were still pretty deep and dark warm sticky red blood was streaming down my arms .
          Which stung a lot , I looked down at my legs. I had been wearing light blue jeans . But now I was wearing torn up dark red-ish purple blood soaked pants . I could already tell that my right ankle was swelling and I knew I had bruises. My shirt and face were also soaked in blood . I timidly lifted my shirt up so I could see my stomach. It had scrapes all over it and dark purple and red bruises . I sighed and put the shirt gently back over my stomach. The reason I am not freaking out about all of these injuries is that this happened all the time . You kinda get used to it after a while. I have never gotten used to the pain.
         But it is easier to tolerate , I slowly and painfully pushed myself up. I propped myself up against the sturdy wall. I looked up at the sky and it was a nice dark blue with a hint of pink. The sun was almost done setting and there were lot’s of grey clouds in the sky. I looked around again and at the sky it was really starting to get cold and the fog was rolling in. It should take me around ten minutes to get to the creek. Where I would be sleeping tonight. I desperately looked around trying to find a stick or something like a crutch or a cane to help me to the creek.
         I was so tired and weak and I could barely stand . I tried my hardest to walk to the creek as fast as I could . Which isn’t really that fast because of how hurt I am. After like fifteen minutes instead of ten to get to the creek. As soon as I got there I quickly and desperately grabbed onto this long branch which lead down to the creek. I held onto it as tight as i could even though it made my hands sting like mad. Once I got to the actual creek, I looked down at the creek to see what the condition of my face was. My jaw was definitely swollen. One of my eyes were black , blue, and red. I had several cuts on my cheeks and forehead and neck. 
        I slowly lowered my hands into the cool cold water and washed off my hands. I then scooped some of the water up and cleaned my face and arms a bit. I looked around and the sky was already black . It was pretty cold out I looked over to my right where there was a dark tunnel. I always slept in there when I was at the creek. I slowly made my way over there and got myself in there . I sat myself against the cold tunnel wall. I tried to relax and get some rest . But for some reason I could not fall asleep.
         The fog rolled in over the water of the creek and crept into the tunnel. Where it hung in the late night air . Almost like a stubborn cold it just hangs around. After an hour or so the fog evaporated and floated to the grey gravelly roof of the tunnel. The fog turned into dew on the roof of the tunnel. It slowly dripped off the roof of the tunnel like sweat coming off someone’s forehead after a long jog down the trail.
           The pain was excruciating and I felt so tired and completely helpless. I looked towards the creek and my eyes were about to close finally. When I saw the light of a flashlight. Several thoughts ran through my head of who it could be!!!! A random stranger, cops, bullies , anyone. I pressed my back against the wall trying to stay hidden and to stay unheard or seen. But the pain in my back was to much and i couldn’t help myself. A moan of pain came out of my mouth maybe too loudly . I hoped the person holding a flashlight hadn’t heard me . But then I head a young man’s voice. He sounded like he was sixteen or seventeen. He said “ who’s there ?!”. 

                   Chapter 2: 
        I froze terrified of what might happen next. I hoped against hope that if I didn’t respond he would just go away. But besides the sound of my heart pounding and the blood racing through my veins . All I could hear was his footsteps coming closer and closer. Then I saw him step into the tunnel. He shined the bright flashlight around the tunnel and accidently into my eyes. When he saw me and how hurt I was he looked extremely concerned and terrified. He ran over and sat down next to me. Looking at me like he actually gave a shit what happened. He was breathing heavily and I could tell that he was scared . He then took a deep breath and said panicked “ what happened to you?! Where is your family?! Why are you here?! Are you ok?! How old are you?! What’s your name?!”. 
         I made an effort to laugh for a second even though it hurt my throat. Then I spoke gently but with a bit of attitude . “ I got beat up like I do most everyday of my life! My dad is dead and my mom kicked me out of the house a few months ago. I am here to have a place to sleep it is either here or the school bathrooms. I am fine! I’m sixteen years old. And my name is Bay”. The boy had a concerned frown on his face and he looked like he was about to cry. He took another deep breath trying to stay calm . 
         He then said gently “ I am so sorry to hear about everything that happened. My name is Ben and I am seventeen years old by the way. I just moved here around a month ago. And tomorrow I will be starting to go to my new school Redwood High School.”. I nodded slowly and said “ I go to that school also.” Ben grinned and said “ that’s good well I sure as hell can not let you stay outside all night!!! My house is a few houses down the road . Let us go there and you can spend the night. I am sure my parents won’t mind. We will also be able to get you all cleaned and bandaged up. Come on let me help you up”. 
          I could hardly believe he was being so nice to me. He held out his hands and I grabbed a hold to them. He slowly and gently pulled me up to a standing position . Once I was standing I felt weak and I started to fall. Ben caught me, and put his arm around my shoulders, he pulled one of my arms over his shoulders. We then made our way out of the tunnel and onto the sidewalk. He helped me walk down the street towards his house. After what seemed like forever we got there. We helped me walk up the couple steps leading to the porch.
             He took his one free hand and knocked on the door. After a few seconds , a woman who must have been his mom opened the door. When she saw me all covered in blood and cuts and everything her mouth dropped. She rushed us inside and she ran into a different room. She grabbed a towel and lay it on their couch. She waved us over and Ben helped me sit down. His mom was a tall thin woman with long dark brown hair and greens eyes . She then asked sounding panicked . “ What happened ? Are you ok? What’s your name and age?”. 
           I gave her a small grin and said “ I got beat up which happens really often. Emotionally I am fine . Physically I am not at all okay.  My name is Bay and I am sixteen years old.” His mom sighed and said “ okay well give me your mom’s number and I can call her . We will make sure you get home alright honey.” I looked down at the ground for a second then looked back at her and then at Ben. He nodded then said “ her mom kicked her out a few months ago she has been homeless for a while “. His mom sighed sounding sad and disappointed then said “ well of course you can stay the night. We will get you all cleaned up and with some new clothes . We will let you  sleep on Ben’s bed. And Ben can sleep on the couch.” 
            I shook my head and said trying to sound convincing “ no no no it’s fine. I can be on the … couch”. Ben and his mom shook their heads and Ben said kindly . “ No it’s fine I will stay on the couch.” I nodded slightly and his mom said. “ You stay right here and I will go grab you some new clothes . Oh and Ben will you please go fix up a snack for Bay?”. Ben nodded and grinned at me and he rushed off into a different room. His mom then went into a different room also.” I leaned back a bit but not enough to where it hurt my back.
            I looked around the room curiously. I hadn’t been in a house for months . For that matter I hadn’t been in  a decent clean house for years. The house felt so warm and cozy and everything seemed so clean and tidy . My whole body was killing me and the pain was nearly unbearable . But I just sucked it up and dealt with it like I always do. I was so grateful for Ben allowing me to come into his home and spend the night. It was probably one of the kindest things anyone has ever done for me. Even though it was only one night. After a few minutes Ben walked back in the room with a plate with some food on it. I never really realized till now but Ben is really cute!!!!!!! He has this amazing dark brown hair and dark dreamy brown eyes. He is pretty well built and he looked like he was probably 5”9. He walked towards me with the plate and sat beside me . He looked at me with a look of care and concern . He grinned  a bit and his eyes twinkled . 
            He then said gingerly “ I didn’t know what you liked… So I got you some chips and dip. Because everyone seems to like it”. I grinned and laughed a bit and he smiled . I gently grabbed one of the chips and dipped it in the dip. I then took a bite it tasted so good. I hadn’t had food in a couple days and this tasted like heaven. After I had eaten a few of the chips his mom walked back into the room with some clothes. She lay them out on the coffee table in front of the couch. She smiled warmly then said. “ So I pulled out some of Ben’s older sister's old clothes.From when she was around your age. I don’t know if you will like any of them . But just look through them and tell me if you like any of them.”
            I nodded and looked at the clothes .There were three shirts and two pairs of pants to choose from. There were two t-shirts and one tank top. The tank top was a dark purple . One of the t-shirts was grey and it had a black rose on it . The other t-shirt was all black . One of the pairs of pants were dark grey sweatpants . The other pair were black leggings . I grabbed the the sweatpants and tank top. Ben’s mom nodded and said “ alright what about you come with me to the bathroom. I can get you cleaned , bandaged, and dressed.” Ben stood up and helped me get up. His mom pulled my arm over her shoulders and helped me walk to the bathroom. 
             She looked behind her and said to Ben “ will you go make your bed? Also you dad should be home in a bit so please tell him what is going on.” Ben nodded and said “ okay mom”. He then walked off. Once we got into the bathroom she helped me sit down on the toilet . With the lid down of course , I didn’t wanna fall in of course . She then looked at me with pity and concern. Then said “ so I will need to be able to clean and bandage the injuries . Are you okay with not wearing pants or a shirt when I do so? Because I won’t be able to clean and bandage you otherwise.” 
             I nodded and said a bit shyly “ that’s fine”. His mom nodded then said “ um do you think you will be able to take your shirt off. Or should we cut it off ?”.I looked down at my shirt and I noticed that the blood had really made it stick to my skin. I reached down and started to try and pull it off. It felt like trying to slowly rip off a band aid . I shook my head painfully then said “ you are going to have to cut that off.” His mom nodded and reached into a cabinet and pulled out a pair of hair cutting scissors . She timidly looking a bit nervous pulled up part of my shirt . 
           She slowly started cutting the wet sticky fabric of my blood soaked shirt. Once she had cut the side of my shirt open. She peeled the shirt off of me . Which felt like a band aid which stung a lot. I winced in pain trying to hold in the cry of pain that was burning in my throat.  Once she had gotten my shirt off she gasped . I looked at her nervously and said “ what is it?”. She took a large breath then trying to sound calm said. “ I just didn’t expect to see so many cuts , scrapes, and bruises and swelling.” I nodded slightly and said “ oh okay …..” . His mom grabbed a wipe from a box on sitting next to the sink. 
           She then started to gently wipe across my cuts and scrapes and where ever there was blood. Once she had cleaned all the blood off . She walked behind me and did the same to my back.  Then did the same to my arms. She then searched through the medicine cabinet . She grabbed some sort of cream and bandages . She timidly and gently trying to put me through as little pain as possible. Applied the cream to my injuries . She then wrapped the bandages around me where I had cuts or scrapes. Which was pretty much everywhere. So the whole top half me besides my bra was covered in bandages . 
        She then helped me into the tank top I had grabbed. She then gingerly started to cut my pants open. Once we had finally gotten them off. We both noticed that they were worse the top half. She once again cleaned everything up and put cream on the injuries. She then slowly put bandages on.  Once she had finished , she helped me stand up and pull the sweatpants on. I sat back on the toilet and she asked “ are you okay sweetie ?”. I nodded then said “ my whole body just hurts like hell.” His mom nodded understanding.
           She then stood up and walked over to the sink and washed her hands off. Then said “ hold out your hands”. I held out my hands and she carefully put some bandages on them. After that she cleaned my face up. She gently helped me stand up and walked me out of the hall and down the hall. We then turned the corner and walked into a bedroom that must have been Ben’s. She helped me sit on the bed and I sat up against the pillows . Ben then walked into the room and walked up to the side of the bed. He then smiled and said “ I just wanted to say goodnight to you Bay ”.
            I grinned and said “ goodnight Ben sweet dreams”. He nodded smiling and said “ you too”. Ben and his mom then walked out of the room. I could hear Ben, his mom, and what sounded like a grown man probably Ben’s dad arguing . But I couldn’t stay awake another second and I drifted off to probably the best sleep. I have had in years. 

                            Chapter 3: 
           The next morning I heard a couple of knocks on the door . I opened my eyes and rubbed them with my bandaged hands which kinds hurt . I then called out and said “ who is it?”. Ben’s familiar voice said “ it’s Ben, may I come in?”. I nodded then realized he couldn’t see me nodding so I said “ okay”. He walked into the room with a tray of food. I sat up slowly it luckily didn’t hurt as bad because of the cream. He grinned and walked over and sat on the bed and set the tray next to him. He then asked “ how are you doing?”.
        I grinned a bit then said “ I’m okay”. I looked over at the tray and it had some toast, orange juice, and a small bagel . I grinned excitedly and said “ is all that for me?!”. Ben nodded laughing a bit then said “ yeah dig in”. I greedily started eating the toast and all the food . After a couple minutes I finished eating . I looked at Ben and I could just tell he was excited about something. I grinned then said “ why are you so smiley ?”. He laughed then said “ after begging and begging my parents they agreed to let you live with us!!!!!”. I gasped and almost choked on the orange juice I was drinking. Then I said excitedly  “ are you serious?!?!”. 
              He nodded grinning I then said really quickly and really excitedly “ thank you thank you thank you oh my god !!!!!!!”. Ben laughed and said kindly “ you’re welcome Bay!!!”. He leaned over and gently making sure not to hurt me hugged me . We were both smiling brightly and happily and we gazed into each other's eyes for a split second almost like a bolt of lightning . Ben then straightened up like he had just remembered something. I looked at me questioningly and said with my normal tone of attitude “ what?!”. Ben laughed a bit and rolled his eyes then said “ well little miss attitude!!! . My mom bought you your very own wheelchair!!!”. 
          Before I got a chance to make a remark back . He lept from the bed and hurried out of the room. Leaving me sitting there with what I was about to say on the tip of my tongue. A minute or so later he came back into the room pushing a all black wheel chair . He rolled it next to the bed and said “ come on miss attitude cripple. Get in the chair.” I rolled my eyes and he helped me into that stupid chair like I was some baby . But I knew I couldn’t walk so this would have to do. I gave a small smark with the perfect ratio of sass and attitude. Then said “ so how are we going to get to school?”.
          He grinned almost laughing at himself and said “ we will walk and roll”. I rolled my eyes in a very full 360 circle trying not to laugh . He then pushed me in the wheelchair  out of the room and towards the bathroom . He then pushed me into the bathroom and said “ I will be right outside if you need anything”. I nodded sarcastically and he closed the door . The black t-shirt and black leggings were sitting next to the sink. Every movement I made still hurt. But it was bearable , I pulled off my tank top and set it outside. I then pulled the t-shirt on carefully . 
            I then reached for the pants but they fell to the ground. I then swore under my breath. I didn’t wanna ask for Ben’s help. Because I didn't wanna seem like a baby. So I reached down towards the floor. Even though it felt like my whole body was ripping apart as I did so. I finally grabbed the stupid pants and sat back up. I then gently pulled off the pants I had been wearing and slowly and carefully slid the leggings on . I then called out “ hey Ben walker open the door!!!”. I could hear Ben’s laugh from the other side of the door . I couldn’t help but smile when I heard his laugh it was so charming. 
           He then opened the door and pulled me in the chair out of the bathroom. He then said “ what about you try to make the chair move. By putting your hands on the wheels and making the chair move.” I nodded and gingerly grabbed the wheels and tried to move myself forward . I luckily could do it pretty well. But he would still have to help me with curbs and and stuff like that . He nodded approvingly and we went outside and started on our way to school. 
                               Several Months Later
           I had now been living with Ben and his parents for around four or maybe five months. Those months had been great and horrible. Ben and I had become the best of friends. We alway hung out we were never apart . Like around two months ago I had gotten out of that wheelchair and I am now fully recovered . I got bullied a lot when I was in the chair more than I usually would. Sometimes people would even push me and the chair over . But Ben was always there to help me out and defend me . I still really had no friends besides Ben. But Ben was really all I needed . A lot of times I wish him and I were more the friends….
            But I don’t think he likes me in that way, so I have been trying to just accept that. Today after school we would finally be out of school for spring break. I can’t wait to get out of this hell of a school. My P.E class had just ended and this was the one class Ben and I didn’t have together . I walked into the locker room , no one seemed to be in their . So I started to change out of my gym clothes . I pulled off my gym shirt and shorts and I set them on the bench . I started to reach inside my locker for my shirt and pants. I changed into them and then grabbed my stuff . I walked out of their and rushed to the parking lot where I was going to meet Ben. 
               He sat on one of the wooden benches next to the parking lot . I walked up to him and tapped him on the shoulder . He stood up and looked at me and smiled then said. “ Alright let’s go” , so we walked across the parking lot and onto the sidewalk and made our way home.

                              Chapter 4:
         Once we got home we went upstairs to his bedroom and sat on his bed. I then heard my phone start to ring in my pocket. Ben’s parents had gotten me a phone for christmas last year. I looked at the number and I didn’t recognize the number. I answered the phone and Ben look at me questioningly. I then said “ hello this is Bay. Who am I speaking to ?”. A oddly familiar woman's voice answered saying . “ Bay this is your mom! I was afraid you were dead!!! You never came home!!! I figured you would come home after a few months. And beg for me to let you stay. But you never came . Where are you hunny ?!?! I love you bahqkgfhay”.
                I nearly dropped the phone. I could tell that she was drunk when she had tried to say my name. I suddenly grew angry and said basically yelling at her. “ Why on earth would I ever come back to your drunken old ass???????? And I will never tell you where I am. Also don’t you dare say that you love me!!!. You kicked me out and left me to die on the streets!!!! How did you even get my number???”. There was a long pause and then my mom said “ I got it from searching you on google . Baykfgh just listen to me I love you!!! I want you to come home!!! Please !!!!!! I am sober!!!!!”. I then yelled into the phone “ you are drunk right now!!!! You can not even say my name right!!! Stay out of my life you drunk slob!!!”. I then slammed my finger on to the end call button. Ben looked at me a bit confused and actually a bit frightened . 
             He shyly asked “ who was that? Was it your mom?!”. I nodded still very angry and I said “ yeah it was my mom!!!”. He gave me a look like he really cared. He then leaned over and hugged me. He held me in his arms until I stopped trembling from anger. He then asked “ what did she want? Are you okay?”. I sighed and said “ she wants me to come home. And of course I am not okay!!!!!!”. I started to hyperventilate and cry a lot . Ben looked at me and pulled me close and hugged me and rubbed my back. He whispered into my ear how everything is going to be okay. That this was going to work out. 
            After five minutes I still hadn’t calmed down and I was freaking out in a full on panic attack. Ben then out of the blue kissed me . I couldn’t believe it !!!!! I of course kissed him back. The world seemed to freeze around us and we were the only ones moving. That kiss was warm and passionate and magical. When we parted we were both smiling. Ben then said “ wow that was amazing !!!!!!”. I nodded blushing , he grinned and then we both said at the same time. “ I love you!!!”.  We both were now grinning more and I said . “ I didn’t think you thought of me that way!!!”. He blushed and said excitedly “ I didn’t think you liked me in that way either!!!”. 
          He then kissed me again and then said “ will you be mine?”. I nodded blushing and said happily. “ I love you and I always will , of course I will be yours!”. He grinned and we kissed again.




                EIGHT YEARS LATER….

         I looked straight ahead at the barn doors in front of me . I sighed happily and looked down at my dress. It was a silky smooth white mermaid style with a sweetheart neckline dress. I loved this dress, the music then started playing . I smiled and looked straight ahead. The barn doors opened and I walked down the aisle . All of my friends , Ben’s friends and family had turned and looked at me. As I walked down the aisle , I smiled and looked towards the end of the aisle. Where my handsome soon to be husband stood grinning . Once I had reached the end of the aisle . I stood facing Ben , we were both smiling big smiles . The priest then spoke.
           “ We gather here today to celebrate the marriage of Ben Jackson and Bay Smith . These two have been through one heck of a ride. They actually met in a tunnel next to a creek. They were the best of friends , then lovers, then they were engaged ,and soon to be married now. So now will you give us the rings , and say your vows.” The ring bearer walked up and handed me Ben’s ring. Then handed Ben my ring , we then slipped the rings on each other. 
            Then Ben said “ ever since that night when we met in that tunnel. I knew we were meant for each other . I will always love and care for you. You mean everything to me and I will never let you go. I promise to love,care,cherish,respect, understand and be there for you now and for always”. We both were grinning and this was the happiest moment of my life. I never wanted it to end !!! I then said my vows. “ I fell for you the moment I saw you in that cold tunnel. You found me , helped me through my injuries , gave me a home when I had none. I love you and I always will . I promise to respect, care,love,cherish, understand,hold, and make sassy full of attitude remarks and always be there for you . You saved my life and I wanna be your forever.”
                The priest smiled and nodded then said “ Ben will you take Bay as your lawfully wedded wife?”. Ben nodded and said “ with all of my heart and soul and being I do”. The priest then looked at me and said “ Bay do you take Ben as your lawfully wed husband ?”. I nodded and grinning and said “ forever and ever I do”. The priest then said “ with the power invested in me . I pronounce you husband and wife. You may now kiss the bride”. Ben then pulled me close to him and kissed me . As we were kissing the priest said “  I am proud to present to you for the first time ever Mr. and Mrs. Bay and Ben Jackson.” 
             Everyone clapped and we went on to the where had the dance floor. The music started playing and we had our first dance. We slow danced and I leaned up against him. I then whispered in his ear “ you saved my life”. 
          
            

Tags: sad, love,