When Our Worlds Collide (Our Worlds #1)(39)
I drop the blankets from around my head wondering if I imagined the noise. Tap tap tap. That was definitely a tap on my window. I didn’t hear it again as I sit as still as possible on my bed. I could have easily been dreaming. I realize I wasn’t when I hear the doorbell ring. I jump instantly at the sound that rings throughout the house making its way down the hallway into my bedroom. I grab my crutches making my slow walk to the front entryway. Maybe it’s Mrs. Garrison from next door. She is always panicked about something, coming over to ask my dad to check around her property. I flip on the front porch light and see Graham kicking at the welcome mat staring at his feet. The top of his dark down hair is illuminated from the porch lamp. That is all I could see through the small window from where I am hiding behind the door.
I swing the door open afraid of what is waiting for me on the other side. “What are you doing here, Graham?” I ask with obvious fear in my voice. His eyes are trained on his feet refusing to look up at me as I speak.
“I…ugh…” Graham looks up at me finally. Now I see a tiny glimpse into why he’s avoiding making any sort of eye contact. “I didn’t know where else to go, so I got in my car and ended up here. I shouldn’t have come here. I’m sorry.” He goes to turn away. I reach out to him pulling his body in the house directing him over to the living room couches. He sits down on the love seat facing forward staring at the wall that holds a cluster of our family photos. I throw my crutches on the floor beside the couch deciding to slump down next to him before turning the side table lamp on.
“Graham, please look at me.” I whisper. My body naturally leans forward in encouragement trying to get a better look at him.
“I’m so embarrassed. Coming here wasn’t a good idea, but I didn’t know where else to go. No one knows about this.” He looks up at me and that’s when I get to see what he’s embarrassed about. A huge bruise covers his right eye and cascades down his cheek. I reach up and brush my fingers along the purple edges. Graham doesn’t back away from my touch making me feel at ease when making such a subtle contact with him. He only winces at the initial touch.
“Tell me what happened” I shift around to face him and grab his hand. I can’t tell you why I did it, it just seemed natural and the right thing to do. That part scares me, how at ease I feel around Graham who is practically a stranger. The look on Graham’s face as he turns to face me is gut-wrenching. He looks out of place. I could live a lifetime never seeing that look in his eyes again. They’re empty, void of any emotion. The life is fading out of them right in front of me and all I want to do is bring the familiar sparkle back that I first saw freshman year.
“My father is what happened.” He turns away from me trying to hide a tear that falls down his cheek. I know he doesn’t want me to see, but it’s too late for keeping secrets. My heart is breaking into a million pieces as I watch his hands shaking. I’m not sure what I can do to help. I keep ahold of his right hand as he lifts up his left to wipe away the unwanted tears. We sit on my parent’s couch for what feels like an hour without saying anything. Graham avoids looking at me. I feel content sitting with him in silent. Words aren’t necessary between us. I don’t know when that happened, but just being next to him makes me feel like I’m doing something worthwhile. I think that’s what he needs, a little silence and understanding.
Outside the window I can see the stars shining bright in the sky. It’s late. I stand up from the couch keeping a tight hold on his hand pulling him to stand up along with me. He glances sideways through his eyelashes with confusion, but obeys my silent command. I hobble on my one good leg grabbing my crutches and guiding Graham back to my bedroom.
“What are you doing?” Graham’s voice is horse from not speaking, a lump clearly forming in his throat.
I pull back the covers on my bed. “I don’t know about you, but I’m going to bed. Get in,” I demand with confidence.
“Excuse me?” Graham lets out a small laugh in confusion.
“Do you need sweatpants or something? I’m sure my brother left some behind.” I watch as his expression changes with his realization.
“I can sleep in my clothes.” Graham kicks off his shoes and pulls off his jacket keeping his confused stare on me the entire time. I watch his eyes take me in, getting wider as they reach my bare legs. I forgot I changed out of my sweats.
To show that I’m being serious, I smile up at him. “Do you usually sleep in your clothes?” He shakes his head. “Okay then what do you sleep in?” My eyes burn into him waiting for an answer.
“Boxer briefs,” he flashes a mischievous grin almost challenging me to feel uncomfortable.
“Okay then,” I climb into bed and turn off the bedside light. “Go for it. My bathroom is right through that door and if you want to brush your teeth I’m sure there’s an extra one in the drawer.” My room falls silent. I can feel Graham standing in the same spot.
“You want me to stay here…with you, in your bed?” I can hear his smile through his words as he speaks.
What’s my answer? I don’t know how to answer his question. Do I want him to stay with me or was it because of what his dad did to him? That’s a loaded question that I’m not ready to explore just yet. “You can stay with me if you want to Graham. You are more than welcome here with me.” That part is at least the truth.