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Tay drops me off at home and Mama heats up some dinner for me, I go find Vic who’s laying on his bed, smiling at his phone.
“What are you smiling at?” I ask just curious.
He seems startled by my appearance but instantly relaxes.
“I’m just looking at pictures of us.” he beams.
I close the door, put my shoebox on his nightstand then climb into bed next to him, resting my head on his shoulder as I look at the phone screen.
Vic constantly makes me take pictures with him or sometimes he’ll take pictures of me when I’m not paying attention. I love it. He’s so cute.
Vic swipes through the pictures silently and I stare at him as he grins happily at them. He gets to the end and pouts.
“Guess we better take more.” he says opening the camera and kissing my cheek as he snaps a picture making me giggle.
“What’s in the box?” he questions after putting his phone down.
I pick it up and sit up a little then pull off the lid.
“Just some stuff from my parents house.” I tell him. He takes Teddy out and smiles at the stuffed bear.
“Who’s this guy?” he murmurs.
“Teddy. He used to keep me company.” I whisper.
He smiles a little sadly and places him to the side. He pulls out a school photo and scans it for me. He smiles widely when he spots me.
“You were adorable. Oh my gosh.” he gasps and I giggle, blushing.
“Thank you.” I mumble, kissing his cheek.
He places the photo to the side and pulls out a school report.
“Fourth grade. Let’s see what kind of kid you were like.” he grins opening it up.
“Can you read it to me?” I ask curiously and he nods.
“Looks like you got pretty decent grades.” he smiles. “It says, Kellin’s ability to learn and pick up information is exceptional. He does gets a bit behind in class due to regular absences (please contact me regarding this issue). He seems to enjoy school very much but is very timid and is easily upset. He plays well with other students but has trouble communicating with teachers. There was an incident where Kellin and another boy were reported to have kissed on the playground. When confronted about the situation, Kellin became really upset and had to spend the rest of the day in the nurses office. I would like you also contact me regarding this situation. I would also like to discuss with you the numerous bruises I have noticed on Kellin and work out how we can prevent them from reappearing. In conclusion, Kellin is a bright young man with endless potential and teaching him has been a delight. Please get back to me with those enquiries ASAP so we can discuss Kellin’s needs.” Vic reads becoming sad as he finishes.
We sit in silence for a little bit then Vic turns to me, smiling softly.
“I told you you’re smart. You’re going to know more than me in no time.” he says.
I giggle and kiss his cheek again.
“I don’t think so. You’re really smart too. A lot smarter than I am.” I tell him.
“That’s not true.” he mumbles.
“I was how easily you did that math test.” I frown.
I take his face in my hands and he stares back at me seeming a little sad.
“You’re smart, Vic. Stop telling yourself otherwise.” I whisper. “And you’re handsome and talented. You’re a good person and you have a good heart.”
He smiles a little, looking a little teary.
“I love you so much.” he whispers.
“I love you too.” I smile.
He kisses my nose and I drop my hand from his face.
“How did everything go anyway? Wasn’t too hard was it?” he asks gently.
“I don’t like talking about my parents.” I frown. “It makes me remember all the pain they made me feel.”
“I’m sorry, darling. I wish you didn’t have to.” Vic murmurs.
“I know. But it’s okay. It helps too. It’s not all bad. It helps me understand what they did and it makes me feel a little better every time I talk about it.” I explain.
Vic pulls me closer to him and kisses me.
“I’m so very proud of you for being so strong.” he whispers. “Not just for today but for your entire life. You’re the strongest person I know.”
I smile at his words and kiss him softly.
“Vic, I don’t want you to come to the trial.” I whisper and he frowns.
“Why not?” he asks a little sadly.
“I don’t want to make you sad.” I frown.
“What do you mean?” he asks sadly.
“When I talk about what my parents did, everyone gets sad. I don’t want you to get sad.” I tell him, taking his hands in mine.
“Everyone gets sad. You said it yourself. Why can they go but I can’t?” he asks seeming offended.
“Because you hurt yourself when you get sad.” I sigh.
His face falls and he pulls his hand from mine. He doesn’t say anything so I speak again.
“Tay thinks we should take a break.” I tell him.
Tears fill his eyes but he pushes them back as he clears his throat.
“Uh, why does Tay think we need to take a, um, break?” he questions, avoiding eye contact with me.
“Because when you hurt yourself, it hurts me and Tay thinks that while I’m dealing with the trial I shouldn’t have to worry about you too.” I explain.
There’s a hefty silence and Vic takes my hands again.
“I didn’t realize it took such a toll on you.” he begins looking down at his sleeves. “Do you want to take a break?”
I think about it for a minute.
“No, I don’t. But I don’t want to worry about you either.” I tell him.
Vic drops my hands and wraps his arms around my waist.
“If you think we should take a break, I respect that decision. But I promise you that from now until the trial, I won’t self-harm. And I’ll try to stop completely. I don’t want you worrying about me either and I don’t like that what I’m doing is hurting you. I love you, Kellin.” he explains and I can see he’s trying not to get emotional.
I smile and take his face in my hands.
“You’ll do that? For me?” I smile adoringly.
“Of course.” he smiles back, kissing me softly.
I slide my arms around his neck and hug him tightly.
“I don’t want to take a break. If you stop hurting yourself, I’ll be okay.” I murmur.
His smile falters slightly.
“I’m sorry for making you stress and worry.” Vic apologizes and I shake my head.
“Babe, it’s not your fault that I care about you. I love you and I just don’t want to see you hurting. You don’t have to be sorry.” I say to him.
His smile returns.
“Did you just call me Babe?” he asks.
I think back over what I said.
“I guess I did.” I nod.
“I really like that.” he grins with a chuckle and if I’m not mistaken, mild blush.
“I like calling you that.” I grin, biting my lip.
“I like calling you mine.” he purrs.
I giggle and kiss him softly.
“I’m so glad you love me.” I whisper, grinning at him.
“I’m so glad you love me too.” he murmurs fondly.
I kiss the bruise that covers his nose before cuddling more into his arms and resting my forehead on his chest.
Despite the horrible day, in this moment everything seems perfect.
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