Moments Series

I know it was wrong to run away from Landon that way, but I am so mortified. Not to mention, I have no idea how to tell him that I freaked out because I thought I saw my ex. I don’t know if I’m ready to open that can of worms. After getting a glass of water from the kitchen, more to have something to occupy my hands, I grab my purse that I dropped in the entryway in my haste to get away from Landon. That is when I notice his car is still parked at the curb. Taking a deep breath, I move closer to the front door and I can hear him talking to Gram, I never even noticed her sitting on the porch in my rush to get into the house.

Standing to the side of the doorway, so as not to be seen, I listen to the two of them talk about me. Gram is telling Landon the reason she suspects I’m really here. I suppose it was a little weird for me to come all the way here to go back to school because I could’ve taken my classes online. I had no idea she was so sneaky as to call my mother though. I realize now is most likely the best time to come clean.

Just as I am going to push through the screen door, I hear Gram say, “You remind me of my late husband. You seem like you’ll be very good for Emily.”

“I sure hope so. I have a good feeling about us.” When I hear him walking towards the stairs I duck further out of sight then hear Landon add, “I really appreciate our talk. Thank you.”

I was coming to the same conclusions myself. Just after everything I went through with James I think I was a little weary to trust so quickly. After breathing a sigh of relief, that he didn’t immediately give up on us, I decide it’s now or never. Opening the screen door, I step out onto the porch.

A combination of shock and I think relief flashes across Landon’s face before he whispers, “Hey.”

“I’ll give you two some privacy.” Gram says as she starts to stand.

“No, Gram, please stay. You need to hear this too.” I say with a smile for her then look at Landon, “I am so sorry.”

Smiling that amazing smile of his Landon says, “There’s no need to be.” Slowly he steps closer to me and reaches for my elbow to steer me to the chair, I assume, he just vacated. After I am seated he leans back against the railing.

Surprisingly, I don’t feel nervous at all. I think I’m happy to finally be able to get this out in the open. “I overheard a little of your conversation and Gram you were right. I did come here to get away from my ex.” In for a penny, in or a pound. I know the best thing is to get it all out at once, so I blurt, “He was very abusive.”

Mustering all my strength I look up at Landon and can see how tense he is so I add, “His father is the Chief of Police and he’s a cop so there wasn’t much I could do. Mom and Dad suspected something early on, but James threatened to plant drugs in their house or worse if I went to them. I felt stuck.” Realizing that there are now tears running down my cheeks I angrily swipe them away, “I know now I should’ve done things differently.”

“Sweetheart, you probably did everything right. When dealing with a coward like that you have to be very careful.” Gram says as she leans over and grasps my left hand.

Trying for a smile I look at Gram and say, “It wasn’t until the physical abuse started that I went to my parent’s.” Landon came to crouch down in front of me and he held my other hand. His strength seemed to flow through me so I went on and told them more. “The mental abuse had already been going on for months so the first time he hit me I thought I deserved it.” Landon’s hand tightened and I looked into his eyes with a small smile.

“No woman deserves that.” Pulling his hand free of mine he frames my face in both of his hands and I don’t think I have ever felt so safe. “It wasn’t your fault.”

“At first he only hit me where no one could see. I took pictures to have proof. The one time he bruised my face was when he came home drunk after going out with some guys from work.” Gently pulling Landon’s hands from my face and resting them in my lap I look at Gram then focus my eyes on our joined hands, “That was the day I went to my parents.”

“Please tell me you got him arrested.” Landon says ducking his head trying to meet my eyes.

Giving a small nod as another tear slips down my cheek I go on, “His father was livid, of course. But to our surprise his anger was directed at James and he kept him in jail. He spent the weekend in lockup and was arraigned the following Monday. His parents came to the house to apologize.”

Looking over at Gram I see a lone tear streak down her cheek and feel bad for having her sit through this. Turning to her I clasp her hand in both of mine and say, “Gram, please don’t cry. I’m fine.”

Wiping her cheeks with her handkerchief she says, “Dear, I’m so sorry that you went through that all alone.” Getting up she leans over to kiss my forehead and adds, “I’m going to go in and lay down.” With a wistful smile, she looks down at Landon, who is still crouched in front of me “You take care of our girl now.”

Meeting my eyes, he says to Gram, “You can count on that.”

To be continued… back to Landon’s POV