I love you. Forever.

Chapter 7: I Promise

Warning: Self harm trigger and potential scary medical emergency. 

Becs' POV

Mom made a wonderful dinner. It was a feast! She made baked chicken with her special seasoning blend, homemade mashed potatoes and gravy, as well as stuffing, steamed veggies and a huge salad. She even made homemade cherry pie; my favorite!

"Everything is delicious Mrs. Wright." Ben said between mouthfuls. My man can eat I chuckle to myself. "Thank you, Ben. I'm glad you're enjoying it." My mom smiled sweetly. 

Tim decided to take interest in me for once in my life, well more so for Ben. He started asking questions. He asked where we met, how long we've known each other. Etc. I answered each question before he turned to Ben. My stomach flipped. 

Soo Ben, what do you're parents do for a living. I'm sure Rebecca told you I'm the head of the surgical department." He said arrogantly. " Ben looked scary right now. His baby blues fixated on Tim; like he was staring into his soul. His expression was hard and intense. It was like he knew Tim was going to show his true colors. "My mom is a homemaker and my dad runs his own security firm." Ben said without emotion. 

Tim just nodded his head, eyeing Ben up and down. "Play any sports? Our Rebecca here is a big volleyball star." He said with a devilish grin. What the f**k I thought to myself. Our Rebecca, I'm not his. He never once claimed me as his. This dinner needs to end. What the actual f**k. I was froze in place. My mouth wouldn't open. Why can't I stop this. I have no trouble standing up to bullies but why can't I stopped this train wreck...my heart is racing....

"I just made starting running back on varsity." He said.

"Wow." Tim said sarcastically. "Big time football star. I'm surprised you're with our girl here when you can have your pick of any truly beautiful cheerleader. We all know Rebecca is plain with unmanageable hair. You're out of her league buddy. You could do better. Plus she has daddy issues...." Tim mocked. My mom gasped, speechless.

I dropped my fork onto my plate causing a loud clatter sound. And there it is...I sat there emotionless...The first Tim takes any interest in me and he's hurtful. I hear Zach snicker to himself, enjoying the show. All I could do was stare at Tim. I swear to God he had no soul. His eyes were empty black pits. 

"With all do respect Mr. Wright. MY (emphasis on MY) Rebecca is the most beautiful  person I have ever laid eyes on. She is everything I could ever ask for or need. She is unique, vibrant and compassionate. She deserves to be treated with the utmost respect and to be loved by everyone in her life." Ben's voice carried through the whole house. He was angry. If looks could kill, Tim would have died a thousand deaths already. Ben's demeanor could make the devil, himself, cower. 

Tim never looked away as they glared at each other. I hear Ben trying to control his breathing. I swear he was holding himself back from jumping over the table to tear Tim a new one. 

"Learn to take a joke, kid." Tim said glancing at Zach as they both chuckled darkly. 

"Not when it's a f*****g cruel joke." Ben hissed through gritted teeth wiping the smirk off Tim's face. "Mrs Wright, may I take your daughter for ice cream.?" He asked sternly never looking away from Tim in a power move. 

"Yes, please Ben." Mom begged. She was still speechless. "Thank you again, Mrs Wright." Ben said in softer tone. She just nodded at him. I on the over hand was still frozen in, staring at Tim who was scowling at me. I felt Ben take my hand leading me outside. As soon as the door closed behind us..."what the actual f**k," I whispered...Ben wrapped his strong arms around me pulling me into his chest. His heart was racing.

"Baby doll, don't ever listen to that bastard. Forget everything he said in there. I promise to take you away from all of this one day. You deserve so much better." His voice was so tender and sweet. I looked up at him and saw the heartbreak in his eyes. His expression was soft but sad and full of concern for me. All I could do was nod as a single tear escaped my eye. Ben kissed it away gingerly. 

He led me to his car and helped me in. "You're staying with me tonight, Becs. Stay here. I'll get your things for tomorrow." He said softly. He kissed my head before heading back and walking straight into my house. 

Why was Tim so hurtful? I've never given him a reason to treat me like that. Why would he bring up daddy issues...what does that even mean...I miss my dad but does this mean I have daddy issues? I watched him die for f***s sake. I guess my trauma is a joke. I tried loving Tim as a dad. I really did because I knew me daddy would want me too give him a chance. Why does this hurt my heart so much. I crawled into a ball on in the front seat trying to not to cry. 

Ben's POV

I walked straight in their house. That bastard and his b***h ass son better stay the f**k away. I could rip their throats out right now. Luckily Mrs. Wright heard me walk in and came right over. She had been crying.

"Is she okay, Ben?" She asked with a weary voice. 

"I don't know, she's not talking. Really not showing any emotion either. She is in my car right now. I'd like to stay with me tonight. We have a guest bedroom she can sleep in. I don't want here tonight." I said sternly.

"Yes, please take care of her. We will all be away this weekend. I hope everyone can cool down. I'm just shocked. I'm sorry you had to endure that." She cried. 

"Don't worry about me Mrs. Wright. I can take anything anyone throws at me. May I go get her things." I said pointing upstairs. 

"Yes, of course, I'll make sure Tim and Zach stay down here." She said. "Thank you, I'll take care of her." I said reassuringly. 

I wasted no time running up the stairs and into her room. I grabbed her bookbag and stuffed with her pajamas, clothes and underwear. I saw Maya laying on her pillow and picked her as well along with her belongings. I don't trust those bastards. Luckily I found saw a small kennel in the corner of her room. Maya happily went in and curled up purring. 

I headed downstairs and straight out to my car. Becs had fallen asleep curled up in a ball. My poor sweet girl. How could anyone treat her like that. I placed Maya and Becs' bookbag in the back seat and slid in quietly. I gently pulled back her hair away from her face and caressed her skin. 

"You will only know love from now on, baby. I promise." I whispered to the sleeping beauty beside me. I called my mom and had her put me on speaker so dad could hear. I explained everything that happened and what was said trying to keep my anger at bay. I don't want to wake her up either. Thank God my mom is saint and a dad is a good man. We may butt heads a lot but he's always supportive. They both actually thought it would be better if Becs stayed with me in my room. She would need someone close and they trusted me. I'm sure her waking up in a strange bedroom alone wouldn't help. 

This is definitely not how I wanted her to meet my parents but hopefully tomorrow will be a better day. Dd met me out in the driveway. Becs was still asleep. He took her things and Maya to my room as I scooped Becs's small body up into my arms. My mom couldn't get over how truly beautiful Rebecca was. Even my dad mentioned her beauty. That Tim is a real piece of s**t. 

I made my way into my room, gently laid her down my bed and taking off her shoes. I will wake her up to get a shower and changed in a hour, hopefully she'll better after that. I let Maya out and she curled up next to my girl. I sat and watched her sleep. Never leaving her in case she woke up. I didn't want her to panic. Mom came in and checked on us. I asked her to call her mom to let her we made is okay and that she is resting. After mom closed the door, Maya got up and starting rubbing against  against Becs' wrist making her sleeve scrunch up exposing scars. 

"What the hell." I whispered. I gently rolled up her sleeve exposing tons of scars and fresh wounds/cuts. 

"Oh, Rebecca, you're a cutter?" I said softly. I tear fell from my eye. "What happened to you baby."

"You weren't suppose to see those, Ben." She whispered tiredly as tears freely escaped her eyes. 

"Rebecca, baby. Please let me help you. I need you to tell me what happened to you." I cried softly..first time in years. My heart just breaks for her. What did she endure to self harm. My heart f*****g hurts for her. 

"Come here, Benny." She whispered moving over and laying on her side facing me. I laid down next to her on my side so we were face to face. She reached and took my hand in hers. 

She took a deep breath before starting. I can see her brokenness in her eyes as her memories flood in. 

"I was 10 years old when the accident happened. My daddy and I were driving home from a volleyball tournament at another school across town. We were violently hit by a drunk driver. Our car rolled multiple times before a huge tree stopped us. We were upside and trapped. My dad's body was badly mangled." Her tears pouring from her hazel eyes. "His blood was everywhere. But he was still alive and awake...barely. I was hurt too but not as bad. He tried keeping me calm. Telling me I'll be okay." She let go of my hand and lifted her shirt exposing a tattoo on her ribs. "Read it please" She said softly. I sat up and caressed the words over her skin before I read them "I love you and mommy. Forever. I will always be proud of you. Choose the best man to steal your heart. Live a happy life." I said with tears. "Oh Becs, these were his last words." I whispered cupping her face in my hand. "Baby, I'm so sorry," I whispered again. My heart is shattered for her. She nodded her head taking another deep breath. I laid back down holding her hand again and bringing to my lips for a tender kiss. "I took everything I had to stop crying to tell my daddy that I promise to do all those things and I loved him forever. His eyes still danced when I said that. He gave me once last smile before he stopped breathing. Ben...he was gone. Not only did I watch him die. I was trapped with his body for 10 hours before we were found. Even the other driver was dead. I was so traumatized I didn't talk for 6 months." Becs began crying harder. 

"Oh baby, I'm sorry." I said through tears. My God how did she endure all that at a young age. I caress her arm for comfort. "Baby, you're trembling" I see her gripping the blankets.

"You need to cut, don't you, to control your pain?" All she could do was nod. "Okay, Becs. I'm going to help you through this. I have you baby doll." I said as I sat up leaning against the head board and pulling her into my lap. I had her in a tight bear hug against my chest. I feel her grip my shirt and cry into my chest. "Its okay, Rebecca. I got you. Talk to me Becs, we'll get through this together." I said in a calm voice. "Please let...me Ben....need to....feel..please." She begged through sobs. "Baby, kick, scream, cry, hit me..do what you need to do but I can't let you cut. We will fight through the urge together. I love you, Becs. So much. Forever." I admitted. "Pl...please Ben....she lost her breath and started wheezing. "Becs, baby, whats happening...MOM!!!" I yell for help. "As...thma" Becs choked out.

"f**k, do you have a inhaler?" I was panicking. She shook her head no. f**k f**k f**k!!

Mom ran in. "Mom she's having a asthma attack...no inhaler." I blurted out.

"Ben, talk her through, try to get her to breath with you. I'll call her mother." She said running out the door to get a phone. 

"Becs I'm going to move you. I need your back against my chest." I said getting her into the position against me. f**k this scary as s**t. I moved her hair to one side over her shoulder and softly spoke into her ear. Feel me breathe in and and out baby." I made i was taking deep breaths so she could feel my chest rise and fall. God I hope this works. "Breathe in with me. Now out." I instructed. Maya made her way on top of Becs' lap. She held her as she did her best to breathe with me. It took her 10mins to calm down and breath normally. I felt all her energy drain out of her body. I still had her breathe with me as our moms rushed in. Mrs Wright had her inhaler. 

"Oh my sweet child, are you okay? Why do you insist on leaving behind your inhaler?" She asked wearily.

"I'm okay mom. You know that don't work for me. Ben helped me like dad used to." Becs said with a raspy and tired voice. 

"Here's some water, sweetie." My mom offered with a gentle smile. "Thank you." She smiled tired. I was still holding her tightly. My head rest on the head board. This s**t was scary as a f**k. Hell, I'm tired too. 

"I think I need to sleep." Becs added. "Okay my girl. You rest and let Ben take care of you. I'm so sorry about tonight." Mrs Wright said sadly. "Its okay mom, not your fault. I love you." Becs said. "I'll call you tomorrow." She added.

"I love you my child.. Thank you Ben for everything." her mom smiled sweetly at me. All I could do was smile and nod my head tiredly. 

"You to get rest. goodnight my sweethearts." My mom said before closing the door. 

"f**k, baby you scared the s**t out of me." I breathed out heavily. 

I'm sorry Ben, Its been a while since I had an attack. I'm sorry about everything. I'm so tired." She whispered. 

Becs, baby doll, don't be. You have nothing to apologize for. I'm just glad you're okay. Let's get you changed and ready for bed. You can get a shower in the morning. I'll help you, okay?" I said gently. God how I just want to run away with her and take her to a far away place where its just us too. I need to protect her from all the bad. 

"Okay" She whispered back to me. "Ben, I love you too. Forever." she turned her head and resting it just under my chin. My heart skipped a beat at her words. They were music to my ears. "I'm so glad, baby. I promise to love you through everything. You and me together. Forever." I whispered before I kissed her forehead. "You and me forever." She whispered back. I held her for a few more minutes. 

She made a move and scooted to the edge of the bed. I did the same but stood up and got her pjs out of her bag. "I'll be a gentleman, I promise." I whispered to her. She just nodded her head. She was completely wiped out. I pulled her shirt over her head and had her stand up and hold on to me as I undid her jeans and slipped them off of her. She stepped into her shorts as I pulled them up and she sat back down. I noticed both of her arms covered in scars and fresh cuts. I kneeled down in front of her. Looking into her eyes." Can I?" I asked as I softly caressed her arms. She nodded again giving me permission. I held her arm and gently caressed her scars and gently kissing each cut. I did the same to her other arm. I brought my focus back to her face and caressed her cheek. "I'm going to mend you back together Becs." I whispered. "I'd like that, Ben." She whispered back. I grabbed one of my short sleeved shirts to put on her instead of her long sleeved pj one.

 I picked her up and carried her to the bathroom, setting her down on her feet. I waited right outside as she freshened up and got ready for bed. She opened the door to walk out but I stopped her. "Hold on baby." I grasped her hips and walked back into the bathroom. I gently picked her up and set her on the counter. "I need to clean our cuts and put cream on your arms." She nodded her head again. I got the first aid kit out and took care of both arms. "Thank you." She said softly. "Anything for you, Rebecca." I replied. I captured her lips with mine and we kissed passionately. I picked her up and carried her bridal style and laid her on my bed. 

"Get comfortable baby. I'll be right back. Do you need anything." I asked. "No I'm okay, Benny, just hurry back." She said tiredly. "Will do, Becs."I smiled at her. 

I washed my face and brushed my teeth. Too tired to worry about a shower. What a f*****g day. I came back in and stripped down to my boxers and tshirt before sliding under the covers with my gorgeous girl who was already drifting off the sleep. "Thank you, Ben. I love you. Forever." She whispered. My heart skipped a beat again. I couldn't help smile brightly. "You're welcome, baby. I love you too. Forever." I whispered into her ear making her smile as she drifts to sleep. I pulled her in close to me before allowing sleep to take over me. 

...

Ben held Becs all night long as Maya took her spot above Bec's head. Neither Becs or Ben moved the entire night.