|
�Road To Nowhere� Chapter 21: Forever Never Lasts Dan held Courtney�s hand close to him as they entered the house. Dan�s confidence had helped Courtney realize that she needed to face her dad and tell him how she felt. Dan would never know just how much he had helped her change. Courtney led the way through her house to the den where she knew her father would be. She was right because as soon as they entered the room her father and Cynthia stood. Their expressions matched Courtney�s pain. They knew she wasn�t going to accept this easily. An awkward silence fell over the room. Courtney clutched Dan�s hand tighter. He was her only comfort. �Courtney,� her father said sternly. He was apprehensive about this boy who seemed to be his daughter�s only reassurance. �Father,� Courtney�s glare turned icy. She knew he was looking Dan over and probably not liking what he saw. How dare he judge the only person who made her whole. �We should talk,� he paused. �Alone.� �No, we can talk but not alone,� Courtney stared him down. �Dan is good enough to hear what you have to say to me.� �Courtney, you did not have to act the way you did. It is not your choice and I am doing this to make me happy,� her father stopped obviously thinking that the conversation was over. �What?� Courtney was outraged. �What about what will make me happy?� �It�s not your choice!� her father didn�t realize he was yelling at her. Dan felt the built up tension and anger between Courtney and her father and moved closer to her ready to defend her. �What do you mean �it�s not my choice�?� Courtney�s emotions poured out. �Courtney Marie Evans, you are a minor. You do not get to make the decisions in this house,� her father took a step toward her. He was angry and irrational. �You can't just ruin my life without my consent!� Courtney screamed at him. Dan�s fist clenched. He could see the hate in Courtney�s father�s eyes. He wasn�t about to let him hurt her. He had vowed never to let another guy hurt her like Mike had and Dan always kept his promises. Her father stopped just inches from Dan. �Get this boy out of here,� he growled at Courtney. �No,� Courtney�s answer was terse and to the point. It was obvious by now that her father had been drinking, probably to relieve the stress. He swung at Courtney. She ducked just in time. His fist crashed into a lamp on the table next to where she was standing. Dan moved in front of Courtney and stood his ground. Her father stumbled while looking Dan in the eye. �Boy, get out of my way,� he slurred the words. Dan didn�t say anything. He didn�t move. Courtney�s father swung again, this time hitting Dan in the jaw. Dan didn�t even flinch. Courtney gasped at the action. She grabbed Dan�s hand and pulled him from the room. They went to Dan�s car. �Courtney, I have to get you out of here. You�re not safe here tonight,� Dan said rubbing his jaw line. Courtney nodded through her tears. She allowed Dan to help her into the car. Inside she wrapped her arms around her knees unaware that she was trembling. She had never known her father to act like that. She was so glad that Dan had been there to stand up for her. Dan got in the driver�s side and locked the doors. He saw Courtney shaking and wrapped his arm around her. �It�s okay now, Court. You�re all right. Everything will work out,� Dan whispered barely believing the words that were coming from his own mouth. Courtney looked up and locked eyes with him. His blue eyes were warm and comforting. She found herself lost in their beauty. They slowly moved in. The kiss was warm and light. Dan�s hand stroked the back of Courtney�s neck sending chills through her body. As they pulled apart, they realized all that they had been through. The world had turned it�s back on them. They were going to show everyone that true love could prevail. If it was the last thing either of them did. * * * * Dan led Courtney into his house. His mother and father were sitting on the couch watching television. His brother and sister were asleep in their rooms. It was close to 11:30 P.M. �Mama,� Dan said as they entered the room. �Oh Danny! Thank God you�re home! You left so abruptly!� she paused as she eyed Courtney�s tear stained cheeks. �Oh dear, who�s this?� �Mama, this is Courtney Evans,� Dan told her. �Oh, Courtney, are you okay hun?� his mother, Angela said. �Mom, Courtney is going to stay here tonight,� Dan said. �Okay, sure, no problem,� Angela let him change the subject. Whatever was going on with Courtney she probably didn�t want to discuss and Angela respected that. �I�ll make up the couch for her,� Dan offered. �Oh no, let me,� Angela hurried off to the linen closet. Dan�s father stood up. �Son, what happened to your jaw?� Dan�s hand went to his face. �Um, nothing,� he muttered. �Okay,� he replied. �Courtney, please make yourself welcome. We are glad to have you here.� �Thanks,� Courtney managed to say. Dan�s father left the room and Angela reappeared with an armload of pillows and blankets. She and Dan made up the couch and motioned for Courtney to get some sleep. �Courtney, sweetie, I hope you sleep well. If there�s anything I can do, don�t hesitate to let me know,� Angela hugged Courtney. �Goodnight.� Dan waited until she had left the room. He sat down next to Courtney. �I�ll stay here until you fall asleep.� �Thanks Dan,� Courtney said. �For everything.� �Not a problem,� Dan kissed Courtney�s forehead. �Get some sleep now. If you need me, my room is the first door down the hall.� With that Courtney drifted to sleep, Dan watching her chest rise and fall with her steady breathing. * * * *
|