Life Happens on the Stairs by Amy J. Markstahler

Author:Amy J. Markstahler
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: coming of age, family, young adult, teen romance, family issues, death dying, loss and hope, class divide, social virtues, loss and love
Publisher: Amy J. Markstahler

I gave him directions to Mr. Smith’s as he backed out of the driveway, then told him the story in detail. Tyler chewed on his lip, focusing on the road. I’d seen him agitated, but not pissed off. The intensity in his eyes, his tight jaw, his cold demeanor. Shit. He did have a temper.

Five minutes later, he parked in front of the old man’s house.

“Stay here,” Tyler said. “The windows are limousine black. He can’t see you.”

Tyler climbed out, taking long strides toward the house. Within seconds, he stood tall, pounding his fist on the front door. Mr. Smith answered with a smile and offered out his hand. Tyler didn’t accept. Smith’s expression went blank, and then he disappeared inside. Tyler stepped through the door, closing it behind him.

I started fidgeting with my shirt, keeping my eye on the house. I shouldn’t have agreed to this. The only thing I wanted was to forget the man’s existence.

The car door opened and I looked up, relieved to see his face. Thank God.

Tyler slid in the seat and handed me the phone. “Here, it’s all taken care of.”

He turned on the ignition and did a U-turn.

“Thank you,” I said. “What happened?”

“I told him that if he ever touches you again, I’ll kill him.”

I pushed back a smile. “You didn’t have to do that for my phone.”

“It isn’t about your phone.” He glanced at me. “I can buy you a new phone. This is about you. I won’t stand for anyone hurting you. Jack knows my family. Hell, I guess everyone does. He acted more surprised that I came there for you. Who the hell does he think he is, smacking you like that?”

“Did he admit it?”

“He didn’t deny it. He sat down on the couch and started blubbering like a baby. He’s too drunk, that’s his problem. He could hardly remember.” Tyler took a deep breath. “I’m sorry you were late. I thought we got back in time.”

“I really wasn’t that late. It was only a few minutes. He’s been freaking me out lately, and I told Mom about it. It’s like he did it because he knows she’s gone.”

Tyler took my hand. “You can always press charges if you want.”

“No,” I said. Involving the police scared me. “I just want to forget about it.”

“Okay, it’s up to you. Do you feel like working?”

“I have to.”

“No, you don’t. I’ll deal with Nana. You need to go home and ice your eye.”

“Tyler, she’ll tell. Plus, it’s Friday, I get paid today. I have to get the check for Mom.”

He pulled in the driveway and parked the car outside of the garage. He turned in his seat. “Elsie... ” he pleaded.

“I have to get through it. It’s only a few hours.”

“You blow me away. You don’t know how strong you are.”

I lowered my head. “No, I’m not.”

“Bullshit. Look at me.”

I turned to him. He tilted his head as if he wanted to convince me with just a look. Then, he leaned across the seat and kissed me.

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