CHAPTER 12 - WHY WON'T YOU TRUST ME?

If it had been at all humanly possible, AJ would have screamed as loud as he could. Instead, he wrapped his arms around his chest, fighting for breath, trying to drag what little air he could into his lungs. Lying flat on his back, AJ stared up at Brian, noticing that the eerie glow had vanished from Brian's eyes, replaced by a glittering black emptiness. Brian's mouth hung open, dark and vacant as his eyes. To his horror, AJ saw Brian's hand slowly stretch out to touch him. An agonized cry of "noooo" escaped from his lips as he frantically scooted backwards, trying desperately to shrink away.

Brian retracted his hand immediately, his head tilted curiously to one side. Like a bug on a pin, Brian continued to stare down at AJ, as if contemplating whether he was friend or foe. AJ was not willing to give him the time to figure it out. His chest still burning fiercely for air, AJ gathered up his last remaining strength and lashed out with a vicious kick, catching Brian squarely in his midsection. The force sent Brian reeling, crashing heavily into the nearest wall. AJ watched as Brian slowly sagged to the floor, his body curling up in pain.

Panting, AJ struggled to stand upright, lost his balance and slipped back to the ground. Hurry! Desperate to escape, he began to crawl on his hands and knees towards the door. Reaching up, he clawed wildly at the handle, trying to get a grip.

"AJ. . . "

AJ heard Brian's weak plea. He ignored it and stretched further, his fingers curling around the metal grip. Got it! Praying for strength, he pulled himself upright.

"Please. . . "

AJ braced himself against the door for support, swaying unsteadily. It took only a moment for his vertigo to correct itself but it was more than enough time to hear Brian's pitiful cries for help.

"Oh god, it hurts. . . "

Aw…too damn bad. He felt for the door handle.

"AJ. . . help me. . . "

No fucking way. He turned and jerked the door open.

"AJ. . . " AJ spared a quick look at Brian. He hadn't moved an inch. Good.

"AJ, please. . . come help me. . . "

AJ smiled grimly. Nice try, Brian.

Hand bracing the door open, AJ gave one last fleeting look.

Oh, shit.

My duffel bag.

AJ bit his lip as he studied at it. Keys, wallet, all his personal stuff was in there. And it was lying right next to Brian.

Fuck it. I'm outta here.

"I thought you were my friend!"

AJ hesitated, hearing the harsh bitterness in Brian's voice. Go! Now! Don't listen to him! He started out the door.

“I thought you were on my side.”

AJ turned around. Brian was staring straight at him, his blue eyes in a haze of pain.

"Not anymore."

Brian groaned, clutching at his stomach as he propped himself up on one elbow.

"So. . . you're just gonna abandon me?"

"Yes."

"God damn you, AJ! God damn you all to. . . " The door closed, muffling Brian's anguished cries.

Shaken by the raw intensity in Brian’s voice, AJ stumbled down the empty hallway, searching frantically. Where the hell is my bodyguard? He anxiously glanced back, half expecting to see Brian running after him. The door was still closed. AJ let out a nervous breath of relief. He located the elevators and hurried over to them, fiercely punching the button. What good is a bodyguard if he’s not here to protect you? AJ stabbed repeatedly at lighted button. Come on, come on, open! He swore heatedly as he punched another light, hoping to hear a familiar ding. Waiting, he glanced back once again at the dressing room door. No sign of life. Good. AJ leaned tiredly against the wall for a moment and wondered where the stairs were. God, what I wouldn’t give right now for a cigarette! He ran a hand through his hair and pensively eyed the closed door. He cocked his head to one side, straining to hear something, anything from inside. Nothing. Not a sound. As frightened as he was, he felt a strange stab of curiosity flow through him. I wonder what Brian is doing. . . I sure hit him hard. Fuck! He pushed against the wall, irritated by his sudden twinge of guilt. He had nothing to feel guilty about! Brian had tried to kill him, right? Right? Well, it was really her, but. . . AJ couldn’t believe that he took a step towards the dressing room door. Are you insane, McLean? Leave! He scratched at his chin, nervous, and took another step, his eyes sharp for even the slightest movement from the door. Curiosity killed the cat, you idiot! Go! He rubbed the sweat from his hands and took a few more steps.

‘I thought you were on my side.’

AJ chewed on his lip, remembering. Brian’s voice had been heavy with betrayal, his blue eyes. . .

AJ stopped in his tracks. Blue eyes. Not black, not glowing. Blue. It had been Brian talking to him, Brian pleading to him in anguish. Not her. Brian. And he had just deserted him.

AJ shook with alarm. Somewhere inside Brian, she lay. Her. Just waiting. For what? AJ recalled the strength in Brian’s grip when Brian had grabbed him. Incredible strength. . . abnormal strength. . . but no pain. No pain! AJ’s mind raced. He had come in contact with her! Through Brian, of course, but he had felt none of the mind-numbing agony.

She can’t hurt me! She can’t hurt me! The shock of it made him giddy with excitement.

‘I thought you were on my side.’

AJ straightened his shoulders. “I am,” he said determinedly.

AJ stood by the door, his hand resting on the handle. He was no fool. He knew what lay behind that door. Brian. Her. Somehow. . . together.

He pushed the door open.

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