The Air He Breathes

“Oh my God!” I screamed. My eyes fell to Tristan as he stood over Tanner, slamming his fists into his face over and over again. His eyes were hard, his stare as cold as Tanner’s, and he kept swinging. “Tristan,” I said, walking over to him. Tanner was almost passed out, but Tristan wouldn’t stop. He couldn’t stop. “Tristan,” I said louder, reaching for his arm as it flew up in the air. The speed his arm was swinging at made me stumble backward and when he saw me, he stopped. His chest was rising and falling, and I could see the anger in his eyes. I slowly approached him and placed my hands around his face. “It’s over,” I said. “It’s over.” Come back to me.

I watched his breathing slow as he climbed off Tanner, and he stared at his bloody hands. “Shit,” he exhaled, crawling away from Tanner.

Tristan stood up, and as I reached for his hold, he yanked his body away from mine. His eyes were wild, untamed, and I could see how far away from me he was.

What did Tanner do to you?

When I turned to Tanner, I felt awful for even thinking that it was somehow his fault. Tristan had almost knocked him out, and my gut was tangled up with guilt and confusion. Tristan stormed off, not turning around once to look back at me.

“Jesus,” Tanner muttered. Faye rushed over to him to help him up. “I’m fine,” he said, standing.

“What did you…” My voice shook. “What did you say to him?”

Faye’s brow furrowed. “Liz. Seriously?”

“I just…he wouldn’t just snap like that. He wouldn’t just attack you. Tanner, what did you say to him?”

He huffed sarcastically and spit out blood. “Un-fucking-believable. I can hardly open my right eye and you are asking me what I said to him?”

My throat was tight, tears burning at the back of my throat. “Sorry. I’m sorry. It’s just, he’s not one to just snap like that.”

“Didn’t he push you down a hill, Liz?” Faye frowned.

“It was an accident. I tripped. He would never hurt me.” How could she even think something like that? Tristan had been there for her when she needed him! How could she turn on him so fast? Everyone stood around us, fear in their eyes. All of the ladies from the book club were whispering about Tristan, calling him a monster. Everyone was judging me for loving such a beast.

“Yeah. I’m sure this was an accident too,” Tanner said, gesturing toward his bruised face. “He’s a monster and he’s dangerous, Liz. It’s only a matter of time before he snaps on you too—or worse, on Emma. I’m going to show you, Liz. I’m going to find out the truth about that guy and show you his secrets. Then maybe you’ll trust me.”

I sighed. “I have to go.”

“Go? Go where?” Tanner asked.

To find him.

To see what happened.

To make sure he’s okay.

“I just have to go.”