As Fate Would Have It | ✓

chapter twenty-one

Song for the chapter: Stay, by Victoria Justice

Ryker POV

I could feel the anger taking hold of my body. The events that unfolded so quick played again and again in my mind as I washed my body.

The moment I heard the door slam open I knew something was off. I tried, so desperately, to get out of that room and go to her. When Joey saw me, realization hit as to why Maddison had made her promise not to let anyone leave that room, which included me. And she was dead set on keeping it.

She pushed me back several times and guarded the door with her tiny body, taking me completely by surprise how strong she actually is.

Then I heard a tumble, and I could only imagine what made Maddison snap the way she did, which was that lowlife laying his hands on her.

I meant what I said about taking all the restraint I had not to go over there and rip his head off, because it's fucking hard. But I could also see the admiration in her eyes, and it takes the edge off the rage, just a bit.

I shut off the water and quickly dried off. I pulled up a pair of red checkered pants and a white shirt. I ran my hands through my hair and opened the door. I flicked off the light and caught Maddison sitting on the bed, her eyes wide and nervous.

I walk slowly to the bed and sit on the edge, looking at her intently.

"What is it, Maddison?"

Her mouth opens, then shuts. Her brows furrow and lips twist. It physically pains me to see her struggle so hard to open up to me.

"Um," she nervously chuckles. "This is a lot harder than I expected it to be."

I reach across the bed and grab her hand. "You don't have to tell me anything you're not ready to."

"No, I want to." Her eyes are determined. "I need to."

Need to? Why would she...because I told her she's keeping me at arms length? Well, shit, I would, too, if my dad treated me like that.

Then I saw the deep red mark on her cheekbone and the rage came back.

"Ryker, he's never hit me before." Maddison says, like she read my thoughts.

"Doesn't excuse shit, Maddison."

"He's just been different, Ryker. Ever since mom died," she shakes her head. "He just lost himself. I-I stepped up to take care of Joey, but her dad came back for her after he heard the news and took custody. My dad didn't put up a fight because he was lost in his own sorrows."

She sighs, which makes my heart heavy. I reach out to her and bring her body close to mine. She gives me a small smile, resting her small palm on my thigh.

"He found the numbness alcohol brought and he hasn't let it go. He spent so much money on that and not the bills, so I stepped up. I started working before I even graduated and helped him keep the bills paid. It's been like that ever since." She looks down with a sad smile on her face.

"He doesn't deserve your kindness, Maddison."

Her eyes look at mine with tears brimming the edges and I felt sick to my fucking stomach.

"He's my dad, Ryker. He wasn't always like that. He was a good guy before. And he lost mom, and lost himself. I tried holding on, maybe he'd find his way back. But tonight..." she blinks rapidly. "He just looked so angry. And when he hit me? I realized that I can't hold on to someone who doesn't wanna be helped."