Worth the Risk (a Matthew Gray Gubler fanfic)

Chapter Twenty Two

AN: I just need to say a big HAPPY BIRTHDAY to the man that inspired this story! I hope he never reads this but I had to give him a shoutout. I'm sending him all the love today. Happy Birthday, Matthew!

••••••••••••

My stomach drops. I can't believe that Layla did that to me. Now that I think about it, Dad probably sent her in my room to find out what was really going on.

I hear an audible gasp from three people in the room, Nana, Pops, and mom. I never wanted my grandparents to find out. Especially not like this. I don't want them to think differently of me. My family watches as I struggle to comment on the sudden allegation. All I can come up with is, "Excuse me?"

Dad says, "You heard me. I know that is who you were talking to on the phone the other night."

"Who told you that?" I ask.

"Oh, I have an inside source. Don't you worry about that." The smile on his face is evil, just like him.

Mom looks at the kids, "Ethan. Layla. You guys go upstairs. This is an adult conversation."

I snap my head toward my mother. "No, Layla needs to stay. She's the 'insider' and she needs to be in here. She inserted herself in this."

Ethan runs upstairs as he is told. Mom doesn't say anything, and the look I give Layla makes her stop dead in her tracks. Nana and Pops are sitting there watching shit finally hit the fan. I just wish they weren't here for the mess this is about to cause.

Nana looks upset, "Haley, is it true?"

My eyes cast down. Before I can answer, dad opens his mouth, "I'm sure that it is, mom. How the fuck do you think she pays for that expensive school? And that car? There is no way she is making all of that fucking money only by being a waitress."

"That's not true. I worked my ass off for scholarships to help with school. I work my ass off at Benny's to pay the rest, and to pay my car payment." I'm starting to get pissed.

"Yeah, whatever. I knew you were a whore. You sure you don't work at a strip club? Hell, that's probably where you met the bastard. He probably paid you $50 to fuck him in the bathroom the first time. That's all you're worth to him. I mean, he's 35, of course he's paying you to sleep with him. How many more are there?"

My breathing starts to pick up and my blood is boiling. He continues, "How much did he pay you for that phone sex the other night? I'm sure that's what was going on. You are a disgrace to this family. You're embarrassing us."

"BULLSHIT! SHUT THE FUCK UP! I am NOT selling myself! I have worked so hard to get where I am right now. I don't need a man to help me pay my bills! And why do you care what goes on in MY free time?! You never cared when I was growing up, so why now?!"

I look directly at Layla, "And you! I confided in you! I told you what was going on because I trusted you! Not because I just needed someone to tell, but because you're my sister! I would never EVER do that to you, Layla! Why me?! I should've known something was up. You're a spoiled little bitch!"

Layla bows her head, almost in shame. I don't care. I have zero sympathy for someone who would do that to her sister.

Dad charges to me, and grabs both of my arms. "Listen here you little, bitch! Don't you talk to me or your sister like that! Do you hear me?"

Looking him dead in the eyes, I say, "Fuck. You."

Suddenly, a sharp pain hits my cheek. I find myself lying on the ground after the impact. And I realize that my dad slapped me hard enough to make me fall to the ground. Mom gasps, Nana rushes to check on me, Pops grabs my dad, and Layla just sits there. Blank stare on her face as she watches Nana help me up.

As soon as I am on my feet, I run up the stairs to my room. My dad is screaming inaudible words at me from downstairs.

Nana enters my room soon after me, "Haley. Are you okay? Whats going on?"

Tears are streaming down my face. I try to speak to her, words won't come out at this moment. So, she wraps me in her arms and let's me cry into her shoulder. It feels like an eternity before I actually stop crying. I can finally form a sentence, "Dad has always been verbally abusive, but he's never actually hit me.  I should've known not to tell Layla."

Nana sighs, "My son is a piece of shit, I will admit that. We should probably call the police, he needs to be detained."

"No, Nana. I'm okay. But, I think it's time for me to go. I can't be in such a toxic environment."

She agrees, "As much as I would love for you to stay, it's probably for the best, my love. But please tell me, is it true? I promise, no judgement."

I nod. "Yes it is. It's not what you think, though. He's not paying me, I'm not a prostitute. We met at a bar and we just have a mutual agreement. I needed something to get my mind off of that fuckhead, Zach. This has been the perfect distraction."

Nana is cool. She doesn't care or get offended by much. That is one of the many things I love so much about her. She is carefree.

"He was a fuckhead, I agree. I just want you to be happy, honey. Don't listen to anyone but yourself. You are the only person that knows what you need." She smiles that warm and loving smile that I have missed.

I return the smile, "Thank you, Nana. Now, I just need to tell Pops, goodbye. Then I can head on back to Berkeley."

Nana grabs Pops and he engulfs me in one of his famous bear hugs. He kisses the top of my head and whispers, "I love you, darling. Don't you forget that."

I grab my things, give my grandparents one last hug, and head out the door before any of my other family members see me.

•••••••••••••••

The drive home was filled with tears. The music in the background is just noise. I am lost in my thoughts. Reflecting on the events that unfolded only a short while ago.

I decide not to tell Ashlyn about my coming home, it will worry her. Not only that, but I need the comfort that only one person can give me. So, when I get back to Berkeley, I find myself pulling into the parking lot at his apartment complex. I sit there for a moment wondering what I am doing. What if he has another girl here? What if he doesn't want to see me until Monday like we had originally planned? He might not even be here.

As much as I don't want to rely on a man, here I am. Walking up the stairs to see this man. The man that I so desperately need at this moment. Not for sex, just for a warm embrace.

I knock on his door. It takes a moment for it to swing open, confusion set on his face, "Haley? I thought you weren't coming home until tomorrow evening?"

Tears form again in my eyes, and he notices. The confusion is now replaced with concern as he wraps me in his strong arms and brings me into his home. Matthew holds me and let's me cry. His shirt is now soaked in my tears. He gently rubs his hand up and down my back trying to soothe me. We stand there in each other's embrace for a little while longer. I am the first to pull away, ensuring that I have calmed down a bit.

I start to apologize, "I'm sorry for coming here. I just needed a shoulder to cry on."

"Haley, it's fine. I am more concerned about you. What's going on? If you don't mind me asking."

I assure him that I don't mind him asking. It has to do with him anyway. I tell him about everything that happened this weekend, beginning to end. When I finish, he looks at me with a shocked look on his face. "I can't believe that happened. I'm so sorry that your birthday was spent like this."

"It's okay." I sigh.

Matthew says, "No, it's not okay. No one should treat you like this! Especially your family. I am just glad that you are safe. I'm always here if you need me"

I smile at him, "I really appreciate that, Matthew. Thank you for everything."

I move over to the side of the couch that he is on and I grab his face. I attach my lips to his in an effort to distract myself from today. He kisses me softly. The kiss starts to get a little heavier. Matthew grabs me into his arms and carries me to his room.

I guess I should probably ask for some cash after this. After all, that is all that I am good for... right?