Disturbed

Chapter Thirty-Four :

It's been a month, since Brantley has been staying at his dad's house. Almost two months since the incident with the maniac, three weeks since the break in at Brantley's house, and four weeks at the rehab facility center for Valerie. Brantley and Asher had became closer than ever, which really makes both Hazel and Rodolfo happy.
Brantley has been planning on seeing Toby and talking to him, but always postpones it. Everyone else has been trying to give Brantley space about his home break in. Brantley decided to spend the day with his friends, to try and relax with everything going on.
Ruby had told Brantley that she will meet him at the park so they can have a little chat. As Brantley arrived at the park, he saw Ruby at the swing set. She began to wave at him and smiled as she sat on the swing, and started to swing.

Brantley : Hey!
Ruby : Hey stranger! How are you?
Brantley : I'm honestly doing better.
Ruby : How do you like living with your dad? I heard you been there for a couple of months now?
Brantley : Yeah, it's much easier this way.
Ruby : I heard about your mom too. How is she? How does she look?
Brantley : Oh, um. I haven't visited her actually.
Ruby : Wait, what? Seriously? Brantley, I don't know what you're scared of. Just go see her, I'm sure she misses you.
Brantley : I just want her to get the help she needs.
Ruby : She is getting the help she needs, but in order for her to feel that she is ready to come home, she needs to know she has you. You not going to see her, is making her feel lonely and scared out of her mind. She is probably waiting for your visit every day, but when you don't show up-
Brantley : Okay I get it.
Ruby : No, I don't think you do, babe. Just go visit your mom. She has nobody, let her know she is incredible and that you are waiting for her.

Brantley nods as he sighs. They both continue to swing back and forth as Ruby looks at him nervously. Brantley smiles and groans as he asks,

Brantley : Ughh, yes?
Ruby : How are you and Toby doing?
Brantley : I haven't spoken to him since we all hung out, last time.
Ruby : That was like a long time ago!
Brantley : Yeah, I know. I'm planning on seeing him soon. I just feel bad for ignoring him and, well.
Ruby : What is it?
Brantley : Before she left, my mom may have mentioned Toby being in love with me. I didn't know what to say so I asked Asher if that was true, but he didn't know.
Ruby : Oh, she said that?
Brantley : Yeah. Do you think he actually likes me?
Ruby : Oh... I... um-
Brantley : Like, there's no way he likes me. He's a handsome guy and really funny. He's my best friend though, so I don't know.

Ruby shrugs as she starts to get off the swing. Brantley sighs and gets off, as they begin to talk about what happened in Petronila. Ruby then notices her phone ringing, as she pulls it out and answers it. Brantley pulls out his phone to text Asher, to pick him up from the park.
Shortly after the phone call, Ruby has this worried look on her face and begins to speed walk to her car.

Brantley : What happened?
Ruby : It's nothing. I just, I have to go.
Brantley : Ruby. What is it?
Ruby : I'll tell you later. I have to go now.
Brantley : Okay. Be safe.
Ruby : Okay!

Ruby grabs her keys and runs towards her car, as she starts the ignition and speeds back home. Brantley raises his eyebrow confused and shakes his head. He walks back to the front of the park, as he waits for Asher to come pick him up.
Waiting for his ride, Brantley stands by a tree and leans against it. He suddenly notices someone walking in front of him in the distance. His eyes widen as he notices Caleb on the other side of the street. Caleb then walks towards Brantley as he rolls his eyes.

Brantley : When are you going to stop stalking me?
Caleb : Listen, you need to know something-
Brantley : I don't fucking care dude. You listen before I file a restraining order. Are you the one planning this? Targeting me and my friends?
Caleb : You really think I lured you guys to my ranch so I can hurt you all? I'm many things but a maniac isn't one of them. You know what? I'm done trying to warn you and save you.

Caleb shakes his head as he walks away, then pulls out his phone and starts a phone call. He flares his nostrils and clears his throat,

Caleb : Hey it's me. The balls in your court, they're all yours now. Enjoy.

Caleb hangs up and disappears as Brantley rolls his eyes and hears a soft honk behind him. He quickly turns around to see Asher and his dad.

Asher : What's wrong?
Brantley : Caleb was just here.
Rodolfo : Caleb? Where?
Brantley : He was just right there, wearing a green t-shirt.

Brantley points onto the other side, as he notices Caleb gone. Brantley shakes his head and scoffs as he buckled up his seatbelt.

Brantley : Never mind he's gone.
Asher : Was it him?
Brantley : Yeah.
Asher : Well, what did Ruby say? What were y'all talking about?
Brantley : Nothing really. I do have plans later today.
Asher : Me too. O'Shay is picking me up, we're on our way to the movies.

Brantley nods and stares out the window. As they all end up back at Asher's house, Brantley goes upstairs to change and grabs his wallet and ID. He sighs and leaves as he walks out of the house,

Brantley : Hey guys, I'll be home soon.
Hazel : Okay sweetie, be safe.
Rodolfo : Be careful son.
Brantley : Will do.

As Brantley leaves, he begins to walk towards Toby's house. He starts to listen to his music as he puts in his earbuds. As he finally arrives to Toby's house, he notices a familiar girl leaving his house. He raises his eyebrows and smiles, noticing Marisol getting into her car. She smiles and waves at Brantley, as he does the same. He smirks softly and walks to the door, giving it a knock. Toby walks towards the door and opens it,

Toby : Oh! It's you!
Brantley : Wow, ouch. Nice to see you too.
Toby : No, no. I'm sorry. Um, please come in. How you been?
Brantley : I've been okay. I can't really stay long though. I just need answers from you, and I can't stop thinking about it.