Bad boys, bridges, and troubled love.

Chapter 18

I felt that jolt a few more times until I was greeted by a familiar face. Is this death?

I drew a huge breath into my lungs and started coughing up water. My chest feels like it's been pounded with a hammer.

"Ana? Ana!" I heard Tyler's voice, but I was too busy coughing to find out where the voice was coming from.

When I was done, I felt him rubbing my back. What the hell just happened?

"Tyler? Is it really you?" I couldn't believe it. I was convinced I was dead.

"Yeah I'm here baby, I'm here." Tears pricked to my eyes and I leapt onto Tyler. I just needed to hold him. I needed to know he was really there.

"I thought I was dead." my voice was barely a whisper. My throat still hurt from coughing up water.

"I thought you were too. But you're safe. I promise, you're safe."

"What happened? What was all that?"

"We need to get you home. Or to the hospital. You could have a concussion."

"No, no hospital. I don't want my parents seeing me like this. Just take me home."

"Ok I will." I tried to get up, but I was too cold. Tyler scooped me into his arms and we headed home. He carried me all the way, we didn't take the subway back.

"Let's go to your house. I don't want Alex asking questions." He carried me inside and up to his bed. He put me down on the bed and went to his dresser.

"Here, change into these." He gave me his football sweatshirt and some sweatpants. I started to take off my shirt, but it's soaked and really heavy. My arms are just starting to regain feeling and I can't lift it off.

"Let me help you." Tyler saw me struggling and came over to help. He lifted my shirt off and threw it on the floor. He put his hand on my torso and it was so warm.

"Holy shit you're freezing. You need to shower, get warm. I don't want you getting sick." he helped me shimmy out of my jeans, which were clinging to my body. I was only in my bra and underwear, but I didn't feel uncomfortable at all. I just wanted this feeling to go away. I need to shower.

While Tyler turned on his shower, I took of my bra and panties. Tyler stared at me as I went into the shower. I didn't feel like waiting for him to leave the room. I was too cold to wait.

"Um, the shower... it's ready." I stepped in and let the hot water run over me. It was bringing life back into me. Who the hell is this kid? Why on God's green earth would Brian throw me into a fucking river! He's bloody insane! What did he mean by pay off his debts? What have I gotten myself into?

I got out of the shower and Tyler laid out some towels and his clothes for me.
I attempted to brush out my hair, but it wasn't happening. Stupid curls. I put my hair into a towel and put on Tyler's clothes. I walked back into his room and he was sitting on his bed.

"Are you feeling better?"

"Yes I'm a lot warmer thanks." I still can't believe I almost died tonight. I never thought I'd see my family ever again. I'd just be a girl floating down the river. An image of my lifeless body stuck on a river bank somewhere flashed through my mind.

"Oh Ana, please don't cry. You're safe with me now. I promise." I grabbed him and hugged him. We sat there for a few minutes, and it was really comforting.

"I never thought I'd see you again. I was terrified."

"Oh Ana, I felt the same. I couldn't find you for the longest time. I thought you were gone."

"What happened? I don't remember much."

"You went into the water and I beat the shit out of Brian. I almost killed him." Oh good God. "I jumped in the river, I knew I had to find you. I couldn't see anything, it was pitch black and the current was so strong. After about 5 minutes, I saw your head pop up. I called your name but you didn't answer. I dragged you to the river bank and did CPR for a good 5 minutes. You finally came back to me. I have never felt that kind of terror in my entire life."

"You think that's terrifying? Try dying. That's terrifying."

"What was it like?"

"I felt my chest fill with pressure, then everything went limp and it was all light. Then I felt this jolting, which I assume was you, and I was choking up water. I couldn't feel my body. I've never been so scared in my entire life. I was so cold Tyler." I'm fighting back tears again. I can't keep crying, it will make Tyler feel worse.

"I wish I could've saved you in time. This is all my fault."

"Hey, look at me. This isn't your fault. It was dark and the current was dragging me under. Don't do this to yourself."

"It is my fault. I was an idiot and Brian wanted to get back at me."

"What happened between you two?" I saw him tense up and his mouth was in a straight line.

"It's not something I like to remember" his tone was cold and bitter.

"Tyler, please tell me." He looked at me and was so scared. After a long sigh, he was about to speak.

"Ok. Freshman year and part of last year, I was very troubled. My mom just got sick, and I didn't know how to deal with it. I was into some, stuff."

"What kind of stuff?"

"I was a drug addict. I overdosed once." Holy shit. Drugs?

"What did you do?"

"Pills. A lot of them too. Whatever I could get my hands on. It was really bad."

"How was Brian involved?"

"He's the one who got it for me. I was in a huge amount of debt, but I payed it all off. He's a vindictive son of a bitch. He was pissed that I 'stole you' and wanted to get back at me. I'm so sorry I pulled you into this." I don't even know what to say to that. Drugs?

"Ana? Say something. Please."

"I don't really know what to say." I didn't.

"You hate me now. I know you do."

"No! Tyler I don't hate you. I'm just surprised. I didn't peg you for a druggie."

"It was bad Ana. I almost died."

"I'm so sorry that happened to you Tyler."

"It wasn't anyone else's fault but mine. But I made it right and saved myself. I'll be a year sober November 15th."

"Hey that's my birthday."

"Another reason to celebrate. Me being sober, and God giving me you." Aw Tyler.

He brought his forehead to mine and looked at me, green eyes to blue.

"I'm so lucky I have you."

"Me too." He pressed his lips to mine and the kiss felt urgent. Like he needed to kiss me. And in that moment, I needed him too. I almost lost him tonight, and I wanted to be as close as possible to him. He grabbed my waist and pulled me closer to him. Our lips moved in sync and I felt his tongue brush my lips. I felt Tyler pull back, I'm kind of glad. There was no stopping me.

"It's late, and you've been through a lot. Bed. Now." He put me under the covers and got in next to me. I put my head on his chest and he wrapped his arms around me.

"Thank you Tyler." I was drifting off to sleep, and I swear I heard 4 little words escape Tyler's mouth before I fell asleep.

"I love you Ana."

_______________________

A/n: OMG drama! What do you think of Brian? Tyler? Let me know!