Law and Order- complete

XVIIII

My vision is blurred over with tears as I watch the paramedics load Ryder onto the gurney. The sky was now pitch black dark, light clouds dancing in front of the stars and moon calmly. Two police cars were parked in the middle of the street, their lights still flashing and awaking the entire neighborhood, who peeked from their windows in their silk robes, wondering what in their perfect little suburb could draw the attention of law enforcement.

I sit on the pavement in the driveway, a blanket wrapped around my body as I hung up the phone with my moms after fudging the story. They didn't know it was Ryder who broke into our house, or why he broke in. For all they know, someone tried to rob us, I stopped them, and the cops came. 

They both insisted on flying back, and it took a lot of convincing from me to get them to stay in Miami to figure out what was up with Miranda's bloodwork. "Just call us when the cops leave, and make sure you don't spend the night alone." Ellen had told me, concern laced in her voice- something I've never heard before.

I don't know if I was shivering because I was so cold, or because the events kept replaying in my head as I mindlessly gaze at the ambulance. At first, the bright lights hurt my eyes, but in just the thirty minutes they've been here, I've grown used to them.

My gaze shifts blankly to the officer who walks out of the front door, a notepad in his hand and a pencil behind his ear. He makes his way toward me, his thin lips pressed in a firm line. He'd introduced himself as officer Stevens, earlier. His partner, officer Blake, finished up a conversation with the last paramedic, who was about to drive off.

"There's no sign of forced entry, however, we did notice the window in the first level bathroom was left unlocked, we believe that's how he got in."

I scoff, laughing bitterly, "Nobody fucking unlocks a bathroom window. He got in some other way. Go check again." The blanket is gripped tighter around my body with a cold shudder passes through me from the icy night air.

I roll my eyes as he trades looks with officer Blake, who jogs towards us. Behind him, at the end of the driveway, a familiar Cadillac parks swiftly, the engine almost immediately turned off. The door is opened and Harry gets out, wearing a navy blue hoodie and the same black jeans from earlier. His brows are furrowed confusedly as I stand to my feet, releasing a breath of air and creating a little fog in front of me. 

 I stand to my feet when he nears me, his eyes dancing across the officers and the house behind us as his arms open slightly, allowing me to hug him. I want to cry, but my eyes are already throbbing with pain, all that comes out is irregular pants. His body feels warm, which I know is because he blasts his heater. But I don't mind. My cheek pressed against his clothed chest and I inhaled the lavender scent from his detergent with each shaky breath.

 The night flashed before my eyes once more as his hand rubs up and down my back, the other firmly around my shoulders. I hear him talking to the officers, oblivious to what happened since the text I sent him only consisted of- I stabbed ry ols come tomy house. As he speaks, I can feel his deep voice vibrating against his ribcage, strangely calming me. 

Harry seemed to be the only person I could call over, seeing as China was in South Carolina and Ramon in Florida. In all honesty, I prefer it that way. He makes me feel safe. And like we clarified earlier, he's my friend.

My head lifts when the officers are walking down the driveway and to their cars, seemingly done with the most exciting thing that'll happen to them tonight. They share words silently, one of them gesturing back towards the house.

"Are you okay?" He asks as I wipe my red nose.

"I don't know," I answer truthfully. "Can you stay the night with me here?"