Fallon
2012
"After several weeks of searching, authorities have found the body of fifteen year old Rome Hernandez." The news reporter spoke.
"Oh my God. That poor baby." My granny spoke as my heart dropped to my stomach.
"Damn I couldn't stand that lil nigga but I definitely hate somebody did this to him." Fabe said.
"We are sad to report that divers found the body of high school student Rome Hernandez around 4 o clock today. We're heartbroken for Rome's family and friends, as well as everyone in the Houston area." The reporter continued. Not wanting to hear anymore I stood up.
"Take me to Rylan's house. Right now." I demanded Fabian as I fought not to let my tears fall. Not saying a word, he stood on his feet grabbing his keys. Getting in the car my knee jumped.
"Whatever issue you got with Rylan. I'm sure that if he had anything to do with Rome he had good reason." Fabe said.
"Who do y'all think y'all are!? God!? Even if he did rob, steal, cheat or whatever who are y'all to decide that he deserves to be found floating at the top of a fucking river!?" I cried. I was so angry at Rylan. I felt deep in my heart he had something to do with this. It's the only thing that made sense.
"You're right Fallon." Fabian said as we pulled up to Rico and Rylan's house. It was days like this I was glad their parents werent active in their lives so I could handle my business. Hurrying up the stairs, I beat on the door.
"The hell Fallon? Why you beating on my door like you the police?" Rico said opening the door.
"Where is Rylan?" I asked.
"In his room. What's going on?" He asked. Rushing past, I skipped steps running up the stairs to his room. Opening the door he laid on the bed playing the game.
"Fallon." He said frowning sitting up pulling his head seat off.
"Look me in my face and tell me you didn't do this! Hell tell me you didn't have anything to do with it at all!" I yelled at him.
"Calm down. I don't know what you're talking about." He said looking at me right in the eyes.
"They found his body floating at the top of the river! Did you kill him!?" I yelled at him as tears streamed down my face.
"Kill who?" He asked standing up.
"Rome!" I yelled pushing his chest.
"Don't put your hands on me. No I didn't kill that man. But if he dead, he deserved it and you know it." He said.
"He deserved it!? Nobody deserves to die like that." I cried as my chest heaved up and down.
"Fallon baby calm down. You about to worry yourself to death." He said sitting me on the bed.
"Look I don't like seeing you like this. All upset and worried about me. This ain't how shit suppose to be. You not suppose to be worried about me Fallon." He said.
"But you mean so much to me Rylan. I just don't want to watch you throw your life away." I cried.
"Then don't watch. Fall back from me some. Focus on school and whatever else you got going on. And know and believe if you ever call me I'm coming everytime no matter what. With no hesitation."
"So that's it? This is the end of our friendship?" I asked.
"This ain't been a friendship to me for months now Fallon. I love you man. But how can I say I love you and watch you stress yourself out worrying about me. And I can't just stop right now." He said kneeling in front of me.
"Are you serious Rylan?"
"As a heart attack." He said looking at me with sad eyes.
"Wow." I said standing to my feet walking past him. Bumping Rico on the way out.
"This is all your fault. Making him feel like he gotta live like this." I said walking out the house.
Getting back in the car Fabe looked at me.
"You good?"He asked.
"Take me home." I said closing my eyes as the tears streamed.
Omniscient POV
Later that night.
"Rylan Henry you are under arrest for the murder of Rome Hernandez. You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law. You have the right to an attorney. If you can't afford an attorney one will be provided for you. Do you understand the rights I have read for you?" The officer asked Rylan as he helped in the car.
"Yeah." Rylan said.
"With these rights in mind, do you wish to speak to me?" The officer asked.
"Not without a lawyer present." Rylan spoke.
"What you need me to do baby brother? Anything you need I got you?" Rico asked.
"Just don't tell Fallon." Rylan said before the officer closed the door.
Rico nodded in understanding.
Rico had just gotten on the phone with Fabe.
"Yeah Bruh I hear you." Fabe said.
"We appreciate it bro."
"This shit gone devastate her man." Fabe said watching as his sister slept peacefully. Without any knowledge of Rylan being arrested.
"That's why you can't tell her. Rylan asked me to do this. And now I'm asking you."
"I got you. Keep your head up."
"You too." Rico said hanging up.
As Rylan sat in the back of the squad car all he could think was how bad it would hurt Fallon when she finally learned the truth. But he felt at the time what he felt in this very moment he would do it again if that meant protecting the one he loved. Even if that meant losing her forever, he could sleep in his jail cell or wherever he was knowing that Rome could never hurt Fallon again. He hated that he had to lie to her. He hated he had to break her heart but he couldn't look her in the face and tell her the truth. He knew she wouldn't understand.
