The Orphan

Chapter Thirty-Four.

Autumn-

My eyes shot open as I gasped for air.

My hand shot out to try and find Ryder's body beside me but he was already sitting up and pulling me into a comforting hug. "Hey, hey, you're ok now, I've got you." His worried words were there to sooth me.

I wrapped my arms around him tightly as a tear slid down my face, "don't let me go." I whispered just loud enough for him to hear my voice cracking as I did.

"I'll never let you go." he assured me, "you're stuck with me."

I chuckled, sniffling while doing so.

He tilted his head down to see my exhausted features and wiped away a fallen tear with his thumb.

"What happened?" he asked.

The room was pitch black and eerie but I felt safe in his warm embrace.

"I thought I lost you." I whispered another warm tear sliding down my cheek as I said this.

He pulled me even closer to him, "Autumn, you will never lose me." his words were hard and serious yet exactly what it took to sooth any doubts.

"I love you." I sniffled not even realizing what I was saying until it was too late, but I didn't regret saying the words, I meant it.

"I love you too." he kissed me on top of my head.

****

The suns rays woke me up and my meltdown from last night came flooding back to memory.

Fuck.

I was a total mess!

And all because of a dream! well, a nightmare, but still!

I swung my legs over the side of the bed and shuffled to the door.

Oblivious of the time i made my way downstairs.

The kitchen was full, everyone was hanging out for lunch that Chase was cooking up.

That guy had some serious skills in the kitchen.

When they saw me approach the kitchen a couple of laughs along with a few cheers came from the group.

"She lives!" Arthur announced.

I just shrugged, "have you seen Ryder?" I asked them.

They all gave me knowing looks.

I'm not clingy just curious ok!

"Last I heard he was planing something special for you." Anthony piped up.

I smiled to myself, awe.

Does that mean I won't see him for most of the day?

"That means you have half the day to hang out with us!" Chloe grinned excitedly.

Don't get me wrong, I love them, I really do, but I'd rather be spending the day with Ryder.

"Ok, let me get changed first." I said trying to sound as excited as possible.

***

The big day with the fam ended up just being chores and a huge debate on who was a better ship the Arrow and Sarah or the Arrow and Felicity.

I was all for the Arrow and Felicity 100%

The others were just crazy.

I waited in my room all dressed up waiting for Ryder, my black skirt barley mid thigh length and my black heels adding on two or three inches to my height, it's crazy, no matter how high my heels get I will never be taller than Ryder.