Scrubs

Chapter 6; s

Grey made me pancakes and sat down at the kitchen table across from me as we both ate in silence. The last thing I can remember from the night was calling him and him telling me we has coming to get me. The rest is pretty fuzzy. I swallow hard and clear my throat before breaking the silence. "I'm really sorry for everything. I don't know what compelled me to call you." He sets down the glass that was resting against his lips and locks eyes with me. "You called me because you know I will protect you and take care of you when you need it." I blush deeply. "Thank you. I don't deserve your kindness." He shakes his head at me. "Yes you do. You're too hard on yourself." The silence creeps back in before he breaks it again.

"So what happened last night anyways?" He questions.

I shrug and shift in my seat causing him to squint at me. "Come on. You can tell me."

"Clayton and I got in another fight and I just wanted to forget everything for a little while." I confess.

"What were you fighting about?" He leans forward resting his elbows on the table.

"We just don't get along anymore. I'm pretty sure he hates me. He treats me like a maid."

"If you're unhappy -which it's pretty obvious you are- then why do you even stay with him, Riss? You know damn well you deserve so much more and you know there's someone out there that would give it to you in an instant." He looks annoyed.

"I'm not sure that's true but that's not even what it's about."

"Do you even love him?" He asks.

"Love him? I'm not sure anymore, but I do care about him."

"Then leave him. You shouldn't be settling just because you care." He argues.

"He's been in my life so long. I can't just cut him away, not for my own selfish reasons." I can't hide the frustration in my response.

His face is sour and he's noticeably irritated. "It's not selfish to do what makes you happy and be with who you want. Especially when the one you are with doesn't treat you well. I would do anything to be with who I want!"

"Well what's stopping you!?" I respond without even thinking.

"Clayton!" We both freeze as the name slips out of his mouth. My heart is pounding so hard I can feel it in my throat. He diverts his gaze from my own before clearing his throat and softly saying, "Let's get you home." He goes to stand and I lurch forward and grasp his hand. "No, let's talk about this." I plead. "I've already said all there is to say." He replies before I let him go and raise from my seat.

"Fine. If you don't want to talk about it then I guess you should just take me home." I know I'm acting like a brat but my head is swimming and I've never been more confused. I stalk back the his room and gather my things before going back to the family room and waiting by the entrance.

He slowly emerges from the kitchen with his hands in his pockets. He sighs deeply before speaking up. "Look. I'm sorry, okay? I know that was a lot and it wasn't fair of me. I'll take you home..." I cross my arms. "but I want to try something first." He steps toward me cautiously. "Okay, what?" I raise an eyebrow. "Just trust me, okay?" He's now standing directly in front of me and gently grabs both of my hands. I don't move a muscle. He places my hands around his neck and pulls me against him resting his hands on my waist. My breath is caught in my throat as he lowers his head, his beautiful blue eyes piercing into my own.

The world collapses around me and my knees go weak as he presses his lips to mine. My eyes flutter closed and I hold onto him for support. The kiss is full of need and all I can focus on is the sparks running through my body. But just as soon it started, he pulls away and blinks at me, his eyes shining. I bring one of my hands from around his neck to my mouth and touch my lips to make sure they aren't actually buzzing like they feel like they are.

Just then my phone starts ringing breaking us apart. I see Clayton's name on the screen and feel a deep pit taking root in my stomach erasing the euphoria of the moment Grey and I just shared. I glance up at him, "We better go." And he nods without saying a word. The drive is quiet. Too quiet. I find myself more worried about him regretting the kiss or not enjoying it than the fact that I just cheated on my fiance.

"I'm sorry, Grey." I mutter barely above a whisper.

"Why?" He seems stunned by my apology.

"Because you're amazing and I wish I would've found you sooner so we wouldn't be in this situation. You deserve to want someone that makes you happy." I feel my heart clenching.

"If you're happy, I'm happy. You just won't let yourself have what you want." He reassures me.

"I guess I just need to figure my shit out." I decide out loud.

Grey pulls his truck into my driveway and puts it in park. As I open the door to get out Clayton comes storming out of the house. "Where the fuck have you been?" He yells at me. That's the exact moment I decide what I'm going to do. Grey flings his door open and makes his way around the truck to put himself between Clayton and myself. "She's been safe with me. Not that you really care anyways. If it were left up to you she'd be dead on the side of the road!" He spits at Clayton clenching his fists. "Who even are you and why the fuck are you with my fiance?!" Clayton gets in Grey's face despite being several inches shorter than him.

I finally step in. "Grey, it's okay. I can handle this." I put my arm on his shoulder before stepping toward Thomas. "Rissa, get away from this ass hat and into the house." The venom is laced in his voice.

"No. You need to listen to me." His glare shifts from Grey to me.

"For the past several years you have done nothing but shit on me and treat me like trash. We aren't partners anymore, I'm your live in maid that you push around and call names. I'm done letting you walk all over me." His eyebrows furrow in confusion. I pull off my ring and hand it to him. "You need to leave." I finish. His eyes are now teary. "Don't do this Rissa. I know we've had these arguments before but I swear this time I'll do better. I'll be better." He begs but I stand my ground. "No. No more chances Clay. Go get your things, you're no longer welcome in my home."

I feel Grey's reassuring presence behind me which gives me the confidence I need to finally leave the man that's made me feel small for years. His sadness turns into anger. "Okay, Rissa. But when he uses you up and leaves you wasted and alone, don't come crawling back to me." He scoffs at me. "Oh she won't buddy. You don't have to worry about that one bit." I shoot a glare at Grey as if to say 'I don't need your help'. Clayton stomps back into the house before exiting again with a bag and getting in his car, slamming the door and speeding off.