for the boys

chapter 5

Corey pulled me against his chest and led me outside the theatre. my recital was a success but we weren't. he knew about Patrick. he knew all along buy tonight set him off.

"i don't know what to tell you. I've picked up your pieces since we were kids but this time it's not happening. I'm not doing it anymore. if you want him be with him. I can't fight for someone who won't even give me the time of day!"

"you had your chance. you've had me in the palm of your hand and you used me Crawford. you took every ounce of my innocence and left me alone to cope with it!"

he stopped the jeep and pulled over. our eyes met in the dark. faces lit up from the dashboard lights.

"I walked away because how does it look to be with your best friends little sister? how does it make you look to sneak away from the reception of the wedding you were maid of honor for to mess around with the best man. baby I spent my life protecting you and walking away that night was the only way I knew how."

"you were the only person I wanted."

"were?" he questioned. "Kane isn't what you think he is."

"yeah well neither were you, Corey. neither were you." I cried out.

he leaned over the console and kissed me. "don't stay with me because you think you have to. stay with me because I'm ready to be what I never was for you, Ari! do it for the ring on your finger that I know for a fact hasn't left since I gave it to you. for our first kiss on the dock to the night I foolishly walked away without telling you what I'm telling you now. I've got it bad for you baby girl and I need you to let me be that guy. I love you and I'm done acting like I don't need you!" he sobbed uncontrollably. I'd never seen him cry before.

"I wanted you for the longest time but I never got you. I never got to hold your hand. I wasn't the girl you held when Colby died. I was just Matt's little sister.
Matt's pathetic little sister who always doodled mrs Crawford on her notebook. I was just the girl who was at every game for you. and honestly Corey you led me to believe it. you led me to believe you cared. but news for you I'm not her anymore. I'm not waiting around for you to realize you want me."

he looked down at my hand as I slowly slipped off the ring and dropped it in the cup holder. he put the car in drive and merged back onto the highway. other than the radio, we rode in silence.

we got home and the house lights were on.

"I thought you turned them off when we left," I mumbled.

"I did!" he retaliated.

we both got out and noticed Matt's BMW on the street. a groan came out of Corey's mouth as we approached the door.

"just act like you aren't dating my team mate. as far as he knows both single and have been from the start"

he swung the door open and Matt appeared from behind the wall with his wife.

"took you guys long enough to get here. you did fantastic tonight, Ari! I'm so proud of you."

I walked in and gave him a bear hug, "why didn't you tell me you were there?"

"I wanted to surprise you! but I'm not here with all good news"

Corey stepped behind me and pressed his hand to my lower back as if he knew what was about to happen.

"what is it, Matthew?"

"pépère" he whispered, choking back sobs.

my knees weakened. that's why Corey was holding me up. he lifted me seamlessly into his arms and carried to the couch.

my mind went numb and everything they said became gibberish. I couldn't understand a thing. then it all went black.