Riptide (sequel, keaton stromberg)

Chapter 4; Nonexistence or Indenial?

Keatons P.O.V

I tried focusing on practice and be as optimistic as possible but I couldnt get my mind to it.

I had to tell them.

I knew I had too.

But it wasnt the truth.

I couldnt take it anymore.

I had to tell someone.

But I cant tell anyone.

I had the plan though.

The plan that would never work.

It would not only tear me apart but people that I hold near and cherish.

But it was my only hope.

My thoughts bubbled in my head making me want to just explode.

"Whats up Keaton?" Drew asked while we took a short break. He sipped his water and sat on a chair near the speakers, Wesley tuned in too and sat in a chair next to his.

"What do you mean?" I asked even though I already knew I wasnt focusing on the music.

"You seem a little off. Everything going alright?" He said as he leaned back and wiped the sweat off of his forehead, he looked tired and almost out of breath. He was really trying hard for this.

"I dont know." I said a little bit harsher then I meant too.

"Oh okay Mr.Sassy Pants. No need to get pissy." He said sounding quite rude.

"Whatever bro." I said quietly as I shook my head and flipped my hair.

My eyes roamed the room and I found myself looking at Wes.

The sweat dripping down the tips of his hair as he adjusted himself in the chair to get more comfortable and he stared at the window, he looked worn out and tired. The genuine spark of him was gone. He was hollow like a empty soda can. I wished his happiness was back. Thats the only thing I truly wish. It breaks me more and more every day knowing im the reason for all of this, the pain, and suffering Wes goes through.

I wondered what was going through his mind.

I wondered why he had such a hatred towards me.

Has the hate always been there?

Has he always hated me but just never had a good enough reason to express it?

I thought about when we were kids, all the memories came rushing back quicker then I could ever imagine.

/-*Flashback*-\

I was walking around the dark near a park by my house, tears falling out of my eyes as I whimpered a bit.

I was around 8 years old and my parents just told us that they are getting a divource. I didnt know how to take the news. I was in shock.

They loved eachother so much, but people in love dont get divources?

So if that wasnt love, then what is?

Its non existent. I knew it from that moment on. I thought about the subject of it not existing, maybe there was a kind. But nothing I imagined of. Love is when two people would do anything for eachother just for the others sake. Love is when to people see through the flaws of eachother. Love isnt looking at someone perfect, its about looking at someone imperfect perfectly. Love is... mutual.

No. Love is a myth.

I cried outloud as I sat on the bench. I threw my hands in my head and thought about what was going to happen. Would I live with my mom or dad? What would happen to the family!?

I heard someone sit next to me and I let out another sob.

"Hey." I heard my older brother Wes say as he sniffled. He must have been crying also.

"Hi." I said as I looked up at him.

His eyes were red and puffy, yet he had a slight smile at his face.

"Why are you smiling?" I asked as I wiped the remaining tears from my eyes, what kind of person would be smiling at a time like this?

"Honestly Keats. I know this is going to be hard and stressful. And I know we arent going to be the same ever again. But, the thing is. We'll always be family. Mom will always be our mom. Dad will always be our dad. Brianna and Brooke will always be our sisters. Zuni will always be your cat. And we'll always be brothers. No matter what. In the end, Everythings gonna be fine, Everythings gonna be alright." He said as he looked down at me and smiled warmly.

I smiled back at him satisfied of his speech. He wasnt like that usually. He isnt good with sharing feelings and I always knew that and I would just respect his privacy. It really meant a lot when he would open up to me. Which was only on very rare ocassions.

"Thanks bro." I said as I hugged him slightly.

"Were always gonna be brothers." He repeated as he smiled again.

/-*End Of Flashback*-\

It were times like those with my brother that made me think of the choices I was soon to make it was critical but I knew I had too.

All these thoughts circluated my mind but were drowned out to Drew saying my name.

"Yeah?" I asked as I fiddled with my fingers. Some bad habit I recently inhabited.

"Believe it or not we've been practicing for a long time. You told Alex to come over tonight. You might want to get to that. As for that, are you two going to tell her what happend?" Drew asked fairly intriuged by the situation.

I sighed and thought about it.

Should I tell her?

It'd make her deffiantly hate Wes.

But I had another plan in mind.

THE plan.

The plan I dreaded yet knew needed to happen. But it may backfire.

I breathed in and spoke up before Wes could.

"I'll tell her." I said sternly.

"I wanted to. I need to explain to her tha-" Wes started.

"No. I promise she wont. Just let me do it" I said as I got up and dialed her numbed.

"Hey." She breathed into her phone.

"Come over now" I said simply as I hung up quick.

Drew gave me a weird look almost of sadness and realization.

But he had absolutely no clue what was going to happen.

It made me think about the day my parents got divourced yet again, as I pondered love again and I knew again, It WAS nonexistent.