Open Hands~ Bryles

Chapter 8- Oh baby

Briar's POV
I sip the hot chocolate which by now was luke-warm, trying to forget about the amount of pain my dad must be in. My tired eyes glanced into the mug as I finished the last drops. Out of the corner of my eye I could see my best friend fixating his eyes on my every move; my suspicions were confirmed when Myles cleared his throat to get my attention.

"Briar please don't blame yourself. None of this was your fault."
And that's when I broke down. The stable condition I had obtained for the past hour deteriorated within a few seconds as salted pain dripped from my eyes. Throwing my head forward, I try to hide my state with my blonde locks and by covering my eyes with my palms.
"I love my dad. I love him. I can't lose him."

By now, Myles was cuddling me- stroking my sides with his delicate fingertips.
"You're not going to lose him, Bri. Admittedly he may be different- but who says that isn't a good thing eh?"

I choked back some tears before explaining: "Myles. The doctor said he isn't in a stable state. He could die."

"Oh baby." He exclaims, hugging me tighter and pressing a soft kiss on my temple.

"Please Myles. Stay here tonight- I can't bare being alone right now." I sniff, hoping that the tears have finally stopped.
~~~~~~~

Myles' POV
For the previous10 minutes, Bri and I have been hugging; gently rocking back and forth in attempt to calm her down. Eventually, she pulled away- unwrapping her arms from around my neck and climbing off my lap.

She informs me she's going to get changed in the bathroom, before clutching baby pink pyjamas and darting out of the room. I quickly strip, putting on some fresh clothes I fortunately had in my dance bag.

Knowing Bri would take a while to get ready, I wander around her room- taking in every detail I had not noticed on the various occasions I had been round. On display were a few photos; decorated in matte, white frames:
A few contained images of the many photoshoots Briar had been on- showing off her perfectly toned body. Next to them, trophies stood proudly against pictures of different competitions.

One picture caught my eye; it showed Briar and I at a competition, smiling our asses off. Underneath was written 'More than my best friend; Forever ❤️'
I smile fondly at the image, remembering the event well; stroking the glass with my thumb.

I almost drop the frame when my phone violently shakes in my pocket- I whip it out and see 12 texts from 'mum'.
I skim through them until I land on the most recent one :'Myles honey, where are you? I'm getting worried xx'
I tap back a reply, telling her that I was staying at Briar's house as there was a family crisis.

Just as I get a reply, the short girl re appears.
"My mum says Hi and that you're welcome to come over any time." I inform her, passing the mobile device into her hands, letting her read it for herself.

A weak smile breaks on her face. "I love your mum. She is so sweet!"
~~~~~~~~

Briar's POV
I pull on a jumper and climb under the covers, leaving Myles standing nervously at the foot of the bed. "Well?" I ask expectantly.

"Where am I sleeping?" He speaks awkwardly.
"Just here." I say obviously, patting the spot next to me. He mumbles a quiet response before eventually climbing in, trying to keep distance between us.

"Come on Myles- I don't bite!" I giggle at how nervous he is. Shuffling closer, he wraps his muscular arm around me- making me feel safe and protected.

We make small talk until I eventually feel my eyelids start to droop- putting me in a dreamless slumber.

A/N: thought I'd make this longer as its a special girls birthday ... *ahem* HAPPY BIRTHDAY BRIAR ILY- YOU INSPIRE ME SO MUCH YOU GORGEOUS GIRL.