Do It Again

Chapter 2

"What are you talking about?" Riker backed down. "You didn't get new tests. I'm Rose's father." It sounded like his statement lost confidence.

"No, Riker." I looked away. "Rocky is Rose's real father."

"But, no. That, that can't be. I'm, I'm Rose's father. Aren't I?" Riker was baffled.

"How did you figure this out?" Ross said quietly.

"Remember that day I took Rose?" Rocky started explaining. "I took her for a paternity test. She has the same birthmark as I do."

Riker was heartbroken. "I don't believe you. Where are the tests?"

"Ashley sorta burned them." Rocky scratched his neck.

"Why would you do that?" Riker jumped up and stared toward me.

Rocky quickly stepped in his way and Blake held him back.

"I'm sorry." I whispered. "I didn't want to hurt anyone."

"Hurt anyone?" Riker was fighting to get around Blake, but he held his ground. "You could have stabbed me in the chest and it would hurt less!"

"Riker, calm down." Blake was trying to help.

Riker backed up slightly and swung at Blake. His fist connected with Blake's jaw and Blake went down.

"Blake!" I squealed and ran to his side.

Ross got up and pushed Riker backwards and out of the room. "That's enough, Riker. Go away until you can act like yourself!"

Riker was watching me as I helped Blake sit up. His expression sobered and he left the kitchen.

"I guess I shouldn't have gotten in the way." Blake struggled to sit up.

"I'm sorry he hit you." I sat beside him.

Rocky handed me an ice pack. "Thanks for holding him back." He said quietly.

Blake glanced at me, then looked at Rocky. "It looked like you needed an extra hand."

I held the ice pack to Blake's jaw. "You shouldn't have tried to stop him."

"He looked angry."

"He wasn't gonna hurt me."

Blake shrugged. "Maybe I should just go."

"You should stay until the swelling goes down a little." Rocky offered.

"Really?" Blake and I said together.

"Yeah." Rocky sighed and held out his hand. Blake took it and Rocky pulled him to his feet. "You shouldn't be driving until you know you're good."

"Here." I led Blake to a seat. "How does your face feel?"

"Pretty bad. How does it look?" He managed a smile.

"Pretty bad." I teased.

"There's no doubt it's gonna leave a mark."

I looked at Rocky. "Where'd Ross go?"

"I think he went to talk to Riker." Rocky crossed his arms.

I reached out and took his hand. "Thank you." I mouthed.

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(Ross's point of view)

"Why would you hit him?" I followed Riker to his room.

"I didn't mean to. I'm just really upset over this. He was the closest to me and I had to get rid of my anger." Riker walked faster.

I stopped him. "So if Ashely would have been the closest to you, you would have hit her?"