All of the Lights

Chapter Twenty-Three

Previously...

"But I can't let you love him, Riley!" He shook his head, clenching his fist.

"Sam wants you." Jake appeared in the door frame. I shot my head towards him, thankful for a distraction. I looked back at Cody. He had a pained look on his face.

"I should go check on him." I nodded my head. I shuffled out of the room, anxious to leave. I was running out of things to say.

I was so worried about my own problems that I failed to see how hurt everyone around me was.

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Chapter Twenty-Three

I walked into Jake's room and found Sam sitting on the floor, leaning against the wall. He looked up when he heard the door open, his body immediately tensing.

"It's just me." I answered as I walked towards him. His body relaxed and he let out a sigh. I plopped myself on the floor next to him, laying my head on his shoulder. He gently placed his head on top of mine.

"Why didn't you tell me?" I asked. Sam's eyes shut tightly. He didn't respond.

"You can't just beat someone up because of their feelings. You of all people should know that you can't control them." I said slowly. To be honest, I felt nervous being around Sam. Especially right now. He was capable of snapping any second.

"You don't even know what happened..." He looked at me. His eyebrows were furrowed.

"Then tell me." I pulled my head off of his shoulder so I could look at him. Sam's jaw clenched. He slammed his fist against the floor.

"Just shut up! You know nothing so shut up!" He yelled. My heart fluttered and my body jumped. I stood up and backed away from him.

Sam looked up and noticed my reaction. His face fell and he shook his head. His swollen lip quivered as he took in deep breaths.

"Don't be scared of me." He pleaded. I stood there, silently watching his face.

He had new wrinkles that formed on his forehead when he furrowed his eyebrows. His eyes were red, full of tears and blood. His once chiseled jaw structure was now hollow and empty. His once beautiful smile was now a saddened frown.

"Please don't be scared of me." He whispered again. His eyes focused on the floor, not looking into mine.

I slowly inched closer to him. His eyes made their way to mine. He extended a hand out to me. I took it, letting him guide me back on the floor.

He wrapped his comforting arms around my body, providing me with a safe haven. His face burrowed into my neck. He gingerly left small kisses on my shoulder, letting out quiet huffs of tears.

"Sam..." My voice wandered. Sam kissed my shoulder again, trying to keep in another sob. His kisses trailed to my cheek.

"I love you." He said it desperately. I could imagine the thoughts going on in his brain. He wanted to know that I still loved him. He wanted to make sure that Cody still wasn't involved. His lips made their way to mine. I put my hand on his shoulder, pulling him closer. Sam let out a painful groan.

I pulled away from him and pursed my lips together.

"You're hurt." I frowned, noticing his shoulder. It slouched down, a purple bruise forming on it.

"It's nothing."

"I'm a girl. Don't think I've never used that line before." I scolded him. He let out a gentle laugh, leaning his head back onto the wall.