Love Shy

Chapter Seventeen

I sat dumbfounded waiting for my body to realise it needed oxygen. Was that the real reason he had turned his phone off and ignored me for two months? Taking a deep breath I cleared my throat. Staring straight ahead as I tried to work out what to ask first. The muscle in his jaw was working overtime as he waited for my response. "why would she say she's pregnant for you?" I asked after an eternity and he turned to face me bringing one leg onto the sofa as he scratched his head hard in frustration. "I think she's trying to trap me. She wants me back and she knows that ain't gonna happen with you in the picture." I cut him off "she knows about me?" "course she does, your all I spoke about when she was saying she was sorry and that." "and you didn't sleep with her?" he growled. "no shy. Listen I know I fucked up with you before but I would never cheat on you. And you know that." "so if your certain why didn't you tell me?" he sighed putting his face between his hands. "look how your acting. I didn't wanna tell you cos I knew it was bullshit and it would freak you out." I ran the words through my head and he took it as his opportunity to lay it on thick. Grasping my hands and turning me to face him he kept on talking "baby we been doing so good. I didn't wanna upset you I know how much you hate her." "so why go and see her?" I didn't care that I sounded jealous and Whiney. "I know I shouldn't have but I weren't concerned. I was with loads of people I didn't think she would get like that. She had been cool at the hospital. Even said she was happy for me. Trust me nothing happened shy." "you touch her?" "no" "you kiss her?" "no baby come on man. I got you" "then explain to me why you let it get to you so much. If you know you had nothing to do with it what are you worried about?" "she wants to tell my parents" "but if it's not you you shouldn't be concerned" it just wasn't making sense to me. "its more conplicated than that." "im listening" "she thought I didn't remember shy she was gonna say that we beat and that neither of us remembered it and then little bits started coming back to her." "and is that true" "fuck" he replied angrily as he shot off the sofa and paced in front of me. He was telling the truth. I just had a feeling and I knew he hadn't slept with her. But still her story would fail if she didn't have evidence so something must have happened. From the story rio told he had his memory and witnesses so why was he sweating it. I told him so and he closed his eyes in frustration before coming to sit back beside me. He was silent before he looked at me. "it's my brother." I was beyond confused what did his brother have to do with this. "what are you on about?" and he brushed his waves down. Before holding the bridge of his nose as he closed his eyes tightly. "the baby she is carrying. It's ricardos." he finished on a whisper like he couldn't believe what he was saying him self. How could his fourteen year old brother be a father I was so confused. "what? How? Why?" he shook his head sadly as tears welled up in his eyes. " to get back at me shy. She fucked my brother shy. Took his virginity and got herself pregnant." his voice broke as he spoke and now I was even more stunned this was some next level shit. "but how?" he shrugged as he hung his head and smoothed over his waves. "he's young init and he had a crush on her from when she used to come chill with me. Wouldn't have been hard for her to seduce him." he laughed humourlessly "he looks just like me. Wouldn't be surprised if she enjoyed her self" that's just disgusting. I didn't know what to say. After a while of silence. "it's a lose lose situation shy, if I tell the truth and say it ain't me. She will say its ricks then I'm still just as guilty cos I'm the reason she done it so I will be responsible for ruining my little brothers life. I'm so fucked." I felt his pain. He was always talking about ricardo, how smart he was, how he was gonna go uni and be a doctor, he was beyond proud. This payback was probably worse than death for rio.

It wasn't until I heard him sniff that I realised he was crying. Now I was scared. This was rio. The strongest person I knew except Kieran. He bowed his head resting it in his hands as he let the quiet sobs take over him. I pulled his shoulder towards me but he didn't budge so rising onto my knees I threw one leg over his lap so I was straddling him. He moved his arms so I could settle on him as he sniffed trying not to lose control. Bringing him close I squeezed him tight and let him bury his head in my neck as his arms circled around me holding me close. "I'm so sorry shy. I fucked up. Please don't leave me. I can't take it. Please." he begged through his sobs. His broad shoulders heaving as the cries racked his large frame. "shhhh I'm right here. Im not going anywhere" I whispered kissing his temple as i stoked his neck and head, he clutched onto me like he feared I would disappear. I leant back to look into his eyes and wiped his face. He kissed his teeth. "I look like such a sideman. Sorry I just lost it for a minute." I shook my head. And kissed his cheek. Trying to calm him. His jaw was still tense so I kept kissing his face and he let his head fall back against the sofa. He closed his eyes and let his hands roam my thighs. "what am I gonna do?" he whispered and I honestly didn't have a clue so I just continued until he sighed and his body relaxed slightly. I finally let my lips touch his and then deepened the kiss. It was the only way I knew to reassure him. He kissed back with passion and his hands tightened over my thighs bringing me to sit on his rigid length. "rio" I said warningly knowing where this would lead. "please shy I need it, I need you" he said in such a sad voice I felt my heart break. I allowed him to lift me easily and lay me beneath him on the sofa. We didn't even attempt to make it up the stairs.

Hours later I woke with rio resting on my naked chest. He was fast asleep with his arms underneath mine and my legs around his slim waist. I felt so comfortable that I didn't want to move but a quick look at the wall clock told me it was time to go home. "rio?" I whispered nudging him lightly, he didn't stir. I said his name again slightly louder and he raised his head up groggily to meet my eyes. "hi" I whispered and he looked Down noticing our nakedness. "Hi yourself" he replied quietly. Trying to adjust his eyes in the dim room, the sun was just about to completely disappear casting red and orange streaks across the darkening sky. It was coming up to nine thirty we had slept for ages. Thank god his gran was still staying at his aunts. Otherwise she would have been home to change for work and seen us. "I gotta go." I whispered stroking his neck as laid his head back on my chest. "can't you stay tonight" he asked sounding like a spoilt little kid. I laughed gently. "no I gotta sort myself out for tomorrow" I said regretfully. And he huffed making his warm breath tickle my breast. "come on get up" I said pushing at his strong shoulder he didn't budge. Looking up at me seriously for a few seconds he asked quietly "you mad at me?" I shook my head and he stared straight in my eyes "disappointed ?" I shook my head again. "no, I'm frustrated rio. Things could be so much simpler. I just feel like we are living a never ending drama that's all." he nodded slowly. "I never meant for none of this you know shy. I wish I could take it all back. I wouldn't even look at them girls in Reigate if I had known you were coming into my life. In sorry bby." I nodded kissing his forehead as I stroked him. "we will get through it" I whispered. And he squeezed me right before untangling his long limbs from mine. I blushed knowing I was completely vulnerable in the dim light. Totally naked. I cringed as I pressed my legs together after rio had moved away from me. He was completely comfortable in his skin. Sitting on the edge of the sofa he stretched before wiping his hands over his face. And letting out a deep sigh. He picked up his boxers and pulled them on before handing me my underwear and leggings. Once we were both dressed I text dad and told him I was on my way home and he text back saying he would pick me up in an hour if I wanted to wait. And I replied yes before snuggling up to rio to watch music videos like we always did. After a while rio turned to me "can my mum come tomorrow?"he asked and I looked up into his dark brown eyes. "course she can" I said back smiling. I dunno why rio was always so nervous when it came to me and his mum. I had spoken to her a few times on the phone and she seemed lovely. He smiled down at me and let out a little breath of relief. "Good cos I invited her like two weeks ago" he said and I laughed he was so dumb. The hour was up all too soon and my phone lit up to signal my dads arrival. Standing rio bent down to pull me from the chair and as I crashed into his strong chest he kissed me hard. "tomorrow will be good but Sunday is gonna be amazing" he said excitedly letting me go so I could put on my vans. I agreed smiling broadly and then we exited his house he walked to the drivers side and shook my dads hand and they spoke briefly while I set my bags down and got comfortable in my chair. Once my seatbelt was on I blew rio a secret kiss and he winked at me before strolling back in the house with one hand in his pocket and the other brushing down his beautiful waves. He looked so angelic. Yet troubled. I sighed and leant back in my chair before turning to dad and discussing tomorrow.

Getting home I headed straight for the shower convinced I smelt like sex opting for a hot bath instead I sat on my bed waiting for the tub to fill up I sat listening to the cd rio made for me as I thought over his situation. I honestly didn't know how this was gonna pan out. My hate for Sasha was now more than justified. Filling the bath with bubbles and throwing my hair up I eased in and let the water ease my tense muscles. My phone flashed on the toilet seat and I leant over to see carina calling. It's like this girl had physic powers or something. I took a deep breath and answered on the third ring. "hey ree" I said softly and she sighed. "spill the beans" I laughed gently as I flicked bubbles off my knee. I told her the whole story of what happened today leaving out the sex. And for once she was speechless "what am I gonna do carina" I huffed "hmmmm well I think rio should talk to his brother first then his mum. Tell her the truth. She will be mad but then at least Sasha can't try and blackmail them." "but rio don't wanna drop his brother in it" I whispered in response. She sighed. "well shy he is gonna get in trouble anyway. I think honesty is best" I nodded as I leant over the side of the bath. "I'll tell him later then" I said coming round to the idea. I always felt better if dad knew something. Hopefully rio would too. "good" she answered and then we stayed on the phone for a further fourty five minutes discussing everything else. Before we said our good byes. I was now a prune so quickly scrubbed, washed my hair and got out. Drying off in my room I sang along to Beyonce until a knock on the door interrupted me. I had just finnished creaming so I pulled on rios tracksuit before unlocking the door. There in the hallway was Troy and Reece both in grey Nike jumpers and dark jeans with grey and white air max. Looking as massive and menacing as ever. I loved these guys they were so much fun. After jumping all over them and demanding my birthday presents early we finally got told off by dad. It was getting late and I was shattered so I sat with the boys whilst they ate then said my goodnights. in my room I text rio what I thought he should do and he agreed before I fell into a troubled sleep dreaming of rio and Sasha having a baby.

The next morning I awoke feeling uneasy. I didn't know why but something wasn't right. After freshening up I started on my hair. Straightening it to perfection. I had a side parting and curled the ends under so I had that Aaliyah look going on. I then started in on my outfit although I wasn't to sure about it. It was another of carina and Kayla's ideas and personally I thought it showed off a little too much leg to be worn around my family but hey the girls would never forgive me if I didn't wear the baby blue silky play suit. It had lace shoulders and back and a lace strip over the midsection. It came to mid thigh and had a little bit of a cleavage but nothing major. It was my legs I was worried about. I don't think my dad had seen me in shorts since I was about six. I laid it on the bed alongside my chunky gold ear rings, necklace and bracelet from primark and my black and gold wedges. I purposely chose the smallest wedge heel I could find that still looked feminine. Heels still weren't my thing. After spraying my lady million perfume that the twins had allowed me to open before my birthday I slid into the little play suit. It actually wasn't as bad as I thought. Although it didn't hide the size of my bum very well. It still looked cute. Checking the time it was already one thirty. Everyone was coming at three. I still had time. Dad called up the stairs to say he and Kieran were going to get some last minute bits and to make sure I put some drinks in the freezer and with that he was gone. I was so nervous staring in the mirror I hated being the centre of attention. And I knew the whole family were gonna interrogate rio. I heard the door go and slowly made my way down the stairs in my heels. I dunno why I was wearing them so early. Opening the door wide I gasped shaking my head vigorously as I struggled to breath. "what's up girl. Happy birthday for tomorrow and that" I just screwed hard as they tried to hand me the package in their hand. "shy who is it?" Reece asked walking down the stairs and pulling the door out of my now loose hand. I was still slightly shaking my head. Then Reece started talking like the two new each other. "yo Wagwan my yute. " he said laughing and Troy came down the stairs "Oi who's that?" "man like tugs fam, look at this sweet boy came baring gifts and shit." they were now all laughing as they man hugged and spudded. I just stood there. Reece took the bag out of jamals hand and crushed it to my chest and he put his arm around jamals shoulder and steered him round me into the house. "oh shit let me introduce you. Shy this is my boy jamal. Tugs this is my lickle sis shy. Fifteen tomorrow mad ting. Shy you don't mind tugs coming to your little shin dig do ya." I shut the door slowly looking like I had just seen a ghost I wanted to cry. Before I could even say anything jamal put his hand out "nice to meet you shy" oh. what the hell? I thought he was gonna say he knew me. I take it my brothers didn't know he wanted to be my man then. They would snap his neck off like a twig. He was just as tall as them but they were much broader. "shy you alright?" Troy said concerned. I turned to see him sitting on the stairs looking at me. In fact they were all just staring at me. Jamal still had his hand out. I quickly fixed my face. "yea I'm fine was just expecting rio that's all. Nice to meet you." I said quickly as I shook his hand briefly not even wanting to touch him. his eyes had turned murderous at the mention of rio but he instantly recovered himself "sorry to disappoint" he said quietly before being whisked upstairs. By Reece and Troy. Why. No how did he know my brothers. But then again they were proper bad boys I think everyone knew them an they were the same age as jamal. But why did they have to be friends. Rio was gonna freak. I lowered my self onto the bottom step and quickly hyperventilated. "he wont find out you know" I jumped out of my skin turning to see him coming back down the stairs. "your brothers don't know I know you" "cos you dont" I spat with vehemn as he sat beside me and he chuckled looking over his shoulder to check we were alone. "you look beautiful. I'm gonna be jealous all day" he whispered. "then leave" I responded angrily. And he laughed again. Why did he find everything so funny. "I been invited it would be rude to leave." I rolled my eyes "you could have declined" another laugh for god sake "relax beautiful I'm not gonna ruin your day shy I'm gonna stay well away. I will be with your brothers. And rio won't remember me cos it was dark that night in the car. Don't sweat it. Just enjoy your self. I promise you today your safe." I looked at him suspiciously hoping he was right "my brothers are gonna be looking for you" I said and he shook his head. "I said I forgot something in the car." I nodded and he stood and looked down at me licking his lips before walking to the door. he suddenly turned. "does he make you happy?" I nodded instantly. "completely" I said in response and he nodded his head slowly. As he let himself out I slowly walked up the stairs. why was my life like this. taking a deep breath I forewarned the girls with a text so they didn't give it all away when they arrived and waited on their arrival in my room. My uneasiness increased as I flopped in my bed. My bedroom door flung open making me jump out of my skin. "Shy we are in the garden yea?" Reece said leaning on the door and I looked over my shoulder and nodded. I was laying on my stomache facing the window so had to stretch my neck over my shoulder to see him. As he pushed himself off the frame and made his way down stairs followed by Troy and then Jamal. I noticed the way he stared at my bum and felt my self flushing. He didn't even try to hide his admiration of my rear end and that stressed me out further. Why did he have to be tight with the twins. Finally my doorbell rang alerting me my friends were here. Racing down the stairs which was probably snail speed in these heels. I swung the door open wide and felt myself relax a little. The girls looked beautiful as ever as we all hugged and screamed compliments at each other. Sean came down stairs and kissed his teeth at all the noise. "Shut up man" he said rudely walking into the frontroom. He did a double take at carina and spin around leaning on the banister. "What's going on carina" he said trying to make his voice sound deep and sexy as he licked his lips. And Kayla and I looked back and forth between an embarrassed carina and an over confident Sean. "err hi" she said pulling her hair behind her ear self consciously. I cleared my throat in swans direction three times before he realised my 'subtle' indications. He sighed and tapped on the banister as he made his way toward the kitchen. "That was awkward" carina mumbled as we fell about laughing at her. She looked so glamorous in her girly summer dress that came just below her knees. It was a pale sky blue that brought out her eyes and she ha her hair in a high ponytail. The wedges she was wearing complimented the dress. Kayla looked strictly ghetto in a pair of light denim dungarees a white vest and white and blue air maxes. Her short hair straightened into a perfect bob as it sat below her chin. She was chewing gum and blowing bubbles looking so ratchet but adorable too. I loved these nerds. "Kayla I thought you was wearing a dress?" I asked and she huffed before launching into a huge explanation. "Basically I was gonna wear that dress I brought like two weeks ago you know the beige and pink one. Ye I was gonna wear that with some sexy heels but mum was tryna chat about tights and then it all got political. How long till food I'm starving? Is that Reece and Troy doing the BBQ ? oh my god I'm so excited BBQ jerk chicken af fi fill me belly. And then Chris started talking a next bag of co2 saying if I wore a dress he was gonna dagger me and there is no way that's happening cos if I get too carried away I probably will let him which ain't the one at your bday party. Who's that with the twins? swear down that's Jamal swear down he looks like that? better than I member anyway where's the drinks your some crap host" I shook my head in wonder as carina looked out of the kitchen window at Jamal. "you think too will recognise him?" she asked and I shrugged biting my lip with worry. Kayla shook her head. "Doubt it I seen him like five times now and I still didn't recognise him today" Kayla intervened and carina nodded in agreement. "True" the door bell went again and I went to let various relatives in. When dad got back everyone had a drink and were all sitting or standing in the garden listening to reggae tunes as the BBQ started to cook the first set of burgers. The garden was getting fuller and fuller and still no sign of rio which was odd. At first I wasn't worried but when Chris and Cody turned up without him I decided to give him a call. At about eight the food was done and the front room furniture had been moved so that everyone could dance. Still no rio. This wasn't like him. Answering the door to more family I greeted them politely and was about to shut the door when a White Audi pulled up. For some reason I stayed at the door as the passengers climbed out. The driver was a huge white man wearing jeans and a blazer. He wasn't fat but he wasn't muscly either. He opens the door for his female companion who I instantly recognised as rios mum. There was pictures if her in his room. Eric as we'll but I just hadn't noticed. As If I need anymore clarification a smaller version of rio appeared from the back. my hands began to sweat I hadn't met rios family before. Not this part of his family anyway. They made their way to my front door and my throat went dry. Wait where was rio? "shy?" the lady questioned stepping through the gate. I fixed my face into a nervous smile feeling my face heat. "Hi" I said shyly and she opened her arms to me. "Hello baby. Nice to finally meet you, heard so much about you, come" she said summoning her son. Ricardo stepped forward and scratched the back of his neck awkwardly. "Hi shy nice to meet you" he said politely. Stepping out of rios mums embrace I waved hello to rios young clone. They were so close in looks it was crazy. Ricardo had the same features as rio and was fractionally lighter. he also had a huge puffy Afro held back in a pony tail. He really was gorgeous but not in the same league as rio. I finally greeted Eric and asked tanneisha where rio was. "Oh is he not here yet?" she asked confused. "Him and Sasha left about an hour before us" she frowned at my shocked face. "I hope you don't mind baby, Sasha asked if she could come on down with us as she's been feeling a bit low." "oh" was all I could manage as I felt the tears well up in my eyes i pushed them back and slapped a smile on my face. "We'll come on in I'm sure they will be here soon. " I said softly and she smiled brightly before stepping inside in front of the boys. Just as I was about to shut the door I saw rio walking briskly up the road. I turned back and saw dad was ushering rios mum into the kitchen so decided to wait for him. He was alone. And I was happy for that. the light over my front door showed his disheveled appearance. He had scratch marks on his face and neck. What the hell? as he approached I looked him up and down. Timberlands dark jeans and Ralph Lauren long sleeved cream polo moulded his body beautifully. "Sasha?" I asked and he kissed his teeth. Taking my hand he pulled me upstairs and into my room. "She's mad" he said pacing back and forth as he smoothed his hair. "What happened?" I said leaning on the door and Crossing my arms. He looked up and sighed.