Destroying Everything

Chapter 17

Josh's P.O.V

I got up from my seat and headed outside. Things were too serious inside, and at that particular moment, I couldn't handle that. The cool night air hit me like a ton of bricks the moment I stepped out the door and I immediately hated myself for not bringing a hoodie. I sighed and shook my head as I looked out, leaning against the rails. 

This wasn't fair. Just when I get my memory back, something else has to happen. Something terrible. This wouldn't be happening if my stupid ass has just stayed in the room that night. Why didn't I stay inside?

It didn't make sense. I was finally alone with Devin. Something that doesn't happen too often. Why didn't I soak up the time we had? I guess there's no use kicking myself and pondering the what if's. It doesn't matter now. All that matters is how we're going to band together and get Chris out of this. 

Chris and Ricky hadn't given up on me and Devin, and we sure as hell weren't going to give up on him. That was a promise I was going to keep. 

I jumped a bit when the door opened and Devin walked outside to join me. He offered me a small smile and walked over to me, wrapping an arm around my waist. "How you holding up, baby?" He asked.

I shrugged and looked over at him for a moment before resting my head against his shoulder. "I can't help thinking this is all my fault." I said, sighing. 

Devin shook his head, "Josh, I really wish you'd stop talking like that. None of this is your fault. Okay? None of it. You didn't know any of this would happen, and if you'd had time to think about it, you would have probably stayed in the room with me." He added. 

He was right. If I'd known then what I know now, I would have never left that room. Then none of this would be happening now. 

"I just wish this was all over. Chris was home, and we were all sitting around the house bullshitting like we always do." I said.

I could tell he was worried, probably more worried than he was letting on. Chris was one of his best friends, hell, Chris was one of all our best friends. Seeing him in handcuffs was enough to upset anyone. 

"Let's go back inside" Devin started, "It's getting chilly out here and I don't wanna leave Ricky alone for too long." 

I nodded and allowed him to lead me back inside the house. Ryan looked up when we walked in, bringing his finger up to his mouth. 

I couldn't help but smile when I saw it. Ricky sound asleep on Ryan's lap. Good job, Ry. According to Ryan, neither Chris or Ricky had gotten much sleep since I'd been in the hospital. So, I was thankful he was getting at least some sleep now. 

I glanced at my phone 1:32am. No wonder I was getting a bit sleepy. I yawned and flopped down on the couch opposite Ryan and Ricky, Devin wasted no time in joining me, pulling me gently against his chest.

"I vote we all try to get some sleep. Might as well make this one big slumber party" He teased. 

"Sounds good to me" Ryan said as he pulled the blanket over Ricky's shoulders, draping one across himself as well. 

Devin grabbed a blanket and pulled it over the both of us, pressing a kiss to the top of my head "I love you..." He said as his voice trailed off. 

I smiled and looked up, he was already asleep. "I love you too, baby." I said as I let my eyes slip closed slowly.
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Chris' P.O.V

I was exhausted. Both mentally and physically. I knew there was no chance I'd get any sleep tonight. I kept thinking about Ricky. I knew the others would take care of him, but I couldn't help wanting to be with him. Especially now. 

"Look alive, Cerulli. You're getting a cellmate." One of the officers said, snickering as they threw some guy in the cell with me. I paid no real attention to him, instead, rolled over on my side facing the wall. 

"What? Too good to look at someone?" He asked.

Still, I didn't make any move to turn around or even acknowledge his presence. 

"Look at me you little emo fag. You killed my best friend."

My heart stopped. What did he say? I swallowed hard and slowly turned around, coming face to face with one of the guys that got away. 

"Bet you never thought you'd see me again, huh?" He spat, clenching his fists. 

I slowly sat up, keeping my eyes locked on him. I wasn't too proud to admit I was terrified. I wasn't sure what this guy was capable of, and I knew he wanted to hurt me. I could see it in his eyes. Nothing could happen now though, right? I was in jail. There were tons of cops around, he wouldn't be that stupid. Would he?

"What do you want?" I asked, my voice shaky although I was trying my best to keep calm. 

"Well, for starters, I'd like my best friend back...but, that's not going to happen. Because you killed him. So, I guess I'll settle for killing you. That might make me feel better. What do you think?" He asked.

I shook my head. Yeah, like I was really going to beg him to kill me. 

"Please, I have a family I want to get home too as soon as I can..." I begged. 

He smirked. "Aww, well you know what? Tony had a family too. A girl and he had a baby on the way. Now, he's never gonna meet her, and that baby will grow up never knowing her dad. And that's all thanks to you. Chris, the emo fag." He said once more, coming a bit closer to me. 

"Listen," I began, backing up as far as I could from him "I didn't want to kill him. Just wanted to make him pay for what he did to Josh...." 

"Josh?! He didn't kill Josh! He beat him up. He got amnesia, but he's fine now. He gets to live everyday with his family and friends, Tony don't." He shook his head, pushing me against the wall, hard. "You didn't give him a chance, and now, I'm not going to give you one." He said. 

He couldn't kill me. He was unarmed. I tried my best to think the best. Was this the end? Was I really about to die?

He slipped his hand around my throat and began to squeeze. I tried to wiggle away from his grip, tried kicking and moving my hands, but it wasn't working. 

There was no emotion on his face. He stared at me, directly in the eyes as he continued to choke me. Why wasn't a guard coming by to check on us yet? 

I wasn't sure how long we'd been in this position, but I was soon finding it harder and harder to fight back. My life was slowly slipping away from me and I was helpless to stop it. 
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Soon his body stopped fighting and he went limp in my arms. I grinned and released my hand from around his throat. Checking to make sure no one was around, I carefully laid him down on his mattress, taking a deep breath as I looked at him. Was he alive? I leaned down, checking for a pulse. None. I laughed, spitting on his face as I whispered "That's for Tony bitch."