Breathing Spirit

Chapter 31

Chapter 31

When roan woke the next morning her cheeks were still wet with tears. She had fallen asleep crying, mostly because she didn't know what would happen to her while Liam was away and she had every right to be worried. Lewis knew this was his chance to weaken Roan and Liam's relationship and with Roan upset, he knew it wouldn't take much for her to give. She just had to hear the truth. She went to the curtains and opened them looking at the gate, hoping he would just appear. But he didn't and he wasn't going to.

She got dressed and went downstairs. Jake and Darren were already sat eating. They hadn't looked or spoken to each other at all since they had sat down. Roan sat next to Jake and got herself some cereal.

"He's gone then?" Jake asked. Roan just nodded, her mouth was too dry and it took her a while to swallow the cornflakes.

"How will we tell Lewis?" Darren asked.

"We?" Jake asked. Darren just stared at Jake. "Sorry Darren, but we really have only you and dad to blame for this, so I don't think there is a WE in this. Do you agree Roan?"

She just shrugged, she did agree with Jake, but didn't want to make things any worse then they already were.

"Are you saying he left because of something I've done?" Darren asked.

"You pushed him too hard and dad puts too much pressure on him. He's seventeen. He deserves some time with his friends and with Roan. You shouldn't be stopping him. Dad should trust him to go out on his own. Dad should leave Roan alone so Liam doesn't have to worry about her. Why don't you think we never bring friends home from school. Why don't you think I've brought a girl home from school?" Jake asked. Darren looked away. "To keep them safe. Not just from the Breathing Spirits, but from you and Dad. You aren't to know our weaknesses. No one is." Jake said. Roan just sat awkwardly listening. Understanding every word and knowing that he was right.

Hazel then came in and sat down looking happy at herself.

"What's wrong with you lot and where's Liam?" She asked.

"Gone." Jake spat leaning back on his chair and glaring at Darren.

"What?" Hazel asked going quiet. She was shocked and speechless.

"It's true. He went last night." Roan said. It felt like the first time she had spoken in years.

"Why? "She asked.

"Who knows." Jake said sarcastically, looking at his plate. Darren got up and went to the door.

"There must be more to it then that. I wasn't the only reason and neither was Lewis. We all must have had something to do with it, otherwise he would have left before. Maybe it's his love life he wants to get away from." Darren snapped.

"Take that back." Roan demanded standing up. Lewis then came in.

"What's all the fuss?" He asked sitting down. Darren left the room without a word and Roan was about to go after him when Jake grabbed her arm and pulled her down.

"Let it go." He said to her. She shrugged him off and looked at Lewis.

"Where's Liam?" He asked. Everyone bit their lip and refused to make eye contact. No one knew how to explain it or who should do it, so Roan spoke up.

"Darren might know. I'll go and get him." She said and before Jake could stop her she was at the door and out of the room.

She barged into the training room where Darren stood hovering over the box.

"You're going to explain why Liam left last night to Lewis and if you mix me or Jake in with it, I will personally make your life a living hell." She said. He just looked at her.