Saying Goodbye (Inspired by true events)

Chapter 8

Chapter 8

I looked up at the clock realizing that it's been over an hour since Nick left. Where did he take off to? Riley was still there I think he might have been half asleep but either way he was here for me and not being alone made me feel less miserable and broken than I would have if I had to sit here on my own.

"Thanks for being there for me." I leaned over to hug him. I knew I perceived Riley to be a carefree ass, but I knew he had a soft spot deep down and for some reason every time he did something sweet it still surprised me. Riley widened his eyes before stretching a little.

"Have you ever seen your dad do anything?" I asked curiously.

“ I don't really want to talk about it." Riley started getting stiff with anger, but I wasn’t sure if he was angry with me for meddling or angry with himself for remembering.

"Please Riley?" I needed to know just how deep I got myself into shit.

"Some guy owed my father five grand, he had someone beat his pregnant wife until she lost the baby because he couldn't make the payment. My dad's filthy rich from his company with all those stocks and bonds, but he's kinda like a loan shark he'll do you a favour but the interest in return is high you'll owe him a lot more." Riley looked worried for me, I don’t think he knew exactly what had gone on or why Nick had to talk to his dad in the first place but it was clear whatever I’d have to do would be pretty bad.

Not more than a minute later in walked Nick. Before he could say a word, I refused to look at him, I stood up and said goodnight to Riley then headed to the bedroom closing the door behind me. He had some nerve. Yelling at me wasn't so bad, leaving me a long time without telling me where he was going or if he was coming back was bad but leaving me a wreck so his brother could comfort me instead of him was wrong. I heard a knock at the door.

"Go away , I'm not here." I said stubbornly.

"Ali, it's Riley let me in." Riley pleaded. I sighed Nick didn't even want to talk to me. I slugged my butt to the door and opened it.

" Nick's sulking on the couch like a baby because he's convinced you won't forgive him." Riley said blocking the door so I couldn't close it.

I glanced over his shoulder to see a sad stressed Nick sitting alone.

"Good! Maybe I wont." I argued.

Riley sighed "I didn't want to have to do this." He picked me up like I was light as a pillow and threw me over his shoulder.

"Riley, you put me down right now!" I huffed.

He tossed me next to Nick on the couch. I didn't say a word neither did Nick, Riley cracked a huge grin.

"Okay guys looks like you need a conflict mediator to resolve this issue." His tone was energetic and amused.

"Ali, say you’re sorry!" Riley demanded.

I bit my lip while thinking. "Nick, I am sorry for going behind your back."

Nick looked at me in disbelief, like I still didn't get it. " But you’re not sorry for making a deal with my dad?"

Oh, I was going to explode. "No Nick- I'm even sorry for not being sorry! You've done everything for me and I cause you more grief than you deserve. You’re better off without me." My hands were shaking as my breathing sped up. To speak the truth was a scary thing.

As soon as Nick heard those last words he grabbed my hands in his and brought his face up to mine. " Never, ever say I'm better off without you."

"I was trying to help. " I said managing to keep myself in tact.