Ellington's POV
The second Rydel barged into the room, I knew nothing about this situation was good. She looked equal parts angry and terrified. I could tell she was trying not to look at me, probably out of embarrassment of her first real relationship being seen by the entire world. Rydel kept looking back and forth to each of her brothers. Ross looked concerned, Rocky looked somewhat angry, Ryland looked upset, and Riker just looked confused. Oh shit Riker.
"Can someone tell me what's going on?" Riker looked at each of us with the same questioning look. We all looked around at each other, not quite sure what to do. Finally Ryland spoke up.
"I screwed up and accidentally posted something about Rydel's song from the album, you know she's really proud of it and didn't want anything to get out too early." He lied so easily it was almost scary. I watched Riker's face hoping for a good response, but he didn't react like I thought or hoped he would. Instead of looking understanding or even suspicious, he just looked upset.
"Oh. Listen, I'm gonna go help dad with the modified set list for the show." He walked out of the room, leaving all of us stunned. Was keeping this secret really worth hiding so much from Riker? After all he was one of my best friends, and more importantly, Rydel's big brother.
"M-maybe you should tell him..." Ross stuttered from behind Rydel. You could hear in his voice that he knew what he was saying was risky.
"Are you serious?" Rydel snapped. "This is Riker! If he hears one word about this he'll make my life a living hell! Not to mention he'll never look at Ell the same way! Honestly, telling him is the last thing I'd ever think of doing. And I swear to god if you say anything to him I'll never speak to you, any of you." She stormed out slamming the door shut behind her. I held my breath. I'd never seen her get so mad about anything.
"Damn." Was all Ross could say. He and Rocky were just as stunned as I was.
"Ugh." I sat forward throwing my forehead into my hands. I had no idea what to do about this. My girlfriend was pissed and I was lying to my best friend.
"Go talk to her." Rocky spoke quietly, probably so Rydel wouldn't hear us if she was listening. Her bunk was right by the door and that's where she always went when she was mad or upset or just didn't feel like talking to anyone.
"Wish me luck." I stood up and walked to the door. I opened it slowly, slightly scared. "Rydel?" I whispered. Her curtain opened and she was inside laying face down on her pillow.
"What?" She asked. Her voice was muffled, it didn't sound normal.
"Are you okay?" I tried to sound as sensitive as possible.
"No." She replied. Before I could say anything else, she lifted her head and looked at me. Her eyes were red and puffy, like she was crying. My heart dropped. "I'm not okay. Everything in my life is falling apart. Every where I go I pray that no one sees us and thinks something of it. I can't stand next to you in public anymore because I'm terrified that somebody will notice that we're standing closer than normal. I can't see fans anymore without my heart stopping. My own parents didn't know about us. I'm lying to everyone I care about because of us! My own brother, the person who means absolutely everything to me may never speak to me again."
I didn't know what to say. She started crying even harder.
"I can't do it anymore!" She yelled.
"Do what?" I asked. She paused before answering.
"This! I can't do us anymore!"
I felt my heart rip in half. "Rydel..."
"I'm sorry." She cried. "I can't do this."
Author's Note
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Sorry it took so long to update, hope this ending makes up for it!
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