Live Your Life

23

Bree POV

"Ralph?" I asked in total shock.

This can not be true. He was in the burning house. There is no way. I have to be seeing shit.

"In the flesh. You gonna just stand there or give me a hug?" He must be crazy. I am NOT about to touch him.

"No! How...why are you here?"

"I just thought it was about time that I came back. I'm tired of hiding. I don't got a reason to anymore. I saw you walking and couldn't believe it." He said with that smile that I once loved in my life.

"I...I don't understand. How are you alive?" I asked. I'm so confused right now.

"Let me take you out to eat and I will explain everything." He said holding his hand out. I looked at it then back at him.

"I'm going no where with you. Let's not forget that you where abusive and raped me. I wish your were dead." I said as calm as possible. For all I know, he can still be crazy.

"I swear Bree, I'm a changed man. I used these years to reflect on my self and I have taken some self control classes and I see a therapist regularly. I swear I won't touch you, I just want to buy you lunch." He said. I looked at his face and he looked sincere.

..........

"Start off by telling me how you are alive." I said, wasting no time.

I don't know how I ended up in Ralph's car but I did and now we are at a restaurant by the beach. This is so wrong.

"Well I was in critical condition for a few months. After your people left, I crawled out through a window. I was struggling from the smoke in my lungs and the multiple gun shot wounds. Thank god that the ambulance and fire department came just in time. I was slowly slipping away." He said. I don't know why but a part of me felt bad.

"I'm sorry you went through that."

"Bree, don't apologize. I deserve more than that. I was a mess back then and I honestly disgust myself. The thought of you no longer being with me made me go crazy." He said. Our food came and we started eating.

"Where have you been all this time then?" I asked.

"I went to Cali for a bit to get away. Then I moved to Texas and I just moved back here." He said. I nodded and picked at my salad.

"I miss you Bree."

"Ralph, I-"

"I know you hate me but I want you to know that I am totally apologetic. I screwed up and messed you up. I was a mess but I'm good now." He said. I know Ralph and as much as I want him to be lying right now, he isn't.

"I think I should be getting home now." I said quickly. I'm pretty sure Craig has a feeling I'm not walking anymore.

"Can we exchange numbers. I would like for us to be friends at least. I know things won't ever be the same." He said.

It can't hurt giving him my number. Before all the bullshit, we had really good times. Maybe we can get back to that point but on a friend level.

"Sure." I took his phone and put my number in. Oh boy.

.............

I quietly walked in to the house and I guess Slim is in his office because he hasn't come and yelled at me yet.

I climbed upstairs and in to our room. I undressed and changed in to one of Slim's t shirts.

I went back downstairs and towards his office. The smell of weed started to become stronger as I got closer.