Patch Our Hearts

Chapter 38

Ryder's P.O.V.

My chest ignited with sparks. I couldn't think straight. She consumed me in the way I had imagined for my entire life. She pulled away from the kiss, and I opened my eyes in complete surprise.

"How long?" She asked, her eyes jumping back and forth between mine.

In that moment, it was just her and I. The mess of Harry, Abby and Nolan seemed to vanish as I looked back into those beautiful eyes.

"How long what?" I asked, smirking a bit at how cute she was.

"Have you loved me?" Her voice was barley audible, her eyes dropping in embarrassment for some unknown reason.

I placed the tip of my fingers on her chin, pushing her head up to face mine again.

"Ever since I found out that I was losing you."

Her face dropped, and for a moment she was stunned.

"The band?" Her eyes wouldn't leave mine, and I could see right through her.

"I'm so sorry I didn't say goodbye; I couldn't face the fact that I'd have to say goodbye to you possibly forever." I blurted, watching the tears run down her face, and it killed me knowing that I was the cause of those tears.

"Ryder..." She whispered, hugging me. "Why didn't you tell me sooner?"

That's the question I have been forever asking myself. Why didn't I?

"I don't know," I whispered into Carina's hair, doubting that she even heard me.

"Fuck," I muttered when my phone rang, typical way to ruin the moment I have only been waiting my whole life for.

"Ryder, it might be important." Carina scolded, still holding onto me like I was the only stable thing in her life. Maybe I was.

It was Louis, which I thought was a little strange since Liam was the one who has been calling lately.

"Louis," I said, listening to the static and voices in the background.

"I know Liam said not to, but I think you need to bring Carina down here. Abby's awake and they don't know how much longer she'll be able to keep her eyes open." Louis sounded rushed and busy, so I told them we'd be there soon and hung up.

"Carina, do you want to go see Abby?" I asked, trying to see if she was mentally stable to see her best friend.

"Of course," Carina said, getting off of me and rushing out of the room.

I smiled, despite the stress that was just thrown upon me, because Carina was happy at this moment. I probably just confused the hell out of her, but I felt at peace.

Running downstairs with my keys in hand, I ran to the door passed Nolan, who was out of the couch. I didn't even give him a second glance, he could figure this shit out when he came to. Carina was out in the car, already waiting for me.

"Ryder let's go!" She said ecstatically, looking ahead on the road ahead of us.

I looked over at her as I started the car up, she was so beautiful.

I guess everything will have to wait for later then.

Carina's P.O.V.

The car ride was long enough, even with Ryder's terrible driving and speeding combined. I was stressed out and very worried about Abby; I couldn't imagine what she was going through.

I was so confused myself, even though I technically brought it on myself. I was the one who let one thought lead to another and then I was kissing him and it felt like a complete disaster.

It probably was, Ryder was thinking the same thing, I could see it in his eyes.

How had I looked right past his feelings when we were younger? I should've seen it when he would antagonize every boyfriend I had like he was my father, or how he would ask if they'd been treating me right. I'd just thought it was his over-protective friend side.

"Carina, are you coming?" Ryder asked, turning to me and I noticed we were there.

I couldn't think about this right now, the important case was Abby right now.

"Yeah," I said grabbing my purse and getting out of the car, walking as fast as I could.

Ryder was right behind me, and I couldn't help but think he always has been.

I don't even know anymore.

I felt like a zombie riding up the elevator, my thoughts consuming my actions, taking everything over.

Rounding the corner of the hallway, I could feel my heart beating like crazy in the anticipation.

Louis was standing, holding Harry in a hug as Harry shook from what I assumed him sobbing.

I started to run, my adrenaline taking over. Liam walked out of a room, and I slowed when I met to him. You could tell Liam was surprised that I was there as he looked to Ryder for an explanation. I didn't wait for Ryder, instead I just barged into the room Liam had emerged from.

As soon as I saw her my breath got caught in my chest, Abby was staring out the window onto the city below. She didn't even look over at me, and I didn't blame her.

The door slammed behind me, and I just didn't know how to react.

I slowly walked over to her side of the bed, pulling up a chair that was sitting in the room.

"Abby," I started, my mind racing and in a complete mess. How could I have kissed Ryder and stayed at Liam's while my best friend was like this.

She turned her head and I held in a gasp, taking in her face. There was several bruises and hickeys on her face, and I knew they were from Gavin.

"Where is that bastard?" Abby asked, her voice cracking and dry, so I grabbed a glass of water for her.

"Harry?" I asked, not sure where they stood.

"Gavin," Abby clarified, downing the glass.

I was a little taken back, I thought she would've been furious with Harry, he was the one who allowed her to get raped.

"He's been arrested and in jail, he goes in for his court hearing next week." I recited what Ryder had told me earlier.

I didn't want to ask about Harry, I twas obvious that she didn't want to talk about him or the whole situation. She looked so uncomfortable in her own skin and that pained me so much.

"Are you okay?" I started off with asking, just as the door opened behind me, causing Abby's eyes to go wide.

"Harry, can we have some privacy?" I asked when I turned around to meet him, not sure if Abby wanted him in the room. Harry's eyes were red and tired, like he hadn't slept or stopped crying.

"I need to say something to Abby, I have to go." He practically begged, and I realized he was back, so Management was going to be down his throat.

"Make it quick, I don't know how well she is." I whispered.

He nodded stepping into the center of the room, right in front of Abby's bed.

"Abby..."