Better With You

XVIII

RYDER'S POV

Luke's hand was squeezing my wrist so hard I couldn't move.

I knew he meant it in a comforting matter.

Since I couldn't run away, I did something even worse.

I shut down.

I got on the floor and put my knees up to my chest.

My whole body was shaking.

I couldn't help but cry.

Luke came by my side.

Everyone started crowding in.

Griffin looked like she was about to burst.

Margarita looked like she was going to kill me.

Weston looked confused.

Mikey just looked plain guilty.

Griffin came an inch closer to me.

"Brava! Actress of the year goes to you, Ryder! Now stop the act so we can finish this meeting and you can leave sooner." She hissed.

Her words and them crowding around me just made me worse.

"Everyone needs to back the fuck up and away." Luke demanded.

Margarita stomped her way into the living room sitting dramatically on the couch.

Weston backed up until he hit a wall.

Mikey had to physically pick up Griffin to back her up.

Luke grabbed my hand.

"Squeeze my hand." He said.

"We're going to count, okay?" He asked.

I was too shaky to even nod my head.

"Ready? Okay. One. Focus on your breathing. Two. Nice and easy breaths. Three. In and out. Four. Your breathing is back to normal. Five. I love you so much. Six. Squeeze my hand harder. Seven. I don't care if you hurt me. Eight. You stopped shaking. Nine. You're the most beautiful I've ever met. Ten. I'll never leave you." He said in the most soothing voice ever.

He dried my eyes and helped me up.

Everyone's face looked shooked.

"We're leaving." Luke said.

Before we could make it to the door, Mikey came running up to him.

He grabbed Luke and hugged him.

"I'm so sorry. I've been the worst best friend ever I know. But please let me prove to you I can be a better friend." He rambled.

"You hurt my girlfriend. But you're my best friend. One chance is all you're getting." He warned.

We got in the car.

Before Luke could put the key in the ignition, I burst out crying.

"Why can't I be normal?" I kept asking.

He held me.

"Shhh. Don't say that. You're extraordinary. I love you so much." He said stroking my hair.