Butterfly (Prequal to Burn)

T E N

"Hello?" I asked from the bed within Tyler's new apartment. He kissed my bare shoulder and nuzzled his nose against the nape of my neck. About a few weeks ago, Tyler had earned enough money to get himself a small apartment. I found myself sleeping over most nights. I'd moved some of my things in because I'd been over so frequently, "Oh my god. What?"

ℛℳ

"He just fell." I explained as Tyler raced to the hospital, "They said they don't know what's wrong with him. They're in surgery now."

"Everything's gonna be okay, Tyler." His hand found the back of my head and he brushed my hair with his palm, "I promise."

I nodded and my breath hitched when the hospital came into focus. We pulled into a parking lot and rushed for the doors.

*2 months ago*

"We went to his place and had sex." I told Michelle.

"OMG, your first time?!" She squealed happily. I nodded.

"He's a player, Michelle. I caught him with yet another woman. I was so stupid to think that he'd be some type of loyal boyfriend." I buried my face within my hands.

"Oh..." Michelle said solemnly, "Well, you don't need him. You've got me." I giggled and hugged her tightly.

I rushed into the waiting room. Ella opened her arms wide and I ran into them. She stroked my hair, "It'll be okay.." She whispered. I cried into her shoulder. Another hand landed on my shoulder and Robbie took me into his arms. I sobbed.

I peeked around the room. Tears blurred my vision but that was irrelevant when I spotted my brother sitting in his chair. His leg was bouncing as anxiety wracked his body. He looked up and rushed to me quickly. I wrapped my arms around his neck as he began to cry, "It's okay.." he whispered, "Tell me it's okay.."

I shook my head and he rubbed my back. His dirty blonde hair longer and falling into his eyes as tears welled up against his water line. Movement sprouted in the corner of my eyes and I caught Jax shifting in the corner. He gave me a nod and looked away.

Always following his brother...

I sat down beside my sister and Tyler. He put and arm around my shoulders and leaned his head against mine, "Everything will be okay." He whispered again. He stroked my hair as we waited.

"Where's Mom?" I asked Jake. He shook his head that rested in his hands.

"Probably doesn't give a shit." He snapped, "she never has."

"That isn't true, Jake." I said lowly. He stood up quickly and I saw Jax dart up too. He glared at Jake. Taunting him. Daring him.

Warning him.

"Then tell me when she ever made an effort for dad. How about me?!" He snapped. I stood up and Tyler did too this time. I got in Jake's face.

"She's done enough for him. We took his bullshit for years. We tried to help him! He didn't want to be helped! Mom waisted so much money just to please him! She loved him. She would've died for him. I don't blame her if she doesn't show up. As for you, it was your decision to stay with that man. Mom fought long and hard for custody of you but you had to make it difficult. I'm tired of your resentment. I'm tired of your lies and it's high time you keep your goddamn mouth shut!" I shouted. Jake stood back as if I'd slapped him. He sit down slowly and rested his face in his hands again, doing as I said and keeping his mouth shut.

The waiting room doors opened and a surgeon walked out. He didn't look happy and my heart dropped. He shook his head at himself before walking over to us, "Mr. Miller?" He called and Jake rose. I stood along with him and we walked over to greet the man, albeit reluctantly.

"I'm so sorry. It was an aneurism. We were too late." He shook his head and my heart dropped, "He didn't make it through the procedure."

I nodded once. Twice and turned to Tyler. His eyes were full of grief. I couldn't stomach it. Pain wracked my heart and I couldn't stop from falling to my knees. Tyler scooped me up and rocked me back and forth, "It's going to be okay."

It's going to be okay, Little Riley. Remember, flowers grow back.

I sobbed louder and Tyler picked me up and walked from the hospital with me in arms.