Only You

Chapter 11

"Look at how cute they look"

"Sam....take notes"

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"Forget I said anything"

"Should we wake them up"

I groan slightly, the heavy weight of an arm constricting any movement. "Somebody help" I sigh out, my body too achy to even think about moving. I hear a few chuckles and then a large bang. Declan's body jumps away from mine, and I hear a crash on the side of the bed.

"WHAT THE FU-"

"PIG PILE!"

I turn my head over just in time to see Johnny jumping directly on top of a dazed looking Declan. Then a flash of arms and legs rolling around on the floor at least until Declan pins a mop of blonde hair on the ground, smushing Johnny's face into the carpet.

"If you ever even think of doing that again, I will skin you alive" Declan growls out, breathing heavily, then rolls onto the ground beside the grinning Johnny smiling slightly. I giggle softly, happy to see the two boys rough housing like they are supposed to be. I gain the attention of five sets of eyes all expectant of the explanation I'm not willing to give.

I sigh softly, looking down at my hands, fiddling with the blankets surrounding me.

"I should probably shower..." I say awkwardly, moving to the edge of my bed and towards my closet. I grab a pair of leggings, socks, and a big sweatshirt all too aware of eyes following my movements. Once I have things gathered I turn back to the group, smile awkwardly and scurry into the bathroom.

I take my time, enjoying the hot water running down my sore body, washing off all the sweat and stink. After about 30 minutes I sigh and turn off the water. Stepping out, I dry off, throw on my clothes, run a brush through my hair, and apply a little makeup to make myself look a little less like death.

I take a deep breath and prep myself for their inevitable interrogation, I open the door and walk into the same room that I left. Five people all sitting on my bed starring at me. I sigh and walk out my bedroom door, down the stairs and into the living room. Once the last person, being Declan enters, I sit down on the recliner chair.

"Guys, I'm fine. Honestly it was just a bad dream" I say crossing my arms over my chest and leaning back against the couch, struggling to maintain eye contact.

I see Sophie walk over from the corner of my vision, and sit down beside me, laying a hand on my own.

"Listen Ronnie, I know you haven't known us for long but you can trust us. We care about you, and from the outside looking in we can see you're dealing with something that we could help you with." She says, looking at the side of my face. I nod my head slowly, feeling my eyes blur slightly. Aware that the last thing I want to do is cry in front of them I take a deep breath, blink rapidly, and look up. Smiling slightly,

"My mother died in an armed robbery when I was young. I was there and sometimes I get bad dreams about it. It doesn't happen often, so I wasn't really worried about it. I'm sorry for scaring you guys," I say with a reassuring look, trying to get them to understand that I have things under control. I see a few understanding nods.

"I've struggled with anxiety for a long time, that's why Declan asked for my help," says a serious Johnny. I nod my head and give him a genuine smile, "thanks John."

"My moms in jail and my dad left before I was born," says Landon from across the room, giving me a saddened smile. I nod my head and look around at this strong and resilient group of people.

"We're all kind of screwed up Ronnie, but we've made a family with each other, and you have become a part of that, you too Lily," says Sophie squeezing my hand and throwing Lily a soft smile.

"We've been a little broken for a while now. We probably need you just as much as you need us" Declan says looking at the floor uncomfortably, "I may not have been very welcoming at first, but I think I speak for myself and everyone here that we enjoy having your around. You can be a part of our family, if that's something that you wanted." 

Looking up I make eye contact with him, tears immediately jumping to my eyes. I nod slowly and smile genuinely for the first time in over six years. Never before have I felt as if I belong as I do right now, and I'm coming to the realization that I depend on these people far more than I first anticipated. I know I shouldn't trust them as much as I do but I can't help the attachment that I feel.

"PIG PILE" I hear from my left and before I know whats happening I see a blur of blonde and then a large body on top on me, careful not to put too much weight of course.

"Come on guys," He says over his shoulder and suddenly about four peoples worth of weight is added to my body. I laugh loudly, barely registering the pain in my body, and try to tickle Johnny.

"Hey, stop that," he says swatting half heartedly at my hands. People begin to fall, both on the couch and the floor, laughing hysterically and I sigh in content, happy with those around me.

__________________________

"Declan I seriously can't do this" I sigh out, my head falling to the steering wheel.

"It's two peddles, Ronnie, Im sure you'll be fine," he says between chuckles, reveling in my utter lack of determination.

I groan loudly, and put his truck into drive. We're in a vacant parking lot outside of town, with the sole purpose of teaching me to drive. It's been about a few weeks since our little heart to heart in the living room of my house. Everything is even better than before, and me and Declan have gotten closer as well. My father has been no where to be seen and I am beginning to feel safe at home, no sign of Anthony or his crew, my ribs are finally starting to feel normal again (with the help of Declan of course) and Thanksgiving is fast approaching. Although I have never really enjoyed holidays I think this year will be different, with a family I can finally spend it with.

"Are we going to move," says a smirking voice to my right. I groan loudly and slowly begin to put pressure on the gas peddle. I begin to crawl forward, scared to go any faster.

"You're going to need to go faster than that" Declan says, sighing loudly. I put more pressure on and move faster, smiling wide as I pick up speed.

"I'm doing it!" I yell enthusiastically, turning slightly to see a grinning Declan. I turn forward again and begin to crank the wheel to the left slightly, and continue to drive around the parking lot in random patterns, braking and giving it gas occasionally.

"This is easy, I don't even need you" I say coming to a stop and putting the truck in park. I turn in my seat and give him a cheeky smile. He rolls his eyes and chuckles,

"But...you do need my truck so.." he says opening his car door so we can switch. I scoff and do the same, skipping to the passenger side.

"Oh please, I could get anyone of those morons to led me their cars" I say smirking towards him. He raises an eyebrow looking at me quizzically.

"But you still wanted me to teach you." He says smirking slightly. I feel heat rush to my cheeks and I turn to look out the window. For the past few weeks we've had a weird relationship. I think it's flirting, I'm not sure, but I do know that what I feel towards him is very different from what I feel for the other guys. We've come a long way since I spilled coffee all over him. I don't really now how to feel but it scares me either way.

"Whatever" I say shaking my head and waiting for him to drive me home.