Everything Opposite

Chapter Seven

One month later....

Ryleigh
We've been on tour for a month. I've barely left my bunk. I'm feeling so weighed down and heavy. Josh and I have this distance I can't crack. He seems to be pushing me away. I'm just waiting for him to tell me to get out.

I rolled over to try to go back to sleep when my curtain was pulled back. I groaned. Someone poked my back. I ignored it and tried to sleep. "Ryleigh! Ryleigh! Ryleigh!"someone whispered with each poke. It continued so I flipped over. I met a shocked Brendon who's finger was a half inch away from touching my face. "What the fuck do you want?"I grumbled. "Would---? You know what, never mind. I'm just gonna---"he said and never finished his sentence before running off.

I yanked the curtain closed again and tried to sleep. A moment later, bright light invaded my bunk. "What the actual hell, Brendon? Tell me what the fuck you want,"I said angrily as I rolled over. Instead of Brendon, I came face to face with Pete. "That was harsh,"he said. "Sorry, Pete-y,"I whispered. "Do you want to come with me? I want to show you something,"he said. I hesitated. I would rather sleep. As if sensing my hesitation, he gave me a blinding smile that he probably reserved for Saint and Bronx. It worked on me, too.

"Give me a few to get changed,"I mumbled and climbed down to get clothes from my suitcase. I slid on my black skinny jeans and a shirt with some TØP symbol on the front that Tyler got me. The back had R.R. Dun. I tossed a grey and black beanie on my head before following Pete into the venue. He led me to an empty stage. "Crazy, yeah? Right now there's an empty silence but in a couple hours it'll be full of fans screaming and cheering,"he said, sitting on the edge. I didn't sit. He looked at me.

"I know you didn't bring me here just for an empty venue. What's actually going on?"I asked, crossing my arms over my chest. "Nothing, I just wanted to spend time with you, all you've done is lay in your bunk,"Pete said. "Bullshit! Let me guess Josh is sick of me so he's finding an orphanage to stick me in. I know I'm a fucking handful,"I spat angrily. "No, of course not! Ryleigh, he loves you. We all do. We're worried about you, you haven't been yourself,"Pete said. I scoffed. "Don't lie to me. You've seen the distance between Josh and I. He shoves me away when he can,"I said. Tears were welling in my eyes. "Ryleigh, I---"Pete said but that's all I heard because I turned to run.

I heard his footsteps behind me but I didn't slow down. I knew I would lose him as I took turn after turn. I was still really fit from running six to ten miles every day. Finally, the footsteps faded and I stopped outside a door with my hands on my knees to breathe. I heard voices so I stood still, not daring to take a breath even though it hurt. "You need to tell her!"someone said loudly. They sounded similar to Brendon. "I know but I don't know how. How would you do this? It would tear her world apart,"someone, sounding like an exasperated Josh, said.

"She deserves to fucking know!"Brendon shouted angrily. I didn't let them say anymore as I shoved the door open. "I deserve to know what?"I asked, crossing my arms over my chest. The looked at me in terrified shock. "What is it? Are you tired of me so I'm going to an orphanage?"I asked, sick of everyone's bullshit today.

"Of course not, Ryleigh!"Brendon said, shooting a look at Josh. "Can you sit, please? We need to talk,"Josh begged. "I'd rather stand,"I said, looking at him. "You'remysister,"he blurted. "What?"I exclaimed, not entirely sure what he said. "You're my sister!"he said again, slower. I froze in shock. "How?"I barely whispered. 

"My mom and dad were on the outs sixteen years ago and she kicked him out. In that time frame, he met a gorgeous young woman. They slept together. Awhile later, he moved home and intended to never see her again. The woman showed up pregnant. My dad saw the baby girl the day she was born. Two days later, the woman and the baby were no where to be seen again. My dad and our family have been searching for fifteen years to find that baby girl named Ryleigh Rowan Dun. It happened to be chance I found a girl similar to her on a bridge one night. I talked to my family and everything lined up. The woman changed the baby's last name to Harper,"he said.

"How long have you known?"I asked as my voice caught. "It doesn't matter,"he said. "Yes it does. Were you ever planning to tell me?"I asked with teary eyes. "Since the hospital. They ran a DNA test,"he said and handed me a slip of paper. I felt myself panicking and I took off running. I found a small bathroom and locked the door before I slid down it to sit on the floor. I felt my tears welling and I couldn't stop the pressure in my chest as I sobbed.

There was a knock on the door. I didn't answer and eventually it faded. Awhile later, a light knock sounded. "What?"I choked out. "Can I come in?"a voice asked. I couldn't quite place it but with robotic movements I unlocked the door. Alex Gaskarth pushed the door open then shut it and locked it back. He pulled me into a hug and I held to him like he was my lifeline as I start sobbing. "Shh, breathe. It's okay. It's just chemicals,"he whispered to me as I cried and he stroked my hair.

A/N: Hey y'all! So if y'all saw my conversation board, the original chapter 7 got deleted. I stayed up to write this to replace it, I know it's not the same but I hope this one is good. I've been struggling the last few days and of course my sore, swollen arm doesn't help. Next chapter will hopefully be up soon. I'm so sorry you guys. Leave me a comment with your thoughts. Much love!

B