Fake Tales

Chapter 28- The Big Reveal

Chapter 28- The Big Reveal

"You are crueller than I thought Mel" A tired voice filled the room. I knew that voice, but in a way, I didn't. I peeked through my fingers, willing it to be true. Dom released Mel and she approached me, appearing as though a role reversal had taken place. Now it was her who looked vulnerable, afraid of my reaction whereas I was angry.

I stood up, not bothering to wipe my face. Mel pulled me into a tight hug, stroking the back of my head in a tenderness that reminded me of mum. I returned the hug instantly.

"Was that really necessary?" I whispered, though my anger had quite evaporated. Mel pulled away to look at me, running a hand through her red hair. There were deep, dark circles under her eyes, and the lines of her face were sharp and defined. As I took this in, I regretted my statement at once. Of course it was, if she had done that to me... Well God knows what I would have been like.

"You only thought she was dead for a couple of minutes, 7 months Greg! 7 months thinking that my brother had found life so unbearable that he didn't even stay alive for me" She cried, her voice breaking on the final word. I surveyed her with deep sadness in my heart.

"I had to do it Mel. They needed to believe I had died; otherwise he was never going to leave you alone. It was the hardest decision I've ever made and I'm so sorry I couldn't tell you, couldn't even let you know you hadn't lost me" I locked eyes with her, engaging her with my steadfast gaze, willing her to believe me.

"Promise me Greg: never do anything like this again. No more trouble" She begged, her hand squeezing mine in desperation.

"Promise" I said solemnly, before adding: "Besides, I think I've had enough trouble to last a lifetime" I grinned and she gave me a playful hit on the arm that had as about as much force as a butterfly.

In the corner of my eye, I noticed Maddy looking between us and smiling. Just like that the flare of happiness I had felt in that brief moment with my sister was stifled by the fear at the conversation I knew I had to have. I stepped towards the bed, fussing with the untidy clothes I found myself in and wishing I looked better. Dean peeked at Maddy to see if it was ok with a sense of such clear camaraderie that I felt slightly intimidated, before he rose from his chair to offer it to me.

I felt my eyebrows rise in surprise, anticipating more resistance from them that I had nearly killed their best friend. I sat down and before I could think it through or worry about whether it was what she wanted, I took her cold hand in my own. She flinched slightly and I almost regretted touching her, but that itching feeling I got when I was around her was too much to resist.

Dean cleared his throat to Dom and Mel and tilted his head towards the door pointedly. Dom caught on at once:

"We're just going to get a cup of coffee" He said, giving Mel a significant glance.

"I don't like coffee" Mel said, confused. Dean face palmed silently.

"I was trying to be subtle, but now it has failed. Give them a minute Mel" Dean said in a 'you're an idiot' tone. Mel's face dawned in comprehension, blushing slightly as she realised her mistake. They closed the door behind them, Lin grinning like an idiot after them. I smiled slightly at the contentment that lit up her face, knowing that no matter how much I wanted to: I could never be the one to put it there. I just wasn't good enough.

"Thank you for saving my life Lin" I murmured, stroking the soft skin of her palm absentmindedly, scarcely believing she was here before me. She smiled and it was like sunlight coming out from behind the clouds.

"It was nothing Gregory" She assured me and I ignored the fluttering of my heart as she called me by my full name.

"I know you would have done the same for me" She whispered, for some reason finding her hands very interesting.