Everything Opposite

Chapter Thirty Four

Ryleigh
Zack still wasn't in bed beside me. The post on my phone showed Zack in a bar, kissing another girl. The comments were fans asking if he was still with me and asking for me to comment. I didn't do anything more than cry. "Ryleigh, are you okay?"Rian asked, peeking in our bedroom quietly. "I'm fine, you can go back to bed, Ri, I'm sorry I woke you,"I said and sniffled. I wanted to keep my voice strong.

Rian came in and closed the door. He cut my beside lamp on and pulled me into a hug when he saw I was crying. "What happened?"he mumbled, rubbing my back. I showed him my phone. "I'm gonna kill him,"Rian said, standing up. "Ri, he's your bandmate and best friend. Don't worry about it. I'm calling off our engagement,"I said. I wanted to believe he wouldn't do this and that it was an old photo but I had no proof.

I ended up falling asleep on the couch downstairs, watching a movie with Jack, Alex, and Rian. I heard the door creak open at four in the morning and opened my eyes. I made the slightest movement on accident that woke the guys. We saw Zack sneaking in. Rian cut the lamp on. Zack froze and his shoulders slumped dejectedly. I crossed my arms, willing myself to be strong.

"I'm so sorry. I wasn't in the right mindset,"Zack immediately blurted out. "I can't believe I trusted you. We're over. I'm moving back in with Josh. We'll figure out how this will work with Clarity later,"I said as Alex squeezed my shoulder in support. I saw the tears in his eyes as I tried not to let my own fall. I gently slid my engagement ring off my finger and placed it in his hand.

I walked calmly upstairs to our bedroom and locked the door before pulling my suitcase out from under the bed. I started shoving clothes in before the tears fell and I sat down as I cried. When I was calmer I pulled my phone out and called Josh. He was in one of our spare bedrooms but I still didn't want to take a chance of seeing Zack.

"Hello?"he asked. "Hey, can you book a flight to Columbus for tomorrow? Clarity and I are flying back with you,"I said. "Is everything okay?"he asked. "Yes,"I answered but my voice cracked. I know he saw through my lie but he didn't say anything. I finally managed to calm down and swiped at my face with my sleeves before packing up my belongings into suitcases. After a bit, I went and did the same to Clarity's. I knew we would have to pay extra for the suitcases but at that moment I didn't care.

I loved Zack so much it hurt. I thought he would stick around and be there. He just up and left without a word when I needed him most. I need to heal my broken heart so it's best if I just get out for awhile.

*******

Josh and I left for our flight early in the morning. Zack begged me not to go. Alex, Lisa, Rian, and Jack came to the airport with us to say goodbye. They promised to take care of him. I cried as I hugged them goodbye. I didn't fully want to go but I knew I had to go. I felt bad knowing that Clarity wouldn't see her father for awhile but I can't abandon my daughter.

We touched down in Columbus six hours later. Tyler met us and took us back to Josh's apartment. I didn't leave for the first two days. Josh and Debby took care of Clarity so I was free to wallow in bed. By the third, Josh was in my room at nine in the morning. He ordered me to get up and shower. When I finished, I ran my fingers through my slightly damp hair as I walked to the kitchen and looked in the fridge.

"Hey, I have to go somewhere and I want you to take Clarity out in her stroller. Some fresh air ought to do you some good,"Josh said. He didn't leave room for me to argue so I grabbed a water bottle, tied my hair up and slid on tennis shoes. The stroller was by the door so I strapped Clarity in before heading to the elevator to take us to the ground floor. 

I wandered freely with no direction. I kept my head down, not wanting to be seen or recognized. I wasn't feeling social which wasn't uncommon I was too awkward and anxious. "Woah, Ryleigh Dun?"someone called out. I froze, panicked. They couldn't have found me here right. The voice sounded too high for them anyways. A hand on my shoulder caused me to jump.

I looked up to find Awsten Knight, Otto, and Geoff next to me. "Oh. Hey, guys!"I greeted, plastering on a fake smile to hide my depression and hugged them each tighter than I should have. "Are you okay?"Geoff whispered to me. "How have you been?"Awsten asked almost at the same time as Geoff. I nodded and swallowed. "I've been better,"I said and a whole new round of tears welled in my eyes. "Oh. Honey,"Otto said and pulled me into a tight hug, rocking me back and forth while Geoff entertained Clarity.

"Who's this cutie?"Geoff asked when Otto finally calmed me down. "That's my daughter, Clarity Hope Merrick,"I sniffled with a smile. Geoff smiled and continued entertaining her. He was great with kids, after all he had a daughter of his own. I wasn't sure what else to say because I didn't want to talk about Zack right now and the fact that I have our daughter here. Awsten's phone rang and he took a step away to answer.

Otto looked at me with concern. I hadn't seen them in ages. "Zack cheated, I broke off our engagement and wanted to get out so Clarity and I moved back in with Josh,"I whispered to him. He nodded in understanding. "What the hell do you mean they quit? We have a show in Columbus tonight. It's sold out,"Awsten said much louder than he intended. His eyes landed on me. "I'll call you back,"he said and hung the phone up.

"Ryleigh, I need a huge favor. Can you open for us tonight? Our opener just quit and we can't find anyone short notice like this and you're absolutely perfect,"he said and began to ramble. I was unsure but, before I could think about what I was agreeing to, I responded. "Hell yes!"I said.

A/N: Hey y'all! I'm sorry I took so long updating. Things have gone all sorts of crazy lately. Some good, some bad. I'm a ball of anxiety and worry a lot which is normal. Work at the kennel sucks. Dog walking is great. I hope you enjoyed I'll try to have another up soon! Drumline just started so I'm about to be really busy. Anyways, how have you been? Drop me a comment with thoughts or something. Much love!

B