Roxy

chapter 17: thanks and goodbye[edited]

  Two hours.

We've been out here for two hours and nothing. Ranger has been trying his best to stop Raelynn from crying. Since Ruby is inside (and Roxanna is... Well you know), there isn't anyone who can calm her down.

Her crying is driving me crazy, I want to snap but I know if I even look in that baby's direction I will be killed.

Rolland is pacing back and forth in front of the door, Kelly is on the floor crying and blaming herself for what happened to Roxanna. I need to ask her what exactly happened, this all doesn't make sense to me.

The door finally opened revealing Ruby, she's covered in blood with red rimmed eyes. She left the door signalling for us to come in. I stepped in first, I saw Ronan on the floor covered in more blood than Ruby.

I think I'm gonna be sick.

Roxanna was laying on the bed, unconscious. She was lying on her front, her back was covered in bandages, blood evident on the bed covers.

I walked closer to her and the realization that she was not wearing a shirt dawned on me. I looked to my right and saw Ronan and Rolland glaring at me, waiting for my next move.

Wow, these guys are so overprotective. At this rate they'll never allow her to get married. Not that I want to marry her or anything. I shook my head to get rid of these stupid thoughts.

"How is she?" I asked the reception guy. I should really ask for his name, I can't keep calling him this in my head

"A bullet went through her shoulder, another bullet pierced her thigh and another hit the small of her back, luckily the bullets did not hit any important organs," the man sighed. "I was able to get the bullets out, She would be out for a while but I think she should be okay."

"You think?! Do you have any idea what you did? Why can't we take her to a freaking hospital!" No one answered making me even angrier.

I tried to pick her up from the bed when Ronan's deep voice rumbled across the room.

"If you so much as touch my sister, I won't hesitate to hurt you in ways you didn't know possible." I liked him better when he was quiet.

"I should probably leave...." The reception guy said, clearing his throat.

Ruby smiled at him, "Thank you so much, sir. What's your name?"

"It's Philemon. And there's no problem," he said. Just as he was about to walk out, Ronan grabbed him by the arm.

"You're not going to call the cops, are you?" He asked with narrowed eyes.

Philemon chuckled, "y'all ain't the only ones doing illegal shit around here." He pulled his arm away before walking out.

"Kelly, I need you to tell us exactly what happened?" Ronan asked as he faced her. Everyone's attention is now on Kelly.

"I...I was in the cell basement, after Diane tortured me. Because she enjoys torturing me nowadays when her deals go wrong." It was then I noticed how unkept she looked. There was dried blood all over her and her clothes were torn. "She tortured me today, but it became worse after I told her to go to hell. I don't really want to go into details about the torturing. Few hours later, Roxanna came to rescue me. Diane.... Shot her on the shoulder, then a couple other men shot her while she tried protecting me..." Kelly sobbed.

"I don't get it. How did she even know how to find you?" Rolland asked. As if on cue, everyone's eyes were on me.

She kept her promise. She wasn't going to tell the police, she went by herself. Is she stupid? How would she go to such a place without thinking she could get killed.

"Of course....she planned this. This is all my fault," I muttered to myself.

"Of course, It all makes sense," Ronan said smiling, that was what scared me. Before I could blink Ronan grabbed my collar and shoved me against the wall.

"Of course it's your freaking fault! You told her about your sad life! She felt sorry for you! And risked her life to save your sister! I could've lost my sister today because of you bastard! And for what? All because you couldn't keep your fucking mouth shut!" There's this darkness that clouds his eyes as he spoke. Normally, it would leave anyone trembling. But I didn't.

His words stung. He's right, she could've died. And it would've been all my fault.

Raelynn's cries became louder than ever. Ruby went to pick her up from Ranger's shaking arms. The little kid looks really tired. I mean that for Ranger and Raelynn.

"Guys... please stop fighting," Ruby pleaded. Ronan glared at me before letting go of my collar.

"Get out. I don't want to see you or your sister ever again. You got your sister, and I almost lost mine. I believe you are satisfied now, get out. And pray to God we never cross paths again or you will be sorry" I stared at Ronan with a blank expression. I am not scared of his threats but I do think he's right. It's best we don't meet again.

If I had never told Roxanna about Kelly none of this would have happened. She would have been safe.

But I am grateful Kelly's with me now. I will forever owe Roxanna for what she has done. I turned my attention to Roxanna and crouched down beside her. I tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, staring at her beautiful face.

"Roxanna, I am so sorry. When you asked about Kelly, I felt compelled to tell you the truth about my life. I felt comfort in talking to you. When you asked about my address, I thought you were going to tell the police. But then you told me to trust you, you gave me your word Kelly will be protected. And she is, but here you are. I never thought that you would... go to the my step mom yourself. I never thought you would save Kelly yourself. I never thought that you would.... sacrifice your life for my sister. For me. You are an angel in disguise Roxanna, and I am forever grateful for what you have done for me. You took a huge risk in going to that house alone. But you still did it because of me. I am to blame for your state. I am to blame for almost separating you from your family. I am to blame for you almost losing your life. I am a coward, I should have been the one to go get Kelly. I should be the one here. Not you. I will never be able to thank you enough for what you have done. Thank you for saving my little sister Roxanna, thank you so much, goodbye." I finished. Walking up to Ruby, Raelynn resting in her arms with a sad look on her face.

"Take care of yourself and your sisters," I said, patting her head.

"Do you have to go?" she pouts.

"Yeah, I can't live with the constant reminder and guilt that Roxanna did what I couldn't," I said, putting my hands in my pocket.

She nodded in understanding making me smile at her. I walk up to Ranger, he looked worried and confused. Poor kid.

"You take care of yourself little dude," I said ruffling his hair. He looked up at me through those big glasses and scowled at me.

"You're going to regret this when she wakes up," he said. I smiled at that.

"I'm sure I will," I ignored Ronan and Rolland's glaring faces and looked at Kelly. "Let's go."

She glared at Ronan and I immediately knew what was coming next.

"Listen to me Mr whatever the hell your name is, you can't talk to my brother like that. I am grateful your sister saved me but that doesn't mean I can't beat the shit out of you. You need to learn respect and self control cause none of this is my brother's fault. And besides I am sure your life is sadder than ours. Let's go bro," Kelly said storming out of the room leaving Ronan dumbfounded. Something flashed in his eyes but before I could I could identify it, it was gone.

With one last glance I winked at Ronan and walked out the door.

I never knew that with each step I took away from the motel, a part of my heart withered away.