Broken (Sequel to Love, Ian Somerhalder)

Chapter 7

A week later...

(Ian's POV)

I opened the front door of my house and let in all of Arielle's and Joseph's friends and family. We were having a gender reveal party for Arielle and the whole house was decorated in blue and pink.

"Why is this party in my house again?" I whispered at Riley who was beside me at the door.

"Because it was this or in Arielle's dad's house which she says is a RV." Riley whispered back, smirking.

I sighed and kept on letting people I didn't know into my house. I then went upstairs to get Sapphire who woke up from her nap.

People were supposed to come to the party dressed in pink or blue for their guess at what the baby was. Sapphire was dressed in pink with a big bow on her head and I was dressed in a navy, button shirt with my sleeves rolled up to my elbows. I didn't own anything pink so... Anyways I went back downstairs with Sapphire on my hip.

"Okay! Everybody, it's time." Riley calls everyone into the living room.

Joseph and Arielle stood in front of a big box filled with balloons. When they open it it will tell the gender by the colors of the balloons.

"I have something to say..." Joseph pulled out a note from his pocket.

"Not the speech! We're hungry!" I say loudly and everyone laughed except Joseph who scowled.

"He's just teasing you, sweetie." Arielle giggled.

"No, I'm not." I say and more laughter.

"Shut up, Somerhalder." Joseph snaps and he cleared his throat. "Arielle, you're the most amazing girl I've seen on my life. At first I thought you had escaped from the loony bin, but then I found out you were unique. You are the girl for me and I love everything about you, even your fiery hair. Now I love you even more that you're carrying a piece of the both of us and I don't care if it's a boy or girl. Because I will love both of you equally."

Everybody awed and Arielle was bawling because of her crazy hormones. They kissed before taking the pocket knife and cutting the box open together.

Out came a lot of blue balloons and confetti--that I didn't authorized-- exploded everywhere. I didn't notice that Riley had left until she tugged my shirt.

"What?" I say worriedly, seeing her concerned face.

"Marcus is at the door." She says in a monotone voice and extended her hands for Sapphire.

I shook my head, "Don't tell anyone."

If Marcus was here it must mean something happened and Sapphire is going to be the one I can hold on to when I break.

"Is that Sapphire? My how she's grown." Marcus says when I let him inside and steered him to the backyard, avoiding Arielle narrowly.

"Yes, she's almost three now." I say as I placed her in a swing and pushed it softly.

Marcus sighed, "Well, let's get this over with... Ian, something bad happened."

My heart sank.

"What?" I barely breathe, not wanting to hear the news.

"Sage..." Marcus made a choking sound and I looked up from Sapphire to see his eyes were rimmed red.

"What is it, Marcus? Spit it out, damn it." I say angrily.

"They found two dead bodies in Colorado. The people must've froze to death since they found them after a snow storm and... DNA tests were done and it was Evander and... Sage."

I went into shock. My hands shook so hard that I had to crouch down and press them to my face. It took all my strength to not scream as my world fell apart.

"Hey, Ian, you have to be strong for your daughters. Sage wouldn't want you to break down like this. I'll tell Riley if it's too much--"

I shook my head fiercely, "No. I'll tell her." I got up and picked up Sapphire, going back inside the house.

Riley spotted me and walked up to me, fear clearly in her eyes, "What happened?"

"I'll tell you when we're alone." I say emotionlessly, handing her Sapphire.

I went out into the garage and locked myself inside the car. In there I hit the steering wheel and sobbed like a little girl. It was like someone had taken my heart and ripped it in half. The agony was indescribable and then the remorse came.

Why wasn't it me? Why her? I promised to protect her and I failed. I'm the one who should be dead. My daughters will never see their mother again and it's all my fault. I should've done something...

I remembered the words Marcus had told me. To be strong. When I step out of this car I will never cry or scream like I did right now. I will not let Riley or Sapphire see me like this.

I decided not to tell Arielle. I didn't want to spoil her day with such horrible news. I actually dreaded when everyone left the house. Riley couldn't keep still on the couch as I sat down beside her with Sapphire on my lap.

"Tell me." Riley says, taking my hand that was in a fist and shaking. She pried it open and locked it with hers.

"Riley, I'm going to be honest with you, what I'm about to say will cut you like a thousand knives." I say hoarsely, my throat was sore. It felt like bile rose up to it.

"Say it. I'm ready." Riley takes a deep breath.

"Sage. Is. Dead." I say and instantly covered my mouth, holding in sobs.

"What?" Riley squeaks and her bright hazel eyes turned dark, like the light went out of them.

***

(A/N)

I know. Very confusing, but you'll just have to wait for the next chapter! Comment what you think happened!!! I'd love to hear or read your thoughts!!!

P.S. I have a new FanFic up and I would absolutely love if you'd check it out and show some support!!! Pretty please? It's called Against The Odds. My next Ian Somerhalder fan fiction that won't have any mystery or things like this one. Just romance and a little drama. :)

--SunriseDreamer/Kimberly