Whilst you were gone.. ('The Irish Girl' Sequel) (DG fanfic)

Chapter 13: Deciding my fate

I woke up the next morning, I was seriously considering finally moving out. Frank did, so why couldn't I?. I went to speak to Mike in the office before Brian came, "Mike, I've been thinking. I'm seventeen and I should've done this last year but... I think I need to move out" I sighed and Mike took a while to process what I just said, "You want to move out? But I thought you said you wasn't ready" Mike replied placing on hand on his hip whilst raising his eyebrow. "I know but to tell you the truth, I'm getting more close with Ryan and I've developed feelings for him and I don't think I can move on. My head is telling me go for it but my heart screams Liam's name and I can't lead Ryan on, that's why I have to go mike. I can't stay here" I began to cry and Mike hugged me, "You've been so brave for over a year, you have been through hell and you fought you way through and I think moving will be good for you" Mike smiled at me and I looked up at him and said "Are you sure? I'm not making a big mistake am I?" And he laughed as he shook his head. "I've watched you grow from being a mouthy thirteen year old with not a care in the world to a seventeen year old young woman, with a big heart and stronger than most people. You can do anything when you put your mind to it, you've come so far Chloe and I am so proud of you. I'll talk to your social worker and I'll see when we can get you a flat" I smiled and said "Thank you Mike, and don't worry I'll visit but there's one thing I need to do" and Mike knew what I meant, I need to tell everyone.
Including Ryan, and it will be hard but I have to move on. This place will survive without me, I've done my bit and at least mike will never know about me being a serpent again, he can watch me leave knowing I've grown up. I walked into the living room and everyone was there, Carmen, Johnny, Tee and Ryan. And the others, I turned the tv off and said "I've got an announcement guys" everyone had their eyes on me and I held back tears as I begun, "I've been doing a lot of soul searching and over the past year I've not been me, but it's made me realise that I'm growing up and now I'm finally in the right mindset. It's time I moved out, and I know it's a big step and I'll admit I'm scared but it's a risk I'm willing to take. This place has taught me loads and I've had the best moments of my life here, I met my soulmate in this place and I'll be forever grateful for you guys. Your like family to me and every queen has to retire, and you guys will be fine without me. I'm not leaving yet but I'm in the process, I hope you guys can understand" I explained and Carmen gave me a hug, "I can't believe it, I thought you'd never leave but I think it's a good thing Chloe" I got Carmen's approval and Ryan walked out. "Don't worry about him Chloe, we all support you" Johnny said as he was second to hug me. Tee began to cry "Tee, don't cry I'm not leaving yet I may not even get the flat. But it's something I know I have to do. I'll visit".
Tee chuckled and said "I'm happy your getting better that's all, Liam would be proud".
I went after Ryan after everyone came to terms with my news, "Ryan, let me explain" I said as I sat beside him on the bench in the garden. He scowled at me, "Your leaving because of me aren't you? That's why you took me on your bike last night, and why you were so nice to me. You wanted to butter me up so I would be okay with you leaving, I thought we were getting somewhere but there you go again running away when you finally start to move on" Ryan spat and I scoffed "You really think this is you? But it's typical you though isn't it? Everything is about poor Ryan Reeves and no one else well guess what?
I'm actually doing you a favour because if I do go out with you I'll always have that little voice inside my head telling me it's wrong. My head is telling me to go for it but my heart is screaming Liam's name, I don't want to lead you on Ryan. I'd be more of the bad guy if I stay and lead you on, I'm not like that despite how I feel. It's better that way Ryan, we're a disaster waiting to happen. I'm sorry but I have to go" I was trying to hold back tears and I failed, I began to cry. And Ryan tucked a hair behind my ear as he said "It's your choice Chloe, don't cry I'm sorry for going off on one it's only because.." he couldn't get his words out and I was scared because I knew what was coming. 
He continued, "It's only because, I love you and I don't want you to go. I want you to stay here with me" he placed his hand on my thigh and I began to breathe heavily, "Ryan, don't say that please don't" I could feel my chest get tighter.
He looked at me with pleading eyes, "It's true blue eyes, as crazy as it sounds, I do love you"
I got up and said "Ryan I said don't say that! I don't.... love you okay? I can't do this, I- I" I didn't finish my sentence as Ryan kissed me.
I groaned as I pushed him away "Ryan you can't kiss me and expect it to change, I'm sorry but I've made my decision and I'll miss you so much but I can't stay here" I saw the sad look in his eyes and he laughed "It's fine Chloe, it was always my plan get you to trust me maybe fall for me, it worked I can tell and that's me Ryan the manipulative" I knew he was lying and he was just angry, I walked away and mike called me "Chloe! Brian's here!" I held myself together as I went in the house.
Ryan couldn't love me, I was too bad for him.
I'm no good for him, and he's no good for me.
Which is why I'm leaving, it's what's best.