CHAPTER 25 : DONT CRY

Rain poured loudly. I was soaked through and had no idea how long I’d been wandering around in the rain. I thought about it all, from Haze to Gage to Forrest. All of them suffering. All hurting, and I couldn’t help. I couldn’t do anything. Nothing at all. Walking back into my apartment, I looked around. All the boys sat apart from Forrest. I stared down Gage. He looked like shit.

“Why are you here ?” I asked, confused. He stood up like the true person he was. He was determined to show me he was okay.

“Forrest is back on the drugs, and no one could fucking find you. Are you stupid ?” He asked, his cold eyes sparkling dangerously. His arm was in a sling.

“Depends who you ask”, I scoffed, turning to look at the other boys. Tyler was looking at me with so much desire I nearly face-planted the floor. Izack had raked his hand through his hair so many times I could see the outline in his hair. Haze just stared at me furiously.

“I went out for a walk, no big deal”, I managed, placing my keys on the kitchen countertop. Suddenly, I was pulled into a hard body. I knew who it was and didn’t even have to turn.

“Aww Zack, you miss me”, I laughed playfully, turning around. His eyes were blue and shining with desire. His firm hands landed on my hips.

“You don’t get to just run away when things get tough. Story, I didn’t strike you as a coward,” he said sharply. I felt nothing as he said it. I laughed at him, hysterical, as the words left his mouth. I was a coward. I tried to move away from him, but he locked me in, staring me down. Then a cocky smirk lit up those beautiful lips, and I leaned forward, pressing a soft kiss to them. It soon changed, though. His mouth explored mine. His touch makes every part of my body feel electric. We were now fully making out, and all I could do was moan as his hands raked down my body lovingly. Like he was exploring. Like we hadn’t ever had sex before. I’d had sex with them. I knew each touch individually. Izack teased and coaxed with his mouth, undoing the buttons on my top.

“No”, managed Gage, slamming his free hand beside us. Zack ripped his mouth away from me while watching Gage, confused.

“You don’t get to do that. You don’t go for Izack because he’s the pushover. You know you have him wrapped around your little finger. You do not get to do what you did and get rewarded for it,” he snapped coldly. It made me shrink into Zack. Until Gage said five letters that made a shiver rip down my spine.

“Tyler”. Tyler stared me down coldly, and I shrunk further into Zack. He stood between my parted legs.

“You deserve a punishment ”, he whispered. My heart stopped beating as he dragged me forward. He kissed up my neck, running his hands down my side, then smirked. He picked me up in his strong arms and carried me to the bedroom, dropping me onto the bed.

***

The next morning, I found myself standing in the kitchen, clutching a steaming cup of coffee, lost in my thoughts. An unexpected wave of nausea hit me, but I pushed it away with another sip of the bitter brew. Today was the day I had resolved to fix things. Haze had left earlier to visit Mr. Melvore in the hospital, and he was already immersed in rearranging our wedding plans. Asshole. Glancing at the clock, I hurriedly gathered my belongings and dashed out the door to make it to class on time. Gasping for breath, I finally reached the building and entered my English class. As I took my seat next to Gage and Tyler, I could feel Tyler's eyes on me, no doubt recalling our activities from the previous night. My body ached all over, and I managed a weak smile before staring at my notes.

“Right class assignments are coming up in two weeks' time. You need to pass to graduate,” stated Miss Mowell. I turned to Gage.

“I won’t pass” I murmured.

“You will, princess. Even if I have to tutor you in the art of numbers, I will”, managed Tyler, a black curl falling into his grey eye. He was so handsome. Gage nodded with a small smile. I nodded back, then began to take notes eagerly. I wanted to go to Princeton.

***

Walking back into my apartment, Izack stood. He was in a white shirt and black ripped jeans and eyed me. Nervously. Gage turned to me.

“I’ll update you on what we know about what happened at the wedding later “, he managed, wandering into the bathroom, I assume, for a shower.

“Hey,” I smiled. “Hey,” he grinned back.

“Are you okay ?” I asked, throwing my jacket on the sofa. He smiled.

“I’m going to New Jersey on the weekend to scope out apartments for when we go to Princeton. I figured I should ask you and see if you want to come,” he managed sweetly. He tapped his hand on his thigh, his usual cocky attitude gone.

“You want me to live with you,” I said slowly, trying to get used to the idea. He smiled.

“Yeah,” he murmured.

“I’d love to”, I grinned. A slow smile lit up his face till it dazzled me. I rushed forward, squeezing him into a huge hug. I couldn’t wait.

***

Haze returned a short while later, carrying little Ella in his arms. She was getting so big, wiggling her tiny feet as he lifted her out of the stroller.

"Is everything alright?" he inquired. I smiled and nodded, engrossed in browsing through apartment listings on my laptop.

"Oh, I like that one," Zack chimed in, strolling around and passing me a drink with a grin.

"I do too, but it's a bit pricey," I remarked, feeling unsure about how I would afford it.

"I'll cover it. Money's not an issue," Haze said quietly but firmly.

"You can't do that," I protested. He chuckled. "Sweetheart, that's non-negotiable," he insisted. I couldn't help but smile.

"I really fancy the one with the pool," I murmured. Zack chuckled and gently brushed my hair back. Gage was in the kitchen, chuckling at our conversation, and Tyler was silently observing. He picked up his phone and nodded a few times during his call.

“Thank you,” he said. His face was annoyed as he looked towards Gage.

“Forrest has discharged himself”, he manages.

“Fuck” said Gage quietly. Suddenly, the door burst open, and Forrest came in. His face was a picture of bewilderment as he stared at me.

“Story, I’m so sorry”, he cried, racing forward. He knocked my laptop on the floor, and I stared at him. His green, grassy eyes were wide with confusion. Panic consumed me, and I turned to Izack. He was picking my laptop up off the floor.

“It’s okay, Forrest”, I whispered. He stared at me. Then, he flicked his eyes behind me to Gage.

“I’ve stopped, Gage. Please don’t make me go back there”, he cried, clutching my hand tightly.

***

Forrest and Gage had stayed the night. I lay In between them, stroking Forrest’s face softly. He was so beautiful. He’d lost so much. I loved him more than anything. He’d never understand how much. Never. Kissing his head, I leaned forward. Darkness fell on my room. I needed sleep as tiredness swarmed me. As I turned over, I heard a soft creak outside the bedroom. I sat up, breathing heavily. What was that noise? Who was here? I nudged Gage, who opened his eyes straight away. “Someone is in there”, I whispered. He nodded, then grabbed his gun. He always slept beside it. He carefully climbed out of bed, and I followed him quietly.

“Who’s there” shouted Gage. Something smashed to the floor, and I rushed to turn the light on. Gage bolted forward, aiming the gun. The man darted forward and tripped. Forest bolted in, grabbing him and holding him down as Gage pointed the gun at him. Gage ripped the gun mask off the man, and my heart stopped. It couldn’t be. Could it? No way. Just no. I went dizzy and clutched the door handle for support.