Page 172 of Fatality

My parents really don't give a shit about me, I've known that since the day I was born but hearing that my best friends called them and they didn't even let them speak…

“Yeah,” I say, my voice dangerously quiet. “I bet they did.”

“Oh, Riven...” Jules sighs, looking exhausted. “You know we looked everywhere for you. And if you don't want to talk about it...”

She takes a shaky breath.

“You don't have to. You'll tell us when you're ready but don't lie to us anymore.”

“At least...” Charlie cuts in, her voice barely above a whisper. “Tell us you're okay.”

I look at both of them and lower my gaze, tears sting my eyes, but I don't let them fall.

I don't deserve them, I really don't.

“I... I'm okay,” I say, my voice rough, the words catching in my throat. “It's just been... weird. Fucked up but I'm okay.”

I lift my head and force a smile, they exchange a glance then, they both pull me into another hug.

I hug them back without hesitation.

God, I needed them, I needed this.

I don't know where I'd be without them.

Maybe in a ditch, maybe locked away in a psychiatric ward. Either way, I don't think I'd still be me.

I love them so much, I am so sorry girls, I’m sorry for lying, for worrying you and still not being able to say sorry with my words and not just thinking of it.

CHAPTER 36

Riven

Drown - Bring Me The Horizon

It’s been a day I haven’t gone back to my loft, I’m just sleeping at Jules’.

Charlie is there too, we can’t stay away from each other, watching movies and laughing.

It makes me feel good, normal.

But the peace is shattered when someone is pounding on Jules’ door.

We jump out of the couch and exchange looks that we can understand, like telepathy if it existed.

I look at Jules.

What the hell? Who is that?

The fuck if I know.

We look at Charlie who is slowly going for a weapon in Jules’ kitchen.

But then a familiar voice makes us freeze in place.

“Riven! I know you’re in there!” The man shouts without stopping his pounding on the door.

Liam.