chapter fourteen

“Where is Andy?” I asked.

“I think he’s still upstairs. I’ll go get him.” Foxy stated.

“No need. I’ll get him.” I argued.

With that I headed up stairs to Andy’s room. I could have knocked if I wanted to but come on… that’s so much work. I just walked in like I own the place. Andy was still in bed folded and drowning in a lot of blankets. Another thing that we had in common as best friends. We both always loved to be sandwiched in at least two fluffy duvets. I know what you’re thinking, doesn’t it get hot? Well, on my part it does not. You see, due to the fact that my room is situated under a tree and is well ventilated it is cool. Plus, I never ever close my huge windows which largely contributes to the cool temperature.

I flipped the covers over and joined Andy in bed. He stirred for a bit but continued to sleep. He looked so cute, scrunched nose and all. He’s hair was longer and curled in different directions. I missed this. I missed him. I smiled as I continued to observe him closely. He occasionally blew out air and pouted his lips which looked more pink than usual. I chuckled a bit when I realized what all the blowing and pouting was about. His hair kept on tickling his nose which irritated him but he was too lazy to comb it back. I then combed the hair out of his face and kept stroking it. I was so mesmerized and taken that I didn’t notice that he was awake.

“Didn’t your father teach you not to stare?” he grumbled as he stirred awake.

“Nope” I giggled, “and I am glad he didn’t”, I continued.

He looked at me. More like stared and analysed. He’s eyes searched my face. At first, I thought I was making it up and creating things but it was hard to ignore those eyes when they were just a few centimetres away. It wasn’t long before I got self-conscious. The silence was accompanied by his wondering eyes and my plundering heartbeat. I couldn’t take it anymore and dropped my head. It was then that he pressed his hand to my back an pulled me closer. The embrace was warm and I sighed in content.

“I missed this.” He breathed.

“Me too.” I agreed.

“I’m sorry Ro. I missed you so much-”

Before he could finish I was already hitting him. I was so happy before but his apology reminded me of how angry I was at him. I got a pillow and straddled him hitting him as hard as I could. He kept apologizing as I kept asking him why he didn’t come visit. He’s my best friend and he wasn’t there for me. He promised to be there and he broke his promise. He didn’t even know I could get out of the house till this morning when Danny told him. I got tired and climbed off him. I sat at the edge of the bed and waited for him to join me.

“Ronnie I-”

“No.” I interrupted.

“I just wan-”

“I don’t want to hear it.” I hissed.

“but-”

“Shut up.” I cut in. “I forgave you a while back but I don’t think I’ll be able to forget this right now. You know I was so scared,” I forced a laugh, “for a second, I thought you had replaced me with Summer. I know I sound jealous but you’ve given her so much attention. I’m happy you’re happy with her but I miss you. The part that hurt the most is the fact that you left me after I almost died. I know, I know you think I’m blowing this out of proportion but I can’t help it. I’m still a shaken and the nightmares won’t go away. I-”

Before I knew it, Andy was holding me and wiping the tears that I had no idea were pouring. I had been crying all this time without realizing it.

“It’s okay Ro. I’ve got you. Don’t cry.” He whispered and assured. “If I had known that you’d be like this I wouldn’t have even dreamed of going two hours without seeing you.” That made me chuckle.

“Really? two hours?” I laughed and so did Andy. The laughing died down and was replaced by comfortable silence.

“Andy?”

“Yah?”

“Do you remember that night? The night of my accident?”

“Yes Ro.” he sighed heavily then continued, “I remember it like it was yesterday.”

“I haven’t told anyone this, not even Dad or Daniel or the doctor. The nightmares never stopped.”

“Ro, that’s something you don’t lie about. It’s serious and may bring about more complications.”

“I know but you didn’t see how broken dad was. How he blamed himself and cried himself to sleep.” I sniffled as I recalled that night. “dad had already tucked me in but I wasn’t tired. So, after I was sure he was sleeping I decided to sneak out and watch a movie. I got the snacks and picked a movie but then I remembered I left my phone upstairs. I went back upstairs and I thought I heard something coming from dad’s room. I decided to be quieter and more attentive just in case I woke him up. Then I heard it again, more muffled noises so I went to check if he was okay. I saw him lying there helpless.” I cried. I was shaking and wiping my tears and nose with my sleeves. I’m sure my face was red by now.

“It’s okay. Let it out.” Andy soothed as he rubbed my back tenderly.

“I saw him there Andy. He was lying on the floor balled up crying. My father, my daddy dearest was crying. Do you know when last he cried?” I asked as tears still poured down my cheeks. “It was when my mom died. Seeing him like that was like mom dying all over again. Seeing him so vulnerable and weak hurt me so much I felt like a part of me died all over again. I felt like I was putting him back into that situation, I feel like I reopened that old wound and the fear of loss. He acts strong around everyone and me but after that night it hurts more and more knowing he’s dying on the inside. I felt like I was killing him inside so I lied, I know it’s bad but I had too.

“I understand. Ro I really do but this is not the way. The moment he finds out it will hurt him even more. You need to tell him.”

“I can’t-”

“Promise me you’ll tell him before things get out of hand. In fact, you need to tell him everything. Even what happened the day your mom died. It will be hard but he has the right to know. It has been hard for the both of you I know. Its times like this when you need each other most. Keeping secrets will not help you and you know that. So, help him help you and tell him everything. I’ll be with you all the way.” Andy advised.

“You’re right. I need time but I promise I’ll tell him everything,” I lowered my head and continued, “even what happened the night of mom’s death and the night of my accident.”

“I am proud of you for saying that. I promise to be with you all the way and I promise to be a better best friend from now on.” He promised.

“Damn,” I snorted. “who would have known that a few minutes with you could be this terrible.” I laughed as I wiped my last tears.

“I agree that this sucked but it was very much needed.” He added.

“So, it was eating you up inside too. I’m so sorry I dragged you into this.” I apologized.

“I am your best friend and it was my fault for pushing you to tell me. I dragged myself into this and I’m happy to share the burden with you. You have to admit though; this secret is getting heavier every day.” he explained.

“Okay enough of the emotional stuff. I came here happy and ended up crying instead. You owe me. You owe me more of your time and all the details about you and Summer. I want to know everything, even about the kiss.”

“How did you know about that?” Andy looked at me with shock as I got up and walked to the door.

“I didn’t!” I squealed. OMG! We have a lot to talk about and I can’t wait. Now get ready before everyone starts getting suspicious. Hurry we’re all waiting for you down stairs.” I stated as I got up and closed the door.