Page 100 of Forgotten Pieces

We are interrupted by the ringing of my phone. I look down and see Shelley’s face on my screen.

“Hello?” I answer harshly.

“Hey Ryder.”

“What do you want, Shell?”

She sighs into the phone. “Are you still dead set on this breakup? I think we could work it out.”

Tacoma exhales and goes to get off the couch, but I pull her back into my arms. “Shelley, there is nothing left between us. We are two different people on two different paths.”

“Did you meet someone?”

I’m taken aback by her accusation. Shelley knows me and knows that I am not the most social type. But she also has jealousy issues that can make her unbearable.

I can’t tell her the truth, so I lie. “No. I told you before. I feel happier here without you around.”

I know it’s harsh, but it’s the truth.

“Well I have something I need to tell you.”

I sigh and run my hand through my hair. “What is it?”

“I would rather tell you in person.”

“Okay,” I say. “When will you be home?”

“By the end of the week, the latest.” She pauses. “Just please think about us before you make any other decisions, Ry.”

“I’ve thought long and hard about it, Shell. I’ve made up my mind.”

“Alright,” she acquiesces. “I’ll see you in a few days.”

I hang up without saying goodbye.

“Are you sure about us, Ryder?” Tacoma asks me, no doubt she heard the entire conversation.

“I’ve never been more sure of anything in my entire life.”

Later that night I jolt awake in my sleep, my heart racing a million beats a second. But this time it’s not from a memory. I reach over and find Tacoma asleep next to me. My breathing starts to calm as I know she is still there, still with me. This time I didn’t see dead bodies of my fallen brothers, I saw the taillights of her car as she left. It made me realize I cannot live without her. The fear of losing her is scarier than I thought it could be.

And I have this inkling in me that something bad is going to happen. Something that will drive her out of my life for good.

I lay back down and wrap my arms around her, pulling her close to me. My heartbeats calming with every breath she takes as she settles against me.

Chapter Thirty-Two

Eight Years Ago

Ryder

We are sitting out by the lake sipping whiskey when my phone starts ringing.

“Shit, it’s my uncle,” I say as I walk away to answer the phone.

I feel shell shock from my uncle’s words.

I drop the phone.

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