Page 21 of Ruin Me
“Come on,” he said, hauling my arm up and pulling me back toward the hotel. “You’re going to catch your death out here, and I don’t fancy sneezing my way home.”
I tried to pull away, my own tears getting lost in the rain beating down on my face.
“Why?” I yelled at him, pulling my arm away from him. “Why do you have so much faith in my father?”
“Because he put a roof over my head when no one else would,” he yelled back. “He’s been a father to me when I never had one. And I don’t like knowing you’re out here somewhere, without me being able to watch over you. So I put up with the abuse. I put up with what his plans were. I did what he wanted so I could make sure you were fucking safe.”
My breath caught. “Watch over me?”
He didn’t say a word.
“You’ve been watching over me, Rhett? This entire time?”
He didn’t reply.
His silence was enough.
“How can you watch me marry someone else, then?” I asked him. I was angry. I wanted to slap him. I wanted him to hurt like I was hurting.
“Because I’m nowhere near worthy of you,” he said, finally. “You deserve someone who can give you everything. Who canmake love to you instead of fuck you until you pass out. I’m not meant for you.”
My chest ached at the admission.
“Rhett…”
He yanked me forward, carrying me over his shoulder as he trudged his way back to the hotel. The emotions were overwhelming as I heard the doors swoosh open and we were being escorted through the hotel to the staircase. Towels were being thrown over me but I was chilled to the bone by now.
Rhett liked me.
He loved me and he’d loved me for a while, just as I had him.
But he was right. There was no way my father would allow me to be with him. I was a bargaining chip. I was someone to be sold off.
And Rhett was going to let it happen.
I let my tears fall to the ground as he took me back to the last room I’d ever be free in. Once this storm passed, I was going to be on a flight back to my angry father.
And then, I’d be lost forever.
Rhett
Ten Years Ago
“Hurry up, Rhett. We are going to be late.” Austin calls out to me, as I stare at myself in the mirror. Happy birthday, Rhett, I think to myself as I grab my bag and make my way out of the room.
“What’s up man? What’s with the long face?” I smile at my friend and shake off the sadness. There is no point crying over a day no one will remember.
"Just had a lot on my mind, bro," I reply, not diving into the depth of my thoughts. I didn't want him to know about the girl that had taken over my thoughts for the past few weeks, and that the girl of my dreams just so happened to be his sister. She was mesmerising and strong, yet resembled the vulnerability of a young girl who had never experienced love. I wish I could take all the pain away but what was I supposed to do? I was already doing as much as I could keeping her bullies away from her.
I put my backpack on as I got out of the car with Austin, as we walked up the steps to the school I could feel all the eyes on me. I didn’t give a fuck, this had always been my life. The outsider, the loser, the guy who could never be happy thanks to my social standing and my family. I glanced at the familiar faces, each with their muffled whispers and judgemental stares. I had grown used to this, though my heart still ached. Deep inside, I knew that I would never fit in with these people, but I had to act like it didn't bother me. "Alright, it's time to head to class," Austin said with a grin, snapping me out of my thoughts. "You'll be late if you don't hurry up."
I nodded and marched onward, feeling a mixture of dread and determination. I couldn't afford to let my emotions show. I had to maintain my facade as the "cool, laid-back guy" who didn't care about anything or anyone. The truth was, I cared more about one person, and more than anyone could imagine.
I trudged through the halls of the school, trying to ignore the cruel stares and whispers. My attention was diverted as I caught sight of my unexpected savior, the girl who had captured my heart. Through the crowd of students, I saw her locker. The sight of her there, in her little corner, filled me with both sadness and anger. She was the reason I had to put on this façade, and I hated myself for keeping her a secret evenfrom my best friend. Austin turned to me, surprised to find me staring at his sister's locker.
"What's up, man? Cat got your tongue?" he teased.
I shook my head, forcing a smile. "Just missed my cup of joe, that's all." I turned away and continued down the halls and attended all my lessons as usual. The heavy feeling that hung in the air that not one person remembered my birthday left a sour taste in my mouth.
