Mute

Chapter 30 : Tired

Chapter 30

Later...     

Rocky POV

When we got home, I carried Riker inside. He had fallen asleep for basically the whole ride home. I knew he must be exhausted.

Everyone was staring at us when we came in. I went straight upstairs to our room and set Riker down in his bed. I pulled his covers over him and then spread out his blue blanket on top. He pretty much just stayed asleep, so I went back downstairs. Dad was in the living room, explaining what happened to everyone.

I sat down on the couch between Rydel and Ross. 

"So he talks now?" Ross asked.

"No, that's not what that means," I said.

"But if he can talk, and if he did talk, why won't he just keep talking?" Ross asked.

"That's not how it works," I said, getting annoyed.

"Then how does it work?" He asked.

"I don't know! But not like that!"

"So he's going to be living here again?" Ross asked.

"Yes," dad said.

"For how long?" He asked.

"What do you mean, for how long? As long as he needs to! Why do you have a problem with him being here!?" I yelled.

"I don't. I just don't understand," Ross said.

"Clearly," I said, crossing my arms.

"I don't know why you're so upset," Ross said.

"You don't get it! You just think he's some stupid boy that's staying at our house who doesn't talk! That's not who he is! He's been through more than you ever have! And you're lucky you haven't been through what he's been through! How would you like to be thrown in an icy cold pool and then shut in a scalding hot shower, so hot it burns your skin!? You don't get it, Ross!"

I got up and went upstairs. I can't deal with him right now.

I got in bed beside Riker, which made him wake up a little. 

"Hey, it's ok. You're safe in bed now, alright?"

He moved closer to me and cuddled into my side. He put his hand on my chest, holding on.

"I'm tired," he whispered.

"I know. It's ok. Just get some sleep."

"Will you stay?" He whispered.

"Yes. I'll stay, Riker. Don't worry."

I put my arm around him. He leaned his head gently against my chest and sighed. I started rubbing his back slowly. I just want him to be able to get back to sleep and get some rest.

A little while later, dad and Ross came in.

"Don't you dare wake him up," I said, quietly.

"I'm not. I came to apologize," Ross said.

"Why?"

"Because I didn't know. He didn't tell anyone what happened to him, so how was I supposed to know?"

"He told me and dad. You should've been nice whether you knew or not."

"I know. I'm sorry."

"Look at how red his hand is. It's burned from the shower."

Riker's hand was still resting on my chest. I could see Ross looking at it. I think it's finally clicked in his mind how serious this all is.

Ross left and dad sat down on my bed.