Mute

Chapter 24 : Not mad

Chapter 24

Later... 

Riker POV

I fell asleep during the movie. And when I woke up, Rocky wasn't there anymore, but Mark was on the couch with me.

I inched closer so I could lay my head on his lap.

He put his hand on my side.

I dug my phone out of my pocket so I could text him.

Are you mad at me?

Mark's phone dinged.

"No, I'm not mad at you. Why would I be mad?"

Because I wanted you to pick me up from school.

"No. Rocky told me what happened. I'm really proud of you, Riker. I know that was a lot for you. But I'm really proud of you for staying and finishing your test, no matter what you get."

I sighed in relief.

"Seriously Riker. I'm really proud. You're doing so good."

But there's only 1 week left.

"Until the court decision, you mean?"

I nodded and felt tears forming in my eyes.

"Riker, Rocky already talked to me about it. I think it's a good idea. If they decide to put you back with your parents, keep your phone hidden. If they hurt you, try to record evidence. It doesn't matter if you can get to the police or not. You can send it to me or Rocky. Ok?"

I nodded, but I was still really upset. I don't want to leave!

"Hey, it's ok, Riker. If they hurt you again, we'll get you out of there."

He ran his fingers through my hair, brushing my bangs away from my face.

"Riker, if there was something I could do to keep you away from your parents forever, I would. But I can't. So I need you to be really brave for me."

I shut my eyes tight, trying to stop crying.

"It'll be ok, Riker."

Later...

Riker POV

The only good thing about today was that it was Friday. And I have all weekend to try to relax. Now that some time had passed, I was feeling a bit mortified about what happened earlier. I don't know how I'm going to go back to school and face all the other kids. Or even my teacher. I mean, I know he was really nice about it. Clearly they told him about me when they put me in his class. But I'm still embarrassed about it. But I also couldn't help it!

When it got close to the time that everyone was going to come home from school, I went up to my room. The last thing I want to do is answer questions or be given a hard time from Ross.

So Rocky came upstairs to come hang out with me. But I still couldn't stop thinking about my parents. So I grabbed my phone to text Rocky.

What if the court decides I don't have to go back home? Do I get to stay here? Or are they going to take me away?

"I don't know. I think they would probably talk to my parents about it. They agreed to have you live here for a month until the court decision. So technically after next week, they're not required to keep you here. But I bet they would. Dad really likes you. And he feels really bad about what happened to you."

You really think he would keep me?

"Yeah, I really do."

But what about you and your siblings? How would you feel if I stayed? Didn't you have a room to yourself before I came here? Is it annoying to have a roommate? Or to just deal with me at all? And I barely even know everyone else.

"Ok, first of all, don't think for one second that I don't like having you here. I love having you as my roommate. And I don't feel like I'm dealing with you. I just feel like we're siblings. And siblings are always there for each other. So of course I'm there for you."

You would want me to stay then?

"Of course I would!"

But what about Stormie, Rydel, and Ryland?

"My mom loves you, Riker. She thinks you're very sweet. And Rydel and Ryland don't know you very well. But Ryland clearly likes you. He's said it a few times. And I know Rydel hasn't hung out with us much, but I think she just wanted to give you time and space to get settled and adjusted."

Ok, but what about Ross? He definitely wouldn't want me here.

"I don't know if he does or doesn't. I think he just doesn't know you."

He doesn't seem like he wants to get to know me.

"I think this was all just kind of hard for him. I mean, all of a sudden, there's a new person living in our house. Things are different now. I spend a lot less time with him because I'm spending time with you. I think he just doesn't understand you. And what you went through. And why you act the way you act. I think if he knew you better, he wouldn't be treating you like this."

Well what if I don't have to go back to my parents, but Ross doesn't want me living here?

"It's not up to Ross. It's up to my parents. And I think they would totally let you stay here longer."

I set my phone down and sighed.

"You ok?" Rocky asked.

I nodded.

"Good. Just let me know if you want to talk about anything else, ok? Do you feel better now that we talked?"

I nodded again.

"Good. Don't think about Ross. The rest of us love having you here, ok? Especially me and dad. I don't care if you're anxious, or have panic attacks, or nightmares, or whatever it is. I'm just happy you're here."

I smiled and leaned my head against his shoulder.

"It'll be ok," he said, putting his arm around me.