- Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah.
- Then I wish you good luck! And if you do, you know where to find me. - he says smiling. - Will you be all right here alone tonight?
- She won't be alone, Mr. Evans! - Ryder speaks up. - I'm sure I'll stay here with her today and any day that's necessary.
- Thank you very much, Mr. Cavanaugh!
- Just call me Ryder, please!
- All right! All right! - my father corrects. - Thank you, Ryder!
After a while, they leave the room and leave me with Ryder. Supported by him, I start crying in his chest. That's how I fall asleep in your arms.
Chapter 08
Ryder
After a week in the hospital, Brooke was discharged. My uncle preferred that she stayed longer to see how she would react to the surgery. Viola helped Brooke mask the wound, which was still very visible. It was a small cut on the top of the nose, but it was quite purple, almost black. The injuries didn't bother her.
Brooke's parents went straight from the hospital to the airport. Only John was showing some kind of concern for his daughter. Linda was more concerned about not being late for that conference.
- Well, tonight you stay with me. - ...I say I walk into my apartment. - Tomorrow morning I'll take you to your dorm so you can pick up some clothes.
- Ryder, it's not for that! - she says with a tired voice from the painkillers. - Ryan says I'm okay, and it'll soon clear up.
- Brooke, Aron's been released on bail. - I mean, causing her to widen her eyes. - Look, it's no big deal. Casey said he needs your statement to keep him locked up and accountable for everything he's done.
I didn't want her to know that Aron was still out there, but she'd know anyway when she got to campus or Jane would tell her.
- I told her I'll take you to the police station tomorrow, if you're ready to testify.
- Sure! Yes, I will. - Brooke sighs with a tired look. - I want to end this nightmare right away.
After a long hot bath, Brooke ate one of my omelets, which I made especially for her, and decided to get some sleep. It was after 10:00 and I was out of sleep. Turning on the TV in the living room, I put it on the economy channel and start my notes. I'd love to do that and keep it a secret so no one would mock me. Even though I was smart, I liked my reputation as a bad boy. In addition, I liked to be aware of everything, because I had in mind to dismiss most of the smaller directors of the company. Those who have never inspired much confidence in my grandfather. I don't know how long I watched the programming, one after the other, but I got scared when I heard Brooke's voice sound fun behind me.
- You can let your nerd secret die with me.
Fixing the glasses he wore every time he watched TV or stayed in front of the computer for a long time, he shook his head smiling.
- It's really good! Because I know how to use a shovel and hide a body perfectly.
Brooke lets out a laugh by putting his hand in his mouth, like the cut hurts. She makes a face while filling a glass with orange juice. I didn't used to leave juice ready, but I knew she liked it a lot, so I started filling up the fridge in case Brooke showed up at my house. She slaps me on the head when she walks behind me.
- What are you doing? What are you doing? - Brooke asks if hanging on the couch back.
- Updating me in the business world. - I answer with a smile.
Turning to Brooke, I take off my glasses and face her. She frowned and stared at me for a few seconds.
- What's the matter?
- Your eyes...
- What about them?
She brings her face even closer to mine for a better look.
- They're from a deeper blue. - she answers. - Besides, I've never seen him wearing glasses before.
- Well, I wear lenses. That's probably why they seem clearer. - I mean, closing the notebook. - Actually, that wasn't an excuse to say my eyes are pretty, was it?
Brooke laughs, leaning his face on his hands.
- You're very cocky, aren't you?
- Just a little bit! - I mean, making a gesture with my index finger and my thumb. She turns her eyes. - What are you doing up?
Brooke sighs around the couch and sitting on the armchair next door.
- I had a nightmare!
She looks at me in a tired way, making me sigh. Passing her hands over her head and, without looking at Brooke, I lie on the couch stretching one arm for her. Brooke frown without understanding, so, smiling, I hit my hand in the space next to me.
- Come on! I'll make you sleep and don't worry about your nightmares. - she smiles at me, shaking her head in negative. - What's the matter? You think I can't make you fall asleep?
- I believe so, but the nightmares...
- Let's go, let's go, let's go, let's go! Trust me!
Brooke sighs, but he gets up
