My Bestie’s Brother

Me And My Broken Heart

*John’s POV*

I was nervous. I didn’t want her to get upset, but she needed the truth. So I told her everything.

“You remember that I came to pick you up right?” She nodded. “Do you remember our drive to Gamerz where we jammed out to Queen?” She nodded. “Okay well do you remember getting to Gamerz?” She shook her head no. Alright a place to start.

“We arrived at Gamerz and they were so excited for us. We went bowling, played games in the arcade, played a round of mini golf and ate tons of pizza. You took me to the bumper boats where we tried to start a game of bump just each other. Unfortunately, we didn’t notice Brody, Wyatt and his bros get there too. They split in half and hit you from both sides. When Wyatt and Brody’s side hit you, the boat flipped with you still strapped in. After what seemed like forever, you still hadn’t resurfaced. I dove in and cut your straps loose to save you. You weren’t breathing so I administered CPR.”

She didn’t respond after that. Did I say too much? I hurt her. She was going to hate me for hurting her with the truth. But it needed to be said. “Say something please,” I pleaded with her.

*Riley’s POV*

Just as Celine Deon sang, it was all coming back to me. The fear. The trembling. The praying for them to leave me alone. The look in Wyatt’s eyes as he was about to bump into me. It was as clear. Wyatt and Brody hurt me.

I looked at John. I teared up and said, “Thank you for letting me know. I’m hurt, but I will recover. You’re my knight in shining armor still.” I let him embrace me. He was warm and comforting. I looked at the clock and realized it was getting late.

“Hey mister. I have class at 8:00 am so I need to get to bed. I’ll see you at 12:00 pm!” John still looked at me like I was about to break. He nodded and said, “Well I’ll be checking in on you until I feel like you’re good. Goodnight princess.”

John left the apartment and I settled into bed. 15 minutes later, my phone chimes with 2 texts. One from John and the other from Wyatt.

JOHN: “Hey princess. I made it home. Get some good sleep. Dream about being an amazing performer.”

I quickly realized that I started hugging my phone like he was here. I had to respond

ME: Thank you sir knight. I will.

That left a major smile on my face. He knew exactly what to say to make me happy.

I looked at the other alert. Wyatt again. I didn’t know if I’d respond in anger or not. I would give him a chance, but I know I’d be upset for a long time. I read his message.

WYATT: Riley Jo we need to talk. Please respond to me.

Oh heck no. He was not getting a talk over text. This would be face to face! I angrily put my phone on my nightstand and charger. I set my alarm for 6:30 am and fell asleep.

I woke up to my alarm. I knew I had to leave here at 7:30 am to get to class on time. I quickly showered and brewed some coffee. I at least knew that my daily 8:00 am class would be good for me. Trombone performance. I’d be able to meet some trombonists that weren’t in the marching band and it would be a chance to make friends.

I turned on the weather as I sipped my coffee. “Abilene is expect a heat wave to hit us later tonight with temperatures in the triple digits for the rest of the week.” Oh no. I would have to reveal my one secret. I was able to hide my knee brace fairly well with my sweats, but I wouldn’t be able to manage to wear them when it was 100 outside. I grabbed some comfy sweat bottoms and placed it in my bag. I put on my Miles Davis shirt and some jeans while concealing my brace. Then I was out the door.

I got there around 7:40 am. There wasn’t any traffic so I was able to get here in 10 minutes. I used my time wisely by finding my classroom and setting up my horn. Before I entered, I quickly texted John.

ME: I made it to campus. I’ll see you at 12:00 pm. Have a great first day!

JOHN: Thank you princess, I’ll see you then!

I was greeted by the trombone professor and a couple of other music majors who I didn’t see on the field. “Hello Riley. I hope you remember me. I’m professor Miranda and these are our senior assistants Greg and Steve.” Both guys shook my hands. They were polite at least. Greg gave a little eye roll and Steve kept looking at my shirt. “Oh you like Miles? You should audition for the jazz band!” I laughed, “Yes. Birth of Cool got me through my senior year.” Steve smiled. “Well let me know how I can help you out.” Greg then approached and said, “I hope your repertoire includes more than jazz. Miranda was impressed with you so I can’t wait to hear you play.”

Was this guy threatened by me? I hadn’t done anything to him. I shrugged, “I wouldn’t say I was good, but I know how to play. Hopefully we can be friends.” He nodded. We’ll see.

More and more trombonists arrived. We all circled up and began our routine. Miranda was in the middle of all of us walking around and listening in. We suddenly turned and saw someone come in late. Oh no way. There’s no way this was real. There was Wyatt with his horn in hand.

“Mr. Williams whatever excuse you choose is irrelevant. Please hurry up and catch up.” Miranda shook his head. I wonder if this was his first time being late. I’m just glad I’m surrounded by other players so Wyatt couldn’t stand next to me. He soon joined in towards the entrance.

We played for what felt like hours. It was only minutes though. I looked at my watch, 8:35 am. Ugh. I still had 15 minutes left with Wyatt’s presence. “Okay for the end of today’s session, we will be hearing from our latest transfer. Let’s all welcome Riley Miller.” Miranda came towards me and smiled. Everyone clapped and Steve gave me a high five. “Alright Ms Riley, what will you bless our ears with today?” I was starting to panic a little. I decided to pick something I knew by heart and knew I hadn’t screwed up. I spoke, “I will be playing the piece Miss Trombone by Henry Fillmore.” Miranda smiled and closed his eyes.

I started strong. It was going well and several were nodding along and enjoying it. Their acceptance made me smile. I didn’t even dare look towards Wyatt. He was in the back of my mind. I kept going and got to the end. Okay finish strong! I ended the tune and I was ambushed by pretty much every trombone player in there. I got a lot of compliments. Even Greg looked impressed. He shook my hand, “Welcome to the ASU trombone choir. Awesome job!” I did it. Even if I didn’t have many friends in the marching band, I had friends in the trombone department.

We were dismissed and we started packing up. I gave out my number to several and seemed to be the popular girl. I walked across the hall to my next class praying Wyatt wouldn’t be in there either. I got to the class and saw a couple of guys from trombone choir. They eagerly made me sit by them. This will be fun. Class started and no Wyatt. Good. As the attendance sheet was passed around, I didn’t see his name on the roster where we signed next to our names. I didn’t have to see him for every class.

The next 2 classes after that had no sign of Wyatt either. Awesome. I knew I could avoid him during marching band because he was on the other side of the field. I got my case opened and took my trombone together. I felt hand wrap around my waist. I said, “Hey knight. I’m glad to see you.” But to my horror, it wasn’t John. It was Wyatt himself.