My Bestie’s Brother

Memories

*Riley’s POV*

I should block his number. I should just ignore him and move on with my life. But something kept me from doing that. Maybe it was for sentimental reasons. All I knew is that Wyatt had texted me multiple times.

WYATT: Riley babe I am so sorry. I didn’t mean to hurt you.

WYATT: It was an accident. We didn’t mean to hurt you. We just wanted to shake you up a little.

WYATT: I was so worried about you when you weren’t breathing. I prayed you’d be okay and you were.

WYATT: Please Riley Jo respond to me. I’m so sorry.

WYATT: I deserve this. I’ve been so mean. I’m so sorry.

So whatever happened to me, Wyatt was involved. I tried hard to remember, but it just caused a headache. I shook off that feeling. As I looked at the texts again, I was able to pull up a memory from high school of the last time Wyatt was worried about me.

*FLASHBACK*

It had been 2 weeks after my surgery. I spent my whole spring break laying in bed. I missed the week before spring break so I was so worried about getting behind. The Monday after spring break, I got ready for school. I had to wake up earlier because it took longer to get ready. I was so upset because I had this huge cast and crutches and I couldn’t even move my knee. I threw on a t-shirt and put on some basketball shorts. I made sure my shoe looked good on my left foot and put a cute sock on my right.

I couldn’t drive so it meant that someone had to take me. Dad would take me. I had to not only meet with my teachers, but also with the principals and nurse. I hate going in the office even if I wasn’t in trouble. Dad calmly explained that I would make up all work and that my injury was severe so I needed a little extra time to get to class. Everyone nodded in agreement. I would get to leave 5 minutes early and would be able to use the elevator.

I teared up only a little when I saw my friends. We had all texted non stop and I missed their faces. I didn’t want to see anyone right now, but my dad insisted I came back. I looked around and was hugged immediately by Mark then Leah. They were the best. Mark took my trombone off the ground and Leah took my backpack. We all headed to the band hall.

I got in there and the other band members rushed towards me with a million questions. I was not ready to answer them all at once. Seeing my face, Mr. Donald immediately spoke up, “Y’all give her some space. We need to get ready for our big contest in a month and we need to focus on that.” Most people thought he was a jerk, but I knew deep down he meant no ill intent. He loved us.

Mark being 3rd chair next to me at 2nd made things easy. He carried both of our horns as I hobbled over to my seat. Damien helped out as well giving me his hand to use to lower myself. I winced as I was lowering myself and Mark quickly put both horns down and helped me sit. Everyone watched which made me embarrassed.

We all were warming up and playing. I was sounding a little off since I didn’t practice at all. I tried not to make it obvious. I teared up since these pain killers I still have to take make me emotional. Damien and Mark both consoled me. I look towards Mark and see another worried face. Wyatt.

I went through this same routine for about a week. I spent the weekend helping out my younger siblings and coaching Delilah how to shoot. That was a mistake because I looked down and was reminded I probably couldn’t play anymore. I stormed inside and flopped on my bed. I was definitely ugly crying. After a few minutes, I decided I didn’t want to depend on anyone anymore. I could do it myself. I saw the chair in my room and decided to use my crutches to my advantage.

I tried lowering myself a couple times, but found I was too clumsy. I fell a couple times, but I managed to pull myself up. I kept trying over and over until finally, I found a way to get into my chair. Success.

Monday morning, I had my backpack and trombone on my back. No one was going to help me out anymore. I was strong. I got everything situated and took my whole case to my chair. I was able to sit down and I got my trombone out of the case. Perfect. I could show everyone I didn’t need their pity.

Damien and Mark looked at me with confused faces. Almost simultaneously they said, “Are you sure you don’t need any help?” I got angry. I didn’t want their help. Otherwise I would have asked! I said a little too loudly, “I DON’T NEED YOUR HELP OR ANYONE ELSE’S FOR THAT MATTER. LEAVE ME ALONE!” Every band member looked at me. I was furious. “MIND YOUR OWN BUSINESS AND LEAVE ME THE HELL ALONE!” Everyone immediately turned around.

I could tell that Mark, Leah, Damien and everyone else I knew well were concerned. Heck even Mr. Donald. I looked at my watch and packed up my horn to leave. I hoisted myself up with my crutches and picked up my horn. Mark bent over to help and I snapped, “NO. LET ME DO THIS BY MYSELF.” I could see the pain in his eyes. I truly hurt his feelings. I hobbled to the lockers as I felt several eyes staring at me.

I got my backpack and headed to English. I liked English but not as much as athletics or band. I felt someone grab my backpack and I almost fell. “WHAT THE HELL MARK? I SAID TO LEAVE ME ALONE. I DON’T WANT YOUR HELP.” I slowly turned myself. It wasn’t Mark. Wyatt stood there with a sad look on his face.

“I’m sorry Riley I didn’t mean to make you almost fall. I was just worried about you. It’s okay to accept help from others.” Wyatt was right, but I didn’t know why he was approaching me. We hadn’t really spoken since the beginning of school. He hurt me.

“THANKS BUT NO THANKS, WYATT. I CAN DO IT BY MYSELF!” He nodded. Then the next words that came out of his mouth shook me. “I know you can, but that doesn’t mean you should.”

Tears started to fall. He was being nice again. And he told me he was worried about me. He asked, “Can I hug you and help you out today?” I couldn’t speak so I simply nodded. He hugged me and slid my backpack off my shoulders. Then he took me to English class.

*END OF FLASHBACK*

I sighed. How come I can’t remember what happened last night but I can remember something from 4 years ago? My head hurt a little and I decided rest was the best.

Dad got me breakfast and slipped me $100. I tried to give it back, but he refused. “Take it. Use it on groceries or something. We love you Riley Jo.” I smiled. “I love you too dad. Be safe!”

After he left, I had to know what happen. It was bothering me. So I did the one thing I could. I knew both John and Wyatt were there so I had to ask one of them. After all I had been through with Wyatt, I started to text. Suddenly I found myself deleting that. I didn’t know if I could really trust him anymore. I reached out to John.

ME: Hey John. I’m having some short term memory loss from my accident. No one told me what happened and I need some closure. Will you come over and tell me what happened?

John: Yes. I’ll be there in 15 minutes.

I brushed my teeth again and put on some leggings to hide my scar. No one here besides Wyatt had seen it and I didn’t want them to yet. I heard a knock and saw John.

“Hey there my knight in shining armor! Please come in!” I realized this was going to be difficult for the both of us. He nodded and came in. I made some room on the couch putting more pillows on my side. He looked super nervous like he was going to break my heart. It must have been severe.

John looked into my eyes, “Okay Riley here is what happened. You cannot get mad because you’re still at risk.”

“Okay John. Tell me everything.”