Broken Promises

How does she look now?

“What’s up?” I asked tilting my head.

“Well, I want to start by saying happy birthday.” John smiled politely.

“Thank you” I smiled.

“But I think you are stupid for turning down your uncle's offer to adopt you, he seems nice. While I know you have thrived here the truth is, I'm shutting down the foster home.” He replied.

“What?” I asked dumbfounded.

“Missy isn’t going to be coming home for quite a while if she ever does. Her kidneys are failing and if they can help her, she is going to rehab.” John said in a low tone.

“Oh” was all I could manage to say.

“I think you should consider it, at least more than a few hours before turning it down. When the home gets fully shut down you won’t be together anyways, very rarely does that happen. So just take the offer to be with your family” John added.

“I don’t think that’s very fair” I argued.

“What do you mean?” he raised a brow, his tone cold.

“You don’t really know anything about my family, in the five years I've been here you have barely asked me anything or talked to me about anything that has happened, and Missy is always too intoxicated to know anything that is happening around her. So, I don’t think you get to tell me what I should and shouldn’t do.” I said sternly. I wasn’t trying to fight but when you are so hands-off you can’t be bothered to know what is going on in your own house.

“I think that you need to learn what respect is because it isn’t this. I like you Rylee and there have been barely any problems with you since you got here, I know about your family. It’s all written on a piece of paper in a file in my office, I know the situation. The fact that you think I wouldn’t is unacceptable Rylee, I’m trying to explain to you in a way that you will understand, seeing as I have more insight on the situation at hand; take the offer and live with your uncle.” He said in a low tone.

“I really don’t think you are informed enough to make that choice,” I answered crossing my arms over my chest.

“Rylee I’m going to be real with you right now, we are closing down as soon as school ends, if you feel like you can find somewhere better to live in the foster system stay, if not then you need to go. I don’t think you understand how many times it has failed you before, you have a chance to get out and live happily with someone who cares about more than how much they get in a paycheck for you, be my guest, Rylee. Think about it from a logical standpoint, take all emotion out of this choice” He replied with a hint of annoyance.

“I need to go to work” I replied and walked away.

“Rylee this is the best choice.” He said loudly, I hesitated to keep walking but forced myself to. I’m tired of everyone always telling me what's right and what's wrong. I should be able to choose by myself without everyone else having their own opinion on it.

I ran out the front door and down the street, I wasn’t sure where I was going, I just knew I couldn’t stop. Tears stung my eyes daring to be released, I ran faster trying to get somewhere I could feel safe, I started to note my surroundings, the graffiti on the brick building to my right, the bank on my left, the hill leading into a smaller part of town, or if I take this road to the left leading to the cemetery. It clicked like a puzzle piece; my safe space has always been here so it would make sense.

I walked up the road leading to the open field on the right and the headstones on the left, I walked down the pathway weaving between headstones of the fallen before reaching a beautiful flowering Willow tree.

I sat under it for a moment as the sounds of birds filled the air, I took unsteady breaths as I fought back the tears.

“It’s been five years since you have passed, and I'm struggling so much right now,” I said lowly, I could feel my voice cracking.

“I’m trying so hard to be strong for everyone, for myself. I find myself thinking it would be better if I joined you instead. Being alive isn’t the same without you” I sighed, letting the tears fall.

“I don’t know how to continue on this journey alone.” I whimpered into my hands.

I sat for a moment, letting the pain of everything wash over me in the one place I felt safe from the world.

“I just wish you were here to give me advice, on school, life, boys. I just need a sigh on what to do next. I’m so confused, I just feel so goddamn empty anymore” I sobbed. I felt foolish talking to people who could or couldn’t hear me, I liked to think that could but would they let me struggle so much if they could? If they could see the things I am doing, would they be disappointed in me? Would they be proud of me? Would they feel sorry for me? Pain for leaving beyond their control? The thoughts flooded in like waves, tears flowing it felt never-ending as I sat here alone.

“I thought I would find you here.” a familiar voice said pulling me from my thoughts.

“Typically,” I replied without looking up. Trying to subtly wipe away the tears.

“What’s wrong Rylee bug?” He asked as he sat down next to me.

“I’m just confused and lost, and so many other things” I replied finally lifting my head towards the bright sun in the sky.

“Maybe I can help?” He questioned.

“You know anything about boys and bets?” I chuckled.

“A little” He smiled.

“You never cease to amaze me uncle Bruce” I smiled.

“So let it out.” He said lightly punching my arm.

So, I did, I explained most of what happened without going into the details of my night with Lucas.

“Lucas kind of sucks.” He said lowly after I finished.

“Yeah.” I chuckled

“But you miss him don’t you?” He asked.

“Part of me does.” I smiled slightly thinking about all the times we spent together as children.

“Rylee, typically when part of us misses someone we miss who they used to be. Do you think Lucas is the same person he was?” he asked.

“No,” I reply almost instantly.

“Then I don’t believe you miss him. I believe you miss the idea of who he used to be,” he added like he had words of wisdom. I left the silence settle between us for a moment.

“Rylee I know living with me isn’t something you want, and I respect that but it seems like you need a change in your life. I believe I am here for a reason. And I believe that reason is to help you.” He spoke, breaking the comfortable silence.

“I made a family with them,” I said lowly.

“And if they ever need help, I’ll help them in any way I can. But my main priority is you, Rylee, you deserve better.” He spoke softly.

“Do I?” I ask, my voice varying slowly.

“Rylee life has been unfair to you. As it is to many people. I’m here to help you. To change that no matter what it takes. If everything else in my life I have done wrong, this is the one time I feel like I’m doing something right.” He said in a warm tone.

“Okay,” I said lowly.

“Okay?” He asked.

“Life can’t get any worse than I’ve already gone through. So why not?” I smile.

“I’ll take it.” He smiled wrapping an arm around my shoulders.

“I promised your parents if anything ever happened to them I would look out for you.” He smiles pausing for a moment. “I’m sorry I was so late.” He continues.

“It’s not your fault,” I answer leaning into him.

“I know. But it doesn’t make me feel better knowing I should have been here sooner.” He replies.

LUKA’S P.O.V.

I waited for a bit before I had to head home. I wanted to make sure she was okay but she wasn’t answering her phone. I drove past the cemetery, just to see if she was there. She was, with Bruce. They looked deep in conversation so I just kept going. I know she’s safe and that’s what matters.

I finished my drive to the house, I walked in, and headed to the kitchen where my parents sat at the island.

“Hey,” I said softly.

“Hey, how was school?” They asked.

“Good.” I smiled.

“And how is Rylee?” My father asked.

“She’s good,” I answered.

“So you are still seeing her?” my mother scoffed.

“Contrary to what you may think Rylee isn’t a bad person.” I rolled my eyes.

“Luka your brother is locked in his room every day after school. He barely comes out.” She yells.

“That’s his fault. He made a bet. And while he won the bet he lost Rylee. That’s not my fault. Nor is it Rylee’s. She’s going through stuff too.” I reply.

“Like what?” My father asks.

“Like the kids at school calling her names for sleeping with Lucas. Like making a hard life decision that will change everything. These are normal things for most people but Rylee has already been through a lot and things just keep getting piled on top of her.” I answer in a calm tone.

“You are supposed to be there for the family.” My mother scoffs.

“I am. Lucas knows I’m here for whatever he needs, he’s asked for things and I’ve always helped him but I’m not going to leave her to. Especially not now that things are hard.” I answer, biting the inside of my cheek as the anger rises.

“She shouldn’t be important to you.” My mother slams her hand down on the counter.

“Too bad. Because she is.” I snap back.

“Enough,” Lucas yells as he enters the kitchen

“Mom, I’m fine. I’m going through it but I’ll be fine. And I know Luka is there for whatever when I need him. I don’t expect him to stop being friends with Rylee. I did this to myself and I understand that. Luka can be friends with who he wants to without everyone jumping down his throat. Rylee is a great person and she gave me more chances and opportunities I can count on two hands. I just really f****d up and now I’m dealing with it one day at a time. So get off his back.” Lucas continues in a strong tone.

“If that’s how you feel.” My mother gasped and left the room.

“You know how she gets.” My father laughed.

“Sure.” I scoffed, heading up to my room.

“Is she okay?” Lucas's voice wavers behind me.

“I really don't know,” I answered honestly.

“Okay.” He answers before closing his bedroom door.

‘f**k’ I mumbled to myself before opening his door.

“Let’s go,” I say sternly.

“I don’t feel like going anywhere.” He scoffs

“I didn’t ask,” I said quickly as I head towards the steps.

We got in the car and I started driving, I wasn’t sure if what I was doing was a good idea or not but I'm tired of being put between them. Maybe if they just talked, they could go back to how they used to be.

“Where are we going?” Lucas asked.

“We are here,” I answered as I stepped out of the car.

“The cemetery?” He looked at me confused.

“Come on.” I groaned and started walking up the hill. There she sat, under the same Willow tree, with her uncle. This time though, her smile was faded, she was intently drawing to her heart's content in her sketchbook while carrying on a conversation.

“Hey,” I said lowly as we approached.

“Luka.” She smiled, turning her gaze to Lucas. “Lucas.” She said lowly.

“Hello, I don’t think we have met. I’m Rylee’s uncle. Bruce.” He smiled putting his hand out. Lucas and I both shook his hand.

“Do you mind if we give these two a few minutes?” I asked politely.

“Rylee bug?” he turned to her.

“It’s fine.” She smiled.

“What are you doing?” Lucas asked annoyed.

“Work things out. I’m done being the middle man.” I whispered back.

“Why don’t we go grab some coffees?” Bruce asked.

“Ooo coffee,” Rylee said.

“What do you want?” Bruce asked.

“Medium black coffee-” She started.

“With extra Caramel creamer and a little bit of vanilla, iced.” I finished.

“Yes.” She smiled.

“Got it darling.” I smiled and walked with Bruce.

“You sure do know a lot about her.” Bruce smiled.

“We have been friends for a while.” I shrugged.

“That’s all?” he asks.

“Yeah, there really isn’t anything else,” I answer. Other than the fact that I've liked her since I was 13 but ya know.

“Seems like more,” he said as we walked into the coffee shop, I brushed it off as we ordered our coffee and he seemed to dismiss it together.

“So, how long have you liked Rylee?” he asks quickly, I spit my coffee out making him laugh as I subtly choke on it.

“I don’t like Rylee.” I muster out between coughs.

“You do. And that’s okay. I won’t tell her.” he smiles sipping on his coffee.

“Since I was 13.” I sigh.

“13,” he asks shocked, I nod my head in response.

“Wow, that’s a long time,” he answers.

“Yeah, I know.” I sigh.

“So why haven’t you told her?” he asks.

“There hasn’t been a right time,” I answer.

“Will there ever be a right time?” he asks. I pause for a moment thinking about the question, every time I finally get the courage to say something, something else always comes up. “I’m not sure there is ever a right time to tell someone how you feel.” he continues

“You may be right about that,” I answer.

RYLEE’S P.O.V.

Luka and Bruce left a little while ago, I’ve just been sitting here drawing while Lucas sits beside me. So far neither of us has said anything.

“I’m sorry,” he says quickly.

“It took you that long just to say I'm sorry?” I laugh.

“I just don’t know what to say to make things better,” he says.

“You can’t say anything to make things better Lucas,” I say slowly. The silence settles between us for a moment.

“I don’t want to love you, Lucas, I just want you to know you did wrong. Apologize for putting me in that position and move on.” I stated.

“I am sorry Rylee; the bet was a stupid boy thing that really didn’t mean anything to me because I knew no one else would be able to win it. It wasn’t supposed to get out at all, but it did and I'm sorry. I still love you, Rylee, I have for a while.” he says sweetly, bringing his hand to my cheek.

“I can’t love you anymore Lucas, it hurts me too much every time,” I answer.

“I know, and I will respect that, and respect if you don’t ever want to talk to me again.” he sighs.

“Lucas I miss when we were friends, actual friends not friends that insult each other, I miss when I was actually happy to see you walk my way, not when I dreaded it and avoided you at all costs.” I sigh, leaning into him.

“I miss when we were friends too.” He replies wrapping an arm around me.

“So, let's go back to that,” I suggest.

“Back to what?” he asks.

“Back to being actual friends.” I chuckle.

“Do you think we could ever actually get there?” he asks.

“I do, with time and boundaries,” I answer.

“So, I can text you now?” he laughs.

“I’ll actually answer now.” I smile.

“There is a line though. Between friendship and relationship. You are officially friend-zoned, Lucas.” I laugh.

“Never thought someone else would friendzone me.” He laughs, I laugh a little harder.

“Hey, guys,” Lucas says through his laughter, I look up to see Bruce and Luka.

“All better?” Luka asked.

“Yeah, thank you.” I smile as he hands me my coffee.

“Good, I was tired of being the middle man.” He scoffs sitting next to me. Letting out a small laugh as I push him.

“You really are my best friend Luka.” I smile leaning my head on him.

“So, do you want to tell them now?” Bruce asked.

“Oh yeah, I forgot honestly.” I laugh slightly as Lucas and Luka look at me.

“Bruce is going to adopt me.” I smile.

“Ryles that’s amazing!” Luka said loudly pulling me into a hug.

“That’s awesome!” Lucas smiled.

“I’m so happy for you Ryles!” Luka smiled.

“Thanks, guys.” I smiled.

“Well, I have to head back to work now. Would you like a ride home?” Bruce asked.

“I think Luka can give me a ride home then, I want to finish this sketch.” I smiled.

“Yeah, of course, Rylee.” Luka smiled.

“Great, I'll get in touch with Amanda tonight and we will get everything figured out. I’ll see you soon Rylee bug.” Bruce smiled.

“Okay, see you.” I smiled and waved as he walked to the car.

“Does anyone else know?” Luka asked.

“No,” I replied.

“Are you going to tell them?” Luka asks.

“Yeah, I will. For now, I just want to enjoy the moment.” I smile leaning my head on him and draping my legs over Lucas, finishing my sketch.

A few hours had passed, the sun was setting behind us as I finished up my drawing, Lucas and Luka were so into their phone I had started one of them and finished it as well.

“You guys ready?” I asked with a smile as I put the finishing touches on the Willow tree.

“Yeah.” Luka smiled down at me.

“Just give me 2 more minutes.” I laughed.

“You got my hopes up. I wanted food.” Lucas laughed.

“Alright, Alright. I’m done.” I smiled.

“Where did you ever get the sketchbook and stuff?” Luka asked.

“I keep one here, just in case.” I smile, tucking it away in the willow tree.

“Well, that was something I didn’t know.” Luka laughed.

“I knew about it.” Lucas laughs.

“What?!” Luka said loudly.

“We are still amongst the dead guys.” I laugh lightly.

“Sorry dead people,” Luka says lowly as we walk towards the car.

“Hey Rylee, don’t you work today?” Luka asks.

“Yes, at like 7,” I say checking my phone.

“It’s about 6:30,” I say, watching Luka's face panic a little.

“Did you have plans or something?” I ask climbing in the front seat.

“Kind of,” he answers quietly.

“If you gotta go, it’s fine I can walk home,” I reassure him.

“No, I'm not going to make you walk home.” he laughs.

“I’ll drop you off and head over.” he smiles.

“Does it have anything to do with the girl from the library?” I ask with a smirk.

“Shut up.” he playfully pushes me.

“Girl from the library?” Lucas asks.

“Yeah, just some girl I walked in on him fucking.” I laugh.

“You actually f*****g someone? That’s new.” Lucas laughs.

“Please, Luka has hooked up with a lot of girls.” I scoff.

“Not really, maybe 2 or 3.” Lucas laughs.

“So, this one makes 3 or 4?” I question, Luka gives me an eye roll as he parks in front of my house.

“Get out.” he scoffs.

“Rude.” I roll my eyes.

“Hey, I'll see you later alright?” he smiles, I nod as Lucas gives me a hug.

“And I will text you later?” Lucas asks.

“Yeah.” I smile before walking inside.

LUKA’S P.O.V.

I leave Rylee’s, dropping Lucas off on the way to Daisy’s. Her parents were out of town so she threw herself a little party, mostly just friends and a few card games but I didn’t mind. I like things calm and casual.

“Hey, sorry I'm late,” I say once she opens the door.

“It’s okay, we are just watching a tv show.” she smiles pulling me inside.

“Luka!” Some people smile once they see me, others glare at me.

“Hey.” I smile.

“So where were you?” Chris asks.

“Dealing with some stuff,” I answer.

“Some Rylee stuffs?” Ashely asks.

“No actually, some Lucas stuff,” I answer.

“Oh, I was really hoping you would end up with Rylee,” Zack says.

“Why?” Daisy asks.

“He liked her when he was like 13, and up until a year ago still did. I haven’t heard much from him since then.” Zack answers.

“It’s true, I used to have a thing for Rylee. That stopped a while ago though.” I answer.

“Is it because she got fat?” Clarissa asks.

“Excuse me?” I scoff in disbelief.

“She got fat,” Clarissa repeats.

“She’s skinnier than you.” I laugh.

“She is not, she just makes herself look that way, I saw the ace bandage.” Clarissa continues.

“Actually, she has a broken rib.” I blurt out.

“From her fight with Jessica?” Ashley laughs.

“No, from her falling.” I scoff, “Jessica didn’t do any damage to her.” I continue.

“For someone who doesn’t like her, you sure are sticking up for her.” Chris laughs.

“That’s because she is my best friend. Ask these idiots. The only reason we ever stopped talking was that they made fun of her.” I say quickly.

“She's a nerd, and she was gross last year,” Chris added.

“Yeah, and she went through a lot in her life. Stuff you guys don’t know about, stuff I'm not going to tell you guys about because it’s not about me.” I say irritated.

“I mean she should have still tried to look better.” Zack laughed.

“Yeah? How does she look now?” I questioned, pulling up a picture we took earlier that day.

“Hot,” they say in unison.

“Yeah? Well because of how you treated her last year you’ll never have a chance.” I scoff.

“Believe me, we will have our turn,” Zack said as a devilish grin crossed his face.

“Touch her, without her consent. And I will kill you. I swear on everything.” I saw quickly as I get in his face.