Speak To Me

(Tilly)

I let out a soft moan, my body feeling weighed down as an overwhelming warmth radiated around me. Why was it so hot? Did I forget to shut off the heater or something?

That's when I tried to kick off the blanket, needing to get some fresh air as my foot suddenly struck a solid object.

"Mm..it's too early..let's sleep longer." A deep voice rumbled next to my ear, making me realize I wasn't in my bed..in fact..I wasn't even in my apartment..

Then all of last night rushed back to me..the things my mom..no, she isn't my mom..that's what this whole thing is about. My mom is actually my grandmother..and my sister..she..she is my real mother.

Suddenly I felt tears spring to my eyes..my head turned to the side as I buried my face against Rylan's shirt before clinging to him.

I guess we had fallen asleep on the couch..he held me all night while I cried and told him about my sister...

"Hey, it's okay, come here." Rylan mumbled, his sleepy voice making my stomach fill with butterflies as I inhaled his masculine scent deeply.

How could I be experiencing two such extreme emotions all at the same time? On one hand..I am heartbroken by what happened last night..but on the other hand..Rylan was here, taking care of me and being the most incredible guy ever.

After my dad..ugh..I keep doing that..after the man who I always thought was my dad told me all about how I was actually their granddaughter. I just couldn't stay in that house any longer. I got up and left with nothing but my phone in my hand..I didn't even bring my wallet or purse. I needed time to process everything..and I couldn't be in that apartment to do it..it all felt like one big lie. I didn't even know who I was anymore..or who my family was..so I ran away. I didn't know my mom was chasing after me at first, but I heard dad calling after her..and that's when I started to run.

As messed up as all of this is..I can't help but feel guilty too..I hope they didn't stay out all night looking for me..and after coming to Rylan's, I sent them a text saying I was somewhere safe and I would contact them when I'm ready..if I ever will be. Then I just decided to turn my phone off because they wouldn't stop calling.

So once we got to Rylan's place, he gave me one of his T-shirts and some shorts to wear and we sat on the couch as he listened to my sob story. I don't even remember falling asleep truthfully..I was just so emotionally exhausted that I must've passed out.

I let out a sniffle, my eyes blinking open as I peered up at Rylan, seeing those gorgeous green ones staring back at me.

"There, do you feel a little better now after getting it all out?" He asked, making me nod as I saw a smile twitch in the corner of his mouth.

Rylan lifted one hand, brushing my dark hair away from my face as he suddenly bent down, making me stiffen as nervous butterflies flooded through me.

But the moment his lips pressed against my forehead, I started to relax.

"I'm sorry that you are going through all of this Tilly..really..I wish I could make it all better." He mumbled against me, making my cheeks warm as he pulled back again.

Rylan's words were so sweet and kind..it was hard not to be affected by them.

I watched as his gaze quickly darted down to my lips next, causing me to slip my tongue out, wetting them gently.

Was he going to kiss me? Oh god..I hope my breath isn't bad..Rylan inched closer to me, making my heart skip a beat as I mentally prepared myself to be kissed. "Are you hungry?" He rushed out instead, catching me off guard.

"Hmm?" I responded in a daze, waiting for those lips to press to mine..just like they had last night in the car.

"Do you want breakfast? Maybe some coffee?" He asked again, causing me to frown slightly before I nodded in response.

"Oh, sure..coffee sounds great." I squeaked, feeling embarrassed now as Rylan went to get up, untangling our legs in the process.

I sat up, brushing my hair behind my ears as I looked away from Rylan shyly. I guess it isn't exactly the right time to be doing that..what is wrong with me?!

"If you want to freshen up or anything there are towels on the bathroom counter and some clothes I left in there last night for you." Rylan added, his large hand coming up as he pushed back his blonde hair in the most sexy way ever. Why was he so dreamy?!

I watched as he turned, and went to walk towards the kitchen, letting me get a nice view of his broad back and shoulders. He was actually a lot more muscular than I thought..and his butt..

"Did you hear me, Tilly?"

"Yeah! Towels..sounds good!"

I jumped to my feet, going to walk towards the hallway to the left when Rylan called after me.

"Tilly, the bathroom is that way." He infroned me, making me stop mid-walk before nodding once. I swiftly turned the other way, giving Rylan a lame thumbs up as I cringed inwardly.

I swear I heard Rylan trying not to laugh as I reached for the closest door and yanked it open, thanking God it was the bathroom when I looked inside.

He had given me a small tour last night but I was so out of it I barely remembered anything. Rylan's apartment was pretty huge though..it had to be at least three times the size of our apartment..so I have a feeling it will be easy to get lost in here.

I turned on the light, stepping towards the mirror as I let out a gasp and slapped my hand over my mouth.

Oh my gosh..I look like a freaking raccoon or something! No wonder Rylan didn't want to kiss me..for goodness sake..

I wiped at the mascara under my eyes, seeing my hair was a crazy curly mess as I tried to somehow tame it.

Then my eyes were drawn to something else..

I tilted my head, peering at the blue and purple marks all along my neck and throat as I felt a rush of air escape me.

There had to be at least ten hickeys on me..all made by Rylan. I bit my lip, feeling my stomach twist as I tried not to freak out and act like a damn teenager.

I guess I can't blame my mom for freaking out..they looked a lot better in the dark..

The thought of my mom settled into me..making me realize just how hard it would be to wrap my head around all of this.

Can Shaina really be my mother? That would mean she was pregnant with me at fourteen..and my dad..who is he?

I let out a groan, placing my palms over my eyes in defeat as I felt myself sink to the floor.

I never in a million years thought this would be a possibility..Shaina..she..she doesn't even want anything to do with me really..and growing up, I got the sense that sometimes she didn't like me. Does that mean she never wanted me? Is that why my grandparents ended up raising me?

"Tilly? Are you doing okay?" Rylan suddenly knocked on the door, making me pull my hands from my face as I tried to catch my breath. I hadn't even realized I was crying..

"I..I'm fine." I choked out, obviously not sounding fine.

"I'm coming in, okay?" Rylan announced making me squeak out an okay in response.

"Come here..it's going to be okay..I promise Tilly..no matter what you are going to be okay." He rushed out, coming down to the floor with me before lifting me and placing me in his lap.

I swear I never clung to someone so tightly as I tried not to break out into sobs yet again.

"I don't think she wanted me Rylan..what if..what if I was just some big mistake?" I choked okay, making him stiffen for a second before hugging me even tighter.

"Never say that again Tilly..even if it was an accident and you were unexpected..you are not a mistake. And I won't let you think that way..ever." He said firmly.

"From the first moment I saw you..even back then..I knew you were something special..and I see that even more now. I know this is all confusing and you have a right to be angry and upset..but never even for a second think that this makes you unwanted or unlovable..because it doesn't Tilly..you are the same person you were yesterday. This doesn't change any of that." Rylan whispered, his mouth resting on the top of my head as he began rubbing my back gently.

"We will get through this together..okay? I will be right by your side through all of it."

He added as we just held one another tightly. The fact that this man whom I have always dreamed about and admired from afar was now here comforting me and seemed to genuinely care..it made my heart swell as that hurt throbbed through me..but having him here, and hearing those words even if he changed his mind tomorrow..it was keeping me from falling apart, and I will forever be thankful for Rylan Walters because truthfully, he is all I have right now..