Chapter 91: Chapter Thirty

Demetri

My heart dropped to the ground. I couldn't breathe, couldn't think as Alyssa slumped to the ground. I caught her before she hit her head, and then I looked to Alec for help.

He began clearing people out. Nat asked if I wanted her to stay, but that was the last thing I needed. I swear, drama followed me just like the Biebs and boy bands.

Holly apologized about ten times then left with Aaron.

Best birthday ever.

At least I didn't get drunk and gain myself a DUI and a cellmate named Bertha.

“Alyssa? Sweetheart, can you hear me?” I took her to the nearest couch and cupped her face.

The moan that came from her was nearly my undoing as her eyelids fluttered open.

I didn't see her hand until it was too late. She slapped me so hard across the cheek I was afraid I lost a tooth.

“Guess I deserved that,” I muttered holding my face.

“You bastard!” She tried to get up but I gently held her back.

“Shh, you need to rest. You just fainted.”

“What I need is to stop surrounding myself with assholes! Now get off of me!”

“No.” Panic was overwhelming my common sense. “If I let you go, you won't come back. And I need you. I love you, Alyssa. I love you so damn much it hurts, and it kills me that you're hurting.”

“I'm hurting because you betrayed me, Demetri.” She shoved hard against him. “You did this.”

“Me? You're going to pin this on me?” I jerked away from her. “I tried to protect you and protect Brady's memory and it's my fault? That's bullshit and you know it, Lyss! He's the cheater!

“You should have told me.” Her lower lip trembled. “I knew this would happen.”

“What? What do you mean?” I fought to keep the tears in.

“Us. I knew we wouldn't last.” She smiled sadly as tears streamed down her face. “We're too different. I mean, you're like an accident waiting to happen. You've even said so yourself.

“What are you saying?” I reached for her but she walked around me toward the door.

“I'm saying goodbye.”

“Just like that?” I chased after her. She ran down the stairs and out the door.

“Yes.” She turned around, hands on her hips. “Just like that, Demetri. You got one chance. You blew it. You blew my heart into a million pieces. You don't get do-overs.

“Sorry if it's hard for you to understand. I mean, don't all rich rock stars get do-overs?” She laughed bitterly. “But you can't rebuild someone's heart once it's been broken.”

She pulled off her shoes and began walking in the direction of her house, not bothering to turn around when I yelled after her.

“I know.”

“Shit!” I ran back upstairs to the rec room and sat on the couch. My hand touched something smooth and wet. I froze.

The flask.

Sam must have thrown it.

With trembling fingers, I touched the cool steel. My brain was screaming at me to make the pain go away. I wanted to be numb so damn bad. I hated feeling weak. I hated tears.

I cursed and grabbed the flask and walked out to the balcony.

Shaking, I dumped the entire contents over the edge and then threw the flask as far as I could.

“Nice arm.”

“Go away.”

Alec cursed and leaned against the railing. “I don't even know what to say to make you feel better. Seriously, and we thought our shit was all messed up.”

I laughed bitterly. “Life blows.”

“Yup.”

“Oh, please.” I rolled my eyes. “You've got Nat. You had the happy ending, and you didn't almost die last year. I'd say life's pretty good for you right now, right?”

“Wrong.” Alec laughed humorlessly. “There's always something, Demetri. Always. You should know that by now.”

“What's your current something?” My curiosity was piqued.

“Promise you won't tell?”

“Who am I going to tell? I just lost one of my only good friends.”

“Valid point.” Alec's fingers flexed across the ledge. “A groupie contacted our agent and said I got her pregnant.”

“Babies everywhere,” I muttered.

“Right.” Alec closed his eyes. “Nat didn't talk to me for two whole days.”

“Verdict still out?” I asked.

“Yup. God, what I wouldn't do for a cigarette right now or a drink.” Alec laughed. “It's like I've turned into you.”

“Very funny.” I was still heartbroken but I managed a smile. “I wish someone would have warned us when we were kids.”

Alec frowned. “Warned us?”

“About how exposed life is. When you're little the biggest complaint you have is when you're going to get your next meal, or if you can stay up late and watch TV.

“As you get older things get more and more serious. You realize that death is inevitable, people fail you, and those you love will always leave you.”

“Not always.” Alec put his arm around me.

“Right, I'm touched. We have each other. Excuse me for not being thrilled over the fact that the girl I love just jumped on my heart and ran me over with a car.”

We watched the waves in silence.

Alec finally spoke up. “It will work out. She's just hurt.”

“So am I.”

“What are you going to do?”

“Cry?” I offered. “Yell? Scream? Throw a fit? Get high?”

Alec crossed his arms.

“I'm going to fight for her. I'm going to fight every damn day I have breath in my body, and if I die trying then at least I died loving someone with every part of my soul.”