Chapter Twenty-Two
Keaton
WAKING UP, THE firstthing I hear is the constant beeping and I immediately remember I’m in the hospital.I was out of it for several hours yesterday before I finally woke up for about five minutes.Then I went right back to sleep.I did see Tucker by my bed and I wanted to talk to him, but nothing would come out of my mouth.He simply leaned forward and pressed a soft kiss against my cheek before running his finger down it.I closed my eyes knowing I was safe and no one would get close to me without his approval.If I had simply waited a little while until he woke up, I never would have been taken if Tucker had been with me.But, then again, Bridger might have been hurt because we would have had him with us.Since that was his ultimate end game.In a way, I’m glad I didn’t wait for them to wake up because Bridger was safe at home with Tucker where Dillon couldn’t get to him.
Looking to my left, I spot Tucker sleeping with his head on the bed next to my arm as our fingers are laced together.He looks completely at peace even if he’s uncomfortable.His back is hunched over and I know it’s going to bother him once he finally wakes up and straightens his body out.My heart hurts for him because I don’t ever want him in pain for any reason.I want to reach over and touch his cheek, but my free arm has the IV in it and I can’t move it all that far.So, I settle for looking at him for several minutes until I hear movement on my right side.
Turning my head, I see Wren standing there with Bridger in her arms.He’s shifting in his sleep against her body and I can’t help but smile at the little boy I love so much.Wren gives me a smile as she continues to hold him because of my injuries.Yeah, I noticed then during the short time I was awake last night and saw the bandages wrapped around both of my wrists and felt another one on my head.
“How are you feeling?Do you need something for the pain?”Wren questions me as she looks down the length of my body under the blankets covering me.
“I think I’m okay for now.I’ve got a headache, but that’s about it.It’s not even that bad.When I woke up last night, it was horrible.I’ve never felt pain as bad as it was then.Nothing touched it either.I try not to take pain killers if I don’t have to,” I answer her as I move my hand and wince because I don’t want to wake Tucker up.I’m not sure how long he was awake and he deserves to sleep.
“Good,” Wren replies, looking closer at me and I have a bad feeling she’s about to say something she shouldn’t.“Oh my God!It’s really you!”
Excitement fills her and I close my eyes as my breath catches in my throat.This is the last thing I wanted to happen.I’m not ready for anyone here to know who I am when I’m not Keaton.Wren practically bounces on her feet with Bridger in her arms and I worry for his safety.
“You’re fucking Ruby!From the time I saw you last night I knew you looked really familiar and now I know why.I can’t believe I just met you and watched you perform live a few months ago.Does anyone else know?”Wren practically shouts as I look toward Tucker and hope he’s still sleeping.His eyes are still closed and his breathing is even as I watch him for a few minutes.
“Shh!”I tell her, turning my attention back to Wren.“No one in Briar Glen knows I’m Ruby with the exception of my parents.When I’m home, I don’t want to be Ruby.I want to live my life and be able to move around the town I grew up in without having to wear a disguise or something like that.”
“I promise you I won’t say a word to anyone.Does Ice know you’re Ruby?”she asks as I look back at him for a second.
“No.I haven’t found the right time or way to tell him I’m Ruby.It’s not something I’ve ever done before.The only other person who knew was my best friend Nora and she was killed.She’s the one who helped my aunt and me put together the Ruby persona,” I answer her question and guilt immediately fills me.
“I’m sure you have a good reason for deciding to be someone else when you’re on stage.No one from the other chapter of Knight’s Rebellion knows who you really are?”she asks and I can’t help but smile because to me this is fun and I need it after yesterday.
“Nope.I’ve always been dressed as Ruby when I step off the bus and none of them ever get on unless something is going on like an interview.If I’m talking to someone for a media or press tour, then I’m in my Ruby stuff so it doesn’t matter if they see me,” I tell her honestly.“You’re now the only one in Briar Glen who knows my real identity.I’m trusting you with this secret and that’s not something I take lightly.It’s hard to let people in when I have the job I do.Even here it’s hard for me because I can’t stand lying to people in my life and that’s what I’m doing by not revealing my truth.”
“I get it, Keaton.You can count on me to keep this between the two of us.I will say Ice doesn’t like secrets, though.Tell him as soon as you're comfortable enough to share this news.I don’t honestly know how he’ll react when you tell him,” Wren says and I nod because that’s my biggest fear.
“I will.I’ve already wanted to tell him a few times but something always seems to happen.Or I chicken out,” I admit because I’m not sure what else to say.“Thank you for keeping this between the two of us.Will Judge get upset when he finds out you knew?”
“No.He’ll understand if you tell him your reasons for keeping this to yourself.I’m going to go down and get something to eat from the cafeteria.Do you want anything?”Wren asks me as I shake my head and watch as she leaves with Bridger still sleeping in her arms.She’s a natural with him and I hope one day I’m able to be the same way with him.
Before I can think too much of the conversation with Wren, a phone rings from Tucker’s direction.He wakes up and groggily pulls it out of his pocket.
“’Lo,” he answers as he turns his attention to me and I offer him a small smile he doesn’t really return.“Yeah.She’s awake now.It’s your mom.I found her number yesterday and called to let them know what was goin’ on.”
I take Tucker’s phone from him and wonder what’s wrong with him.Maybe he’s angry with me and telling him my secret won’t matter because he stops talking to me.
“Hi, Mom,” I greet her, not bothering to pretend I’m okay or happy.
“Sweetheart, how are you feeling?”she asks me, her voice carrying that hint of worry all parents seem to have when something is going on with one of their children.
“I’ve been better.I have a little headache and my wrists hurt.Not too bad though considering everything,” I answer her and hear her sigh on her end of the call.
“I know, Sweetheart.Dad and I are on our way home from our trip.We’re looking for the quickest flight home now.Everything so far has at least one layover that’s hours long.We want to get our eyes on you as soon as possible,” she informs me as Tucker sits up in his chair and folds his arms over his chest.
