Before The Angels Fell

Rileys POV

I didn't hear from Eli for the rest of the night. I figured he was busy with Noah and making sure he was okay. I tried not to worry, but it was all I did and not about Noah. Eli seemed so upset when he heard the news, I had never seen his eyes look so empty.
The next day I still hadn't heard from Eli. Nothing. I wanted to go to the hospital and see him, but I didn't know which one. I really didn't want to bother Eli, he said he would contact me.
I carried out my day as usual, but I had to start work at 3.
I looked over at the time and it was already 1 pm. I had stayed up half the night waiting to hear from Eli.
I slowly started to get something to eat and prepare myself for work.

Entering The Roof, there was no sign of Eli. Some of the other workers were there and they all said Noah was just in hospital, but no one really knew what happened exactly. It was strange being at work and not having Noah there. He was always there to make sure everything was running smoothly and being involved with everything. Tonight, no seemed to step up and take Noah's place. Usually Eli acted as the second boss, but no Eli. I put myself in charge and it didn't seem to bother anyone. They all went about what needed to be done, but didn't hassle me.
When it came to closing time, I cleaned up with the other staff members and then stayed back to make sure everything was in order.
As I checked a few things in the office I heard the back door open.
"Hello? We're closed" I called out.
I heard footsteps approaching rapidly and when the person showed themselves, I was relived.
"Eli" I breathed.
Eli said nothing, but just came up and hugged me. His arms wrapped tightly around me and after a minute a sob shook his body.
"Hey it's gonna be okay" I trying to soothe him as I stroked his back.
"No it won't" he said through his tears.
"Why? What's wrong?" I asked.
"He died" he blurted out and a new onset of tears poured.
I was in shock. I didn't even know what to say. I just wrapped my arms around him tighter and let him get everything out.

After a while he calmed down and I led him out to my car and took him home to my apartment.
As soon as he walked in, he kicked off his shoes and climbed into bed. I did the same lied down next to him.
"I can't stay here anymore" he whispered as we lay on our sides face to face.
"Why? What's wrong with my apartment?" I tried to say calmly.
"No, I mean I can't stay in LA anymore" he said sadly.
"What? Why?"
"I just can't. I know that Noah would want the bar to go into my hands, but I can't take."
"You can't let the bar just go into anyone's hands. It should be yours. Noah would want that."
"I couldn't work there. Everything to do with that bar is to do with Noah. I've known Noah for years and in a way, we built that bar, but it's always been his."
"What are you gonna do then?" I asked placing a hand on his face.
He looked up at me with his big blue eyes and said. "You take it."
"What?" I said in shock.
"You would do wonders for it. You've already shown you can be a boss. Just take it. It's all paid for, there's no debt's, just need to change the ownership."
"Whoa, hold up. I can't do this."
"Yes you can. I don't want it and I'd be happy giving it to you."
"What about you? What are you gonna do?"
"I'm gonna go home" he sighed.
"Home?"
"Home. To Washington. I can't stay here anymore."
I looked at him in shock. He was going to leave.
"What?! You can't leave! What am I going to do without you! I can't run a bar without you. Please don't leave!" I begged.
"Riley, I just can't..."
"What about me?" I asked in a small voice. "Y-you helped me when I needed it, you were there for me, you... You're the only person who cares or knows I exist! Do I mean anything to you!" I whined.
Eli looked taken aback. He sat up put his head in his hands. "I thought you didn't want anything from me?"
"Let's just say that I don't what I want."
"Riley, this isn't about you! This is about Noah and what's best for all of us. You'll be fine. I'll stay a week or so to show you the ropes, but that's it."
I couldn't believe how harsh Eli was being, not to mention selfish. Life has to go on. Death stops one person from living, but not the rest of us.
All I wanted was a chance to trust someone and Eli had just ruined that.
"Well you can just leave if that's what you want. I"ve had to do everything else on my own, why should this be any different?" I said getting out of my bed and going to grab another blanket and plopping down on the couch.
"Riley..."
"No, you've made your choice. I want you gone before I wake up" I said covering myself with the blanket and going to sleep.

The next morning I looked over at my bed and it was perfectly made. No Eli. I knew he wouldn't fight.
I got off my couch and went over to my bed. I noticed a piece of paper folded over on the bed with my name written on it.

Riley-
I'm sorry you feel this way, but you will never understand everything myself and Noah went though. I plan to stay till his funeral in a few days, in that time I will show you everything you need to know about the The Roof and get everything in order legally.
I'll be there today waiting for you.
I did really like you.
-Eli

Well at least I know what I'm in for. Time to start again.

Notes