Chapter Thirty-Five
Carly
Ryder and I have packed as much food, snacks, and drinks as we can. We’re in for a long drive, but I’m glad we get to spend time together. And I’m happy to support him and be there for him. I can’t imagine how he’d feel traveling all the way to Pennsylvania alone.
We’ll be stopping off at my house first to say hi and for Ryder to gather his bearings. Then when he’s ready, he’ll make his way next door to see his parents.
We’ve been driving for about an hour, mostly keeping quiet as we listen to music.
Ryder’s in the passenger seat while I’m driving my car.
He mostly stares out the window, but sends me sweet smiles every so often.
I clutch his hand, letting him know I am and always will be there for him. He squeezes back.
We also sing along with the music. Ryder has a nice voice, while I sound like a screeching cat. Still, it’s fun to let loose and I can see Ryder forgetting about his pain for a bit. But then the song ends and it all comes crashing down on him.
There’s some traffic, which causes us to stop every so often. I wrap my arms around my boyfriend, holding him close and letting him know he’s not alone. He buries his face between my neck and shoulder, releasing soft breaths. We stay like that until the car moves again.
“So I already started planning our next duet,” I tell him with a smile. “It needs to totally demolish our last one. We need to win first place next time.”
He chuckles softly. “My girlfriend is so competitive.”
I laugh, too. “Only when it comes to dance.”
“Suuuure.”
“When else have I been competitive?”
“In everything else.”
“Like?”
He lifts a brow. “When you play the dance game with Addie.”
“Dude, I said something that’s not dance.”
“Hmm.”
“I win.”
He laughs softly. “Okay.”
We’re quiet again. He turns to the window, as if he forgot for a second that he’s supposed to be anxious.
“It’ll be okay,” I reassure him. “Whatever happens, you’ll be fine.”
He nods slowly. “I just wish things were different.”
I pat his arm. “They might be.”
The song switches to one we know very well and the car is filled with my bad singing and his decent one.
We eat snacks, sing some more, play games, watch some videos when we stop because of the traffic. But we finally make it. It took an extra hour than it usually does to get here, but the point is that we’re here.
“Wow,” I say as we enter our town and zoom down the streets. “Feels like ages since I’ve been home, but it’s only been a few months. Although everything looks the same, it’s still a little foreign. At the same time, it feels like home.”
He nods. “I’m definitely hit with many memories. Some good, some bad.”
I take hold of his hand. “Maybe you’ll make new, good memories today.”
Swallowing, he nods.
I texted my parents last night that we’re coming, so they’ll be ready for us. They know Ryder hasn’t had the greatest relationship with his parents and that he’s coming to see them. They also know not to ask many questions, which I know he’s thankful for.
The car pulls up in front of my house and we get out. Hand in hand, we make our way to the front door. Ryder gives me a brave smile, and I return a wide one.
After unlocking the door, we walk inside, and I call, “We’re here!”
Even though we just saw my parents and brother yesterday, they rush to the front door and pull us into their arms.
Mom drags us to the kitchen table, where she laid out lots of food for lunch. Ryder and I ate tons of snacks in the car, but we’re still starving.
“Thanks so much, Mr. and Mrs. Simmons,” Ryder says, an expression of pure appreciation in his eyes. “This looks delicious.”
Mom smiles. “Thank you. Please eat as much as you want. There’s more than enough.” All five of us sit down and start eating as well as chatting. We mostly talk about the dance and how amazing our duet was.
“I went to the grocery store this morning and couldn’t stop showing all the neighbors your performance,” Mom tells us. “They were in awe of you and wish you the best at the next competition.”
“That’s so sweet of them,” I say. “Tell them thanks for me.”
Dad grins at me. “I know I told you this already, but I’m extremely proud of you. You put together an amazing performance and you’re keeping up with your classes. You, my amazing daughter, are super woman.”
I laugh. “I know I grumble and complain a lot, but the advanced class isn’t that bad. And it also helps that my boyfriend is in the class.”
Mom and Dad exchange a glance, while Blake gapes at us. “Boyfriend?” Dad asks.
I slip my hand in Ryder’s. “I didn’t say this on the phone because we wanted to tell you in person. We’re together now.”
“I’m not surprised,” Dad says with a light laugh. “All that bickering between you sure had some romantic tension underneath.”
“I’m not surprised, either,” Mom says. “You had so much chemistry on stage, I honestly thought you were in love.”
Ryder gives me a wide smile, and I’m sure he’s telling me he has strong feelings for me. Maybe he even loves me.
Just like I’m pretty certain I love him, too.
“I’m happy for you,” Blake says.
“Thanks,” Ryder and I say.
We eat and discuss other topics, my parents updating us on what’s been happening around town. Blake tells us about what the kids here are up to, he also talks about his and Ryder’s friends. And of course he talks about his girlfriend, Ximena.
“Are you blushing?” I tease.
“Shut up.” He throws his napkin at me.
“It’s cute! I’m not making fun.”
Mom looks from me to Ryder. “So are you kids going to the school dance together?”
My boyfriend and I smile at each other. “We sure are,” Ryder says.
Mom and Dad look so happy for us. When I was younger, I used to complain to my parents that I’d never have a boyfriend because none of the guys at school were interested in me. Turns out I was just waiting for the right boy.
The conversation shifts to other topics as we finish eating. After we help my parents clean up, Ryder and I go up to my room and sit down on my bed.
I run my hand through his hair. “It’s almost time to talk to your parents. How are you feeling?”
He puffs out his cheeks. “Nervous, but I’m ready.”
I nod as I gaze into his eyes. “I know we have to get back to school in a few hours, but take your time. Go when you’re ready.”
He takes another breath before giving me a soft kiss. “The more I sit here, the more I’ll go insane. I’d better go.”
I search his eyes. “Are you sure you don’t want me to go with you?”
After giving me another kiss, he says, “Thanks, but this is something I need to do on my own.”
I nod in understanding. “If you need me, just call or text and I’ll be over in seconds.”
He thanks me another time, gives me a deeper kiss, then gets to his feet. Our hands are clutched as I escort him downstairs and out the front door.
“Good luck,” I wish. “It’ll be okay.”
He nods, pushing a confident smile on his face. “I’ll see you soon, my beautiful and amazing girlfriend.”
I fold my arms around his waist, pressing my face to his chest. Then I reluctantly let go and drop down on the first step leading up to my house.
Ryder looks at me for a bit, holding that smile. Then he waves and makes his way next door to his house.