Saturday Feb.14th: The Family

Ricky sat in his car across the street on Saturday morning. He knew that it seemed like he was stalking but he could not muster the strength to walk to the door. All ready, he had seen Ben come with balloons and flowers to wish Amy a happy Valentine's Day. All Ricky had to show was a stuffed butterfly for Amy and a giraffe for his son; well not quite. Ricky reached into his glove compartment and pulled out a mix CD.

Back at band camp Director Sedlock had some of the student's pair up and do a duet. At the time Ricky and Amy had come to know each other a little better and decided it would be interesting for a drummer and a French horn player to make music together. Their music ended up being better than anyone had expected to the point where they had received standing ovations. Sedlock had recorded each team and after band camp was over Amy was nowhere to be found so Ricky had held onto the CD. Ricky had also made a copy for himself which sat on one of his shelves at home.

Ricky was still reminiscing when there was a knock on his car window.

"So are you just gonna sit out here all day?" Ashley said as he lowered the window. Ricky unlocked his car and pushed the door so Ashley got in. "He's gone you know."

"Who," Ricky asked pretending he didn't know who he was talking about.

"Who else, Ben," Ashley said. "For the record he won't be coming back today."

"I thought you liked Ben," Ricky said to her.

"What did Amy tell you that? Anyways I only did it so Amy could stop moping around it was kind of annoying. I didn't actually think she'd get back together with him."

"Yeah me neither."

Ashley looked curiously at Ricky. "You like her don't you, really like her?"

"What makes you say that?"

Without asking for permission Ashley reached into the glove compartment and pulled out the CD.

"You must really like her since you made her a mix."

"We actually made it together. I thought she might enjoy it."

"So you were doing something aside from making my nephew," Ashley said with a smirk. Ricky couldn't help but smile back at Ashley. Ricky hadn't spent much time with Ashley but given that she was the aunt to his son, maybe it was time to change that. For a thirteen year old she was pretty cool.

"So are you going to sit here all day or do you want to come in?" Ashley asked him.

"Are you sure?" Ricky asked still not sure himself.

"Yeah besides for what it's worth, I doubt she and Ben will be together much longer anyways."

"Why do you say that?"

Ashley looked at Ricky, "Because she really likes you."

Before Ricky could get another word in Ashley got out of the car and then walked into the house leaving the door open in case Ricky decided to come.

~*~*~*~

It didn't take him that long to decide. After two minutes he grabbed the stuffed animals and the CD and walked into the house where he was greeted by Anne Juergens.

"Ricky, this is a surprise," Anne said to him.

"Hi Mrs. Juergens, I hope it's okay I came by."

"Of course it is Ricky. This is your home now too."

"Thank you Mrs. Juergens."

Amy came from her room with Ashley alongside her.

"Hey Ricky," Amy casually said to him.

"Hi," he replied mesmerized by how beautiful she looked.

"Ashley," Anne said to her daughter, "Let's give these two some time alone."

Anne and Ashley walked back towards the kitchen while Amy and Ricky walked into the living room.