Chapter Two

The sound of broken glass and screams could be heard throughout at the intersection of Ventura and circle. The sound of bent metal could be also heard. The silent blood curdling scream was coming from his left side. Riker didn't think anything of it until it got louder and louder. He tried to open his eyes but they felt so heavy why he couldn't get them to open. He felt weak and felt like he was going to pass out completely.

"Laura" he called out in a whisper. There was no answer. As Riker was about to try and move to see what happened he passed out and the darkness took over. The scene was quite the fright as Riker's and Laura's car was intertwined with a SUV that was made of solid steel and metal. Riker was able to open his eyes again to see where he was. The last thing that he knew was that he and Laura were on their way to dinner with his folks. And they were having a good time and laughing when he heard her scream.

That was right. Riker could remember hitting a car that ran a red light and it slammed right into them. All Riker could remember anymore was the sound of Laura's scream and the sound of the two cars colliding into each other.

" Laura" Riker called out again. Still no answer, Riker went to look at her to see if she was okay and the sight made his stomach drop. Laura was passed out unconscious and it looked like her head was through the windshield.

Oh shit this was bad.

" Laura" Riker cried a little louder. He would try and move but his feet were trapped and he couldn't move. This couldn't be happening, not now when they were so happy. Ugh Riker screamed loudly hopefully someone could hear him. How about the other driver's that were in the other car?

" Help!" Riker screamed. He could hear the sound of feet running up to the car. Finally it seemed that someone was here to help him.

" Sir 911 was called and they are on their way. How badly are you hurt?" The person asked. Riker wasn't really sure who he was as his vision was becoming a bit blurry, but that was to be expected after being in an accident. Despite his legs being stuck underneath the wheel and the gash that was on his head, Riker was pretty well off. It was Laura that was in worst shape; her head was through the windshield and covered in blood. The site tore at Riker's heart; he hated seeing her in any kind of pain.

" No I am not, but my wife is can you please help her?" Riker begged the person. The person walked around and started to check on Laura. Riker could hear the sound of the ambulances coming and her let out a sigh of relief. Everything was going to be alright, Riker thought. It had to be Riker didn't know what he would do if Laura died. That was something that he was not prepared to think about. The rest of what happened next Riker couldn't remember the bleeding from his head was making him weary and tired all he wanted was to sleep, but he didn't want to he had to know that Laura was going to be okay

She had to be okay.

She just had too.

They were at another hospital, both their second time being admitted and also due to be hurt by an automobile. Life had a funny sense of humor didn't it? Riker could hear his mother's sobs so he knew that his parents were here.

Riker just sighed.

He was still out of it and wanted to open his eyes but the moment that he did he would realize that something was wrong and he was not ready to face that. He just wanted to be in his little world where all he was with being with Laura. It was funny how just a few days ago they were just saying how perfect their lives were; despite everything that went down they were still standing. It was pretty ironic huh?

" Riker?" his mother called out to him. Riker could feel his eyes flutter open and the bright lights briefly blinded him. He slowly re opened them and saw his parent's there. Ryland and Riley were there as well.

" Hey son, how are you feeling?" Mark asked.

Ryland just rolled his eyes. " Dad how do you think he is feeling? He is lying in the hospital bed after getting in a car accident. What did you think he would be all sunshine and roses?" Ryland said. Mark just glared at his youngest son.

" My bad." Ryland muttered.

Riker just chuckled. It was good to be alive and have his family here. Or what was left of it. His three other siblings were not here. But Riker couldn't be worried about that all he wanted to know was if Laura was okay.

" How about Laura?" Riker croaked out his voice still a little groggy from all the meds they have given him for the pain. Mark and Stormie just looked at each other and were contemplating on telling him. Riker saw the looks that his parents were giving each other and he couldn't help but getting pissed at the thoughts that they were even thinking about keeping something from him that concerned his wife.

" Tell me! Is she dead?" Riker said scared out of his mind.

" No sweetie she is not, she is still recovery from surgery, we just weren't sure to tell you or not to make sure you were able to handle it. But we were wrong, it is so hard for me to not want to protect you from anything but she is your wife and we shouldn't have even tried to hide it from you." Stormie said.

Riker just sighed. " I want to see her." Riker said as he was getting out of bed.

" Riker you need to rest."

" I feel fine, I just have this cut on my head but other than that everything is good. I just need to see Laura okay? How would you feel if mom was in the hospital and people were trying to keep you from seeing her? "

Mark was silent.

" That is what I thought." Riker said as he got up and was walking to find a nurse, or anyone that could tell him where Laura was. Riker made his way to the nurse's desk.

" Excuse me?" Riker asked. The nurse looked up and sighed.

" Mr. Lynch aren't you suppose to be lying down in bed? What are you doing up?" The nurse asked Riker. Riker in turned just rolled his eyes.

" I am up to see about my wife. Do you know anything about Laura Lynch's condition?" Riker asked. The nurse just melted by the look that Riker was giving her. Her heart just broke at the worry on his face.

" Last I heard sir she just got out of surgery and is in recovery. Now I know you are anxious to see her and I understand that but she needs her time to recover. She was injured really badly as I think you can remember. It was a true miracle that she made it through. As soon as the doctors think it is safe for her to have visitors then you will be the first one we know okay? Now I know your wife would want you to take care of yourself so can you please go lie back down and if something happens we will come get you." The nurse said to Riker who just nodded. He knew that she was just doing her job and she was right Laura would want him to take care of himself but how can he when he hasn't seen her face to face? To know for sure that she is going to be alright.

Riker sighed. He just walked back into his room. His mother just gave him a hug.

" Mom do you guys think you can go wait by Laura's room? I mean Vanessa is out of town and she has no family besides you guys. I need someone to watch over her while I am stuck in this room. I would go but I think the nurses would haul my ass back here so fast it wouldn't even be funny." Riker asked.

Stormie nodded. She and Mark both gave Riker one last hug and made their way to find out how Laura is for Riker. Leaving just Riker and Ryland and Riley.

" She is going to be alright Riker, Laura is a strong person. Plus there is no way that she will leave you. She loves you way too much." Riley said trying to make her future brother in law feel better.

Riker just smiled. " Thanks Riley, I still see how Ry here ended up with someone like you." Riker joked to his brother. Ryland just rolled his eyes.

" Dude you know I am 22 years old now I can and will kick your ass if need be right?" Ryland told his older brother.

Riker just chuckled. " You wish you can. But seriously thanks for being her bro. it means a lot."

Ryland just shrugged his shoulders.

" We are family, I mean I know we aren't really as close as you are with Ross or Riker even Rydel but we are brothers and of course I would be here. It's just us two now so I guess you are stuck with me."

" Ry you are my baby brother of course I love you. And I am sorry that it seemed that I love the others more then you I didn't mean it to be like that. I guess you have always done your own thing you know? I mean you weren't in the group because your last name you decided to do your thing which I have to give you props for. And I am proud to be your big brother you know that right?"

Ryland nodded. He knew Riker loved him but it was nice to hear.

" Speaking of the others did you want me to get a hold of them to let them know what happened? They do have a right to know, and after that it is up to them if they decide to come home or not."

Riker just shrugged. It would be great to see the others but he wasn't going to force them to come home if they didn't want too.

" You can Ry, But I don't want them here if they feel forced to come you know? None of them were here for five years like we were nothing to them. So I don't want them here if they feel like they have to be here you know?" Riker said to his younger brother. Ryland just nodded.

" Come on babe let's make some calls okay?" Ryland asked Riley as the two of them left Riker alone in his hospital room. Riker was just lost in his thoughts as he continued to ask himself what was going to happen next.

The smell of sex and alcohol was in the air. Leaving a very tense feeling in the room. Ross rolled off to his side after reaching his climax. The sex was amazing he felt alive for the first time in a while. Maybe this one would be the one to mend his heart.

That is enough thinking about that Ross he told himself mentally. He was tired of always flashing back on the what if's. It wouldn't get him anywhere.

" That was amazing. Surprising but good."

Ross smirked. Running into who he just spent the past few hours with having sex was a surprise. And for them to be in bed together was the last thing that he ever expected. He never thought about being with someone in a relationship after how everything went down with Ratliff. Of course Ross wasn't celibate. Look at him, a young hot guy like him had his needs and so sex with others was just what he needed to take his mind off Ratliff.

Ross kept his options open sleeping with whoever would enjoy being in his bed. Girls would throw themselves at him, he was surprised that Austin and Ally reruns were still airing, so who wouldn't mind having Austin Moon in their bed? Hell there was quite a few guys in his bed as well. He enjoyed keeping his options open to either team.

" So what is this Ross?"

Here it comes the awkward part were the partner he chose to take to bed would ask him about where they stood and what not. Ross just rolled his eyes. Didn't they understand that all he wanted was sex? Not a life long relationship.

" Look I thought you knew the arrangement. I am not big into relationships okay? I thought you were cool this being just sex only?" Ross asked.

" Who said I wasn't. Look I am not in a rush for a relationship either so you can untighten those panties of yours. I am just saying now what happens next do we keep screwing?"

" Well I had a great time didn't you?" Ross asked.

" I did, I just don't want this to be awkward after you know the deal that is between us. I mean who knew that we would hit the sheets?"

Ross just chuckled. " Well I think we fit good and as long as we both know the deal so what is to stop us. I think I am ready for another round don't you think?"

Kelly just smirked as she got on top of Ross and felt him enter her. This was crazy, here she was having mind blowing sex with her ex's ex. Life sure had a funny way of working out. She thought as she felt Ross starting to thrust into her once again.

The phone started to ring, Ross's cell phone.

" Aren't you going to answer that?" Kelly moaned as she started to feel her orgasm.

" They can leave a message, now where were we." Ross muttered as he continued to thrust.

" Pick up the damn phone Ross." Ryland muttered. Ryland couldn't help but hope that Riley was having better luck in getting a hold of Rocky.

Rocky just played to another packed crowd at the local bar that he and his band play out. The feeling that he gets every time that he steps on that stage is amazing. It truly was amazing how he has never felt more like himself his true self when he decided to come live in London. He knew his family was expecting him back after he graduated. But he fell in love with London almost as soon as he got here. He couldn't leave this place, the place that saved him from dying from not being who he truly loved being. And that was being a musician. Of course he missed his family and friends back home, but they must know how important this was to him. They understood why he hasn't even come home once.

Rocky shrugged. He hoped they did. And it wasn't like he cut off communication completely; he still emailed Laura even though it has been a while.

Rocky couldn't help but smile at the thought of the girl he once fancied himself in love with. He now knows what he felt was love for a chance of happiness and not necessary in love with Laura herself. Of course he loved Laura she was family after all. But he mistook those feelings for something else and when he came to London he found out what those feelings were. And it wasn't like he was pining over Laura anymore. He found love with an amazing girl named Becca. They meet when he first came to London which would be five years and they have been together ever since. The smile on Rocky's face when he thought of his lady was something special. Now he knew what Riker feels for Laura. This was truly a feeling that he would never get tired of feeling. In fact he was hoping that he could make it a permant one. Rocky just purchased a Ring that he was hoping to give her some time. In fact he was headed to her place right now.

Rocky was cut off from his thoughts when he heard his cell phone go off. He picked up.

" Hello."

" Rocky thank god you picked up!"

" Excuse me but who is this?" Rocky asked.

" It's me Riley! I am Ryland's fiancé."

Oh wow he forgot that his baby brother was also getting married. That is real crazy.

" Oh hey Riley sorry about that it has been a while so everything okay?" Is my baby bro treating you good?"

" Ryland is amazing but that is not why I am calling. Rocky? Riker and Laura have been in a car accident, a serious one. They are in the hospital."

" What! Are they okay?" Rocky asked worried. What was up with Riker and Laura and cars? They always seem to get hurt by them.

" Riker is fine, Laura just had surgery as she was more injured then he was. But the doctors are keeping an eye on her. We figured to let you guys know."

" Thanks, does Riker want me home?"

" Do you want to come home? Riker said he only wants you guys to be here if you want to, and not because you feel forced to come home."

Rocky just rolled his eyes. Leave it to Riker with the guilt. Of course he wants to see him, he would not stay away because they are in the hospital So much for understanding about being away so long.

" Tell Riker I am coming home, I need to book a flight home. Maybe this was a sign telling me that I needed to get my ass back home. Plus I need to break some hopefully good news. So yeah let me get online and book a flight. Tell Riker and Laura that I love them and I will be home soon."

" That is awesome Rocky! It will be great to finally meeting you face to face. I will let them know."

" Thanks Riley. Bye." Rocky said as he hung up the phone. Rocky just sighed. He really hopes that Riker and Laura would be happy to see him. Rocky just continued to go to Becca's place. This wasn't a good time to propose but maybe she would go with him to meet his family? That would be awesome. Rocky finally arrived to her building and walked inside. He grabbed the elevator and hit her floor button. Rocky really hoped that she would go with him. And like he told Riley that maybe this was a sign for him to come home.

It was time for Rocky to stop hiding and go back. He just hoped Becca would come with him. Rocky got out of the elevator and made his way to her pad. Rocky went to knock on the door when he pushed it pen with his knock. She didn't lock it. So he figured it would be alright for him to come in.

" Becca?" Rocky called out. No answer. He then walked around the loft and couldn't find her. He walked back to her bedroom and that is when he heard it.

Moans.

Moans you only make when you are having sex. Rocky opened her bedroom door and his heart dropped. There in bed riding his so called best friend Paul was Becca. Both of them lost in the heat of passion they didn't notice the person they were both betraying. Rocky felt like throwing up. How could they do this to him? Rocky jacked the wall breaking the two of them apart.

" Rocky!" Becca cried.

" Hey Man, this isn't what it looks like." Paul said.

Rocky rolled his eyes. " Bullshit! This is exactly what it looks like. You both are screwing each other behind my back! How long has this been going on?"

Becca and Paul didn't answer.

" ANSWER ME!" Rocky roared.

" About Five Years." Becca whispered.

" What? The whole time we have been together you have been fucking my best friend?" Rocky laughed.

" I am so sorry Rocky I didn't mean to hurt you. Look we can work this out." Becca said as she climbed out of bed.

" There is nothing to work out; I just can't believe that I didn't see this. Five years! I mean I am such a dumbass! Ugh." Rocky punched the wall making both Becca and Paul jump.

" Rocky…" Becca cried. Rocky rolled his eyes.

' Don't start with that fake tears shit. I am done, this is over you guys are more than happy to have one another. Paul you can have this fucking two bit whore who can't keep her legs closed for any amount of time. And as for the band fuck it all. I am leaving; I am done with this place. I can't believe that I actually thought this place was my home. Fuck you both and go to hell." Rocky said as she stormed out leaving the two of them in their shame.

Rocky stormed out of the building as he can actually feel the tears burn his eyes. This was just great. How could he have been so blind and not have seen this? Five Years! The whole time he thought he was in this awesome relationship, she was cheating on him. Rocky chuckled as he could feel the ring box burn a hole in his pocket. He grabbed it out of his pocket and just looked at It., before tossing it out over the railing and into the river below.

His life really blows. Why was it impossible for him to actually be happy for more than five fucking minutes?"

Ratliff continued to thrust into Rydel as the both of them were enjoying the time they had together. The sitter was with Rosie for the afternoon, leaving the new parents some alone time as they haven't had much in quite a while.

' Ratliff.." Rydel moaned as she felt her husband make love to her. She knew that sex with Ratliff would be amazing, but she never knew it would be like this.

" Baby.." Ratliff said as she could feel his orgasm come on. Making love with Rydel was amazing. It was the best and he was kicking himself for not realizing it earlier. He felt her orgasm and then he let go himself. He filled her up with his juices and collapsed on her. Both of them drenched with sweat. Ratliff rolled over to his side pulling Rydel into his arms.

" I love you baby." Ratliff whispered into her ear. Rydel just grinned before wrapping her arms around his waist and letting her head rest on his chest. Rydel soon feel asleep in Ratliff's arms. He smiled. He truly was happy with Rydel. The life that they have built was nothing short of a miracle. Running into her in New York was a shock, last thing he knew was that her college was in Chicago, but Rydel said she had graduated and was now trying to make it in the big apple. Ratliff couldn't help but be happy about having a familiar face in the city. It helped him be less homesick. And honestly it helped him deal with his feelings for Ross.

Ross.

That was the name that he had so desperately trying to avoid. His heart would ache every time it came up and the rush of emotions came flowing right back. Ratliff knew there was always going to be a part of him that would always be in love with Ross, but he moved on. He married Rydel and is a father now. And he did love Rydel; he was in love with her. They had a good life together and there was no way he was going to risk that.

He could hear the rumblings of what sounded like his cell. Carefully getting out of bed trying not to wake his sleeping wife, Ratliff stood up letting the cool air wash over his still warm nude body. Ratliff walked over to his jeans that were on the floor and pulled out his phone.

Ryland.

What was Ryland doing calling him? He picked up to find out.

" Hey Ryland What's up?" Ratliff answered.

" Thank god you picked up Ratliff, Look I hate to do this too you over the phone, but I figured you would like to know. Riker and Laura were in a pretty bad car accident. Riker is fine, but Laura is in bad shape. I know you left her over five years ago and haven't come back. But I think it would do you good to come back. Plus this way you can bring my sister and my new niece with you."

" How bad are they Ryland? You said Riker was fine but Laura? How bad is she?"

" She just had surgery, and the doctors are being careful with her. That is all I know. Look I think it would do you good to come home. Look no one is saying you have to move back here and all but just visit. If it is Ross that you are worried about. Don't he isn't here and I don't see him coming back anytime soon. Laura took you in when you were living in a dump my friend I think the least you can do is come and visit her."

Ratliff could feel the guilt eat at him. Despite that everything that happened with Ross, Laura was still his family and Ryland was right. She let him move in to the beach apartment when she didn't have too. It was time that Ellington Ratliff stopped running from them and goes home.

It was time to bring his family home.