3 days had passed since Angela, with the help of her new friends, found out about the hardship which Ryan was going through. These days went by with the same routine and same results. The ravenhead would wake up, followed by her suddenly getting attacked by her love, followed by her making breakfast, followed by cleaning with the help of catarers, followed by the couple visiting new places. But, never did Angela forget about the truth behind Ryan's acts. Behind his smile and laughs. Though, his laughs, chuckles, jokes seemed genuine, Angela didn't seem convinced. Her mind was aware of this, but she still didn't find the perfect opportunity to console Ryan. Not even once.

"What?" Scoffed Angela, being creeped out by the unusual stare of her new companion.

The girl shook her head and with enthusiasm said the same thing everyone says to Angela.

"I can't believe you are Barney's daughter. Like, you don't share his sourpuss look."

Angela gawked at her remark. Her father was insulted but in a cute way and it made her giggle.

"Well, you aren't half bad yourself. You don't have that quirky smile as Brenda."

This time Katherine gawked. Her mouth curved into a smile and laughed hysterically.

The two girls were getting along quite well, even though they had just met a few minutes ago.

"So you're Angela, huh? My parents couldn't stop talking about you back in Washington. Like, they were more proud of you than their own son."

"I'm sorry, I made that impression." Angela apologised.

Katherine just looked at her. Her expression got weird.

Releasing a fake scoff in response to her awkward reply, she said

"Well, they told me about you and how you've been such a help to our family."

"What? They did?"

"Yup. And they also told me about...your moxie."

Angela didn't feel discouraged or embarrassed at this moment. Letting someone know that you found your resolve in helping your parents at a young age is a blessing from God.

"Yes. I didn't want to be a burden. Then again, who wants to be, right?"

The girl looked at Angela with an acknowledged expression.

"Exactly! Ughh, my dad just doesn't get that at all. He is such a pain when it comes to my future."

Angela chuckled slightly in response to her joke.

"No, I mean it! Dad is always getting in my way and just doesn't want me to do things on my own."

Katherine wasn't joking.

"Oh, really? I had to fight with my Dad to force him to listen to me. Trust me you don't want that."

"Ahahha, seriously? How'd it feel? The Dominance?"

Angela shook her head.

"The opposite but in a whole new level. Plus, Dad got emotional that day. It was the most difficult thing I ever experienced."

Katherine laughed again. Angela smiled, knowing that she was getting along with her just perfect and also to see how lively she was like her parents and sibling.

Angela also admired the elegance of this young adult. Katherine inherited her mothers hazelnut hair, fair skin, and blue eyes. Above her pink lips was a small mole and one at her forehead as well which she got from her father.

Everyone, literally, every person from the Reeves family was more good looking than the last. How was that even possible?

"Okay, now you're staring. It's getting awkward."

"Sorry. Gotta admit, all of you are quite handsome people."

Katherine smiled in satisfaction.

"But not Ryan. Ughhh look at his mug! Swear to God, he pisses me off so much!"

"Why do you guys hate each other so much? Wait, is that why you two compete in almost everything?"

"Means he had prepared something, eh? Well I am ready for him." Kate's eyes glowed in encouragement.

"Why? Why do that?"

"Ugh. It's hard to tell but to to put it simply...he thinks he is better than me and well...you get why we're like this..."

Angela scoffed.

Kate didn't change her expression. She was telling the truth. Seriously?

Two adults, children of a respectful family, still competing? At this age? To know who is better?

Angela stopped her soft giggle as she realised that Kate wasn't joking.

'Is that it? Wow...!'

"So...did you do something this time? Something that will convince him that you're better than him?"

Kate looked discouraged as ever. She limped down and relased a helpless sigh as a no.

"And I don't even know what lie I should bring up. That bastard is gonna brag about that forever." Katherine purred.

Angela smirked at her cute, helpless tone. What made her smile even more was the fact that Katherine still remembered her brother and their little competition, unlike those typical adults in movies.

It was cute.

"That reminds me, that creep is seriously in love again?"

Katherine spoke suddenly, raising her whole body.

Angela was slighly taken aback by that.

Her face reddened. She suddenly remembered that she and Ryan were a couple now. And that Kate didn't know about it.

Wait? Did she?

"Oh, well...yes, He is."

Kate let out a sigh, folded her arms and closed her eyes as she said

"Can't believe that guy could score a girl like you..."

Angela gawked for a second before Kate continued.

"You're wondering who told me, right? You can't hide it from me, I've been there, done that."

Angela blinked fast, processing everything.

"Yeah...but, how...?"

Kate smirked smartly.

"Isn't it obvious? Do the math. A new girl is living around the weasel. That creep, who doesn't even hang out much, is suddenly, in a joyous mood almost all day, every day. The guy literally gets all frickin soft right after that girl came to his house? What? You think he'll have the hots for the French supercook?

Nah, that's just how it is. Now, am I wrong?"

Angela felt surprised, shocked even by her response. It was making sense, though, she felt dumb for not realizing that sooner.

"So, how'd that happen? Gonna tell me all about it?"

Angela felt a hue appear across her cheek. Not because she had to mention the awkward moments the couple experienced due to certain misunderstandings and that she'd get laughed at but because she felt shy talking about Ryan, his qualities and what not. Also, it felt good. Satisfying that someone wanted to hear her story.

"Why not ask me, shitbag?"

Swosh

Within moments, like a ninja, Ryan brazenly appeared without the two noticing.

'Ryan! When did he...?'

Looking at her right then back at Angela, the hazelnut haired adult spoke

"When did Dad allow dogs inside our house?"

Angela smiled a little.

"On the day of your birth."

Angela tried to hold her laughter but couldn't. She puffed in laughter.

"Says the guy who chased 'balls' all day long."

Kate replied instantly making Angela gawk again.

"Better to chase than to lick, eh?"

Angela covered her mouth as she couldn't help but to laugh at the two of them. Angela was genuinely surprised by how these two were focused on roasting each other than to have a nice reunion. Like they meet after so long, and this is how they greet?

"Chasing balls? Your hubby's a homo, for sure."

Kate said looking at Angela.

"Atleast, I can score em if I want to..."

Twitch

It was getting annoying. Ryan was getting on Kate's nerves now. She thought she had prepared some nasty points but Ryan was Ryan.

"You haven't changed a bit, katty. It's so good to see you." Ryan invited Kate to a hug which Kate responded to.

"I've really missed you, creep." Kate whispered in Ryan's ear.

The two shared a lovely, quite hug, embracing each other.

Angela closely watched the two siblings. It was a heartwarming sight to see people finally meeting their favourite persons after such a long time. Angela didn't know what Ryan was feeling at this moment but she could relate alot. This scene forced her to smile in acknowledgement.

The three sat and conversed for quite a long time. Among them, the only person who appeared a black sheep was Angela but she surprisingly blended in with her new friends quite well. And not only that, her way of talking and conversing had improved significantly. She knew how to make a conversation interesting and funny. Something Ryan taught her, unconsciously.

"Remember that time when we caught mom and dad dancing on that crazy 80s song?"

"Mom didn't come out of her room for an entire day. That look on her face was priceless."

Kate replied, chuckling afterwards.

"Did you stir up trouble in Washington as well?" Ryan tried to tease.

Kate smiled sarcastically and replied sticking her tongue out.

"No. I'm not you."

Ryan tilted his head and blinked, sensing a challenge.

"Are we talking about that day in high school? Drivers ed?"

Kate felt her eye twitch but not for long.

"2 words : Nude stadium."

And then there was silence. Winds blew across Ryan's face who held distress. The smile vanished, replaced with shyness."

Kate smiled mischievously.

Angela kept on looking at the two siblings, from one to the other. She could sense that the spark was lighting up a fire.

Kate then faced Angela, then back at Ryan.

"Does she know?"

Ryan felt his hands shake in fear. He was sweating as well. Was he scared? What was she talking about?

"Want me to--"

"I--remembered something! I'll be back!"

Grab

Ryan was about to stand up and tried to run as quickly as possible but was grabbed by Angela. Her face held the same mischief as Ryan's sister but twice as dramatic.

"Hah, you're not going anywhere. Tell, tell, what nude stadium?!"

Ryan looked at Angela with puppy dog eyes. He felt nothing but betrayal at this moment. His love, instead of taking his side, chose to hear his humiliation...it wasn't betryal...it was pure witchcraft for Ryan.

"Okay, so--"

Kate started, causing Ryan to look at her with the same expression. He wanted to break free but surprisingly Angela packed a punch. Her grip was firm.

Dug

Angela pulled Ryan, causing him to land back on his chair. He was surrounded, now by two evil girls who were making him remember his bad memories.

"This creep was acting too smart those days. Always being in a bad mood, showing up late, roaming alone, filled with attitude. We decided to teach him a lesson. He had...hahhahha..."

Kate laughed hysterically as she was expressing her thoughts.

Ryan looked down in shyness leaving Angela even more anxious.

"He--hahahaa-- strips naked whenever he takes a dump."

Angela scoffed.

"When he striped, we took his clothes and left him completely naked there. Minutes later he came running completely nude chasing us in the whole stadium. He never went to the school bathroom after that day."

Kate started to laugh as well as Angela who kept on looking at Ryan. Each time she looked, her laugh amplified. Like, she could picture him running.

Ryan felt even more embarrassed but more betrayed because he never expected Angela to turn on him.

The two girls continued to torment Ryan with his awkward memory until Ryan smiled to his nemesis. He had apparently thought of a reply. A comeback, maybe.

Ryan turned his head to Angela, keeping his creepy smile. He started to open his mouth

"Have you ever heard of a human juicer?"

The smile slowly faded away as Ryan asked this vague question.

"A what?" Angela replied.

Ryan looked at Kate.

"Well, then. I'm staring at her right now."

Silence.

The laughs vanished in thin air and all that was present was Kate's sweaty face with twitching eyes. Taking her look as an encouragement, Ryan continued.

"It was around morning at Ashley's house when we all gathered for breakfast. A roasting session began between me and Mike. We were going all out, no holds barred. He's insulting me, im insulting him. It was crazy! But...hahahhahah..."

Ryan stopped as he couldn't control his laughter. Angela was left confused as to why was Ryan chuckling so hard while Kate was hiding her face in embarrassment. What'd she do?

"Okay, so she picks up the hot coffee and starts to sip it. Mike pointed out to me that my face was as rough as a truck drivers ass."

Angela scoffed at that point.

"The sip of coffee sprinkled out of her nose with a green color and with some sticky 'topping'."

Angela looked at Kate who was about to stand up and leave but was pinned down by Ryan's strong grip.

"The entire table was green, fucking up our entire breakfast. But that wasn't all. She bursted out in pain, screaming 'Ahhhh, my NOSE!!! IT'S BURNING, ITS BURNING.'"

Ryan stood up and reenacted the entire scene. He even mimicked the agonising voice of Kate, making himself and Angela laugh like it was their first time hearing a joke.

Kate clenched her fists in anger and was about to smack the living hell out of Ryan but couldn't because of her shyness. Her embarrassment triumphed over her anger.

With fire in her eyes and hatred in her tongue, Kate replied

"Oh, yeah? What about the time when your forgot the answer and peed your pants in the elementary school quiz? Left a big impression there, didn't ya?"

"You mean the year when you were trying to kiss that cat and instead got a chemotherapy?"

Kate's eye twiched again. It seemed Ryan was being relentless with his replies. Something she strongly hated about Ryan.

The three enjoyed each other's company for quite a while until Ryan received another call from his Father's assistant. He had rushed immediately to his office and had Angela help him dress as well. Before leaving, Ryan took a passionate, wild kiss from Angela, leaving her lips slightly swollen and face blushing.

The reason was because Ryan did it infront of Kate.

Kate liked the moment she witnessed. Seeing a couple share love even in such haste was beautiful to her. Not to mention it was her brother who was showing love to her future sister in law. Kate was never the person to show any kind of consent to Ryan because it was simple. She hated Ryan. His entire existence. But this was an exception. Witnessing that Ryan was happy, after such a long time was a proud feeling for her. And she had to thank a certain someone for her just being there.

The girls sat again. Again, it was Kate who was talking now.

"So, how did you guys got together? Was it a romantic movie scene, where he stalks you until you notice him?"

Kate mocked.

"Haha, yes. Something like that."

"Really? Let me guess, he kissed you and you fell for his charms."

"I slapped him, actually."

"Yeah, yeah. Wait--You what?!"

Angela chuckled.

"It's the truth. When he did...I lifted my hand."

Kate's jaw hit the floor. Her face held shock which was only for a moment as she started to giggle.

"Ahahahh, what a loser! Hhahhaha."

It wasn't something to laugh at but then again this was Ryan's sister. Angela also joined in the giggle, finding her actions to be rather silly.

"But you still fell for him, huh?"

"No, it wasn't like that."

Kate looked curious now as her face held an anxious look.

"I get it, it was his face, eh?"

"Mm-mm." Angela shook her head.

"Then?!"

"It was Ryan Reeves. I fell for him because of that."

Kate wasn't sure of what she heard. But deep down she was getting what Angela was talking about. A slight idea, perhaps.

"Ryan, he's...he's just so straightforward. He does what he does, sure it is annoying but it's also comforting. The way he shows his thoughts by action is something that gets himself in so much trouble but I like it, I really love that trait of his."

Kate listened closely.

"I've spent some time with him. He is a fun person who seems to always entertain you even by his childish jokes. He wants to let others have fun with him, too. His famous words are 'Life's too short to have fun alone. Accompany me?'. Who am I kidding? He is smart, funny, slightly sensitive, irritating, loving and kind. I saw all these traits of him in a single day and that was why I couldn't get him out of my head." Angela explained nonstop in enthusiasm.

Kate listened closely to Angela's confession. She observed that her words were filled with honesty, with no shred of hesitation. She said all of that with no second thoughts? Damn, this girl was in love!

"Ryan better take good care of you. You are the one for him, indeed." Kate said, gesturing Angela to follow her.

That was all genuine but Angela had a slight fear in her heart as she was confessing. The same fear that was killing Ryan from the inside. Mary. Angela swore to help Ryan from this mess and was finding the right opportunity to do so.

'I will help you, Ryan. I swore to God, I will!'

The girl hadn't forgotten her promise. With the same motivation and determination, Angela waited for Ryan and her to be alone. It was time for Ryan to start living.