This one is pretty drama free too, I'd say. Lot's of Rocky (and later Ratliff) silliness. The end though is probably where the drama will start again... oh wait, I forgot about the part at the brunch. That's pretty much it with the drama in here.
Yeah, well, anyway, enjoy.
"There is not anything casual about you telling me you want to propose to your girlfriend!" Rocky said as Ross sat down on a bench and looked up at him, using his hand to block his eyes from the sun.
"Yeah, say that louder, I don't think the people across the street heard you," Ross responded sarcastically.
"Dude!" Rocky put his hands on Ross' shoulders and shook him. "This is huge! Like T-Rex huge!"
Ross looked down at his hands, "I don't have tiny arms though."
Rocky put his hand on Ross' shoulder, "you're sure about this?"
"More sure about anything I've ever been in my entire life." Ross answered, not even thinking twice about it.
Rocky smiled, "alright then, let's go look at engagement rings as discreetly as we possibly can."
Ross smiled back at him, "thanks dude." And then he hugged him.
"Yeah," Rocky answered, "no problem."
Laura was bored.
Though, unlike her boyfriend, she didn't have the ability to make paper airplanes like he could. She didn't even know where she'd start in the process. She was artistic, but paper airplanes weren't her thing. So, she decided to clean up a little bit.
Austin ran up to her feet, barking excitedly about something, but she just shook her head and told the puppy to be quiet.
Just as her phone rang, she picked up a piece of paper. The same piece of paper that Alex had given to Ross just a week before. Quickly reading it over, she ran to the other room to grab her phone.
"Hello?" She breathlessly answered.
"Oh my god, are you and Ross-" Her sister began, "did I really just do that again? Oh my god, this is getting worse!"
"What? No!" Laura answered, "he's not even here."
"Oh, good." Vanessa breathed out a sigh of relief and Laura fought the strong urge to roll her eyes. "Anyway, sis, what are you up to?"
"Nothing, I'm just cleaning," Laura answered, "since you probably have nothing better to do, want to come over and help?"
"You see, cleaning isn't really my thing," Vanessa began.
"I'm pregnant, can't you just help me out? I probably can't even reach in places and you being not pregnant, can help me out with that."
"Fine," Vanessa answered, "but when I get pregnant, you owe me."
"Yeah, yeah." Laura rolled her eyes and then smiled, "see you soon!" And with that she hung up the phone, looking at the paper in her hand, she called Ross.
"Hey you, are you alright?" Ross answered on the second ring.
She smiled again, "yeah I'm fine, just reminding you, Alex's art thing is tonight, do you still want to go?"
"Uh, yeah, I still want to go." Ross answered, "I'll be home in a few hours. I'll get showered and dressed and then we can go."
"Okay, sounds good to me. Where are you anyways?"
"Uh, I'm at band rehearsal and Rocky's yelling at me to get off the phone. I'll talk to you later okay? Love you, bye!" He quickly hung up and Laura just stared at her phone in disbelief. Something seemed a bit off, but she wasn't going to question it yet unless she absolutely needed to.
She put her phone and the flyer down and then started to clean again. After about twenty minutes, she heard her phone ringing and this time walked slowly to answer it.
"I'm here," Her sister's voice came through and she nodded, buzzing to let her in. She soon her heard a knock and then opened the door to reveal her big sister.
"You're here!" Laura said and hugged her tight.
"Yeah, I'm here." Vanessa laughed, "what's going on? You look like you've been deprived of any human contact for the last twenty four hours."
"More like six hours, but close enough I guess," Laura answered back, shrugging. She picked up a rag and started to clean the countertops. She clearly had something on her mind, and since Vanessa was her big sister and grew up with her, she knew something was up almost immediately.
"Uh, Laura, are you alright?" She asked her and then Laura looked up at her, tears in her eyes. "Laura? What's wrong?"
"I don't know, I think I'm over thinking it too much."
"Over thinking… what?" Vanessa asked. "Is something going on with you and Ross?"
Laura took a deep breath, shaking her head, "no, we're fine."
"Then, what's the problem?"
She looked down, "this baby." She looked up at Vanessa and immediately Vanessa became concerned. She took her hand and then threw the rag down on top of the counter before, leading her to the table, sitting down.
"What's wrong with the baby?"
"Nothing's wrong, he's fine."
"Laura," Vanessa looked at her, "you're obviously bugged about something, what's going on?"
"Everything!" Laura threw her hands up in the air. "I'm scared okay? Scared because I feel like I"m going to be a terrible mother and I don't want to be. I want him to be happy with his parents."
"What makes you think you're going to be a terrible mother?"
"Just that, I'm so young. I don't know what the hell I'm doing, and Ross doesn't really know much either, since we both know who his father figure was and I… I read some things online while Ross was in the hospital, you know there's a chance I could die in childbirth? I don't want to die!"
"Laura, that was more common way back when we didn't have modern medicine, now we do and I promise you, you'll be fine."
"But like what about after birth? I'll be all gross and fat and Ross-"
"Will still be in love with you and crazy about you like he is right now." Vanessa assured her, looking at her she gave her a small smile. "Nothing's going to ruin this, okay? You'll be an amazing mother and Ross will be an amazing father. He'll also never stop loving you, no matter what you look like."
"How do you know that?" Laura asked, her voice breaking. "You can't predict the next year of my life."
"You're right, I can't." Vanessa agreed, "but I can tell you what I know and that's what I know."
Laura sniffled and sighed, "yeah, you're probably right. I'm just being paranoid."
"I can also tell you something else."
Laura looked up at her, "what's that?"
"You two are going to have one good looking kid." Vanessa said and then they both stared at each other for a few moments before both bursting into laughter.
Rydel was grumpy.
Ratliff had to spend the morning with his parents so he couldn't stay over, but she was going to see him later to go to brunch with him, his parents and his grandparents.
Since it was still a few hours before that and she missed him already (yeah, it made her want to puke too) she was therefore, grumpy.
So, when she walked into the living room, pouting and of course, grumpy, where Riker was watching tv, he knew something was up. She just stomped over to the other side of the couch and sat down, crossing her arms over her chest.
"Something on your mind, Rydel?" He asked her distractedly as he flipped through the channels on the tv.
"No, something's not in me." She responded, not thinking about her words, before she said them. Though, once they did slip out, her eyes widened and she covered her mouth, leaning back she groaned.
"Sorry, what?" Riker asked, turning to face her.
"Don't question me while I'm grumpy." She told him, pointing a finger at him.
"Did you just say what I think you said?"
"I meant like food," She answered back. "I'm hungry."
"Right, then why don't you just go to the kitchen and get something to eat?"
"Because I'm going to have brunch with Ellington and his family and I need to not be full when I go."
Riker just narrowed his eyes, "you totally said what I think you said."
"So what then?" She threw her hands up frustratedly.
"Uh, we never had that talk, thanks for reminding me by the way-" Riker began.
"What talk?" Rydel interrupted him before he could go any further. "I'm twenty, not a child, I know what sex is, I've known how I got onto this planet for about ten years now. I'm good."
"No, I mean, I don't know what I mean." Riker sighed, "I don't want to be overprotective-"
"Which you're totally being by the way."
"But I just want to make sure you're okay." Riker continued, ignoring her comment.
"Why wouldn't I be? I love Ellington, he loves me. I wouldn't have done it with him if I didn't know that already." She pointed out and he sighed, nodding his head. "Don't you trust him?"
"Yeah, of course, why wouldn't I?"
She shrugged, "I don't know, you just seem like you don't for some reason."
"No, I do, trust me, I do. If I could pick anyone to be your boyfriend in the world, it would definitely be him… or Calum, but I think he's a better choice for you, being that you two are the same age and all."
Rydel smiled, "I think it's sweet that you're overprotective, annoying, but still sweet."
"You hated it like five seconds ago."
"Yeah, but I don't know." She shrugged, "I don't have a father for that, as you already know, so I'm happy it's you." She reached over and gave him a hug.
"Just do me a favor?" He asked her and she nodded. "Don't have sex when I'm in the house and never talk about it again."
She giggled, "you've got yourself a deal."
"I wonder if Laura is at all suspicious," Rocky said, as he thought about Ross' phone call to her. He had the look on his face that showed he was deep in thought and Ross just shook his head, rolling his eyes.
"I don't know, I hope not. This has to be a hundred percent a surprise, like she can't know anything." He gave him a look. "I know you two are like BFFs right now, but seriously, Rocky, not a word."
"Not a word," He repeated, his hands up in defense. "Can't say the same for Rydel though."
"Rydel can know, but she has to keep her mouth shut about it too."
"So, basically everyone's gonna know, but Rydel?"
Ross nodded.
"Nah, Rydel won't say anything. Does mom know yet?"
"No."
"Well, think it's time you tell her? I think she'd like to be in on this." Rocky said and Ross nodded.
"Let's go to the house now," He suggested and Rocky agreed. They got into Ross' car, since he had picked up Rocky earlier, and drove to the house in silence.
"Dude," Rocky said and Ross looked at him as soon as he stopped at a stop sign. "What if right before your wedding day, you were attacked by crazy, vicious monkeys?"
"What?"
"I mean, think about it. It could happen…" He trailed off.
"Dude, you're on some good shit right now if you think that's at all realistic," Ross told him and then Rocky just glared at him. "Anyway, we're here," Ross said as he soon as he stopped in front of his mother's house.
"Ready to give mom a heart attack?"
Ross grinned, "always."
"Mom! Mom!" Rocky and Ross yelled as soon as they entered the house and closed the door. Well, Rocky did, Ross just ran throughout the house looking for his mother.
He soon found her in the kitchen and she looked up, startled.
"Yes? Everything okay Ross?" She asked him, wiping her hands and looking at him concerned.
"No need to be worried, I just want to tell you something, but everyone else needs to be here too." He added and then shouted for Rydel, Riker and Ryland.
"What's going on?" Riker asked as he walked in with Rydel.
"Yeah and is it going to take long? I have to go meet Ratliff in a few minutes," Rydel added.
"Oh this is going to be worth it, trust me," Rocky said and everyone just looked at him. "Proceed, Ross."
"Thanks." Ross answered.
"Does it have something to do with that bag?" Ryland asked.
"It does." Ross nodded.
"Okay, what's-" Riker began and then Ross pulled out the object from the bag.
"Oh my-" Rydel put her hands to her mouth and gasped.
"Is that what I think it is?" Ryland asked.
"Just wait for it," Rocky rolled his eyes, he looked at Ross, who then turned to his mother. Her eyes were filled with tears and she immediately hugged him.
"I didn't even tell you what it was for yet and already you're crying." Ross said softly as he hugged his mother.
"You're going to propose to Laura?" Rydel asked and he broke his hug to look at her. He nodded.
"Yeah."
And then he was bullrushed in a million hugs by his siblings, he almost fell forward. Luckily, Rocky was there to catch him and then he joined the group hug.
"You're going to get married," Riker said, "dude that's great!"
"Thanks." Ross said and then everyone backed way from him. He turned to his mother, "so…"
"I think it's amazing." Stormie smiled at him, "you're doing the right thing."
"Thanks, mom. But I'm not asking her to marry me because she's pregnant, I'm asking her to marry me because I love her and want to be with her forever."
"I know." Stormie was still smiling.
"Okay." Ross smiled back.
"When are you going to do it? And how? And-"
"Whoa! Rydel! Easy on all the questions," Rocky told her. She gave him a look and then looked at Ross.
"Well?"
He shrugged, "I don't know, but I want it to be a complete surprise. It has to be perfect, unpredictable."
"Right because you're so predictable, yeah," Rocky agreed.
"Thank you, Rocky." Ross said, tilting his head and halfass smiling at him.
He clicked his tongue and pointed at him, "anytime lil bro."
Ross suddenly got an idea and his eyes lit up, "Rocky? I just got an idea."
"Does it involve me?" Rocky asked.
"Yes, that's why I said your name."
"Okay, does it involve pain of any kind?"
"No! Why would you-" Ross shook his head, "alright, it's gonna be simple and easy. All you've got to do is get Laura to wherever I tell you to, okay?"
"But you haven't decided it yet."
"Yes, I know."
"So how do you know-"
"Rocky!" Riker, Rydel, Ryland and Ross all said at the same time.
"What?"
"And I'm asking too many questions?" Rydel waved her hand in the air.
"Alright, just remember that's your job, okay? No matter what I decide on, you're in charge of getting her there."
"Alright, shouldn't be too hard." Rocky said, grinning.
"And Riker, Rydel, Ryland and maybe Rocky too if he stops asking questions, I need you guys to help me figure something out." He turned around, "you too mom."
"I'd love to."
"Awesome, then when I tell Ratliff, he can be involved and Vanessa, her mother, and Maia and everyone else too."
"So we sort of have a plan. Sweet." Ryland said.
"Yeah, now I just gotta figure out what to do." Ross said. "Oh and before I forget, Rydel make sure you tell Ratliff, I told Laura we were having band rehearsal so she has no idea what's going on."
Everyone nodded and then Ross turned towards his mother, looking down at the box in his hand.
"You okay?" Stormie asked.
"Yeah, I'm just nervous, what if she says no."
"Doubtful," Rydel told him, "she's pregnant with your child and crazy in love with you. I doubt she'd say no."
"Just don't start doing it in front of us, okay?" Rocky said, "can't interrupt it if you ain't doin' it…" His eyes lit up, "I should tell totally tell Vanessa that! Dude, it could be our slogan!"
Everyone stared at him and then all nodded in agreement.
"You think she'll say yes?" Ross asked no one in particular a few moments later.
"Yes." Riker answered, putting his hand on his shoulder and looking at him.
"Yeah? Why do you say that?"
"Because she'd be crazy not to." Riker answered and then hugged him.
"Laura, why are you pacing like that?" Vanessa asked, looking up from a magazine she was reading. "You need to sit down, I don't think pacing is good for the baby."
"What are you talking about, exercise is great for the baby."
"Yeah, but stress isn't." Vanessa pointed out, she motioned with her eyes to the seat beside her. Laura sighed and sat down, staring at the ground for a few seconds. "Something on your mind?"
"Yeah, but it's-it's stupid."
"Nothing's stupid in this world, except maybe donut holes, I mean, it's great that you have what you cut out to eat, but why make the world fatter, you know? Just… take it easy with that." Vanessa trailed off, "like, I just don't see the point in them."
Laura gave her a strange look, "yeah, you've officially been hanging out with Rocky a little too much."
Vanessa just blinked and shook her head, "go on."
"I haven't said anything yet."
"Oh, well, tell me what's on your mind."
It was silent.
For about five more seconds.
And Laura was anything, if not a blurter.
"I want to marry Ross." She said, covering her face with her hands. She shook her head.
"Um, why would that be stupid or strange or-"
"I think cheesy and crazy are the words you're looking for." Laura interrupted her.
"Okay, well, why do you think they would be that way?"
"I mean, it's not stupid, it just is in the sense that I'm eighteen."
"And pregnant." Vanessa pointed out, "you're having his baby."
"Yeah, I know, but like are we too young? Is it going to ruin what we have if we get married so early? What if he gets abducted by aliens someday?" She grabbed Vanessa's shoulders and shook them. "These are all viable questions that need to be answered!"
"That last one wasn't really a realistic question and really? I'm hanging out with Rocky too much? Look who's talking!"
"Focus!"
"I'm very focused." Vanessa sighed, "okay, you're freaking out over nothing, how do you know he's even going to ask you to marry him?" She asked just as her phone went off with a text. She pulled it from her pocket and read the message, before her eyes widened and she looked up at her sister.
"Why do you look like you saw a ghost?" Laura asked her.
"No reason." Vanessa smiled at her and quickly put her phone away. "Just um, a text I got was a little interesting, but enough about that." She took a deep breath and then grabbed Laura's hands. "If you feel its what you want, then I say go for it. You two are absolutely crazy about each other. I think it's sweet and cute. And that it would work out and be fine and that most importantly, you'll be very happy."
"Yeah?" Laura asked and Vanessa nodded.
"Yeah."
Laura smiled and hugged her, "thanks." She whispered.
Rydel hurried into the restaurant, a light breeze blowing under her dress as she finally found the table she was looking for and sat down. She smiled at Ratliff's parents and grandparents.
"I'm so sorry, I'm a little late. There was something going on at home." She apologized as she settled herself next to her boyfriend.
"No worries," His mother smiled at her.
Though, she noticed his grandmother didn't look too pleased.
"What's going on?" Ratliff whispered to her.
"I'll tell you later." She whispered back and he nodded.
"So, Rydel is it?" Ratliff's grandmother addressed her and she looked up, nodding her head. "Interesting name."
"Thanks it's from Grease, my grandmother named me." She smiled at her, but the older woman didn't even smile back. She looked at Ratliff and he put his hand over hers reassuringly.
"Oh well, how appropriate." His grandmother answered back.
"Yeah, I guess." Rydel nodded back and then she looked down at the menu. A waiter came by and asked for her drink order and then was gone again. She felt so uncomfortable and hoped she wasn't letting it show.
"How are you?" Ratliff's mother asked, smiling at her.
"I'm okay." Rydel smiled back, "just you know, living life, positive and happy."
"As you should," Ratliff's stepfather agreed.
"She's the happiest most positive person I know," Ratliff said and smiled at her, she smiled back at him.
"I thought Riker was," She answered back and he rolled his eyes, causing her to giggle.
"Or Laura," Ratliff added.
"True, she's very positive." Rydel agreed.
The waitress came back then and they ordered their food, Ratliff's grandfather asked about the band a little bit and what they were planning on recording next and when he could hear their music.
"Very soon," Rydel answered, "we're nearly finished."
"I can't wait to hear it."
"You're gonna love it." Rydel told him.
He looked at Ratliff, "I like her, why don't you bring her around more often?"
Rydel laughed and leaned against Ratliff, hiding her face in his shoulder.
"So, when's your next tour?" Ratliff's stepfather asked.
"Um, well, we don't… we're not sure," Ratliff answered.
"What's the problem?" His grandmother asked.
"Um, well, my brother… he doesn't want to leave his girlfriend for a long period of time. The last time he did, everything just… it was bad." Rydel answered.
"So, why can't she go with him?"
"It's not that easy," Ratliff answered. "She's got a life, school, other priorities."
"So your entire band has to suffer because of your brother and his girlfriend and their decisions?" His grandmother shook his head, "that isn't fair at all. Not to Ellington."
"No, you don't understand," Rydel said, as politely as she could since the woman was making a judgment about her brother. "There's much more to it than that."
"Do tell."
"You don't have to explain anything, Rydel," Ratliff told her.
But Rydel didn't even break eye contact, "no, it's okay." She said, "I don't mean any disrespect when I say this, but my brother has personal issues and other things going on. We've all talked about it and we all understand. It's not just him either, it's me too. We're both dealing with things and we all decided on taking a break for a while, regarding when we go on tour again."
His grandmother shook her head, "I don't approve of this, see, Ellington? I told you from the very beginning, you shouldn't have joined this band. They're all siblings and all they've done is take you down. They have done nothing to help you."
"Wait, excuse me, that's not-" Rydel began, but Ratliff put his hand up, stopping her from going any further.
"Sorry, what did you just say?" Ratliff asked.
"Mom, you shouldn't have-" Ratliff's mother began, but Ratliff shook his head.
"No, repeat that please. I'd like to hear that again," Ratliff said, his tone not the warmest in the world.
"I said and I still strongly think this, that you joining that band was a mistake."
Ratliff closed his eyes and took a deep breath. Then he opened them and slowly stood up.
"Ellington?" His mother said and without a word, Ratliff turned and walked away from the table. Rydel watched him leave, and then looked helplessly at his mother who just motioned for her to go with him, giving her a warm smile. She nodded and then stood up, excusing herself. She found Ratliff by the entrance, sitting down, his head in his hands as he just took a few deep breaths.
"Eli?" She softly said and he lifted his head to look at her. She sat down beside him, putting her hand on his shoulder, she rested her chin on top of her hand and just stayed there, looking at him until he turned to her and smiled at her amused. She smiled back.
"Sorry, I just… I know I didn't say anything, but-"
"Don't be sorry, its okay." She assured him. "That was a bit uncalled for and not okay."
"Just so you know, I don't regret joining the band. Not one bit."
"I know," She smiled at him.
He quickly and softly kissed her and then looked at her thoughtfully.
"Think you can go back there with my judgmental grandmother?" He asked and she nodded.
"Just told my hand," She told him, taking his hand in hers. "Don't let go and if she gets like that again, squeeze it."
He smiled, "that, I can most definitely do."
Laura was all alone again. Vanessa had left about an hour earlier, saying she had plans with Katie and couldn't back out on them. Laura assured her it was fine and was currently watching tv, Austin right beside her as she thought about her future and where it was headed. Sure, she was a bit scared, but she was happy with it. More than happy with it, ecstatic even.
She was still deep in thought when the door opened and Rocky casually stuck his head inside and then walked in. He threw his keyes on the table in front of him and then sat down on the couch beside her. She looked at him, her eyebrow raised, and he just smiled at her.
"Sup, Laura?"
"Sup, Laura?" Laura's mouth dropped open. "You just walked in here like you lived here and put your feet up on the table like you owned the place and… you have the audacity to say 'sup Laura?' to me? Don't 'sup Laura' me!"
"Yeah, why do you think that's so out of the ordinary?" He asked her.
"How did you even get the keys to the apartment?" She asked him, "unless Ross gave them to you, which would make sense-hey, wait, where's Ross?"
"He's at my mother's house, or the beach, or at the studio, or with Maia, I think that's where he is, yeah. With Maia and Calum."
"I thought you had band rehearsal," She said.
"We did, now it's over and now he's with Maia and Calum… at the beach." He said and then he looked at her. "So, want to go to the beach? It's a beautiful day outside and it's only going to get even better-"
"The day or the beach or the beauty of it all?"
"I'm going with all of the above," He said and then stood up, stretching. "I am ready for the beach."
Laura looked at him, "you don't even have a suit on."
"Don't need one."
"Uh huh, okay. So, why are we going to the beach?"
He leaned in closer, "three words Mini Marano, Beach is Fun."
She made a face, "but I don't like the beach."
"You're such a liar."
"Yeah okay, maybe a little bit."
"So, get your ass up and get ready for the beach. Don't put a suit on though, just a dress that's cool." Rocky said and Laura gave him another look. He wondered why she wasn't asking him a million questions, but just decided that it was for a good reason. At least he hoped it was for a good reason. She walked into the other room, so he pulled out his phone and tried Ross again.
"Hello?"
"Yo, where you at? She's getting suspicious."
"I'm almost leaving, chill out." Ross answered, "I'm still with mom, Maia, Raini and Calum talking about the plans and stuff."
"Oh, alright then. See you soon." He hung up and then called out for Laura. "Yo! Scratch that, we're not going to the beach today."
Laura came out, still dressed in the clothes she had been wearing a few moments before.
"Why not?"
"Ross is on his way over here." He answered.
"So he sent you to babysit me?"
"No. I was just super bored and I wanted to hang out with you, but I see that you're a little bit testy today so I'll just leave when he gets here." Rocky answered, sitting down on the couch again.
"No, no. I'm sorry, I'm just tired."
"Well, don't you worry, your hubby will be here soon." Rocky assured her.
"Why does everyone call him that?" She wondered out loud and then walked into the other room.
Rocky just smiled knowingly to himself.
Ross was pretty exhausted. After talking with his mother, Maia, Rydel, Raini and Calum about plans for his proposal all day, he just wanted to take some time and nap or something. Preferably with Laura. That'd be nice.
He looked up at his sister and saw that she too needed to rest. She had come home, looking like she had lost her puppy or something. Ratliff came in after her, pretty much looking the same way, but he didn't stay longer than two minutes. After he left, she walked over to where he was sitting with Stormie, Maia, Raini and Calum and had then gotten involved in the planning.
"I think that should be enough for today," Maia said and Ross was grateful for Maia and her intuitive sense to know when he just needed to chill. "Why don't we pick this up again tomorrow or something?"
"Yeah, I agree." Calum added, "we've been at this for hours."
"Just remember, Ross, you need to contact Ellen and Vanessa and let them know what's going on," Stormie reminded him. He yawned and nodded his head. Stormie had been the one who called Ellen, literally squealing like she was in high school over Ross' plans and according to his mother, she reacted the same way. Rocky had sent a text to Vanessa, who had been with Laura at the time, but he knew she hadn't said anything to her.
"Alright, well, see you tomorrow." Calum stood up and Ross stood up with him. Then, out of nowhere, he hugged him.
"Uh, you alright?" Ross asked him.
Calum smiled, "I'm happy for you." He said, pulling back to look at him. "You and Laura." He paused, looking thoughtful, "Raini and I so called it though when we all met and you and Laura were just flirting with each other like crazy."
"Yeah…" Ross smiled, then he blinked and looked at him, "wait, what?"
Raini laughed, "you don't remember that? You and Laura, literally as soon as you met, started flirting. Like, she giggled every time you were around and then you two sat next to each other in the first read through and you kept poking her and she kept giggling and we barely got through the first episode in three hours because you two kept getting distracted."
"No way." Ross said, his eyes lit up and he smiled.
"Yeah and then in rehearsals, you'd tickle her or pick her up and spin her around and she would laugh her head off. You two have always been connected in some way if that makes any sense." Calum told him.
"Yeah and now you're going to ask her to marry you and have a cute, little child that's going to be a combination of you both." Maia said, jumping into their conversation. "Sorry." She apologized.
"Nah, you're fine." Raini smiled at her.
"Just think of this way, you and Laura always had something, just like you always did that made everyone want to talk to you and be around you," Stormie told him. "What you two have is something special."
"Yeah, don't let it… pass you by." Calum grinned and Ross laughed.
"Good one," Rydel bumped fists with Calum and then smiled at her younger brother. She then took his wrist and pulled him with her, "We need to have some Rydel and Ross time before you leave." She said and he knew that meant she wanted to talk and just hang out since nowadays they rarely did anymore.
"You guys need a code name for that," Maia said. "How about Deloss, time?" She blinked her eyes, "okay that sucked, I should leave now."
Everyone laughed.
"See you later, thanks for helping me out today." Ross said hugging her and everyone else. He walked them out and then once the door shut, Rydel pulled on his wrist again. "Damn woman," He said, "what's up?"
"Ratliff." She stated and Ross raised an eyebrow.
"What did he do? Do I have to-"
"No! Let me finish. Ratliff's family."
"What about them?" He asked as they sat down outside, Rydel getting the smart idea to take her shoes off and put her feet in the pool. Since Ross' shoes were already off, he just followed her lead and put his feet in the water, sitting down right beside her.
"His grandmother was so rude today. She said things like, 'I don't approve of your band, you shouldn't have joined it.' because she thinks that because you, Rocky, Riker and I are all related we're going to hold him back. Apparently, she had told him this back when we formed the band though."
"Well, obviously he didn't give a shit about her opinion back then," Ross said. "If he did, we wouldn't be talking about this."
Rydel nodded, "you're right." She looked down at her blue painted toenails. "I don't really need her approval or anything, but some of the things she said was just rude."
"Well, what about the rest of his family?" Ross asked her.
She shrugged, "they like me, I think. His grandfather asked why I wasn't around more often and his parents always liked me since they came to our shows and everything all the time."
"So, it's just his grandmother then," Ross concluded and Rydel nodded. "Do you want her to like you?"
"Honestly, I'm not sure. I mean, I'm his girlfriend and whether or not she likes it, we're in a band together. Maybe she doesn't approve of that. She really thinks we're just going to bring him down."
"Even after all the success we've had?" He asked and she nodded, "that's surprising."
"Yeah, but like, what if I marry him one day? Will she still hate me then? Or if we have a child or whatever, is she still gonna hate me then too?"
Ross shrugged, "it sounds like to me, she doesn't really have a real, legit reason to hate you. Maybe she doesn't hate you, I mean, I don't know."
Rydel sighed and leaned her head on Ross' shoulder, "don't you wish life was easier?" She asked him. "I mean with everything? Dad, my problems, your illness, Ellington's grandmother…" She trailed off.
"It won't get any easier," Ross told her, softly sighing. "But if you bring me cupcakes everyday, it might."
Rydel lifted her head from his shoulder and laughed, "you really love those cupcakes, don't you?"
"You have no idea." Ross answered back. "And just so you know," He paused, "anyone who hates you, would have to be stupid to, you're an amazing person, Rydel. Don't ever let anyone tell you or let you think otherwise."
"Thanks." Rydel smiled and hugged him, "you're pretty amazing yourself, you know? And you are definitely getting that cupcake."
Ross laughed, "see? And that's why you're my favorite sister, ever."
She rolled her eyes and playfully pushed him, "I'm your only sister, smart one."
Ross just looked at her and then burst out laughing again, Rydel soon joining him.
Yo, Rocky, where you at?
Rocky raised his eyebrow at the semi (but not really) gangster text he received from Ratliff.
You're not as cool as you may think you are, but to answer your question, I'm with Laura.
Cool, bro, cool. Come over to my house when you leave.
Again, you're not that cool! Ok, will do.
"Who are you texting?" Laura asked and he looked up from his phone to look at her.
"Ellington," He answered, putting his phone down. "He wants me to come over."
"You can leave you know, I'm sure Ross will be here soon. I don't need a babysitter."
"I'm not babysitting you. For the record, Ross said he'd be here soon like an hour ago so-" The door opened then and sure enough, Ross walked in. He looked up just as Laura turned around and Rocky lifted his head up.
"Uh, hi?" He said as more of a question than a statement.
"Where have you been, mister? I've been waiting for you for the past hour!"
"Uh, I was talking to Rydel." Ross answered back and then went to Laura, giving her a hug from behind, he kissed the top of her head and then stood up. "I'm really tired."
"Where have you been?" Laura asked.
"At home, hanging out with my mom and Rydel," He answered back, going into the kitchen, he poured himself a glass of water. "How are you? You okay?"
Laura smiled at his ability to be caring and loving all at the same time, "yeah, I'm fine. And Riley's fine."
"Good to hear." He grinned at her and then looked at Rocky, who at that point, had stood up.
"Alright, well my work here is done, see ya." Rocky waved at them and before they could say another word, left the apartment.
Off to Ratliff's he goes.
Ratliff was just hanging out in the living room of his house, on his laptop and going over some lyrics for a song he was currently helping Ross and Riker write, when he got a text.
I'm outside, bozo.
He got up, moving his laptop to the side and opened it to let Rocky in.
"Why do people have keys to their houses? Like, I get it's to keep out strange people and intruders and shit, but what about your best friends?" Rocky ranted as soon as he walked in. "It's driving me crazy."
"That or something else is on your mind," Ratliff rolled his eyes, closing the door behind him.
"Yeah, yeah, so how was your brunch with Rydel?"
"It started out pretty okay, but then went downhill after my grandma started talking shit about you guys." Ratliff answered. "She just thinks that me joining the band was a mistake and that you guys are bringing me down. Don't worry, I don't regret joining the band at all, it's honestly the greatest thing that's ever happened to me."
Rocky grinned, "yeah because you got an awesome girlfriend out of it."
"True." Ratliff agreed. "And that's the only reason," He joked and Rocky rolled his eyes.
"So, other than that, which I see you aren't really letting get to you, what did you want me to come over here for?"
"Remember when we did that mashup of Thrift Shop and another song I can't remember the name of for the life of me?" Ratliff asked and he nodded. "We should do another one, but sort of make it our own."
"Isn't that the point of mashing up two completely separate songs?" Rocky asked and Ratliff agreed.
"Yeah, but like, add our own lyrics, change it up a bit, you know? Totally make it our own." He tried to think of a good way to describe it, "you know how Mac Miller does it, when he has a song, like Fireflies and then raps over it?"
"You want to rap?" Rocky asked.
"We all know I can't rap to save my life, but you can and yeah, something like that."
Rocky thought about for about ten seconds, "alright, I'm in."
"In the meantime, we should do our normal everyday activities that help us come up with lyrics," Ratliff said and Rocky nodded, knowing exactly what it was he was referring to.
"You mean dress up like superheroes and scare the shit out of Rydel? I'm in."
Ratliff laughed, "dude that was so epic. She didn't see it coming and totally fell into the pool."
"What was that her fifteenth birthday right?" Rocky asked and he nodded.
"We also did it again in the studio, she got pissed off for that one," Ratliff said, smiling at the memory. Then he looked at Rocky confused, "why haven't we ever scare Riker, Ryland or Ross?"
"They always see it coming," Rocky reminded him, "well, Ross normally doesn't, but Riker and Ryland do. We got Ross once at his birthday party a couple years ago, with silly string, remember?"
"Oh yeah… so, I think that in the next couple of days, we should dress up as Ninja Turtles or something and scare the shit out of him." Ratliff said. "And then nonchalantly play a song after that."
Rocky burst out laughing, "dude, this is why you're my best friend. We are so in sync." He looked thoughtful for a moment, "how about if we scare Vanessa, Rydel and Ross all at once? I would scare Laura, but I don't want her to give birth that early."
Ratliff laughed, "dude, that's a great idea!"
"For now though, let's get dressed up in our superhero outfits and go out in public, humiliate ourselves and write a kickass song."
Ratliff pounded his fist with Rocky's, "I'm in."
Riker walked down the stairs and into the kitchen to find Rydel sitting at the island, her head down as she was reading a book.
"Sup, Rydel?" He asked, opining the refrigerator and talking out stuff to make a sandwich.
"Not much, kinda bored so I'm reading a book." She answered back.
"Where's Ellington?" Riker asked her.
She shrugged, "not sure, I think with Rocky. He said something about them hanging out today earlier."
Riker nodded, "Oh alright, well… wanna hang out with me?"
Rydel smiled, "sure, what do yo want to do?"
Riker was silent, "well, I was thinking we could…" He trailed off, "what can two adult siblings do these days?"
She shrugged, "go see a movie, skateboard in the street, miniature golf, basically everything we did before."
"Okay, why don't we-" He was cut off by a loud thump and turned to see Rocky was in the kitchen, rubbing his head and dressed up as Superman. He turned back to Rydel, "oh no."
"Ellington's right behind him," She said, pointing at a laughing, crouched over figure. "You know, you two trying to be all secretive, didn't really work out for you," She said to them. "Though, you do make a very hot Thor," Rydel winked at Ratliff and his cheeks turned pink.
"Oh no, they're eye fucking right in front of us," Rocky groaned, "oww, my head still hurts."
"Enough about that, weakling!" Ratliff pointed up at the sky and then he looked at his friend, "we have to go save the world!"
"Okay, that sounds nothing like Thor." Riker commented, "he's Australian." He then tilted his head, "and why are you both wearing capes?"
"I don't want to do anything that would offend Maia and capes are awesome, so there," Ratliff stuck his tongue out and then realized what happened, "Dammit! I broke character!"
"I find it sweet that you're my favorite superhero," Rydel said, smiling at him. She got off her stool and then walked over to him, wrapping her arms around him, she kissed him.
"Let's pretend I flew away with you holding onto me like that," Ratliff said, "fly, fly, fly, okay, we're back on the ground." He kissed her deeper and she giggled against his lips, kissing him back.
"Now that my headache and possible slight concussion are gone, I'm just going to be the first to say, get a room!" Rocky said loudly.
"And we're done," Ratliff joked, kissing Rydel one last time before turning to Rocky. "Come on, bro." He posed as Rydel stepped to the side, still giggling, "we gotta go save the world!"
"And write a new song! Let's do it!" With that, they both ran out of the kitchen and Rydel turned to Riker.
"They are both something… else." Riker said, "funny, entertaining, but definitely something else."
"You should join them. I would, but… then I'd probably be making out with Thor the whole time, so that wouldn't work in my favor too well."
"Point taken. Anyway, wanna go see a movie?"
"Yeah, sure." She smiled at him and then laughed as he took a bite of the sandwich he had been making the whole time Rocky and Ratliff were in the kitchen.
"So I was thinking," Laura said as Ross came out of the shower and sat down beside her on the bed. "We should teach Riley how to play the guitar when he gets old enough."
"Shouldn't you learn how to play it first?" He asked.
"Good point." She said.
"If you're not busy now, I can totally help you learn." He smiled at her and she smiled back.
"Okay. We've still got a few hours before we have to get ready for the art show, so that works." She said and then he got up to leave the room and get his guitar. She laughed to herself and then got up to look for something in Ross' junk drawer, when her hand grabbed something velvety. She took it out, curious and then opened it to reveal a very beautiful ring.
Her heart stopped and she looked at in shock.
Then, her heart started to race and all she could think was, ohmyfuckinggod.
"I'll be there in a second!" Ross called out to her and she realized what she was doing and quickly put it back in the drawer, making sure it was how she left it, before closing it and sitting on the bed.
Ross was going to ask her to marry him.
Her heart kept beating fast and as soon as Ross came back, she basically jumped on him, kissing him fiercely.
"Whoa!" He said once she broke the intense kiss.
"I love you, I love you, I love you." She said, knowing better than to ruin what he was probably planning for her. "I just wanted you to know that."
"I love you too," Ross smiled at her, kissing her deeply before grabbing the guitar and putting it on the bed. "Ready to learn how to play?"
She knew she probably wasn't going to be able to concentrate on his lesson anymore, but she nodded anyway. "Most definitely."
And then Ross sat down on the bed and put the guitar on his lap, waiting for her to sit beside him, he put it on her lap and then showed her how to strum and play the different chords.
And while he was teaching her, she looked up and smiled at him. She was happy, excited and couldn't wait to marry him. Not that he knew she knew what was going on. She'd let him have that surprise since he was working so hard on it.
The doorbell rang in the middle of a laughing fit with Katie and Vanessa got up to go answer it, her head was turned, as she was still laughing, but as soon as she opened the door, it stopped and turned into harder laughter.
"Uh, hi?" She said to the person in front of her.
Rocky was casually leaning against the doorframe. He gave her a nod and winked at her, "sup?"
"Why are you dressed in a cape like Superman?"
"Capes are cool," He answered back, "my friend Thor would agree with me." He said and motioned for Ratliff to join him.
"Sup, Vanessa?" He said and then posed like Thor.
Vanessa just laughed harder. "What are you two bozos up to?"
"This is how we get ideas to write a song, long story." Rocky explained and she nodded. "So anyway, I got to go save some civilians in the city, cuz this lady's all like, oh my god! My son is stuck in a burning building, I need assistance and all those policemen are like, yo, we can't help you, we'll die and basically it's up to us to save them." Rocky told her. Vanessa just nodded and looked at Ratliff.
"What he said, though I probably would have made it sound less cool."
"Has Rydel seen you yet?" Vanessa asked him, still laughing.
"Yeah, she thinks it's hot." Ratliff grinned. Vanessa turned to Rocky.
"I agree, but with you, not him. Thor's not really my type." She winked at Rocky and then leaned in to kiss him. "Go save the world. I'll talk to you later?"
Rocky winked, "definitely. See ya, babe." And then he kissed her again and then ran off with Ratliff down the pathway to his car.
"Have fun in the Batmobile!" Vanessa called to him.
"Wrong superhero!" Rocky called back and then comically stuck his tongue out, which only made her laugh harder.
"You have got one interesting boyfriend," Katie said, coming up behind her.
"Tell me about it, but he's awesome and cute and it's totally okay with me." Vanessa said, smiling as she shut the door.
Are you two crazies done being superheroes yet?
Rydel waited for Ratliff to text back and he did so a few seconds later.
Almost, we'll be back soon.
She rolled her eyes, well, I just got back from a movie with Riker, so hurry up.
Why are you so antsy?
If you don't know why, then I can't help you. She texted back. He sent back a surprised face and then an oohh, so she was pretty sure he knew what was up with her.
Literally ten minutes passed and she heard a knock on her door.
"Hey." He said, leaning against the door frame.
She smiled, "come in, Thor." And then she pulled him into the room and kissed him, shutting the door behind her.
"Man, you really like Thor." Ratliff commented as she pushed him onto her bed and got on top of him, starting to kiss him again.
"No shit, let's stop talking and keep going with this," Rydel told him and he nodded, kissing her back, intensely, they kept up the intense kissing, Rydel's shirt off, when they heard knocking on the door.
"Thor! You forgot something in my car!" Rocky called through the door.
"No fucking way." Rydel said, leaning back, she looked up.
"He actually did it to us this time." Ratliff sighed and sat up. "Okay! Thanks!" He called back.
"Oh and Rydel, mom's looking for you! See ya!" Rocky added and then quickly ran off.
"You better run, Rocky!" Rydel called to him and then got up, putting her shirt back on. "I'm gonna go see what my mom wants, you, mister, should go get whatever it is Rocky wants you to get." She smiled, "then we can hopefully continue."
Ratliff agreed and then got up, kissing her softly. "Try not to miss Thor too much while I'm gone, okay?" He said and winked at her.
She felt her knees go weak. Damn you, Ellington, she thought.
She walked downstairs then and called out for her mother. The doorbell rang just as she passed by it, and though she found it odd that it had happened that way, she wasn't too focused on that and more focused on who it could be.
Opening the door, her heart dropped and her mouth fell open.
Because right in front of her was the last person she thought she was going to see.
Her father's best friend.
George.
Just as a reminder, remember in Don't Let Go when they're all talking about their father's and Ratliff says his passed away? Yeah, so that explains his stepfather. He said the father they met wasnt his biological father and that it's his stepfather. I almost forgot about that. Haha.
And the idea for Ratliff and Rocky being superheroes is from my boyfriend and his best friend (who is coincidently dating my best friend), but anyway, when they both are bored and need ideas (they make short films together and sometimes write songs too), they dress up as superheroes, pull pranks and literally do crazy things. It's kind of entertaining. Childish in a way, but totally cute. I think they said they were going to try something new and different, but for now, it's what they still do. My little brother loves it.
So, here's chapter nineteen for ya. I finished it just in time cuz I have an appointment in less than thirty minutes. Should probably go to that.
Thanks for reading and let me know what you think! Much love xx
If you have one, follow me on twitter at jessier529.
