Chapter 4
With that the flood gates opened and Kasey's tears poured down her face. With all the memories and good times Ryan and her shared made the pain almost unbearable. That clear, May night replaying in her head. The way the moonlight reflected in his green eyes, how his callused hands griped hers before they parted and at that moment her world stopped spinning. Where did they stand now? Were they together? He just said he still loved her and she still loved him without a doubt, but how long would he be here? Was this just an unfortunate alternate to where Ryan should be? All of those questions raced through Kasey's mind. Why did he always do this to her? Turn her world upside down. Interfere. Before things could get any more out of hand Kasey gently took Ryan's hand in hers, removed it from her check, and left without a word.
Why did this always happen to her? Just when she was happy and her life was going well something had to happen! Something had to come and send things into turmoil. And that something was always Ryan Goldrick, from the time she was 16. Whether it be pulling her away from the books and onto the back of his Harley or switching her classical Tchaikovsky for old school Bon Jovi. It was always him. When Kasey met Ryan something within her changed. Everyone thought it was for the better, except her father who just wanted his little girl to be safe. Instead of spending weekends locked up in her room studying Kasey started to venture out, football games, movies, and even a few parties. Kasey wasn't the only one who changed. Ryan finally took school seriously, spending a little more time in the library instead of on the field and traded the ball for some books. Within the two years they were together they had become inseparable. Always together and always happy. With Ryan nothing else in the world mattered. Not school, not the future, not anything. All that mattered was Ryan.
After finishing her rounds Kasey walked out of the hospital and to her tiny apartment that she share with her old college roommate. Loraine Kyle had attended Columbia majoring in criminal science. As soon as she opened the door Kasey knew that Loraine had yet another date on this lovely Tuesday night.
"So where you off to tonight," Kasey asked dropping her keys in the catch-all-bowl by the door.
"Oooo Kasey you're here! What do you think of this dress?" Loraine asked holding up a knee length, eggplant colored dress.
"Ehhh it's nice but I think the green, puffy sleeve would look better. Where are you going anyway?"
"That new little soup place on 34th Street. Elegant yet simplistic."
"Then you'll look perfect. Just don't come back with Clam Chowder on my dress," Kasey warned.
"Don't worry, I won't," Loraine assured, "I am thinking more pasta based instead of seafood."
Kasey rolled her eyes and jumped off her friend's bed and head to the kitchen.
"So does Mr. Soup On 34th have a name?" Kasey yelled from the refrigerator
"Yes! His name Jacob and he works up in Human Resources at the lab." Loraine explained while adding the final touch of lipstick to her ensemble. "What do you think?"
Kasey turned around just in time to see a turn then pose that screamed Loraine Kyle.
Kasey examined the silver gladiator shoes all the way up to her perfect, dark waves. "Very nice."
"Nice? Just nice?" Loraine asked in shock.
Kasey let out a chuckle, another eye roll and walked to the living room and flipped on the television.
"So what are you gonna do on this fine evening?" Loraine asked as she plopped down in the chair across Kasey.
"Well while you have a hot date from the office I am catching up with the TiVo."
"Booorrrinnngg," Loraine sang getting up to check that her bag had her keys, cell phone, some cash and her card, plus some extra eyeliner and favorite lipstick.
"Tell me 'bout it," Kasey shouted from the couch.
Just then the doorbell rang out. Loraine opened it up revealing a guy about 6'1 and very good looking. But then again it was Loraine, what was she expecting?
"Hey Jacob, this is my roommate, Kasey. Kasey this is Jacob from Human Resources," Loraine introduced.
"Hey," Jacob said raising a hand.
"Hello," Kasey replied giving a small smile.
"Well we'll be back later. Don't wait up Kase," Loraine said from the door.
"It was nice meeting you Kasey," Jacob replied courtly.
"You too Jacob."
"Are you ready to go," Jacob asked Loraine once he got to the door.
"Yep, you?" Loraine asked.
Jacob nodded.
"Have fun you two," Kasey shouted with a wink.
Loraine rolled her eyes as she closed the door behind her.
Kasey let out a deep sigh when she heard the door shut. So this is how it is. Kasey is the lonely one with the gorgeous roommate who is never alone and never without a date. After she finished her re-runs of The O.C Kasey let her thought wonder back to Lenox Hill Hospital Room 302.
