Take Me There
Chapter 16
Previously...
With that, Chad made his way upstairs. Stopping outside his bedroom, he opened the door. Making his way inside, he looked down to see that Ryan had fallen asleep. He smiled as he placed Ryan on the bed. He took his shoes off. As well as his pants and shirt. Ryan always slept in his boxers anyway. Stepping back, Chad began taking his clothes off as well. Getting down to his boxers, he climbed into bed.
Looking over at Ryan, he placed a small kiss on his forehead.
"Night, Ry."
Both boys slept like they had never slept before.
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The first thing Ryan realized when he woke the next morning was that he was not in his bed at Lava Springs. The second thing he noticed was that he was not alone. Opening on eye, he saw that Chad was wrapped around him, one arm underneath him with the other around his waist. Both legs were tangled with his own. He was snoring. Something Ryan had discovered to be unusually cute when it was coming from Chad.
Thinking back, Ryan remembered what had happened yesterday. He remembered yelling at his mother, having a panic attack, Chad calming him down. He also remembered meeting Chad's family and feeling the love from all of them. He laughed to himself when he remembered Chad had carried him to bed the night before. Suddenly realizing he was in nothing but his boxers, he blushed.
"Chad must have taken my clothes off once he got me to bed. How sweet of him." Ryan thought as he continued to lie in bed, with Chad draped on top of him. "I really do need to get up. It must be getting late into the day by now. I haven't slept like that in a very long time. I just feel so comfortable here. Well, since this is my new home now, I guess I should."
Carefully untangling himself from Chad, Ryan got out of bed. He found an old pair of Chad's sweats and threw them on. He decided on going without a shirt. It was just to hot for one. Glancing back at the bed, Ryan saw that Chad was still fast asleep, now clinging to Ryan's pillow. He smiled at the image Chad was making. He looked so peaceful. Sighing, Ryan made his way downstairs.
Halfway down the stairs, Ryan caught a whiff of freshly brewing coffee. He smiled as he walked the rest of the way to the kitchen. Once there, he saw the Gloria was awake and cooking breakfast.
"Good morning, Gloria." He must have startled her because she jumped slightly. Turning around, she smiled when she saw Ryan.
"Oh, hello, dear. Did you have a nice sleep?" She was the exact opposite of Chad in the mornings. Where she was happy and alert, Chad was grumpy and out of it.
"I haven't slept that good in a long time." He smiled.
"Oh, and did my son have anything to do with it?" She winked as she spoke.
"Maybe." Ryan blushed. Gloria laughed.
Walking away from the stove, Gloria had a plate full of bacon, eggs, sausage, and biscuits. She placed the plate in front of Ryan.
"Eat up, dear. You are far to skinny for my liking."
Ryan looked like a fish out of water. He didn't think he had ever seen this much food for just one person.
"Gloria, there is no way I can eat all of this! Its way too much!"
"Nonsense! You look like you could use a good home cooked meal. More than one actually. Now, I don't want to hear it, eat up." She pushed the plate further to him. Turning to the refrigerator, she pulled a jug of orange juice from it. Pouring a glass, she sat it down in front of Ryan.
"Now, how about we talk while you eat. There are a few things I have been meaning to talk to you about."
Ryan had just taken a bit of his eggs when Gloria spoke. He nearly choked. She patted him on the back.
"Sweetie, its nothing bad. I promise. You have nothing to get choked up over."
He took a drink of his juice, helping wash the eggs down.
"What kind of things did you want to talk about?" He asked, nervously.
"First off, I want to talk about yesterday. When Chad said you had a panic attack, it scared me. Have you ever had a panic attack before?"
"I used to have them all the time when I was younger. Yesterday was the first one I have had a quite a few years."
"And do you know what set it off?"
"Yeah. It was after I had screamed at my mother."
"Why did you yell at her?"
"I don't know. I guess everything had just caught up with me. Thinking about it now, I know she never really did anything. And while I still think that was just as bad as the way father treated me, I see that she was the only one not talking down to me. I was just so angry. At father and Sharpay and at her for not taking up for me. She just stood there. She never spoke up or tried to get father to calm down. She just did nothing."
"Oh, honey. I am so sorry you have to go through all of this. I would never wish it on anyone and you of all people do not deserve it."
"Thanks for saying that. It means a lot."
"How do you feel about your mother now? After you've calmed down and thought it through?"
"I'm not as mad anymore. I want to talk to her again. And this time, I will listen to what she has to say."
Gloria smiled at Ryan.
"I'm very proud of you, Ryan dear. It takes a lot of courage to do what you are talking about doing. What about your father and Sharpay?"
"I have nothing for them. I want nothing to do with them. They can't treat me like they have and expect me to come crawling back, begging them to love me again."
"Again, I will have to agree. Especially after Mr. Evans hit my son. As far as I can see, he isn't worth anyone's time."
Ryan looked down at the mention of Chad.
"What's wrong, dear?"
"I'm so sorry, Gloria."
Puzzled, she asked why.
"If it wasn't for me, Chad never would have gotten hit."
"Oh, honey. He was only doing what he thought he should. He can handle a lot more than people think. He was taking up for a friend, someone he cares deeply for. I hope you know that."
"I do, Gloria. But how does he care for me? I mean, am I just a good friend? A brother type? What? I don't think I have ever been so confused in my life."
"Sweetheart, love will do that to you. And I think you know Chad sees you as more than a friend."
"Sometimes I think he does and other times, I think he only sees me as a charity case."
"No, Ryan. You know better than that! My son loves you. He may not realize it yet, but I know he does. Just give him some time. He's never been in a relationship before, so he's new to all these feelings he is experiencing. Have patience with him"
"I'm trying but sometimes it can get so hard." Ryan blushed ay his choice of words. Gloria only smiled.
"How long have you and Chad been sharing a bed?"
"For about a week now."
"And how do you feel when you wake up in the morning wrapped in Chad's arms?"
"Loved."
"Then there you have it. Just wait. I know my son. He has feelings for you. Very deep feelings. And I know your feelings are just as strong."
"I'm in love with him." Ryan smiled as he admitted it.
"I know, dear. I know." She patted his hand as she spoke.
Ryan went back to eating his breakfast. It was by far the best home cooked meal he had ever had. Gloria was an awesome cook. He knew he was going to be gaining a lot of pounds when he moved in. He couldn't wait.
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Back upstairs, Chad was just waking up. Groaning, he rolled over, hoping to still feel Ryan, but sadly found nothing but pillow. Opening his eyes, he looked to the bedside clock. It was almost 10:00am.
"Still way to early to get up."
Pulling the blanket over his head, Chad went back to sleep.
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In the kitchen, Ryan was just finishing his second glass of juice. Getting up, he placed his empty plate and glass in the sink. Gloria was coming back into the kitchen just as Ryan was making his way out.
"Oh Ryan, dear. How about we sit in the living room and talk some more. Only if you want too. I don't want to make you talk about something you don't want to get into."
"That's fine. I like talking with you. I could never talk to my parent this way. Its a good change of pace."
Walking into the living room, they sat down on the couch. Ryan pulled a small afghan from the chair and wrapped it around his bare shoulders. Gloria smiled.
"Not that I'm trying to be nosy or anything, but I have been wondering something." Ryan spoke to Gloria.
"Ask away dear. I have no secrets. You are family now. We share everything."
"I was wondering about Chad's father."
"What about him, dear?"
"How could he leave you and Chad like he did? I don't understand. With my family, it all makes sense. But I see how accepting you are of Chad, and even me, and then Chad says he left only a week after Chad came out."
"That's true, dear. He did. But I'm about to tell you something Chad doesn't even know."
For the next half an hour, Gloria tells Ryan about her decision to tell Roger to leave. She explains the fight they had the night of Chad's coming out.
"I just can't believe he would leave you both. He must be out of his mind."
Gloria chuckles.
"Yes, dear, I believe he just might be."
"Now, back to you. What are you going to do about getting together with my son?"
Ryan's jaw dropped.
"Close your mouth, its not very fetching." She laughed.
"What do mean, what am I going to do? I'm not going to do anything."
"But dearie, if you wait for my son, you may be waiting for a while. He's not the type to make the first move. You need to do something to get him to turn his full attention to you."
"Like what? What can I do?"
"I think I may know the perfect thing. Why don't you throw Chad a surprise birthday party?"
"Birthday? His birthday is coming up?"
"Yes, it is."
"Ok, then, when is it?"
"Tomorrow." She stated. Again, his jaw dropped.
"How can I put together a birthday in less than a day? Its not possible!"
"Calm down. And yes it is."
"But Gloria..."
"No buts. I have complete faith in you. Now, I've made you a list of all his likes and dislikes. A major thing to remember, Chad is allergic to chocolate."
"Really?"
"Yes, now, take the list. Make some calls. I know from hearing Chad talk about it before, that you know what you're doing when it comes to planning a party."
"Well, I guess so."
"Good. Now, I want you to take my car keys and do whatever kind of errands you need to do."
"Your car? You can't be serious!"
"Of course I am. Now, go get dressed. You have a long day ahead of you. Here's my cell number. Call me if you need anything. Oh and I almost forgot, here is my credit card. Its all on me." She smiled as she placed the car keys and credit card in his hands. She turned and left the room.
"What have I gotten myself into?" He groaned thinking of the long day ahead of him. Then, almost as if a light bulb flashed over his head, Ryan smiled.
"I know the perfect birthday gift. Oh, I just know Chad will love it!"
Ryan jumped off the couch and ran upstairs. Quickly and silently, he dressed and ran back downstairs.
"I'm leaving now, Gloria. I'll be back later!"
"Be careful, dear and have a good day!" She yelled back, just as he was walking out the door.
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Ryan had only been at it for an hour and already he was lost. There was so much to planning a party and he only had a few short hours to get things ready. He knew what he had to do. He was only hoping it wouldn't come to this. He had no choice. He took out his cell phone and dialed a number he had hoped he would never have to call. After only two rings, someone answered.
"Hello?"
"I guess it's now or never."
"Hey, Troy, its Ryan."
"Ryan? Uh, hey man. What's up?"
"Well, I kinda need your help."
"Me? You need my help? With what?"
"I take it you know that tomorrow is Chad's birthday?"
"Yeah, of course."
"Well, Gloria has asked me to plan a surprise party for him."
"No way." Ryan could have sworn he heard Troy chuckle.
"Yes. And I'm lost. I need help and you're his best friend. So, can you help me? Please?"
"Well, since you asked so nicely. Where are you?"
"Uh, I'm at the party store next to the mall. Can you meet me here?"
"Yeah, no problem. How about I call Gabi and see if she can tag along and help?"
"YES! Uh, I mean, yeah, that sounds good. I will take as much help as I can get."
"No prob, Ryan. We'll be there in like twenty minutes."
"Thanks, Troy. I really appreciate it."
"Your welcome. Anyone who means as much to Chad as you do, well, how can I say no, right?"
"Uh, yeah. So, see you soon?"
"Yeah, see ya." With that, they both hung up.
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Back at the house, Gloria decided to take it upon herself to make a much-needed phone call. She dialed the number and waited for someone to answer.
"Hello, Evans' residence."
"Yes, hello, may I speak with Mrs. Evans, please?"
"This is she, may I ask who is calling?"
"This is Mrs. Danforth. Gloria. Chad's mother."
Gloria was met with silence on the other end of the line.
"Hello, Mrs. Evans, are you still there?"
"Um, yes, I am. Sorry about that."
"There's nothing to be sorry for. Now, I am calling on Ryan's behalf."
"My son? What about him?"
"I thought it important to inform you that after your confrontation with Ryan yesterday morning, he had a sever panic attack."
"Oh, no, my Ducky! Is he alright?"
"Yes, ma'am. He's fine. Thanks to my son. Now, I am only going to ask this once and I would like it if you told me the truth."
"Yes?"
"The reason you wanted to speak with Ryan yesterday, did it have anything to do with wanting to apologize to him for the way you treated him? I am not concerned with his father and sister and neither is he, but after yesterday, he was devastated once he realized how he had spoken to you. Now, do you wish to have a relationship with your son? Even though he is gay."
"I love my so no matter what, Mrs. Danforth. Whether he is gay, straight or whatever else a young boy can be. I only want him to be happy. I am ashamed of how I treated him. I should have spoken up when his father was treating him the way he did. I will be forever sorry that I didn't. I only want my son back."
Gloria smiled.
"I'm glad to hear that. Now, if you would like to speak with Ryan, how about you stop by the house tomorrow evening. He is planning a party for my son and I know he would love to have you here."
"That sounds lovely."
Gloria gave her directions to the house. She told her to be there around six. It would be a surprise for Ryan.
"Thank you, Gloria. I will be forever grateful. I shall see you all tomorrow."
With that, they disconnected their phone conversation.
Gloria wasn't expecting anyone to have heard her phone conversation, so it was a surprise when Chad's voice sounded out through the room.
"Mom, did I just hear you right? Were you talking to Ryan's mom?"
"Um, yes."
"Ok, why?"
"I spoke with Ryan this morning. I know he wants to speak with her, so I called and set it up. She will be stopping by tomorrow. Don't tell Ryan, it's a surprise."
"Oh, it sure will be. So, where is Ryan anyways?" Chad yawned as he spoke.
"He had some errands to run. He said he would be back later. There is some left over breakfast in the kitchen. What Ryan didn't eat, that is. Go and eat."
Chad walked away towards the kitchen. He never saw the large smile that covered his mother's face.
"Ryan isn't the only one in for a surprise tomorrow, sweetie. Just you wait and see. Tomorrow is going to be full of surprises."
Gloria had no idea just how right she was.
A/N: So, did you all like it? I hope so. Next chapter will be Chad's party. Along with Ryan, Troy and Gabi's shopping adventure..lol. There will also be a few surprises for everyone! Stay tuned to find out who and what! Like always, review and let me know what you thought! Next chapter will be up tomorrow. Until then, Tootles:)