Monday and Tuesday

by Sternwood

The week in begins in alternate universe S2. A few weeks out of hospital and into the new school term, Ryan invites Anna to a mystery event on Saturday. She accepts, but first they need to make it through the week. Everyone is attempting to adjust to the new norm now that things aren't 'the way they were'. Seth has to get used to his exe's dating his friend and his best friend. E

1. Monday Morning - An Invitation

"Ryan, can I just ask…Is something on your mind?" Anna finally asked, leaning against the hallway lockers. "You've had your cute worried face on since picking me up". She had realised this was going to be her last chance before lunch to find out. Once Ryan had closed his locker, she took him by the hand, leading him from the stream of students into an empty stairwell.
"I'm that obvious huh?" he said, a slight nervous laugh followed. Reaching out with her other hand, she gently touched his arm.
"You are just a little more tense than you were all weekend. To begin with I thought it was just monday blues but…Well. Maybe I'm just on high alert after a mad summer, and pre-summer…And post-summer". Even though she was slightly worried, she didn't have to fake a smile as she looked up at him.

"Ahh, well, it is nothing bad. I promise". His face was a mix of relief and concern. "I was actually just wondering if you were free on Saturday evening, maybe around ten?" Ryan said, wincing slightly as he spoke.

"You know, most guys don't normally take 20 minutes to ask their…the girl they are dating out on the weekend", Anna's smile turned to one of relief. Luckily the hallway behind them was now very quiet. They were definitely late for class.
"I didn't want to impose". Ryan's free hand reflexively reached for the back of his head. "As you said, it's been a little crazy around here".

"You aren't imposing. I'd love to", Anna said, matching his slight nervous laughter with her own. Any concern on Ryan's face disappeared. Looking around and seeing no-one, he leaned in, kissing her gently on the lips.
"Perfect, sounds great" he said, just close enough to a whisper.

It took a few moments after he had backed away from Anna to regain her train of thought.

"Besides…Now my dad is suddenly back in Japan, Summer, Seth and Zach have hit full love triangle mode and Luke is all loved up with Lindsay, my social calendar is looking very Atwood-centric". She said, standing on her tip-toes to put her arms around his neck. She looked up into his ocean eyes to see them shining, a cute, slightly shy smile across his face.
"Lucky me", he said as she felt his arms wrap around her waist.
"Lucky me", she contested.