A Missing Ring

Traumatized

After the next day, Andrea was released from the hospital. She spent the rest of the day in bed, as memories flooded back. No one entered her room, as they thought it was best to keep their distance, they could tell she didn't want to talk to anyone. Many times they thought about walking in, but they always told themselves, she needs space after what she went through. They continued to think about her throughout the day, about how she was feeling. The words Ava told them stuck with her. How she was traumatized, I mean who wouldn't they thought during the night.

As Asher woke up he groaned while turning to his side, the clock read 8:43 in the morning. From their dorm they didn't have any windows, there was no sunlight coming in. Asher sat up and stretched his arms above his head. I hope Andrea is doing better Asher thought as he placed a hoodie on.

It was the beginning of winter break, they had no more homework and their "relaxation" had started. When truly all her friends were worried if she was well, as this moment was not one easily going to be forgotten.

Asher heard a knock at his door, "Come in". In came Ryker, he was simply wearing a shirt with some pants. "Do you plan to talk to Andrea today?' Ryker asked, he leaned against the door frame. "I hope so, we didn't talk to her yesterday. Maybe we could get her to open up?" Asher hoped, Ryker agreed.

"She's going to be a tough one to break, remember she didn't even want to go to the hall, we brought her food that she might've eaten" Ryker knew himself she loved to hide her feelings as him. Asher knew as well, they have never seen her cry, only frustrated or on the verge to. Which is why they say she is stronger than others, as once she did cry they knew it must've been bad.

"Give her until lunch, it's going to be in a couple of hours either way, we'll ask her if she wants to go. Maybe we can ask her how she is" Ryker tried as it was reaching 9 in the morning, breakfast was nearly over.

"It's a plan, but I don't think it's going to be as easy as you are making it seem" Asher walked away to get himself ready for the day. Ryker walked back to his dorm, before he went in he looked at Andrea's door. If only she knew how much we cared for her, and how she could trust us with anything she says Ryker thought but knew her. They knew she suffered a tough childhood, but wanted to make it better.

The last couple of hours they had to themselves, as they both waited for lunch to start. They left Andrea alone again, thinking she may wake up by the time for lunch. Once it reached 12 Asher and Ryker walked out of their rooms. Asher walked over to Ryker saying, "Are you ready to talk to Andrea?".

"I'm always ready, let's just hope she wants to talk" Asher spoke as he knocked on her door, "Andy, it's me and Ryk".

Come in... they heard as they walked in. They saw Andrea sketching what she was drawing; they didn't know. As they walked over they saw she was sketching out a nice mountain, as her phone showed the reference. Andrea looked to her side where they both stood on and she smiled. Andrea put her pencil down and turned around in her chair. "What do you guys need to talk about?" she asked them.

"Andy it's lunch time, we were wondering if you wanted to come today" Ryker asked, leaning against the end of the desk. They saw Andrea grow anxious, they could tell she was trying to hide it. Her jaw clenched up slightly, as she just looked back down to her drawing.

"I'm good, I'm not that hungry either way, go on without me" Andrea said as she picked up her pencil and started to sketch again.

Ryker and Asher looked at each other, knowing it was something more than just not wanting to come. "Andy, you haven't been to the hall in a long time, maybe you can see the others. I bet they miss you" Asher attempted to persuade her to come. They could now sit with their friends from other houses at a smaller table.