Love is a Broken Window | Cricky [C]

36 | Care

3 Months Later

| Chris' POV |

"Why are you even still trying?" Balz asked, standing behind me a few feet.

My head fell against the door that my fist already rested against. "Because I'm hoping one time we will answer." But I knew he wouldn't...

It's been difficult for Ricky to adjust to life without Jani. New Years Eve was their five year anniversary, after all. Five years, just gone so fast? Even with the abuse, I can still it being hard.

News Years, Jani was put in holding cell down at the police station. He was released the next morning, and put Ricky back in the hospital. That time Jani spent more than a night at the police station. They held him there until his hearings and trial, where he was sentenced to four years. That doesn't mean he's going to serve the full four years. He could get off on good behavior and such.

The trial, where we all happily watched Jani get dragged away in cuffs, was the last place we saw Ricky. I drove him home, and he didn't even smile goodbye. Days passed and he didn't leave his apartment. I'd knock, he'd open the door without even undoing the chain lock, and he'd tell me he was fine, then shut the door again.

After a few weeks, I didn't even get that. It got to the point that I got so worried, that I would walk out front of our apartment building to watch his window. I'd see his shadow move in front of the shades, so I felt relieved to know he was alive. That didn't mean he was okay.

None of us have seen Ricky in three whole months. I still try when I can, but Balz is right, why am I still trying? He's never going to answer the door.

I sighed to myself and backed away from the closed door. Balz and Ryan-Ashley followed me towards Devin and Shiloh's place. I walked straight in, because they're okay with that anytime after 11AM and before 7PM. That's what Devin tells me anyways, but I still walk in on moments like this!

They were sitting on the couch, and Shiloh was sat in Devin's lap, straddling him as they made out passionately. It was really sweet, to be honest, because I wish I could have someone I could be that oblivious to the rest of the world with. Balz cleaned his throat, and the two both cautiously parted. Shiloh swung his leg back over Devin and sat down next to him as he shamefully wiped his lip.

"Waita let yourself in." Devin scoffed.

"It's only 5PM." I teased.

He rolled his eyes playfully. "Where's Ryan and Allie?"

"Meeting us at the restaurant." Ryan-Ashley responded.

"And Ricky?" Shiloh asked, his hope barely holding on when it came to this matter.

I sighed. "Didn't answer his door. I'll text him though."

"Like he'll answer." Devin muttered.

"At least, give him ten minutes to reply before we leave." Shi said.

Huh. Yeah. He can't answer in three months, but he's going to in ten minutes? It was worth a shot. Even if Ricky didn't want to see us, I at least wanted him to feel like we did care about him. I hope he knows we do.