Love is a Broken Window | Cricky [C]

37 | Remains

| Chris' POV |

I stared at the clock on my phone and bounced my leg, just hoping he'd respond. Part of me knew he wasn't going to, but I really wanted him to. Maybe we'd get lucky this time, you know? The clock changed over to 5:20PM. I sighed to myself, knowing we had reservations and I couldn't hold out any longer.

"C'mon, let's get going." I said as I pulled on my jacket.

Everyone else stood up from the couch and started to pull themselves together. The sitter had already arrived about fifteen minutes ago, so Devin went to tell her that we were finally leaving. Shiloh followed so he could say goodbye to Bella.

"I'm sorry, Chris." Balz whispered to me. "I know this whole thing with Ricky has been hard on you."

"That's an understatement." I muttered. I put my hands in my pockets and sighed. "But thanks. I appreciate it. I just miss him being around."

He gave me a sympathetic smile. I felt my phone buzz in my pocket. I'm sure it was probably Ryan asking where we were or something. Then it buzzed again, so I pulled it out. The top text was from Ryan, but my heart almost dropped when I saw the next text under it.

Ricky - Have you guys left yet?

I replied as fast as I possibly could. No, we're just about to. Are you going to join us??? :)

Ricky - Yeah, give me five minutes

I seriously felt like a little kid on Christmas Day. We can't wait to see you <3 Meet you outside your apartment in five!

"What are you so smiley about?" Devin asked as he walked back into the room.

"Ricky text me back. He said he'll come." I replied.

"Seriously?" Shiloh asked, fighting a smile.

"Yes! I'm so happy! I mean, I know he probably feels like he has to because it's an important night, but still!"

Dev chuckled. "I understand. Come on, let's go then."

It was an important night for us. We were celebrating the anniversary of the band. Ten years together! Holy shit, I still can't believe it! Angelo even agreed to come to the dinner. Even if he's not in the band anymore, he will always be apart of if. I'm so happy! I get to see two of my favorite people that I haven't gotten to see in forever!

We all got ourselves together and walked out of Devin and Shiloh's apartment. Before I could even head over to Ricky's door, it opened. I swear my heart must've skipped a beat to see his amazing face for the first time in three damn months.

Unfortunately, it wasn't glowing and healthy like I would have hoped. He looked like he had been through the ringer something fierce. Ricky was pale, even for him. His skin was almost translucent! He hasn't been dying his hair, so his ashy brown roots were grown out about two inches. His blue eyes didn't shine anymore. It pained my heart to see.

He was really banged up. There were bandages on his wrist, but he pulled a long sleeve shirt over them. I may have been upset to see him this way, but I was happy to just see him. Before even saying hello, I hugged him.

"Oh, h-hi." He muttered, obviously taken off guard.

"Hey." I softly smiled. "Ready to go?"

"Y-yeah." He responded with an almost monotone voice.

What has become of you, Ricky? How did something so beautiful get so broken?