Friction [Book 2]

-trust-

"How are you? I heard you had a baby and I meant to congratulate you and come see you but things kept getting in the way and stuff."

Ryan flashed a warm smile as we pulled apart. Glancing over my shoulder, Gabe was pacing around the park with his phone pressed against his ear. I turned back to Ryan.

"It's fine, honestly. You can come see him if you like? I stayed at Patrick's house with the boys last night and I'm sure he'd love to see you again."

"Sure, I'd love that. So, why were you out here? And with Gabe?"

Ryan and I sat back down on the bench. The sun was beating down onto us and I felt the warmth of its glow burn against my skin. It was a great feeling to be outside in such beautiful weather, even if I was going through the worst moment of my life.

"I needed to get away from the house for a while, and Gabe offered to come with me."

"Pete working?" Ryan turned to look at me.

I inhaled silently and began nodding.

"Something like that, yeah."

Silence fell upon the two of us however I felt a refreshing feeling being in the company of Ryan. I hadn't seen him in so long an his presence made me smile, no matter what the occasion. Soon enough, Gabe returned from his phone call. I decided not to ask him what his lengthy conversation was about because he probably didn't want to announce it in front of Ryan, who he hadn't greeted yet.

"Ryan, hey man!"

"Hey, how've you been?"

Both men shook hands before breaking out into conversation. My phone began vibrating in my back pocket and I quickly retrieved it, pressing answer when I read it was Patrick.

"Hello?" I said, walking away from the two.

"Hey Ell. Uh, when are you and Gabe planning on coming back from your walk?" Patrick's voice sounded worrying.

"Well, whenever. Why?"

"Pete's here, and, uh, he wants to take the boys home so-"

"I'm coming back now."

I ended the call without another word being spoken. I was most definitely not letting the boys be taken by Pete and I had to get back to Patrick's as soon as possible.

Storming back over to Gabe and Ryan, I boldly interrupted their flowing and bright conversation.

"Gabe I need to go back now, like right now."

"Oh," Gabe frowned, but understood. Ryan stood looking confused.

"Is something wrong?" Ryan asked.

"No. I'll call you later, give you a time to come over? Now isn't too good that's all."

Ryan nodded with a small smile, "Of course. I'll get out of your way, don't want to keep you any longer."

"Thanks. See you later Ry."

Quickly hugging Ryan, Gabe and myself headed in the opposite direction to him and took a brisk walk back to the house. The entire way back I was freaking out. I didn't want Pete to take the kids, he didn't deserve to have them with him, not after what he did. Bodhi didn't know what was going on, but Bronx did. I didn't want to confuse things with him anymore about Pete and myself, but I didn't want Pete to be apart from him either.

Racing up the driveway, I opened the front door with Gabe not far behind. I walked through the house calling Bodhi and Bronx's name.

"Ellianah, what's going on?" Bronx came running through the house, his eyes slightly teary. I opened my arms and bent down, hugging him tightly.