Reasons May Vary

Chp. Four

(Ronnie's POV)

Bryan has been locked in his room for days. Yet life still goes on. Kevin left to go home this morning, Leo had to take Jessie and Jackie to some sort of family gathering. Here I was. In this big house, virtually all alone. I sat in the hallway in front of Bryan's room, just hopping he'd come out for food.

(Bryan's POV)

The painting was finally finished. A black butterfly on a royal blue rose. My stomach growled and my shoulders were tired. The house felt empty so I decided to come out for a drink. To my surprise Ronnie sat sleeping in front of my door. I picked her up and carried her to my bed. I went for food and came back to see she was still asleep.

I wonder if she knows that everything I do is for her. I wonder if she'll ever understand.

"Ronnie. I love you. I love you more than life itself. I'm going to leave soon, and when I return I will be a changed man. I will be a painter. One who paints the heavens just for you. Life with all of us here, It's almost over. Summer is nearing an end, and when it does I will boarding my flight. You can never know though. I'll tell Leo to tell you I've run off with some handsome rich young man. Anything to prevent your tears from falling. Hey Ronelli? I've always wanted be your husband. In another life maybe I will be."

Her soft snoring continued on, and I went back to painting. I planned to paint her so many pictures that she wouldn't be able to forget. I won't let her forget. I won't let her forget morning that we fought over the last biscuit. Or nights where we all huddled up on the couch while watching movies. I won't let her forget skating or singing in the car. She has to remember me.

(Ronnie's POV)

I wish I really had been asleep.

I wish I never heard his confessions.

I wish we could just go on with life like we always had.

And I wish the sound of body paintbrush dancing across the canvas hadn't silenced my tears.

Why would you want to leave me?

Why change?

I love you Bryan.

I love you.