Saving Panic's! Ryan

Chapter 11

"What are you doing?" Ryan mumbled, half asleep. I was surprised that he was able to fall asleep after such an eventful night.

"I'll be darned if I let my dad mess up my last night with you," I whispered. "He had no right to talk to you like that."

"I think he was just surprised, Abby. I'm sure he'll be calmer in the morning."

"I doubt it." I snuggled closer to Ryan. Eventually we both fell asleep.

...

"What did I tell you last night?!" My dad came charging into the family room. Startled, Ryan and I both shot up, our blankets falling off us.

"You never said I couldn't join Ryan out on the couch!" I argued. I was definitely pushing my luck now.

My dad ignored me for a moment and pointed at Ryan. "You! Out!" He scrambled out the door and I quickly followed him, ignoring my dad's yelling.

I shut the door and tried to quickly talk to him before my dad killed both of us. "I'm sorry about all of this, Ryan. I knew this was a risk, but-"

I was interrupted by the front door opening. "Text me!" I whispered to him before my dad dragged me back inside and slammed the door, leaving Ryan outside. I hated that our time together had to come to an end like this, but hopefully I could still get away with seeing him this weekend.

I nervously bounced on my heels. "What do you have to say for yourself?" My dad asked.

"I told you last night! We were assigned to work on that book report together, so we've been in contact all weekend." I shrugged. "On Monday, he told me that he didn't have a place to stay for the night, so I offered. He didn't BARGE in and demand that I let him stay with me. I offered. It was me! So, are you happy now? That's the story!" I threw my hands up in the air. I said all of that so effortlessly that I was starting to believe my own lie.

"You're grounded for two weeks. No car for a month."

I gasped. I didn't care as much about the car. To be honest, my dad used it ninety-nine percent of the time anyway, but how dare he ground me for two weeks!

"DAD! I am an ADULT. You can't just ground me. If you want to keep me from using the car, fine! But I will come and go as I please!" I crossed my arms. When did I get so bold? So daring?

"Do you wanna make it three weeks?"

I huffed and stormed off to my room. My dad would have to leave for work soon anyway. If my dad wasn't going to allow me to leave the house, then so be it. What could he do to stop me from leaving while he was at work anyway? However, I'd have to sneak out for my date with Ryan this weekend. It would make things harder, but I did say that I like challenges, and this was definitely going to be a challenge.

...

It's been pretty quiet around here for the past few days. My dad and I haven't spoken much. A couple of times I almost sent him a very long and strongly worded text, but decided against it at the last minute.

Ryan and I have been talking quite a lot though. In fact, sometimes I wonder how he's had any time to practice before his shows. Between texting all the time and the occasional phone call, I'm starting to think that that boy spends every second of his free time talking to me, and I love it.

Yesterday he told me that Brendon complained that he hasn't been as focused on the band which made me feel pretty guilty. Luckily Brendon hasn't complained about any of his performances though, so hopefully that means that Ryan hasn't messed anything up during one of their shows due to lack of practice.

Today is Friday which means that Ryan is currently on his way back home. We've been texting more than ever since Brendon is the one driving. I chuckled to myself when I pictured him glaring at Ryan every few minutes as the sped down the road. I haven't properly met Brendon yet, but that just seems like something he'd do. In fact, I wouldn't be surprised if he pulled over and made Ryan drive just out of jealousy.

My phone buzzed again. It was another text from Ryan.

Can't wait to see you! Only a few more hours!

I clutched my phone to myself, smiling. I felt bad wishing Panic! At The Disco's shows away, but I couldn't wait for them to be finished so Ryan could come home. Unfortunately, he'll only be home for this weekend. Next week they have more gigs that are even farther away. He'll be gone for almost a month. I tried not to think about that though. I just wanted to enjoy this weekend.

Suddenly I started thinking about how I was going to get away with all of this and my mood soured. If I could just sneak out of the house for one weekend, it would just be me here for the next month. I'd be at home and out of trouble. Surely I can get away with one more weekend with Ryan.

I looked at the time. It was almost time for my dad to get home from work, then I would be stuck at home with him for the rest of the weekend. It was during that moment that I made the second most impulsive decision of my life. I sent my dad a short text that he would probably blow up about.

Dad, I know we haven't been on good terms this past week, but I need you to do a favor for me. I need you to let me enjoy this last weekend before I go back to school. After that, you can ground me for TWO months. I really don't care. Anyway, I won't be home when you get off work. I'll be back on Sunday night.

I packed a small bag and I left the house.