Saving Panic's! Ryan

Chapter 12

I sent a quick text to Ryan after I left the house.

Change of plans! Meet me at the Motel 6 that's just down the road from my house. See you in the morning!

What was I thinking, going out and booking a motel room for the weekend while my worried dad sat at home and wondered where I was? Oh, I was trying to earn some freedom, that's what I was doing.

Part of me was angry that I had to literally stay in a motel in order to have some time to myself, and the other part of me felt like I was doing the wrong thing. Maybe all of this guilt was here for a reason. Maybe I am doing the wrong thing...

Nonetheless, the decision had been made and there was no backing out now.

I entered the building and was greeted at the front desk by a middle aged lady. "How many nights?" She asked me as I approached the counter.

I smiled "Two please."

She returned my smile. "Checkout will be at 12:00 on Sunday morning. Would you like a room with a single bed?"

I chocked on my spit and started coughing. "Sorry, um, no. Two beds please."

She checked something on her computer and looked up at me again. "I'm sorry, all of our double beds are booked for this weekend. We only have single beds left."

I was shocked. "What? How can they all be booked?"

"The venue in town has really been drawing in a lot of people lately. There's a pretty famous band who will be performing on Saturday night."

I was sad that Panic! At The Disco hadn't gained the same amount of popularity, but maybe they'd get there someday. "That's alright. Thanks anyways. I'm going to walk down to the Holiday Inn that's across town and see if I can..." I trailed off as I remembered that I had just spend an entire day blowing money at the fair this week. I couldn't afford someplace more expensive like Holiday Inn. "On second thought, I'll take that room please."

She smiled and handed me the keys. "Room 110. Enjoy your stay."

I had quickly decided that I'd just sleep on the pull out sofa that they always have in motels like this. I fumbled with my keys and unlocked the door. I was instantly hit with a musty smell and I crinkled up my nose. I observed random dark stains on the carpet, yellowed ceilings and peeling wallpaper. This place was disgusting! I practically tip-toed around the room, not wanting my feet to touch any more of the carpeting than they had to. I knew the motels around here were pretty lackluster, but this was just ridiculous. I was afraid that I'd come home with some kind of disease after staying here. Luckily, I came semi-prepared.

I took my bag off my shoulder and rummaged around for my extra pillows and blankets that I had packed. I always bring some of my own bedding when staying in a motel. I plopped down on the bed and opened up my phone, staring at the new message notification that I had received. It was from Ryan.

You booked a room? Nice! Send me the room number when you get settled in. I'll be in town before nightfall. Since you won't have to sneak around your dad this weekend, would you like me to stay there tonight? That way we can spend part of Friday AND Saturday together. ;)

I smiled and typed out a reply.

Sure did! Room number 110. I would love that! Oh, and bring extra bedding. This place isn't the greatest...

Not even a minute later Ryan responded with another text.

You don't have to tell me twice. I'm a touring musician, remember? I've stayed in some pretty sketchy places before.

I laughed and shut my phone, dangling my legs off the side of the bed. What to do... What to do...

I still had several hours until Ryan arrived. I decided to explore the lobby. It was definitely nicer than the actual motel rooms. That's how they lure you in I guess. They get you thinking 'oh, this place is great! Then by the time you see your room, it's already too late. You've already sealed your fate with at least one night in this nasty place.

I was surprised when I passed a sign that pointed to a supposed pool and hot tub. I didn't know motels had pools. I ventured down the hallway, and sure enough, there was a pool.

I peered in the window. It was currently empty. It wasn't very big, but it would give Ryan and I something to do if we got bored later. After I observed for awhile, I headed back to my room.

Time went by pretty slowly. I spent the remaining hours watching some lame shows on the dusty old motel television. I finally perked up when I heard a knock at the door.

I opened it and broke out into a beaming smile. "Ryan!" I threw my arms around him and he hugged me back. "I've missed you so much! Come in!"

He set a couple bags down on the little table across from the bed and looked around. That's when I decided to mention the awkward bed situation, but apparently he had already noticed. He pointed at the bed and smirked. "Only one bed, huh?"

I shook my head and laughed. "It was all they had."

He laughed and said a sarcastic "Suuure."

I playfully slapped at his arm. "I'm serious!"

We spent the evening talking about his trip. It was so interesting to hear about the various stories and learn what tour life was like. I had never dated a musician before.

The conversation died down a little and I noticed that Ryan was yawning a lot. "I bet you're exhausted," I told him. "Why don't you get some sleep and we can plan out our day tomorrow?"

We got ready for bed and Ryan gave me a puzzled look when I started to get cozy on the little motel sofa. "You're not serious?" He asked me. I raised my eyebrow at him before he continued. "You are not sleeping on that thing. I thought we were going to share the bed, but if you don't want to, let me take the sofa."

"Absolutely not, Ryan. You deserve a comfy bed tonight. You've been away for days."

"Why don't we just share the bed, Abby? I mean, come on, we are officially dating now. Did you forget?" He asked me with an exasperated sigh.

I thought for a moment and giggled before decided to climb in bed with him. I guess we had shared the bed in my room. This wasn't any different, I suppose.

Ryan looked over at me. "Comfy?" He asked as I rearranged my pillows and tucked my feet under my blanket. I looked up at him and smiled.

Before we knew it, we were both fast asleep.