But Why Not

Chapter Seventeen

I decided just to go back to Ryder's house because I didn't want to deal with school.

When I pulled up, I noticed a car out front. I climbed out of his car and went to the front door which was surprisingly unlocked. I pushed it open and called out, "Ry! I'm back."

"In the living room!" I heard him call.

I went into the living room and found two brunette heads instead of one.

Ryder stood up from the couch and pulled me into his arms kissing my head. "Hey, Erin. How did thinking go?"

I looked up at him and couldn't help but smile. His hair was getting long and starting to fall into his eyes. It made him look younger, innocent. "Uh, it was good. I called my mom. And I'm meeting up with Zach after school to talk."

The boy on the couch suddenly sneezed. He had been so quiet that when he sneezed it startled me. I jumped and let out a squeak.

Ryder laughed at me.

"I am so sorry!" the boy on the couch exclaimed. "It was not my intent to scare you!"

"Erin, this mucus canon is my older brother, Chris." he said warmly.

Chris got off the couch and extended his hand. "Pleased to meet you, Erin." I could see why he was the "perfect" son. He talked and dressed like he just stepped out of a Harvard campus pamphlet. "I just stopped by to see how Ryder was doing. But it seems to me he's doing just fine." he said eyeing Ryder's arm still around my waist with a smile.

I blushed and Ryder chuckled. "I'm in good hands, Chris. You don't have to worry. Erin is a good influence."

Chris nodded. "Does she know..." he trailed off.

"Yes, Chris. She knows. You can talk about my messed up head."

Chris frowned. "Ryder, we've had this discussion, you're not messed up."

"Chris, stop." Ryder cut off his brother, "I've faced it now. I'm jacked up. Now, what did you want to say?"

I reached around and placed my hand on Ryder's where it rested on my hip.

"I just wanted to see how you were. Let's sit again." He answered motioning to the couch.

Ryder nodded and led me to the couch.

He sat back into the couch. "You can lay down if you want." he offered quietly.

I curled up on the couch with my head in Ryder's lap. He stroked my hair.

"I just wanted to talk to you about how you're feeling." Chris started. "Are you getting depressed still? Are you taking your medicine every day still?"

Ryder sighed. "Chris, I've never been happier. I'm captain of the varsity soccer team, I have an amazing girlfriend." He said smiling down at me. "Yes, I take my medicine everyday. You don't have to worry anymore, Chris. I'm doing good."

Chris let out a sigh of relief and smiled at me. "Thank you, Erin. For making my brother happy."

I beamed. I never knew I could make a difference in someone's life. Especially this big of a difference. I would do everything in my power to keep Ryder this happy. Because, I loved him.

Yay! New chapter!

Sorry, if this chapter was kinda crappy. It's just a cute little chapter. The next chapter gets a little bit more dramatic. But I seriously think you guys will love it!

Avery