All The Things You Said (Ricky Horror)

Chapter 17

*Chris' POV*

Needless to say, things were slightly awkward for me after Rick and I's fight. He apologized for punching me, while I apologized for bringing up the past. He and I both even apologized to Nathan, for being so brutal to one another. I hadn't apologized to Rose yet, and I know she wasn't gonna want to hear anything from me. We were currently seated in the living room, eating our dinner. Angelo and I sat together on a small couch, Ryan and Allie sat next to Ryan Ashley and Josh on the larger couch, while Kylie and Devin were seated on the floor next to Rose and Nate, Ricky seated behind Rose on the single reclining chair. Rose had her head leaned back onto Rick's legs, her hand absent mindly combing through a sleeping Nate's hair. She was laughing that sweet symphonic laugh I had once fell so helplessly in love for. Her bare feet crossed over one another, and her beautiful pale legs dipped under the hem of her sundress. She was the symbol of beauty, she was iconic, she was the one that got away. I was broken from my reverie when I was nudged hard. I looked over and Ange leaned in whispering,

"You're staring. Stop before you bring forth unwanted attention from her or Ricky." I nodded, folding my arms.

I instead closed my eyes, tilting my head back so I could rest properly. I was still exhausted from the game. I was so close to falling asleep, until I felt weight shift and a body lay on my chest. My eyebrows furrowed and I opened my eyes to see the crown of Nathan's bright blonde hair. He puffed a sigh and I felt is breathing slow as he drifted off. I was taken off guard. Was this kid sincerely that fond of me? I can't believe he even remembered who I was. I placed a hand on his back lightly and looked at Rose before I closed my eyes once again. The way her eyes had a pained expression as she looked back at me and Nate, gnawed at my consciousness.

*Rose's POV*

The way Nathan had crawled up onto Chris' lap took my breath away. I just sat and watched, interested to see the reaction Chris gave. He actually accepted Nathan with open arms, literally. Looking at them made me yearn for that father-son connection my ex husband had for Nathan. I originally had thought Chris wouldn't be the right father figure for nate but, maybe I was wrong. Maybe I should've given him a chance. We were saying our good byes, nate still wrapped up in Chris' rather large arms. I smiled at Chris and he helped me get Nate into the backseat.

"Thank you for coming tonight. I'm sorry I was such an ass before." Chris admitted, rubbing his neck. He always used to do that when he was nervous. I hugged him tight, my head only coming up to his chest. I heard him sigh.

"What's wrong?" I asked quietly so no one would here us talking.

"You're just...so small. Smaller than when we used to date. I'm so worried about you Rosaline." He only ever used my full name of he was truly serious about something. And he's right, I have lost weight, too much weight. I just can't afford the hospitals. He was holding me carefully, afraid he might break my small body.

"I know. I know I'm unhealthy. Everything is just so expensive. Nathan is costing me a small fortune, I just can't afford to pay for a hospital visit for myself." I answered, pulling away from the hug. He kept his arms planted firmly on my shoulders.

"Please Rosaline. Let me pay for at least one hospital visit. Three at the most. I want you to get help." He was pleading me. I bit my lip. I'm gonna regret this.

"I'll allow you to pay, but on one condition. You have to go with me. Every appointment you pay for, you have to come with me Christopher. I'm so frightened." I admitted. He nodded his head, huffing me once more before I had to leave. I got in the passenger side of the car, smiling to myself. I leaned over about five minutes into the drive home and kissed Ricky's cheek. I noticed them become a light fare pink.

"Stay with me tonight." He blushed harder and nodded in a response, reaching over to hold my hand in his.

Tonight had been absolutely wonderful.