I Would Have

FRIENDS

Songs for this Chapter:

I've Had Enough- Melina KB

"If you're so mature now
Then I think it's time you grow up
Admit you did it
We all know you did it
And yet you still gaslight me up"

FRIENDS- Marshmello, Anne-Marie

"Haven't I made it obvious?
Haven't I made it clear?
Want me to spell it out for you?
F-R-I-E-N-D-S"

*Ryot*

He'd had a rough day. Between work, and his kids' mother, he was in a sour mood. He pulls out his phone while he waits for traffic to start moving, and sends her a quick snap.

Ryot- Whatcha up to?

He smiles as her bitmoji appears, typing.

I- Counting down until I can leave at six. I'm done with tonight. I might end up asking to work over so I don't have to go home.
R- Explain?

Her bitmoji disappears, and traffic picks up, halting their conversation. His drive is quiet, only the radio to distract him from his thoughts.

He hits the highway and risks checking the message from her.

I- My stepdad made weird comments. When I told my mother about it, she said it was my fault.

His stomach sinks. That can't be good. He speaks into his phone, replying.

R- I'll pick you up since your car is still in the shop. Be there in an hour baby.

*******

*Isadora*

She ties her hair away from her sweaty face for the umpteenth time that day. Absolutely exhausted after worrying all night, she was running on fumes and energy drinks. Her multiple layers didn't help. She reads his most recent message.

R- I'll pick you up since your car is still in the shop. Be there in an hour baby.
I- Okay. Thank you.

Her heart is pounding. She knew he'd flip out when he heard what was said. She swallows hard, slipping her phone in her pocket and heading to check on her residents.

One of her absolute favorites, refused to get up for his meals today. The other aides said he was circling the drain, but she was determined to keep a positive outlook. She knocks on the door before opening it.

He's laying in his bed, propped up, eyes trained on the tv, but he still gives her a weak smile when she comes in.
"Hey darlin. Do you need anything? Anything I can do before I leave?" She asks him, moving to adjust his pillow. He nods, and a shaky hand points toward the empty cup on his nightstand.

"I think that can be arranged," she tells him with a smile. "Would you like ice?" His face lights up, and he nods. Charlie grins.

"Let me go fill it and I'll be right back, okay?" She leaves his room, heading for the staff ice machine near the nurses station. As she's filling his cup, she can hear snippets of her fellow aides say.

"Her work ethic is great, but you can tell something is wrong."
"Maybe losing the brothers is taking its toll on her."
"Maybe she's quitting too. Wouldn't surprise me."

Isadora swallows hard, leaving the machine. Her sneaker clad feet pad lightly on the floor, leading her back to her resident's room.
"Alright darlin'. I'm gonna sit you up some, and then you can have some, yeah?" She fills the cup from the tap, grabs a straw, and uses the remote to sit the head of the bed up.