After the storm [Finished]

45- Full plate (Part 1)

A couple of weeks passed by, and things went back to normal for what was left of September, but as soon as we got into October, Ryan got more and more distant every day.

He usually was absent-minded and when he was not, he sought a lot of attention and physical contact. He often was the one hugging, he didn't like to be hugged that much, but at that time it was the opposite.

We were watching a drama on the TV. Ryan had laid on the couch using my lap as a pillow. It was Sunday, we had been spending the whole weekend at home snuggling, chilling on the couch, and eating snacks, at least Ryan was. He was on the white t-shirt and grey sweatpants he normally wore at home. I was combing his hair with my fingers on a fresh pajama.

"What would you do if I suddenly forget you?" He asked between one episode and another. In the drama, the protagonist had an accident and lost his memory.

"I'm not sure... I'd probably try to make you remember things bit by bit". I answered after pondering some options.

"Wouldn't be hard for you? Loving someone who doesn't know you anymore, and remembering everything you both went through but just you".

"It doesn't matter if it's hard. I'd do it because I love that person. Wouldn't you do the same?"

"I don't know if I could be that strong". The next episode started and we went silent again.

A few episodes later, when I looked down to check on Ryan, I noticed he was quietly crying. I didn't dare to say something, so I just looked back at the screen and gently stroked his head. But soon after, I was crying too. He laughed at me though, his cheeks still wet and his eyes still watering. It was not to believe.

"Why do you keep laughing? Stop!" I complained.

"I'm not laughing at you. Isn't the situation funny?" I shook my head. "Oh, c'mon". He was still looking up at me.

"Ok, it might be a tiny bit funny". He giggled.

"I'm getting hungry", he pouted.

"There're some leftovers from lunch. Or do you want something else for dinner?" I sobbed and cleaned my face with my sleeve.

"Hm... What about getting some pizza?"

"Hm... I don't know".

"Please?" He made his usual pleading face: puppy eyes and pouty lips.

"Just order it". He smiled and stretched to get his phone from the coffee table.

"Where should I order it from?" He started to hum a song while rolling the screen of the phone. "Ah, I know! Do you want chicken or pepperoni?"

"I'm not having pizza, order the one you want".

"Why not? It's your favorite".

"I'm having some soup".

"But-" I was staring at him, his eyes went from the screen to me and he read the mood. "Ok, ok. Sorry".

He finished ordering his dinner while I checked my messages. There was a message from Kayla and another from Christy. I went for Christy's message first, it was to remind me that I had a shoot the next morning. I confirmed quickly and read Kayla's. She and Nicholas were planning a Halloween party, she was asking if I was down for it.

"Kayla's asking if we are down for a Halloween party at her place".

"Sure, do we have to wear costumes and all that?"

"I'll ask". I started typing. She was not replying so I put the phone aside and went back to comb Ryan's hair. "I'm going to make some tea, do you want some?"

"Hm... would you make me some coffee?"

"Sure, americano? Or do you want it with milk?"

"Americano, please". He lifted his head for me to stand up.

"You know... I've been thinking-"

"Ah! I didn't add coke!" He exclaimed scaring me. "Can I add it afterward?" He abruptly sat up and started checking the app.

"We can buy it at the shop downstairs".

"But I don't want to go out", he complained.

"Do you want me to go?"

"No... I'll go". He sighed and stood up. "You're in pajamas too". He went to his room and came back with his keys. "Do you need something?" I shook my head.

"I'm ok".

"I'm going!"

I just had brewed Ryan's coffee and was about to add sugar when I realized we were running out of it. I quickly grabbed my phone and called Ryan, who was taking his time at the shop, he was probably buying more snacks for later.

I was waiting for him to pick up when I heard his ringtone from the living room. He had left his phone on the couch. He always forgot his phone in the living room! I took it to prank him, I was about to hide it in one of the kitchen cabinets when a message came in. I pressed the screen just to read that a message from Brittany came in, I couldn't read it before another one came in. The second one said, "when can I call you?"

I have to be honest, I thought about unlocking it and reading it, I really did. I even knew the password but I restrained myself. I turned the volume off and hide it.

"Alex! Have you seen my phone?" Ryan walked quickly into the apartment just a couple of minutes later.

"You're back! I've been calling you. We're running out of sugar".

"Really?" He ran his fingers through his hair.

"Yeah".

"I'll go and buy some. But, have you seen my phone? I thought I had it in my pocket, but I didn't".

"No, I haven't. I thought you took it with you".

"Can you help me look for it, please? I'm back in 5 minutes". He left the bag on the kitchen aisle and went out again. He had bought a coke and more snacks.

In less than five minutes, Ryan was back.

"Did you find my phone?"

"Sorry, I haven't looked for it yet".

Ryan started to search for his phone everywhere; he even moved the couch and my bed to look under them. I felt a bit guilty but it was so much fun at the same time.

"Maybe I left it in the fridge..." He mumbled and when to check it.

"What? Why in the fridge?" I gasped.

"When it's hot, I put it in the fridge, but I don't remember my phone being hot today". He opened the fridge, took a quick look, and closed it. "It's not here either".

"Do you really put it in there?" I asked again, surprised.

"Hm". He nodded still thinking about where his phone could be. "I'm going crazy, where did I leave it?" He sighed and kept thinking, his index and thumb grabbing his chin. I stared at him entertained. He suddenly looked at me and we stare at each other for a moment. "You haven't grabbed it, do you?"

"No, I haven't". He kept staring and a shy giggle left my mouth. "You hid it!" He exclaimed and sighed relieved. I just could laugh at him. "I thought I had lost it for real this time", he laughed joining me.

"I'm sorry. I couldn't help it".

"Where is it?" I just stared at him holding my laughing. "C'mon, where is it?" I tapped my cheek with my index finger raising an eyebrow. "Did you eat it?" He gasped perplexed.

"No!" I exclaimed right away. "How would I eat it? Don't be ridiculous!". I giggled. "Pay the price to get it back". I tapped my cheek again. He leaned over laughing awkwardly and soundly kissed my cheek.

The day ended smoothly. After dinner, I went to paint for a while and Ryan played games on his phone in the mid-time. At that time, I already had forgotten about Brittany's message.