Unexpected

Chapter 12: Not Mad At You

"You're not mad at me are you?," Marshall asks as he is on a video call with Ryder.  Not through his pup tag, but through a laptop with voice activation.  "Not mad at all Marshall.  Just disappointed in myself that I couldn't think of doing this sooner," Ryder says as he looks Marshall through the Lookout tower tv.  "Okay that makes me feel a bit better.  As for the other thing you said it's not your fault.  It's mine for being so weak," Marshall says as he looks back at Ryder.  "Marshall, you're not weak at all.  Look at you, you're going to Therapy and in a facility that will protect you from yourself.  That has to count for something," The teen boy points out as he is proud of how strong Marshall is. 

Marshall just simply nods as he breaks eye contact with Ryder.  The pair stay silent for a few minutes before Ryder breaks the silence.  "Well...how is Therapy going?," The teen asks to his friend.  "I've made a little bit of progress in the last couple days.  Diane is doing everything in her power to help me out.  Then again, it's only day two of Therapy.   She says that when I am finished with my protection time here that I should continue to see her.  It's in my best interest to do that and to be tested by Katie's mental health team.  That way I can be properly diagnosed with mental health disorders," Marshall says as he looks at Ryder once again.

Ryder nods as he maintains his eye contact with Marshall.  "That's a very good idea.  I've had my suspicions on you for years, but never jumped to conclusions.  I should have had you tested sooner," The teen says as he feels ashamed for not helping his friend out.  "Well better late then never I say.  Besides, I..."  "Oh sorry, forgot you were on call, Marshall," Diane says as she walked in at the wrong time.  "No worries at all, Diane.  Come here and meet my owner," Marshall says eagerly.  "No need dear, I already talked to Ryder over a video call the day you arrived here.  Had to make sure everyone is on track with everything that is going.  Not good to leave people in the dark about things," Diane says before she greets Ryder and then closed the door to give them privacy.

The pair exchange some more chatter and enjoy their conversation with each other.  Meanwhile, on the main floor of the Lookout, Zuma, Rocky, Rubble, Chase, and Skye are waiting for Ryder to hear some good news.  Rocky especially wants to hear some.  He feels very guilty for just yelling at Marshall the way he did.  It sucks because he loved their relationship so much.  Yet he just threw it all away.  That was very selfish and self-centered of him to do.  To not accept what was happening before him. 

Zuma walks over to Rocky and places a paw on the mix's shoulder.  "Thinking about him again I see," The lab says as he looks at Rocky.  "I can't help it Zuma.  I fucked up so badly.   Marshall told me the truth and I just threw it in his face.  How could I do that to someone who has always been there for me?," Rocky asks as he slaps himself in the face repeatedly.  He was about to slap himself again when Zuma stops him.  "Woah dude, this isn't helping.  First off, you were obviously angry for reasons and you had a right to.  However, I don't think you're the sole reason for Marshall running off like that.  I know the letter says that, but he's very great at hiding his problems to help others.  I think there's more to this than what he is letting on," Zuma reassures as he keeps looking at Rocky.

Rocky thinks for a few seconds and looks at Zuma.  Zuma gives Rocky a soft smile and speaks once again.  "I know it's difficult to forgive yourself right now.  You won't for a while.  In the meantime, listen to music and come to my yoga sessions I host every Thursday at the local spa.  That and maybe even go to Therapy yourself.  Could help you; never know unless you try," The lab points out as he pays Rocky on the shoulder.  "I'll have to think about it Zuma.  As for music, I can do that.  Just not this very moment.  I want to see if Marshall is okay," Rocky says as he turns his attention back to the elevator.  Zuma does the same as he understands how Rocky feels.  He's anxious to know how Marshall is doing.