Unbreakable

Chapter 15

I stood in front of Ryder's house, folder in one hand and freshly baked goods in the other. I glanced behind me at the car where my brother sat. My brother made a 'move along' gesture.

"You're not going over there." Joel snapped, crossing his arms and acting as if he had authority over me. Which he did but don't tell him that.

"But I have to know if his ex is lying." I explained

"Why would she be lying about the abuse? That doesn't make any sense."

"There's something about these photos that don't make sense. It's like it's photoshopped or something. I know photoshop when I see it. I took a photography class last year."

"Fine, you can go."

I hugged him, "Thank you this means a lot, truly."

"But I'm coming with you."

I groaned, "Joel I love you but I can handle this."

"I'm sure you can but you have two options. Go with me coming along or don't go at all."

"Fine. I'll get the keys."

I took a deep breath and let it go. I walked slowly to the door and rang the doorbell. The door opened revealing Ty who rubbed his eyes sleepily. He looked up at me, "Oh hi Stella. Are you here to see my big brother?"

"No, I came to see your cute little face." I said, pinching his cheeks. He giggled and pushed my hands away

"He's upstairs I'll take you."

I stepped inside, greeted by the cool air that was blasting through the ac. I looked around as if I had never been here before. Which I have but I didn't pay attention the first time I came, you could say I had been distracted. There were clothes piled on the couch probably left from doing laundry. Empty food containers sat on the kitchen table as I passed by. There are bags of trash sitting by the counter probably left behind from someone's chores that weren't completed. The windows were closed and covered with tattered fabric. And there were dead flies sitting on the windows I passed near the stairs. I cringed, they needed help. I would offer. That's if they even wanted it.

We finally reached Ryder's room where rock music was blasting. "Here we are." Ty said.

I knocked on the door and waited. No answer. I knocked again. Still no one opened the door.

"He probably can't hear." Ty explained

I tried the door. Locked. "How often does he lock himself in there?"

Ty shrugged, "I guess a lot."

It made me angry hearing that. How could he lock his little brother out? What if he needed something or what if there was an emergency? Did he even care?

I pulled out my lock picking kit. Yes I own one and for this very reason. Also because sometimes I used to break into my brother's room to "borrow" stuff. I picked the lock and it finally gave out after three minutes. Hey I didn't say I was an expert.

I opened the door revealing Ryder lying on his bed in only his boxers reading a magazine. I shut off his radio. "Hi there." I greeted him

"Hey." He said not even bothering to look at me, "You finally came."

"Yeah." I turned to Ty, "We are gonna talk, why don't you take these cookies to your room and enjoy it."

Ty nodded, "Okay." He said and with twinkling eyes he took the containers of cookies and left

Ryder scoffed, "Bribing him to make you like him huh?"

I sat at the foot of his bed, "I'm not bribing him and anyway he likes me either way." I paused, "So how are you?"