Not Your Average Ricky(Ella) Story

Take it easy on my heart

A/N: another chapter with Bowser because I am letting Ricky and E.J have a moment. 

Song to listen to while reading: Mercy by Shawn Mendes

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It's the first Friday of April and I haven't heard back from any other schools I applied to. 

On the bright side, I'm finally training with Bowser and E.J again.

E.J.'s apologized to me so many times for rescheduling, it's not even funny. 

Between being quarterback, Senior Class Treasurer, teaching Lula how to sing a play piano to MY songs, pleasing his dad for no attention, and volunteering, I don't know how E.J sleeps. 

I told Nini about Bowser and she thinks that it's a trap. She said that E.J is using me for his volunteer community service dog training. I hope that's not the case but she may be right if that does happen. 

"Bowser, slow down buddy." I hear E.J.'s voice and watch the bulldog run over to put deep pressure therapy on my legs again. 

Bowser can sense my anxiety from a mile away. 

"Sometimes, I feel like it's a workout just walking him around town for training." E.J walks up to me out of breath from chasing Bowser.

"We're working on commands this week, and he obviously isn't listening to me. How are you doing? He can sense your anxiety." E.J sits down on the patch of grass nearby and feeds Bowser a treat for putting deep pressure therapy on my legs.

"Okay," I pet Bowser who seems content on my legs.

"I got into Duke only because my dad got me a letter of reference from his colleagues and pulled some strings. He wants me to stay back here in Utah and focus on my singing career. You already know that's not want I want to do from our 20 questions game." E.J sighs while commanding Bowser 

"Bowser, moved to the psychiatric/mental illness therapy dog training program. It's less service animal training like and more obedience training, which we are still working on. What about you?" E.J changes the subject since college is a touchy subject for both of us. 

I nod my head and continue to run my hand over his fur.

E.J.'s voice is so relaxing and nice to listen to. 

I could listen to it all day. 

"I haven't gotten any acceptance letters yet," I sigh and look down at the ground while Bowser seems to be giving me deep pressure therapy again.

It's true. I got a NO from NYU.

"I'm sure you'll here back from 1-2 of the schools soon. Come on, stand up. Let's get Bowser active before he decides that it's nap time on your leg." E.J lightly pulls at the bulldog's leash and commands Bowser to stand up from sitting on me. 

"Awww... but he loves me." I make a fake pout face and stand up from my place on the ground. 

"Don't get too attached. Bowser will have a new owner to take care of soon." E.J feeds Bowser a treat for sitting up straight. 

Just like how Gina says I shouldn't get too attached to E.J because his friends are my bullies. 

E.J hands me a few treats from his fanny pack and shows me how to command Bowser how to do tasks. 

It's so cute how E.J likes animals and I love animals.

I wish I could have a pet but the closest thing I have to a pet is a rat that I found in L's sock drawer.