Redwood High 2

Chapter 12

I ended up buying Sebastian cologne and a new pair of shoes he would like. Carol got Ethan a stove pan and a wallet. We didn't go to school on Valentine's Day so Sebastian texted me approximately at 9:00. The text said to get ready and go outside. I couldn't maintain the smile that spread across my face. I got ready and put his gifts into a bag. I went downstairs and the last person I wanted to see was in the kitchen. She smiled at me.

"Hi honey. You're going out with Sebastian?"

I looked towards the ground and gave a slight nod. I did not want to speak to her. She sensed something was wrong. I saw it on her face before she said anything.

"I'm leaving now," I said and quickly left. I shut the door behind me and walked down the driveway. I knew she was peeking out the window. I want to forgive her. But all that comes to mind when I see or think of her is home wrecker. I want to. So, so bad. I want to forgive her. I don't know what happened all those years ago. But she slept with my dad and had a kid. I stopped walking and let out a sob. I have a second chance at having a family and it's already so screwed up.

The day was nice. Clear, blue skies with white fluffy clouds. The neighbors were having a barbecue. Kids rode their bikes on the streets. All the happiness around me and I couldn't feel any of it.

Sebastian drove up. I couldn't feel the happiness but I could fake it. For him. He deserves it. When I'm with him my happiness is genuine. He's my beacon of hope amongst the storm.

I put on a smile and seated myself in the passenger's seat. He was wearing a white T-shirt with dark grey jeans. He smiled showing off his perfect white teeth. God, he was perfect. He was a tropical paradise and I was a swampy marsh. How could he want me? He leaned over and gave me a kiss.

"Hi," he said.

"Hi," I breathed. I was glad he didn't open the door for me. He knows I hate it and he finally listened to me.

I buckled in and he began the car.

He drove me to Marie's. It was the most expensive and posh restaurant in California. It was rated as number 2 in Forbes 2013 Best Restaurants in the Country.

"How did you get reservations?" I asked.

He flashed me his smile. "I know a guy."

"Who could you know that'll get us in?" I asked,

He smiled, shyly. "My father."

***

The meal was lovely and for an hour or so I forgot about everything. It was he and I. Nothing else mattered. We talked about everything and nothing. He made me laugh. He made me forget. And forgetting wasn't a bad thing.

Behind the restaurant, since it was located on a hill, had an amazing view of the sunset contrasting with the city. When you first exit from the back there's a lovely patio with patio swings and a little dining area. It leads to a beautiful garden. There was a fountain in the middle of the pond. Fairy lights overhead lighted the entire area. It was beautiful. People were walking about but it was pretty vacant. Everyone was keen on the food at this moment.

"It's beautiful," I whisper.

"Like you," I heard him reply. My mother used to have a garden. Every summer it would blossom and she would somehow have her flowers survive in the winter. I held back those memories. The past wouldn't help me now. Life moves on. Besides, I don't want him to know the details. Not yet. If I've learned anything it's that the future is unpredictable. I didn't want to ruin our night with my tragic family.

The rest of the night was amazing. We slow danced in the gazebo and talked the night away. By the time we were finished it was already 10.

By the time he dropped me off at home, it was nearing 11 'o clock. He walked me to the front door and gave me a gentle kiss.

"Thank you for today," I told him.

He smiled his god like smile. "You're welcome." He kissed me and I went inside the house. How did someone like me get involved with someone like him?

My aunt wasn't home and I have no idea where Ryan was these days. The DECA trip was in two days. I need to finish packing for that. I was headed towards the stairs when I heard banging on the front door. I cautiously walked towards it and peered out through the peephole. I saw a young man (possibly in his early twenties?) holding a passed out Ryan. Great. I opened it just after that man finished fumbling with his keys.

"OH! You must be... Gina?"

"Grace. What happened to him?"

"He tripped on acid a little too hard. I brought him home after he passed out on the toilet."

"He doesn't need medical attention?" I asked.

"Ryan? Nah. He's done this plenty of times. HE just needs rest."

I stepped aside and gestured him to come inside. "Put him on the futon. No one sits on it anyways and if he ruins it in anyway it won't be too much of a lost." The man did as asked and gently laid Ryan down on the futon. He reached into his pockets and pulled out a wallet and car keys.

"Ryan's car is parked on the street. I had someone follow me. This is his wallet. Take care."

The man walked out the house and closed the door behind him. I went to kneel beside Ryan. He smelled like alcohol and something else that I couldn't register.

It was in that moment that I decided to tell his mom as soon as possible. I couldn't push this off no matter what I have learned. I can't let my personal prejudices come in the way to Ryan's health and safety. I took a couple pictures of him, brought him a blanket, and a pillow. I tried hauling him up the stairs, but the drugs he was using didn't seem to stop him from gaining muscle. He was leaner and I began to wonder if he was using steroids as well.

I went to my room and began to scavenge my closet on what I would wear to the DECA trip. As I took out more and more clothes, I saw the dildo. I've forgotten all about it. I pushed it father into my closet, away from the public's eye. Something I wish I was able to do.