Look at Me Now- R5/Ross Lynch

3 | Welcome to the Ratliffs

Chapter 3: Welcome to the Ratliffs

Ross wakes up from his near-to-death experience. He gasps, clutching his chest tightly. He begins to whimper and sob, his chest heaving as panic starts to engulf him. He isn't sure what happened, but it was terrifying. It's something he never wants to feel again.

"You'll be fine, calm down, dear." Cheryl says softly, rubbing his back comfortingly.

"Am I g-gonna die?" Ross stutters, already breathless from saying a few words.

"No, no, no.. of couse not!" Ella is suddenly beside him as well, a small but worried smile on her face.

Ross couldn't stop the tears that continued to roll down his cheeks. Cheryl pulls him into her arms, whisper sweet nothings into his ears. Ella sits close by, humming softly as she tries to calm him down as well. It seems to work, because Ross could finally breathe properly again. Ross stays in Cheryl's arms for what felt like hours. Cheryl felt worried for him, and even though she barely knows the boy, she cares for him.

"Mom, can we talk?"

Someone suddenly says. Ross lifts his head up to find the brown-haired boy he knew as Ellington standing by the door. His face shows no emotion as he waits for his mother's response.

Cheryl nods rather reluctantly, moving to stand. Ella gives Ross a warm smile, to which Ross just lightly smiled at. Sure, his life wasn't the best right now, but at least these people are nice to him. At least they care for him.

Unlike his real family.

Ellington and Cheryl walk out of the room. Ellington leads her through the front door, then they stand along the front porch.

"What is it honey?" Cheryl asks, looking at him curiously.

"What are we gonna do with him? Since his family doesn't want him back?" Ellington asks, raising an eyebrow.

"For now, we'll have to take care of him. Afterwards, maybe we can take him to the orphanage." Cheryl says, although she sounds unsure of her words.

Ellington nods. Honestly, he didn't feel comfortable with Ross around. The kid just showed up out of nowhere, no one could blame him for not trusting the kid. He does feel pity for the boy, though, since he has witnessed his struggle earlier. He isn't sure if it was a panic attack or something else, but one thing's for sure, the kid needs help.
Back inside the house, in the dimly-lit room, Ross and Ella speaks in hushed tones.

"You'll be fine Ross," Ella says.

"Sorry for all the trouble." Ross says, ashamed of himself. These people doesn't even know him, it isn't their responsibility to take care of him.

"Trouble? Nah. It was more of an adventure. I mean, all my life it's been so boring. I don't even have any friends," Ella says, blushing slightly from embarrassment.

"Really? I think you're a really nice person. Maybe, we can be friends?" Ross tries to smile, even though he can't find a single reason to be happy.

"Awesome!" Ella squeals, pulling Ross into a tight hug. After a moment of surprise, Ross hugged back, throwing his arms around her small waist.

Ross' spirit is suddenly lifted. A hug. That's what he needs right now. And as Ella pulled away, she reveals the most beautiful smile ever. Ross' frown suddenly turns upside down. He actually smiles genuinely.

"That's it! You're smiling! You're cute when you're happy," Ella pinches his chubby cheeks.

"Ow," Ross playfully complains.