She's No Good • R5 •

Chapter Five: Just Us Two

Chapter Five: Just Us Two

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"Just go back home for now, come back when I call you." Blake said and placed a piece of paper in Ross's hands.

Ross looked down at the paper and saw that it had a phone number on it, probably Blake's.

"Okay, uh. But, don't you need my phone number?" Ross asked and Blake chuckled.

"I already have your number. Now, go home, okay?" Blake said and Ross nodded before walking toward the door. He stopped and glared at Ryland for a moment and shook his head with disappointment, then walked out the door before walking home.

"Mom, I'm home," Ross said as he entered the house and shut the door. "How is gramps?" He knew that his mom probably wouldn't say anything, because she pretty much doesn't even do anything anymore ever since his dad left and his sister killed herself and his brother "disappeared". At least he figured out where his brother went. But he didn't want to tell his mom.

"Oh, Ross. Sweet, sweet Ross. Come here, baby." His mother cried and reached her arms out for him.

Ross just stood there in silence for a moment before walking to his mother and embracing her in a gentle hug.

"I know you're missing dad and Rydel, and Ryland. I know. I understand." Ross whispered as he rubbed his moms back, trying to calm her down.

"Ross, that's not all." His mom said as she pulled away from the hug.

"It's not..?" Ross asked.

"Your grandfather died this morning." His mother said and bit down on her bottom lip as she started sobbing again.

"No.." Ross whispered to himself. "No no.. He can't be dead. He-" Ross took in a deep breath and did his best to hide his expression. He has had to be the strong one for the past month. He's had to be strong, he's had to do all the work as well as his school and homework, he's had to take care of his grandfather, he's had to take care of his mother, he's had to hold back tears and wait to cry until everyone else was asleep. He's had to fake a smile and tell his mom that everything would be okay, even though he knew that wasn't true at all.

"I love you so much, Ross. Don't forget that." His mom said and pulled him into her embrace.

"I love you too, mom. I know everyone else has left, but I'm not going anywhere. Okay? I'm right here with you, and I'm here for you." Ross said and pulled away from the hug to wipe his moms tears. "I'm going to go to my room to do my homework. Let me know if you need anything." He said and kissed her forehead before going to his room and shutting the door.

He lied to her though. He didn't have homework- he left school too early. The real reason he went to his room is because he felt the tears coming. He couldn't hold it back anymore. Ross locked the door and began crying.

"This can't be happening!" Ross shouted and kicked his desk, knocking a few books and his laptop off the surface. Then, he slid down to the floor and continued to cry. Tears were falling onto the carpet.

"Ross."

It was his mom. He wondered why she was suddenly talking now. Just this morning when he left for school she didn't do or say anything- she hadn't done or said anything for weeks. He took a moment and got his crying under control, and took a deep breath before wiping his tears and opening the door.

"Yes?" Ross said, trying to hide the pain in his voice.

"I know it hurts. Believe me. I know. It's just you and me now; we have to be there for each other." His mom said and Ross nodded.

"I know. I'm here for you. I promise." Ross said.

"I just can't help but wonder about Ryland.. He's been gone for two years. I know he's probably dead by now, but-"

"I found Ryland." Ross said, but quickly covered his mouth because he knew he probably shouldn't have said that.

"W-what?" His mom asked.

"I.. I.. I said I miss Ryland." Ross stammered. "I miss him."

"I know, Ross. I miss-"

Ross's phone started buzzing and he bit his lip before grabbing it. He didn't want to interrupt his mom, but the call might be about Lili.

"Hello?" Ross answered and looked toward the door. "Wait, she is?"

"Ross what's going on?" Ross's mom whispered.

"Thanks." Ross said into his phone. "I gotta go. I'll be back real quick, I promise." Ross said to his mom and ran out of the house.