Rydellington Oneshots (Discontinued)

Closure

Trigger warnings: brief mentions of suicide

Dear Mr. Ellington Ratliff,

We are sorry to inform you that your wife, Rydel Ratliff, was found unresponsive inside her car on June 14, 2019 at 8PM. Her car was found in Los Angeles, California, crashed into a tree near the woods by your home. The search is over, and it is a suspected hit and run. Mrs. Ratliff was rushed to the hospital and pronounced dead. After autopsy, it was found that she had been dead for at least a week. We're sorry for your loss, and hope you can help this investigation in any way possible.

Sincerely,
Mary Reed, Head of the California Police Department

Reading only the first sentence, Ellington felt his heart sink. How had he not been informed of this? It was his wife, after all, and he had not even known she had gone missing. He was currently in Europe, visiting distant relatives. He had only been there a week and had been in contact with Rydel, so how was she dead? Looking over the texts, he noticed the blunt responses and realized that it was actually someone else.

Ellington: Hey babe, how are you doing? I'm coming back in only five days xx

Rydel: I'm fine

Ellington: you okay? I'd at least expected you to be excited that I come back soon

Rydel: yay can't wait. I'll talk to you later, love you

Ellington: I hope everything's alright. Love you too

Ellington realized the last time he had talked to her was five days ago. When she was supposed to be dead. Who was using Rydel's phone? He quickly sent a message to her phone, before breaking down in tears as reality set in.

To: Rydel

Who is this? Rydel is dead. I got a letter from the police department.

Ellington let his world sink around him, and felt a strange urge; he wanted to be with Rydel. Wherever she was, whatever happened after death, he wanted to go there with her. But what would happen to the fans if he left too? The boys? They're already grieving from Rydel's death, could they handle him leaving too? Was he really contemplating killing himself? How would his mother react? His family?

Finally, he stops the thoughts as his phone goes off, signaling a new message.

From: Rydel

It's Stormie. You need to come home immediately, Ellington. We have plans to make.

***

"Rydel was an amazing friend, girlfriend, and wife. It's hard to think about how amazing of a mother she would've been. I always wished to create a family life with Rydel, apart from the band when we were older. It's hard to think that the last time I saw her was not when she was happy, but when she was angry for me planning a last minute trip to visit some relatives. It's hard to think that I was the last one to see her before it happened. It's hard to think that she's gone. I wish I could be with her, but I have to move on. I loved Rydel with all of my heart, and hope she rests in peace." Though Ellington knew his speech was practiced and told in monotone with what sounded like no sincerity, it was all he could do to not have a mental break down. Or an emotional breakdown. He makes his way back to his seat, and takes his spot next to Riker, who puts his arm around him, tears running down his face.

"Great job, Ellington." Riker says, his voice slightly muffled by his tears.

"Thanks." Ellington mumbles, sitting back in his seat. The funeral continues, before finally ending. Ellington makes his way out to his car, climbing in and finally breaking down. As he's balling, he looks up, and to his right, seeing a light begin to manifest. It forms the upper half of a body, causing Ellington to jump. But when he looks up, he sees the face of Rydel.

"I forgive you, Ellington."

That is all she says, before she disappears. Ellington knows it was really her, and the tears stop. He finally found closure.

__________________________

I have absolutely no idea where that came from... I listened to Dark Side on repeat while writing this, and that's not a sad song... You're probably all like 'HOW COULD YOU DO THIS TO ME AFTER DEAR ELLINGTON AND DEAR DELLY!?!' Because I'm the author who prefers sad endings. I mean, the ending was sort of happy. And tbh I think some of you are going to be confused. So if you need an explanation, just ask in the comments. I won't judge, I'll just explain. I know my ideas are a complicated mess, trust me.

-Jessa