Broken - A pretty face doesn't cover an ugly heart

33

Later that day, Harold came home from work really worried. He was already suspicious about Daniel coming - He was living in Europe for the past 7 months, since his marriage - but when he heard about his daughters it was almost a collapse to his mind.
Daniel was staying for the night; he and his father - Harold's beloved brother - weren't able to stay in the same room after a huge discussion when the man arrived.
- So, are you going to tell me why you're back?
Both of them knew that it was purely formality to say it. Harold already heard from his brother, who had called him to complain about his "irresponsible and damaged kid" earlier.
Daniel was holding his pose very well. His pride was way too big for him to act differently.
- Well... You know what they say about marriage nowadays...
Harold put his hands on Daniel's shoulder and made a comprehensive face.
- So... What's the plan?
The boy smiled.
***
- Mom, he's still feeling really bad. He barely speaks with me; he's been working like crazy.
It was the end of the week, and it had been 4 days since Paul's death. Ryan was supposed to be home, resting and having time for his grief, but he refused and got back to work the day after. He felt as if he would be insane not having something to occupy his mind.
Barbra was being very kind to him, she was so patient and devoted, and Ryan really admired her for it. But she way too understood. He needed someone to yell at him, to make him stop pretending it wasn't affecting him, to slap his face and make him wake up. Barbra couldn't do it, as much as she wants it.
- Well, there's not much that we can do to help him, sweetie. Call him for dinner today.
- Thanks mom.
She smiled sweetly to Jenna.   
***
Someone was knocking at the door. Barbra opens it, to find Ryan and Daniel, standing uncomfortable next to each other.
- What are you doing outside?
- Your mother asked me to buy this.
He said, pointing out to a bag with vegetables. He entered the house and Ryan didn't bother to complement him.
- Hey, it's ok... I'm sorry; I didn't know that he would stay here.
- That's ok.
He kissed her forehead and they joined Barbra's family in the living room.
- Hey, Ryan! I hope you're into Spanish food today.
He smiled politely at her.
- Who's cooking anyway?
Daniel asked.
- Anna. She's making paella.
His face could easily be confused with someone having a indigestion. Jenna and Harold noticed the tension between the two men, but they couldn't tell the reason.
Ryan excused himself and went to the bathroom. Barbra was trying to keep people happy at the living room.
- So, Dan... Why don't you tell us about Europe? We would love to hear it!
***
Anna was scared when Ryan came out of the bathroom. He seemed sick.
- Ryan, are you ok?
He sits in one of the chairs of the little table that was on the kitchen.
- Not really.
- Have you talked with your mom? Your sister?
He took a deep breath.
- They said "yeah, so sad", and that was it.
- What the hell is wrong with those women! Can't they spend a day of their lives being decent human beings?
Anna was pissed. Ryan usually would reprehend her, but not today.
- Well, I guess I shouldn't have said this. But still is the truth. You need to relax Ryan, why don't you go out with Barbra and do something... I don't know... Go get drunk and marry a stranger, join an indie band and yell at random people...
He rolled his eyes, but he laugh. For the first time in the week. But as soon as he started, the laugh was substituted by a heartbreaking cry. Anna knew that Ryan found it very hard to show his emotions, she didn't knew what else to do - it was very uncomfortable being standing watching him crying - so she gave him a hug.
They were like that for a couple of minutes, until Barbra entered the kitchen looking for Ryan. Seeing that scene had put fire in her eyes, but she controlled herself, especially because for a few seconds she couldn't move. If any of them turned back, they would see Barbra staring at them fixedly. She hated how this was becoming frequently. Finally, she left the kitchen with a thousand obnoxious thoughts along her.
***
- Anna, let me carry this for you. Your foot is still hurt, and I'm starving. I can't take any risks.
Harold said with a smile.
While they were having dinner, there was also a small talk at the table.
- So... Anna... Are you feeling ok?
Daniel had asked with poison on his mouth. The girl had an idea about what he was really asking, but she chooses to ignore. Unfortunately he wasn't doing the same.
- Because it seems to me that you're in the middle of something very weird, right?
He raised an eyebrow, while Ryan was moving uncomfortable on his chair. Jenna and Harold weren't sure about what was going on. Seeing that Anna wouldn't respond to his provocation, he moved his target.
- What about you, Ryan? Sisters are kind of every men dreams right?
- Sure, if they're all perverted like you.
Barbra had answered for him.
- Stay out of this Barbra.   
He replied.
- Why? You don't want anyone knowing of your thing for family members?
- What is she talking about?
Harold asked. Anna and Ryan were nervous, and Daniel was confused. Since when Barbra acted like that? Was she trying to be disciple of Anna or something?
- If I quite remember you were the one that throws yourself over me at my wedding. Not classy, cousin.
Barbra was pale. Ryan looked at her in shock.
- WHAT?
Jenna and Harold asked at the same time.
- Do you want to talk about class? What about being found ready to fuck your cousin by her boyfriend?
- BARBRA DON'T!
Anna screamed at the same time that the other girl told everyone of their secret. Anna looked with angry to Ryan, it was the only way that Barbra could've know this.
- Are you happy?
She asked him. Her parents were trying to process the news, and were speechless. Daniel said very slowly to Barbra:
- I guess we all have roof of glass here, but you ain't a saint. Maybe you should drive a truck the next time. And oh, steal your sister's boyfriend isn't that much of an example as well.
He smiled ironically and gave her a derision's look. Anna was feeling very happy for not being the one called attention this time, but still she was a little guilty. So as soon as Daniel walk away furious, she went running after him.
- Mom, I-
- We will talk later, when your sister return.
Jenna and Harold went to their room, leaving Barbra with a very pissed Ryan.
***
- Daniel, wait!
He was getting inside his car, and Anna opened the door to get in as well.
- Get off.
- No.
- Please help me to figure what can you possibly have to say that interests me?
Anna was finding very hard to say it. Swallowing her pride, she said to a very surprised Daniel:
- I want to apologize.
***
- What the hell were you thinking? I told you that because I trusted you, not to you spread the news around!
- Ryan, I'm sorry! I wasn't thinking straight. It wasn't on proposed!
It kind of was. She was happy to see Anna and Ryan suffering a little bit about the past, and she could still embarrass Daniel as well. Now they were quits.
- So what am I supposed to do? Watch my mouth when I'm next to you, afraid that your moments of crises will share everything about me?
- I already apologize! It won't happen again, I promise!
- You're acting weird Barbra...
- I'm not! You shock me out the entire week; I'm just don't know how to be around you anymore when you clearly doesn't want to be with me.
There it was. Ryan was a little surprise to hear it, but it was nice to know how she was feeling.
- You're right, I'm sorry.
- What does it mean?
- I'm working on it; I just need you to be patient.
He gave her a weak smile, and holds her hand. She dried her red eyes with the other. It was enough for now.
***
- That's new, how does it feel?
His voice was full of sarcasm.
- If you're going act like a child, then screw you! I won't waste my time. I came here to say I'm sorry, but I won't beg you.
He turned his face away, and they were in silence for a moment.
- You really hurt me Anna.
His voice was resented.
- Well, it wasn't my intention... I thought it was just one more girl to your collection!
He was struggling with himself. He had never said it loud what he was about to tell her.
- I think I loved you.
- WHAT?
She was shocked.
- Don't pretend you didn't know it.
- But I... Well, I know that you had a crush on me but that's...
- I know. It was only a crush at first... But then... Do you remember that day after Barbra's 16 birthday, when we went to a farm and-
- You teach me to ride a horse and then later that night you and I gave a party with those weird kids of the people that lived there and you covered me up when my mom and Harold found it out... Yeah, it was awesome, right?
He smiled.
- It was. I guess that's when it started, but you never really wanted to be close with me...
- I didn't want spend the entire day with Barbra; she followed you like a dog. And besides, I always found funny to annoy you.
He rolled his eyes.
- Anyway... That day on your birthday, I... Well, I wasn't sure if I should say something, and you barely looked me in the eyes...
He stopped. Anna hated to think about that day. He took a deep breath and continued.
- But when you entered in my room that night, I thought... I don't know what I thought, but definitely I was expecting that we would talk about it, I don't know... And when you acted as if never happened... It just...
There again: a long moment of silence. She wasn't sure about what to say. She felt bad for him now, but would have been any different if she knew it at the time?
- Look, I'm so sorry, I really am. But I can't change this. I just hope that we can be friends, I mean, don't get me wrong, but I can't give you anything else.
He raised an eyebrow and gave her a sassy smile.
- Don't go all cocky now, I'm recently divorced, the only thing I want is to enjoy it. Besides, even if I still had feelings for you, you're to busy now on your love triangle.
She hit his arm.
- Ouch!
- Asshole.
- You know Anna; I'm always enchanted by your ladylike ways. I don't think there's someone as delicate as you out there. How luck the man that get your heart!
He was mocking her. She gave him an angry face, but she was considering his words. Noticing this, he added:
- Hey, you know it was a joke, right? Don't tell me that you're all sensitive now?
- Don't you dare say such a thing about me you're little bastard, I have a reputation.
He smiled relieved.
- So what's with that face?
- Well, do you think that's a problem?
- You like someone!
He said surprised. Anna rolled her eyes and then she told him everything. That was a new beginning for an unlikely friendship.