Since You Came

Ch. 1

I took one last longing look at my home.

"Maddie, come on." Ryan puts his arm across my shoulder and turns me around. "You're gonna be okay. You're with us."

I nod and let him lead me to the car.

He opens the passenger door for me and I climb in. His car smelled strongly of his cologne.

"Alright. Don't worry, cuz. I won't let anything happen to you," he says. I smile weakly, and he pulls out onto the street.

I look back and watch longingly as my house shrinks from view. It was my only home for as long as I could remember. A sob gets caught in my throat, and I turn back around.

"Wanna listen to some music?" Ryan asks. I shrug. At least he's trying. He turns on the radio, and a sad love song comes on.

Bumper Cars, by Sierra and Alex.

I hummed along, singing the words in my head. I loved this artist.

We're bumper cars... The more I try to get to you, the more we crash apart...

I sigh. Ryan glances at me. "Gosh, Maddie. I don't know what to do."

"Me neither," I say quietly.

Ryan reaches over and slips his hand around mine. "I'm so sorry, Maddie." The way he says my name makes my throat close up.

"Yeah," I say. "You sound too much like him," I whisper. Ryan shoulders slump.

"So what should I do?"

"Keep talking to me." I tangle my fingers with his.

Ryan smiles. "What should I talk about?"

"Anything. Your girlfriend. Your school."

"I'll tell you about your new home, okay?"

I nod. I zone out at soon as he starts talking, but the lull of his voice remains in my ears. Ryan and I are so close as cousins. Sometimes I find him as a boyfriend. Hug him like I would my significant other for safety. Hold his hand for comfort. And it didn't feel wrong.

He keeps talking, and the time flies by. We pull into his small town in Fort Collins.

"Almost there," he tells me.

I watch the landscapes go past my window. I was far from home.

No, this was my home. My new home.

We arrive at his house soon enough.

"Maddie!" Ryan's mom comes out of the house and opens my door. She pulls me into a hug.

"Hey, Aunt Beth," I say, wrapping my arms around her.

She looks me straight in the eye. "I am so sorry. So sorry."

A lump forms in my throat. "It's okay," I choke.

She hugs me one last time before leading me inside.

"Jo and Aubrey are at school, but they'll be home tonight."

I nod. Josephine and Aubrey were Ryan's younger sisters. At least I'd have company here.

Aunt Beth sighs. "Well, Ryan, help your cousin get settled, I'm gonna go make dinner." she gives me one last smile before heading to the kitchen.

Ryan scoffs. "We have all tonight to do that. I'm showing you the city."

We climb back into the car, and Ryan plugs his phone into the auxiliary chord. "We need traveling music, right?" He says. I smile.

You're the Inspiration by Relient K comes on, and we pull onto the road.