Look at Me Now- R5/Ross Lynch

32 | Deciding

"I knew. I knew all along."

Silence filled the room, but the tension was felt. Everyone looked shocked after hearing those words from Ross. Ross kept his eyes on the ground, not knowing what to say next.

"Y-you knew?" Mark's eyes widened in disbelief.

"Then why didn't you tell us?!" Riker's voice caused Ross to startle a bit. Riker's eyes reflected his anger.

Ross just stood there, frozen like a statue. He was emotionless for some reason. He didn't even dare to look at the people around him.

They gave him a few more seconds to respond, but it was like he didn't even hear them.

"Please answer us," Rydel says, almost whispering. She had tears dropping from her eyes, which made her vision blurry.

But once again, Ross stayed silent.

"What do you think this is? A joke? This is serious Ross! Tell us." Rocky took a step forward, closer to Ross. They were face to face, which was Rocky's way to pursuade Ross to talk.

Ross' teeth we're know gritted. His hands were clenched, and he slowly shifted his eyes to Rocky.

"Look who's talking. Why don't you tell me?" Ross' voice was low, but was very powerful.

Rocky gave him a questioning look. "Tell you what?"

Ross let out a sigh, and laughed. "If you guys are such a good family, then tell me." He pauses, making eye contact with the Lynchs. "Tell me why you gave me away."

Now, it was Ross' turn to wait for a response. Not so long, Stormie spoke up.

"Ross, y-you had a heart condition, we needed a family who can support your health needs. We had no choice," She managed to say with sobs between each word.

Ross grins. "Really? Well, your plan didn't work. I still suffer from this damn heart condition, plus the fact that I almost died multiple times without my real family by my side." He ended up teary eyed.

"All we ever wanted to do was for your own good Ross," Riker tries to explain. "Everything was going well with Cindy and Brad, but then you went missing. No one wanted that."

Rydel moved a little closer to Ross before speaking. "And that's why we're here right now, we're trying to correct our mistake. I know it isn't that easy, but we want you back in our family."

Cheryl suddenly interrupts them. "Look, you may be his real family, but did you consider the fact that he has another family who stood by his side when you didn't?" She tried to say in the most respectful way possible. "This isn't easy for any of us, either ways someone's gonna get hurt, please give us time,"

Without a single word, Ross walks out of the room and drops the envelope in his hands. Ella and Cheryl quickly followed him, leaving everyone in shock.

Riker turns to them, with a frustrated look. "Let's give him time. Come on, let's go home and hope for the best."

They make their way home, each lost in their own thoughts. Ellington made sure that they got home safely, and planned to leave right ahead.

"You'll be fine?" Ellington says in a low voice. He brushes some strands of Rydel's hair that covered her now pale face.

"Yeah. Go home and get some rest. Call me if anything happens." Rydel gives him a peck on the cheek, before completely entering their house.

It was Ellington's cue to leave, so he waved goodbye and got in his car. After a few minutes, he arrived at their house. It was comfortably silent there, as always. When he opened their front door, he walked into the living room where Cheryl and Ella sat, with mugs of coffee in their hands.

"You're here," Cheryl says, rather plainly.

Ellington walks towards them, not knowing how to start the conversation. "Uh, s-so... how's Ross?"

Ella sighs. "He's probably thinking things out. There was a huge revelation a while ago."

Ellington joined them on the sofa. The silence wasn't awkward, since all of them had a lot of things going on in their heads.

"I'm sorry mom, if I didn't tell you about Ross' real family. I actually helped the Lynchs in doing the DNA test." Ellington admits. "But I think it's best for all of us if we just let Ross go back to the Lynchs. It's how it should be."

Ella speaks up. "It's still up to him, you know." She rolls her eyes.

Cheryl suddenly sobs silently, covering her face.

"Mom? Oh, please don't cry, everything's gonna be okay." Ella assures her, even though she doubts it.

"I-I just can't imagine losing Ross. We may not be related by blood, but I've treated him as my own son. Call me selfish, but it's hard for me." Cheryl takes a deep breath.

Soon, Ross' footsteps were heard from upstairs. He made his way to the living room where the rest were, and stood quietly behind them.

"Mom," Ross calls out. "I just want you to know how thankful I am for being so supportive and loving. But no matter what happens, you will always be my mom." He gives her a hug from behind.

Cheryl smiles warmly, and faces Ross. "I want you to know that no matter what your decision is, we'll always be here for you."

Ross suddenly shows a frustrated expression. "It's hard to decide mom. I just want things to go back to normal so badly."

Ella suddenly stands up, and drags Ross towards the door. Ross almost gets out of balance.

"W-woah," He complains. "Where are we going?"

Ella raises an eyebrow. "Mom, Ell, we'll be back later." She waves goodbye, and ignores Ross' question.

"Ella, I said where are we-"

"We're going to a place where heavy decision making takes place." She winks.

It was a quick fifteen minute drive. They parked near the park, and started walkinh towards the forest part of it.

"Hey, I remember this place," Ross says, looking up at the tall trees.

With Ella leading him, they made it to the small enchanted cottage. It was Ella's secret haven.

"I kind of guessed we were going here," Ross says boastfully.

Ella rolls her eyes. "Now, let's talk."

Ross takes a seat on a wood plank, near the huge opening which revealed a beautiful river. He took a deep breath, until Ella sat by his side.

"I thought that I have forgiven them already. But back there, I kind of exploded." Ross says, confused with himself.

"Maybe you just weren't ready. You didn't want them to know the truth yet. But Ross, it's about time. And, the job of deciding is in your hands." Ella pauses, staring into the clear sky for a moment. "Because no matter what, you're gonna have to forgive them anyway. They're your family, give them a chance." She finishes off.

Ross gives her a questioning look. "It's okay with you if I leave? If I move in with them now?"

Ella thinks for a while. "It isn't easy, but if it will make you happy, I'll be fine with it." She says, feeling a pinch in her heart.

Ross smiles unconsciously, and gets lost in his own thoughts. "Thank you. I guess all I was waiting for was your approval." He catches himself staring into her eyes. "There are a lot of questions waiting to be answered, and I guess the only way for that to happen is if I face my problems."

Ella fights the urge to cry. "Well, I guess I'll miss you Mr. Ross Ratlif- I mean, Lynch." She shows off the fakest smile she had ever made. But deep inside, it was like she was slowly torturing herself. She couldn't imagine a day without Ross by her side. But, she knew someone had to sacrifice. And turns out, it's her.