Never Gonna Be Alone

Chapter 38----Two Weeks Later

The trip back to Laten's house was very quiet, but not tense. Each just didn't want to speak or they trust themselves to speak. They were driving back to the house from Chuck's funeral. Even though Laten didn't feel like going, he felt obligated to go. He took Ryan's advice and just stood far from everybody, not wanting to engage in conversation.

Tankie was there too. They didn't talk but knowing Tankie was there made Laten feel somewhat comforted. Everybody was just shocked that this had happened. And that it happened so quickly. There were definitely no words of comfort Tankie could give, the only thing he could give was to be by Laten's side.

Ryan pulled up at the house, and Laten got out to start packing up his room for the trip to Ryan's house. Ryan sighed as he watched him go. Life goes on as Ryan always liked to say. Only this time, he didn't want to say that because obviously, Chuck's life didn't go on.

Ryan followed Laten into the house. "Take your time. I'm in no hurry." Ryan said with a small smile.

Laten just nodded and went into his room.

Ryan was kind of glad he got some time to himself. He walked around the room, looking at every single detail. It was as if someone was still living here, but it had an abandoning look to it. Ryan sighed. For Ryan it felt like he did a lot of sighing these days. Ryan sat on the couch and looked at the black television screen. He took the letter out of his pocket and he unfolded it. Re-reading it for what it seemed like the 45th time that day. Part of Ryan was very angry with himself. He should have told him when he had the chance. Even if Chuck didn't return the feelings, at least he would know. What would have happened if Ryan did tell him that he had a crush, or hell even falling for him? 

'Chuck would have been a lot happier. That's what would have happened. Laten would be extremely happy. We would all be a family again.' Ryan thought to himself. Ryan felt water coming from his eyes. He couldn't remember the last time he cried. He didn't even cry with Faith had died. Didn't mean that he never grieved for her, he grieved for her everyday, but he just didn't cry. This time he felt robbed by a chance. A chance that this never would have happened if Ryan had quit being so damned shy and just told him what was on his mind. 'Nothing I can do about it now. What's done is done. No use looking back. Except for that lesson. I know just the person who I'm going to talk to.' 

With that in mind, Ryan went into Chuck's bedroom. The bed was still a mess. It looked as though he was in a hurry....if he was still alive that is. The picture book was sat down on the dresser. He picket it up and started searching for things that Chuck would have loved to kept. 

Two hours went by and he heard a cough of someone announcing their presence. Ryan made an effort not to jump. if it was Laten, the last thing that kid needed was another family member in greive. 

Luck would have it. Not only was it not Laten, but it was the person he's been wanting to talk to. It was Arthur Jenkines. 

Ryan stopped what he was doing and sat on the bed. "I never thought I'd see you at the funeral."

Arthur chuckled. "Figured I owed him one."

Ryan resisted the urge to punch him. "You owed him a hell of a lot more then that."

Arthur winced. "Perhaps I did or still do. Need any help?"

Ryan shook his head. "No. Just...searching for....treasures for lack of a better word. I've actually been meaning to talk to you."

Arthur closed the door and leaned on it. "All yours."

Ryan took a deep breath. "Do you remember when you got drunk?"

Arthur went quiet. "My wife left me. How can I forget it?"

Ryan looked at him. "Sorry, but it's been on my mind."