Love's Sins (Sequel to Silent Cries)

Chapter Six - Hey Bro!

Ryan's POV

The light peaks through the blinds in just the right angle to hit me right in the eyes, earning a groan of tiredness from me. I haven't slept well at all these last few weeks and last night was still no exception. Eventually I will myself to sit up just enough to reach the blinds and snap them shut, fully knowing that now I won't be able to get back to sleep.

Ever since the office fell under construction at my work place due to roof damage, I've been stuck at home for the vast majority of a month. I've always been sort of a type A kind of guy so being stuck at home has never really sat that well with me. In the corner of my eye, my phone lights up with a message notification that I check to only find that it's from my mother.

She's been well informed of all that's happened between Rory and I and knows that it's over. We've been talking off and on since then so it doesn't surprise me, getting the occasional text message or voicemail from her. Retrieving the phone and scrolling through her message leaves me puzzled. "There's a surprise on the way for you!!!" Is what it says, causing me to groan. I also hate surprises and she knows it. I type out a quick thanks to her and get out of bed a few minutes later, already in a foul mood.

xxxx

The ramming of what seems to be a fist is the thing that wakes me from my restful slumber on the couch. It stops after about a minute but picks back up again after a short rest. Whoever's out there must know that I'm home which forces me to go and answer the door. They are only wasting their time being here to talk to me because I'm not up for any company. The living room certainly backs up that argument with how out of order it all is, with a sock here and there, along with mixed plates and cups. I really should clean up sometime.

The pounding on the door calls me back from my thoughts and I yell out, "Alright! I'm coming!" When I get to my feet and almost trip over one of my gym shoes on the way to the door. I work my fingers down the door, undoing the locks as I go. Rory was very serious about home security in such a big city, while I thought he was overdoing it with how many locks are set up around the house. I'm glad now that he didn't take my side and went ahead and did as he pleased for once.

The door swings open the second all the locks are undone, revealing a familiar face with kind eyes and fiery red hair. "Joan.." I breathe in shock, this must be the surprise that my mother was talking about. "Hey Bro!" She cheers, nearly knocking me over when her arms lock around me in a stronghold. I both hate and love how strong this girl is, when it comes to her bear hugs that I swear could bruise your bones if she really tried.

She pulls back after a moment, not even asking my permission and barges in to the living room. "Uh. Welcome I guess.." I mumble, grinning cheekily at her when she plops down on the couch. "Your mama said that you could use a bit of cheering up. She told me how you lost my number and all that happened with Rory.." She mutters this last part with a frown on her face and sad eyes.

Joan and Rory were never that fond of each other. They simply tolerated each other would be the best way to put how they got along. She knew that Rory made me happy and that not a lot of things were actually capable of doing so she gritted her teeth and bared it, still sharing with me that she had always had a bad feeling about him. Now I wish that I had listened to her at times about her negative vibe from him, could've saved me a lot grief since Joan is an excellent judge of character.

I take a seat beside her, leaning back with a sigh and search the ceiling with eyes, "Yeah.. I guess you were right about him all along." I say with a chuckle that makes my insides cringe, it's still too soon to joke over him. Joan notices my smile fade and slings an arm across my shoulders, leaning over and kissing me on the cheek. "I'm okay.." I whisper, suddenly getting choked up for no good reason. "No. You're not okay but that's alright for now.. So long as it doesn't stay that way forever." She smiles, reaching over and brushing away a rogue tear from my cheek.

"So what have you been up to since cosmetology school?.." I sniffle, making a desperate attempt at changing the subject. She takes this as cue and doesn't press me, "Teaching actually. I found that I really enjoy sharing my techniques and all with others. I've been working at a hair school since last year." She says with her pride showing through her voice and joy speckling her eyes. I can't help but grin at her while she jabbers on about all that has happened. From a new boyfriend to several interesting students that she's taught, she really does seem enthusiastic about her life.

She eventually silences and presses me for information on my own life but doesn't force me to talk about the painful occurrences. I run out of news to share with her and we both just begin to chat like old times at the bus stop. The conversations we've had replay in my mind, tugging soothingly at my heart. I didn't realize just how much I missed my best friend until she was right there in front of me.

xxxx

Later, the sound of a shrill ring from my cell phone is what cuts off our hour long conversation. Fumbling through my pockets, I find my phone and answer without checking the collar identification. The voice on the other end of the line surprises me, "Hello this is Doctor Goldman. I'm calling on behalf of Rory Jones.." He continues on after a pause and I'm shocked by what I'm soon told..

Author's Note
Cliffhanger! I know it's awful.

So what did you guys think of Joan's return? Seeing a familiar face really has been what Ryan's been in need of. I'll be sure to fill you in on Rory real soon.

What do you guys think he did? Let me know if you feel the desire. I'll be keeping these updates frequent. Please leave a vote or comment if you feel this chapter deserved it. It really would help to interact with you guys.

Until next time.. Stay Strong.