Goodbye Graceful (Ronnie Radke love story, 3rd book in The Drug In Me series )

85. Growth Parties

**** 15 chapters left! Ronnie's point of view, as requested. I dont like writing in his point of view as much because of the fact that I dont know how his mind works, but you asked so nicely so I just had to do it ^w^ I hope you enjoy!

I hope you guys enjoy. I'm feeling this start to drag I know, I'm sorry ****

*Ronnie* 

The party was still in full swing well into the early morning. I was feeling tired, but I didn't have the heart to leave the party. August seemed pretty happy, and with Ryker leaning on my shoulder, I didn't want the night to end.

We had tall fences, and the neighbors had kept us up countless times with their family barbecues and their crazed football nights, so I knew they couldn't complain to us. 

Having all these familiar faces around, I was thrown back into the past, remembering all the previous parties with these very people.

I was remembering games of truth and dare, of setting things on fire for fun, of terrorizing my neighbors with half naked friends and stupid dares.

I wouldn't take back a moment of it. It was hectic and childish, but it was us, and we were just having fun. It wasn't hurting anyone, so there was no reason that should we stop.

Though this party was more tame than the past ones, it still had the same exciting feeling to it. I think I could confidently say that I prefer this one a lot more over all of those ones. I think we had all grown up a lot since that party.

Sure, all of us were probably still much more childish than we should be, but we had all grown a lot in the past year.

Leah and Ryan were well into their relationship, and they had grown more comfortable with each other and with themselves. I wouldn't be surprised if they got married in a few years.

Max and Luna had also grown up, though you could hardly tell, as they were still easily some of the most childish people here. They were less flamboyant, though they were content as ever, splashing in the pool with devilish smiles.

Ashley had accepted that Ryker and I had made up, and I think he had moved past any problems he had with us, as he easily waved to us, a friendly smile spread across his face before he was distracted by Alicia.

CC and Derek were still the same as always, which was more than okay with everyone here. Playful and funny, I don't think they would ever change, and there was nothing wrong with that.

Jake and Jinxx seemed more comfortable with us than before, and I figured with a few more parties they'd feel loose and happy around us, considering everyone as close friends finally.

August, in the short time that I have known him, he has surprised me with his vast personality. He could be quiet and seemingly shy at times. But now, here, with nothing but a few cokes in his gut, and he was doing back flips into the water, and throwing his gleeful girlfriend across the pool.

Both of them fit right in with everyone already, though neither had tattoos and they admitted that they preferred electronic music over rock. They seemed happy here, and I could tell that Ryker was really relieved, as she was worried that they might not get along so well with our friends.

I don't know if I can accurately explain all that has happened to me. I feel like I've grown up a lot, and let go of a lot of things that used to hold me back. I feel a lot more at ease with myself and where I'm at now, at this point in time.

Now, I felt more free and mature and ready to take on the world with a more comfortable viewpoint. I was more comfortable to be myself than I used to be, and I was grateful to my friends and everyone for being cool enough to stick around.

Now Ryker, I wasn't even sure where to begin with her.

She had definitely grown, filling out her body more. She was healthier than before, and her smile was less forced and more commonly spread on her face. Her hair had faded to a natural black, and with her so close, I could see the freckles dotting her nose.

She had matured too, and it seemed that she had also let go of some of the past, as she simply smiled when Craig waved to us on the way out.

It had gotten late, or rather, early, and people were beginning to leave.

Soon it was just Max, Luna, Leah, Ryan, Ryker and I left. The fireworks had gone out, so we left the pool and moved into the living room, listening to music and talking.

I could tell everyone was getting tired, as the conversation was getting stale and they were having trouble keeping their eyes open.

The crowd trickled out the door, and then it was just Ryker and I.

Ryker wasn't moving, so I wasn't surprised to look down and see her fast asleep on my shoulder.

I think everyone knew that she was going to spend the night. I had an idea as to how we would spend the time, but for now, she needed to sleep.

Slipping my arms under her legs, I picked her up and carried her up the stairs.

Getting to my room, I set her down on the bed. When she seemed comfortable, I got ready for bed and lay down next to her.

Feeling her warmth next to me, I was reminded of the many happy months I had spent sleeping next to her. It felt full again.

When she was gone the bed was too big, too cold, too empty.

Now, I could feel her next to me, and I smiled when I felt her curl closer to me.

Things felt right.