Butterfly Years

Chapter 3

The next couple of days feel like a blur. Ryan’s father passed away on Tuesday, simply the day after Tia’s birthday, after the day we met in school to write that article… that day when Ryan took my novel, and we teased each other…

School seems rather meaningless. Of course, everyone knows about Ryan’s father. But, like I said, no one was ever close to Ryan. All that they can do is shoot sympathetic glances at him from time to time.

This makes me wonder if I am close to Ryan. Yes, we’ve known each other for a long time, but that doesn’t necessarily mean anything. But after Tuesday… I’ve spent every second after school at his place, taking care of Jennifer.

Ryan’s father died from a heart attack. Apparently he had it coming, since he had been having problems with high blood pressure for years now. The doctor warned him that exerting his body too much would be dangerous, but Ryan’s father was adamant. Sabby, Ryan and his father had been playing basketball, when Ryan’s dad just collapsed. Sabby told me that Ryan could only just stare, as Sabby ran in to call the ambulance, and as the men in white arrived and whisked his father away. He died before even reaching the hospital.

Ryan’s godparents are abroad, and will be returning this Sunday, a couple of hours before the funeral.

That means that till Sunday, Ryan has to hold up and be strong, for Jennifer as well as for himself.

Jennifer has been a darling, and is surprisingly obedient. She’s quiet the ideal angel.

“Heading back to Ryan’s house?” Tia asks, snapping me out of my thoughts. I must have dreamed right through History, and realize we’re now walking out of class.

“Uh..yeah. You coming?” I ask her. “Nope,” she says, “I’ve got guitar class. The twins have detention, again, and Sabby has some important family dinner he has to attend.”

Since Tuesday, until today, Saturday, I’ve always gone to Ryan’s place with Sabby, Marco and Carlo, and Tia. But if the three of them aren’t there… nope. No way I’m backing out of it. If Ryan’s going through rough times, I’ll do all that is in my power to help him.

Sighing, I say, “Okay then. See you tomorrow.”

She smiles and pulls me in for a hug. I relax a bit, and she lets go after a second. “It’s a wonderful thing you’re doing, Syaz,” she says, bouncing her school bag on her hip.

I shrug, returning her smile. Tapping my cheek, she turns around and walks away.

I spot Sabby talking to some senior guys. I recognize from The Pack. I don’t feel like butting in, so after deciding I’ll text him later, I search for Ryan.

He’s already walking out of the school gate, looking lonely and sad. I run up to him and fall into step next to him, studying his face shamelessly.

The ends of his lips curl up and he looks at me. “Hey Syazzy,” he says, and I roll my eyes. I consider telling him off for calling me that awful name again, but then decide against it.

“Halo,” I quip.

“Coming home again?” he asks casually.

Another roll of eyes. “No,” I reply, “I’m headed to Ibiza. Coming?”

He laughs, making me wonder how he makes a chuckle sound so cute.

We’ve just walked out of the gate when I hear a voice behind me.

“Shaz?”

I turn around, and I see Ryan turn around too, from the corner of my eye. I recognize the boy standing in front of me. He’s Cedric, and he’s one of those former bullies. ‘Former’ as in he was a bully, and now doesn’t really have an identity I am aware of. He’s also a year elder to me, so I barely know him.

“Oh hey Cedric,” I say.

He smiles. “Well…I’m headed out for a movie now..wanna come?”

“Um..” I say, but a second later I feel Ryan’s hand around my shoulders, sending warmth throughout my body.

“She’s babysitting Jen today,” Ryan says briefly, making me grin.

“Oh..okay,” Cedric says. “Maybe next time.”

I nod and we turn around, resuming our walk to Ryan’s house.

Looking up at him, I feel remotely pleased that Ryan hasn’t taken his hand from my shoulders just yet.

“So I’m the babysitter now, huh?” I ask, raising an eyebrow.

He shrugs, then smirking, he replies, “Cedric wouldn’t have listened otherwise.”

“Otherwise?” I question.

“Today’s Saturday. Move night at my place. You’re invited.”

I smile. “Who’ll be there?”

“Well, it’s usually me and… and dad,” his voice cracks but he breathes in and continues, “But since Jen has an early bedtime, it’s just me, you, the television –“

“And popcorn!” I say.

We laugh, and savouring this closeness to him, I walk on.

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“Jen! Bedtime!” Ryan calls from downstairs. Jen and I are up in her room, styling her hair.

Jen has straight black hair, which is easy to tie into any hairstyle. Right now, she’s left her hair, and her bangs are held back with fairy clips. A couple of strands of hair have escaped onto her face. Her cheeks are flushed with the enthusiasm with which she had been narrating a particularly gruesome paintball fight in school.

“Okay Ryan!” she calls back, “I’m climbing into bed right now!”

True to her word, Jen runs to her bed and creeps in under the blanket. Then, looking up at me in all her adorableness, she says, “Tuck me in, Syaz?”

Smiling, I cover her with her blanket, then grab Winnie The Pooh, setting the stuffed toy next to her.

“Sweet dreams, Jen,” I say quietly.

“Bye Syaz!”

x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x

I walk 

x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x

A/N: Hey guys! Yup, it’s me again. Harpy. Here to ramble.

Firstly, I would like to say thankyousomuch for supporting me! I’ve got about 15 reads on my first chapter, and to say I’m ecstatic is the understatement of the millennium!

And secondly, a huge thanks and a genourmous hug to @MonicaKawade for the cover!!! She’s the best. Monica, if you’re reading this, thanks a ton for everything: your positive response, your help with the cover, and all that emotional support you send me everyday. You’re the best!!!

Thirdly, to my dearest reader out there, hope you enjoyed! I know this chapter was supposed to be the funeral, but I didn’t want to rush stuff. Plus, I wanted a bit of Syaz-and-Ryan time, before the funeral.

There. I’m done with today’s ramblings.

Love, hugs, and purple roses,

Harpy

Let the drama begin!

p.s. (yes, there's always a p.s. when I'm concerned) The video to the right is The Show, by Lenka. I've included it because - well - it's my favourite song :P AND, since things are getting so serious and sad, and there's something going on between Ryan and Syaz, the song suits it. Especially the part: "It's a joke, nobody knows, They've got a ticket to the show..."

Enjoy folks! :D And don't forget to:

1. Smile :D

2. Sing along

3. Just enjoy the show :)