Living (RedRibbon13) **Complete**

12. Dreams and distractions

Chapter 12

Dreams and distractions

 Amanda gulped down her food when she found her dad’s calculative gaze on her again. The corners of his eyes crinkled as he stuffed a large piece of steak into his mouth and then moved on to analyzing Ryan.

“So how was your day, guys?” he asked.

“Awesome!” Ryan was quick to reply, but couldn’t hide his frown.

Amanda on the other hand, blushed and couldn’t hide her slight smile.

Matt’s eyes narrowed in on both of them but he decided to let it go. Whatever had happened, he hadn’t seen his daughter so happy in a long time and that was all he needed.

After dinner, Matt sent them off to Mandy’s room as he cleaned up. He could see from the moment they entered the living room that they needed to talk in private.

Up in Mandy’s room, Ryan paced the floor in long strides as she watched him from the edge of her bed. He looked like he was going to explode.

“What were you thinking, Mandy? And leaving your phone in the locker wasn’t such a bright idea, you know? I mean... the last thing we know is that you were running towards a moving car and then… you just went off with that… that…” he yelled fuming.

 “Ryan?” she tried calmly, but closed her mouth when he turned to glare at her.

“Pedophile… yes, that’s the word. I mean shit Mandy, just because I teased you about him last night doesn’t mean you should go out with him.” he said in an angry whisper and dropped down to the floor with a thump. His face dropped with him.

Mandy moved down to the floor and sat crossed legged, facing him. “Ryan, I am sorry I didn’t call or take my phone with me. I’m really very, very sorry I made you guys worried. ”

Ryan’s anger lifted from his face and Mandy could now see the real emotions in his eyes. He looked devastated.

After a few moments of silence, his sad eyes lifted to meet Mandy’s, “I’m in love with her.”

 “I know.” she said moving closer to pull him into a hug.

“I cancelled our date this evening. I’m so mad at her but when I even think about breaking up with her, I feel like I’m stabbing my own heart.” he said holding her tighter.

Mandy took in a deep breath and said firmly, “I know she can be bossy, irritating and downright intimidating at times, but she will never betray her friends. I trust her and you should too.  Just go talk to her and tell her how you feel.”

“But?” his eyes searched hers doubtfully.

“No buts, Ryan. She is just insecure and I know I would be too if I was in her place. Just go show her that she is your number one.”

Ryan nodded and looked up at her guiltily, “How about you? I know you need to talk too.”

“What did I just say about Sarah being your number one?”

Ryan left after promising to see her early the next morning. Somewhere deep inside her, she was really disappointed to realize that the next day was Saturday.

She took out the cell phone that Ryan had brought back with him, only to toss it on her bed. She didn’t even have his number and neither did he ask for hers.

But then again, she wasn’t even so sure it would be right to call him.

Confused like never before, she glared at her phone for a few moments.