Decoding You *Watty Awards 2012*

Chapter 24

I was watching Rory in the bounce house with Rosie, Izzy, Abigail, and Sammi. She had a smile on her face as she made Izzy and Rosie giggle.

I feel my moms hand on my shoulder, "She's a good girl Ryder."

I turn and look at her, "There's a real reason why you did those tests during her appointment isn't there?"

She gulps, "Have you been snooping through my files?"

I shake my head, "I'd never do that, but she told me."

My mom nods slowly, "There's no real proof Ryder."

I nod, "I know but why didn't you at least give me some sort of hint? I know you couldn't tell me but she's my girlfriend mom. I care about her and she's your best friends daughter."

She looks at me sadly, "I know you care about her Ryder. She's a good girl, but at the same time she comes with baggage. Lot's of it."

I glare at her, "What are you saying?"

She sets her mouth in a grim line, "I'm just asking you to be careful."

I look at her, "I'm not worried about me. I'm worried about her. I'll always be worried about her."

I walk away and over to the edge of the bounce house, "Having fun?"

Rory sticks her tongue out at me, "I personally think we need more weight in here."

I eye her, "Hmm I might be able to do something about that."

When I've gotten in Rosie and Izzy jump excitedly, so excitedly that I manage to lose my balance. When I land Rory lands on me too, she eyes me playfully, "Hmm I think I like this position."

I reach up and kiss her, "Me too."

She straddles me and brushes her nose against mine, "I hope the moon bounce is up at the senior fair."

I nod, "It didn't work freshman year. Someone put a hole in it for the senior prank."

She nods, "I know. Did you hear about our senior prank?"

I nod and wince as Rosie lands on my leg, "Sorry Ryder!" she laughs.

I sigh and look back up at Rory, "Yeah I heard. I may have helped plan it."

She shakes her head, "Of course."

I grin, "Hey a game of flashlight tag in the school at night is a cool idea."

She rolls her eyes playfully, "I know but the swarm of balloons covering the cafeteria is going to be awful the following Monday morning."

I grin and shrug, "I think it's going to be fun. You'll end up loving it. Plus we won't be there that Monday. It's senior ditch day."

She nods slowly, "Oh yeah. The Monday after prom. I forgot."

I watch her facial expression carefully as she looks over at the girls playing, "You okay?"

She looks up at me surprised for a moment, "Of course."

I cup her chin, "Baby..."

She shakes her head a hint of smile at her lips, "I'm fine. Really. It's just nice seeing Izzy anywhere but home."

I sit up and kiss her, "We'll figure out something for spring break. She won't have to stay there the whole time. I promise."

She sighs and leans into me, "I hope you're right."

***Rory***

I was laying in the moon bounce with just Rosie as she said, "Rory do you love Ryder?"