Remember, I told you

Past Promises

He looked at me incredulously. "You want to ride?"

"Yep. Toss me the keys," I casually affirmed.

"I didn't know that you could ride. When did you learn?" He questioned as he tossed me the keys.

I smoothly caught the keys, letting them jangle in my hand. "My dad taught me." 

Just having a casual conversation, I hadn't realized what I said- I was talking to Ryder about my family. I froze a little uneasy of his reaction.

Unaware of my slip-up, Ryder said, "Oh right. Your dad was a mad rider. What did he ride again...?" He asked out loud to himself "Wait, don't tell me, it was a Yamaha YZF-R3. Right?"

"Yeah," I nodded, still a little bit wary. "I can't believe you remember that."

"How could I forget?" He responded, matching my cautious tone. "Your dad was a legend. He taught me how to fix my first engine and how to drag the back wheels for better balance. He even taught me how to pop a wheelie," he said admiringly. 

He paused lost in thought, reliving some of the memories that we had both locked away. He continued, "Of course, he would teach his daughter to ride."

"It took him a long time to let me," I honestly said. "He was too overprotective about riding. But eventually, he got to a point where he realized that I was going to ride, with or without him, so he said 'let the best teach you.' And he did."

Right after my family died, I wasn't in a place to fondly recollect any good memories. I wanted to wallow and pity myself. It took a while to be able to remember without the pain, and I didn't get there until long after Ryder disappeared. 

We never got the chance to remember my family together, and share memories. But now, two years later, we were remembering my dad, admiring him and his legacy. And I felt a little bit at peace.

"Okay well, show me what you got Epcot," he smirked, testing me.

I rolled my eyes and slid on the helmet resting on his bike. He did the same. Even in the dark of the night, I could see the gold in his green eyes sparkle. As I looked at him, I could see in his eyes that he seemed happy. And as much bad blood existed between us, I felt myself smile under my helmet, grateful that he was unburdened.

I turned away from him, to start the motorcycle. Just as I pushed the key into the ignition, I noticed the keychain dangling from the ring. It was a wood music clef- one that I knew all too well because I had the same one attached to my car keys.

*****

It was my 12th birthday and Ryder had completely forgotten. My friends were running around in my backyard as I stood alone in the back.

 He had missed my entire birthday party. 

I was angry but mostly hurt that he wasn't there.

I saw my mom approaching, and quickly I faked a smile, knowing how much work she put into this day great. "Hi Rosie, having fun?"

"Yep Ma, it's been so much fun!" I lied, smiling back at her.

"Okay Rosie, seriously, what's up? I can see that somethings bothering you sweetheart. Tell me," she urged.

"Ma, seriously, thank you so much for the party. It's perfect. I mean it." She gave me a look that said she wasn't buying it. "Fine. I'm just disappointed, that's all. About-"

"Ryder." She finished for me. I looked at her shocked and she winked back at me. "I'm sure he didn't forget Rosie, just give him a little more time. He's your best friend, he wouldn't miss this," she promised, giving me a tight hug. 

I wasn't sure if I believed her, but I continued to wait.

And sure enough, an hour after the party ended, our doorbell rang and standing behind the door was Ryder. His face was covered in grime and wood shavings were sprinkled all over his arms. He pushed through the door and yelled, "Rosie! Rosie! Rosie! Happy Birthday!!!!"

I was so excited to see him but I kept my happiness contained, still a little mad at him. "The party's over," I snapped.

"I know, and I'm so sorry Rosie. But I was working all day on my gift for you. Please forgive me?" he begged, opening his eyes really wide, pleading.

"Stop that will you," I said as I gestured to his eyes. "This better be a good gift," I teased.

"Oh, it is," he cockily grinned. He pulled out a small gold box with a silver bow atop it, pushing it into my hands.

I gingerly pulled off the lid, careful not to damage the bow. I handed him the lid and peered inside to find to clef music notes. The clefs were made of a deep chestnut color wood, the smell of wood chips radiating from them. They were smooth to the touch and just large enough to fit side by side in my palm. 

They were beautiful.

I looked up at Ryder, speechless as he began "These are matching clef's." He took one from my palm and said, "One for you, and one for me. They represent music, something really important to both of us, but that also connects us."

It was a really cheesy, but not one for deep things, it meant a lot that Ryder cared so much. I jumped into his arms, still clutching my clef and said, "I love it Ry! Best gift ever."

"Really?" he insecurely asked.

"Really. I'll keep it forever."

He promised, "Me too."

*****

I smiled looking down at the keychain. He remembered.

"You good Rosie?" Ryder asked interrupting my thoughts, concerned.

"Yeah....great," I answered. 

And I meant it. 

For the first time in a while.

I mounted the bike and got the engine running just as Ryder climbed on behind me. I had one hand on the clutch, and the other on the throttle just as Ryder's hands gently rested on my waist. 

I took a sharp breath as we touched, luckily masked by the roaring of the bike, but I could still feel him smirking from behind me, his hands gripping a little more tightly around my waist.

I didn't anticipate the tingles that rushed through me by his simple touch. 

Two years hadn't weakened his effect on me.

I pushed the throttle hard and focused on the feeling of the wind, the fresh air, instead of the electricity coursing through my veins, ignited by his touch. The roads were empty, allowing me to push the throttle harder, while Ryder held on tighter, making me more and more breathless.

By the time we reached my apartment, I was out of breath, and not because of the ride, but because Ryder's arms were still firmly grasped around my waist. 

I loudly coughed, urging him to let go. "We stopped," I bluntly stated.

He quickly released me, quietly muttering, "Sorry." I immediately missed his warmth and felt the electricity wane away. I pulled off my helmet, and began to say "Thank you-" when I heard a high-pitched yell.

I saw Lannie barreling towards me, screaming "Bosie! Bosie! Bosie!" I opened my arms wide to hug her.

She giggled as she fell into my arms. I picked her up and spun her around, smothering her in kisses. "How's my funny bunny doing? Did you miss me?"

"I missed you thiissss much!" she exclaimed stretching her arms as wide as she could.

"Wow, that's a whole lot," I teased smothering her with another round of kisses.

Lannie looked away, only then noticing Ryder. "Who's that?" she asked pointing up at him.

I looked at Ryder, about to explain, when I saw his face fill with shock and dread.