The Waiter and The Musician (Ryden)

Chapter 7

Ryan moved Skylar off him, quickly laying her on the bed. Brendon walked over to the bed. "Give me my baby." Brendon's voice was so small. Ryan moved in front of him immediately wanting to comfort him.

The younger boy was shaking uncontrollably. His eyes were bright red and puffy. Ryan knew he'd been crying for a while and it pained him to see the boy like this.

"Brendon, what's going on?" Brendon kept his eyes on his daughter sleeping. 

"I want my daughter." Ryan turned to Skylar for a moment then gave his attention to Brendon. The state he was in, Brendon was sure to wake the girl.

He immediately thought of Skylar telling him how Dallon was the one who'd make Brendon this way and how she was terrified when it'd happen. He didn't want the child to wake up and not feel safe. 

"She's right there, but she's sleeping." Ryan wrapped an arm around Brendon. "Come on let's go to the living room and talk." Brendon let himself be guided out of the room.

Ryan closed his door to ensure that Skylar wouldn't wake up if they got too loud. Something seemed to snap in Brendon. He looked at Ryan, glaring at him to hide the panic that was consuming him.

"Why are you closing the door?"

"I just don't want her to wake up while we talk." Ryan moved to embrace Brendon, but the boy pushed him away.

"You are Not keeping me from my daughter," Brendon hissed. 

"Come on babe. You know I would never do that." Ryan watched Brendon nervously, not wanting to do or say anything that would anger Brendon more, but managed to do just that. 

"Don't give me that 'babe' shit. I have the right to see her whenever I want."

"I'm not saying you can't see her. She's just sleeping. And I don't think you should wake her in your current state. She might get.." Brendon blew up, not letting Ryan finish.

"In my current state?" Maybe those weren't the best words to use. "What are you trying to say? I'm suddenly not good enough to raise my child?" Brendon's voice rose in anger. Ryan glanced at the closed door, hoping Skylar was still sound asleep. 

"That's not what I'm saying. You know I think you're an amazing father ba..Brendon." Ryan didn't think Brendon would appreciate using pet names right now. When Brendon scoffed, he knew he was right.

"Yeah right. That's why you're not letting me near her. Well, news flash, I don't need someone telling me how to take care of my daughter. I especially don't need to listen to you." Brendon pushed Ryan out of the way and went into the room. Ryan followed, stopping at the door. Brendon kneeled beside the child, picking her up gently so he didn't wake her. Brendon was glad she was a heavy sleeper. 

"That's not what I'm doing. Brendon, please. Let's just go to the living room. Let her sleep." If looked could kill, Ryan would've dropped dead on the floor right there. 

"No one is going to keep me from my daughter." Brendon stormed out the room with Skylar still in his arms. 

"What are you doing?" Ryan followed Brendon out to the living room. Brendon was gathering a few of his and Skylar's things that had found their way to Ryan's house.

"What does it look like I'm doing?" When he felt he'd grabbed enough, Brendon started toward the door. "I'm leaving." 

"What do you mean you're leaving?" Ryan stopped and stared in shock. 

"I'm. Leaving." Brendon said before turning away from Ryan. Ryan stood frozen, letting the words sink in, their meaning. It sounded so... final. Ryan shook his head slowly.