Bandmate ||Ricky Garcia||

《s e v e n t y - s i x》

Audrey's POV

''I really don't think this is necessary,'' I tell my mom as I help her choose what dishes to use for dinner.

"I think it's only proper to have the whole family meet him.'' At that moment dad walks in and looks over what we're doing.

''Dad, please tell mom it's not necessary.'' I pout and he shakes his head.

''Oh no, I need to get to know this guy. It was actually my idea to invite him.'' He tells me and I bit my lip. It's only been 3 days since Ricky found out and I don't think he's ready to do this.

''Okay, I'll tell him.'' I force a smile and go to my room. I get my phone and call him.

''What's up?'' He answers.

''So my parents want to have you over for dinner. It's totally fine if you don't feel up to it, and we'll understand if you say no, and prefer to stay home and-''

"Wow chill,'' He starts to laugh, ''At what time should I be there?''

''You sure you want to come?''

''Yeah I haven't left the house in forever, I need fresh air. Since Sam left I haven't done anything outside the house."

"Okay, drop by in 3 hours.''

''Cool, till later then. Bye, love you.''

''Uh love you too.''

I hanged up and stared at my phone. I really just said that.

~.~.~.~.~

The moment he showed up, anyone could tell how exhausted he truly was. I closed the door behind him and he pulled me to whisper in my ear.

"Do I look that bad?'' His lips brush against my ear sending shivers down my spine.

I pull away and look at him, "Why do you say that?'' I try to stop staring at the bags under his eyes. His eyes were slightly pink as if he had just finished crying.

''The way you looked at me. As if you saw a dead homeless person.'' He pouted his dry lips.

''That's very specific,'' I start to pat away the wrinkles on his collar shirt, ''You just look a tad bit tired.''

''I look fucking dead don't I?''

''Uhm no...'' He gave me a stare, ''Okay yes you do.''

He rolled his head back, ''I didn't think I looked that bad.''

''Audrey is Ricky here!?" My mom's voice reaches from the kitchen.

''Yeah, he just needs to use the bathroom!'' I yell back and reach for his hand to lead him up to my room. I sit him on my bed and grab my small makeup bag.

''What are you doing?'' He asks staring as my fingers pull out some concealer.

''I'm going to be using my basic makeup skills to get rid of your bags.'' I start to apply small dots and blend it in with my fingers. I dab on his skin until it was all invisible. "There it looks better.''

''Thanks,'' He smiles. ''My mom tried coming to the house several times and I didn't let her in. I feel shitty for that but I don't want to see her.''

''Give yourself some time, but you will have to face her eventually.''

''Yeah, I know. My brothers told me that too.''

I straighten my back and raise my eyebrows, "How did they react?''

''The in between Sam and I. They want to meet him so I'll have to see how that goes.'' Everything coming out of lips sounded like they were an answering machine. Lifeless and emotionless.