Ever growing 2

Chapter 31

Sam and Maddy greet us at the airport before taking us to the center where Ryan will stay for a month. He and Sam have a private talk away from Maddy and me when we get there. Walking back to us, Ryan hugs Maddy before I follow him inside holding his hand. We meet with a girl named Carly who explains what the program is about before asking him for his phone. I feel him shaking as he sits in the chair next to mine still holding hands. Carly then steps out to allow us a minute before I'm asked to leave.

"I feel like I don't know what to say right now," he tells me.

"Well, I want you to know I'm happy you're willing to get help. I will miss you like crazy but I brought Nala to help me. I also left one of my shirts that I sprayed with my perfume in your suitcase." I smile at him.

"Wait, you knew that I steal your shirts when I travel?" He giggles.

"You always take some of my favorites! I love you for it though, shows me that you really care. Kiss me," I get emotional. He leans closer bringing his lips to mine, his tongue finds mine. My hand fists his hair while he cups my cheek. He pulls away looking into my eyes and studying my face as if he's trying to make a mental picture of it. He brings his nose to mine rubbing softly.

"I love you. Forever. See you in thirty days?" His beautiful green eyes are glossy as he speaks the words in his sweet British accent.

"I'll be here," I say as Carly comes back.

I stand up and walk away with a heavy heart and tears running down my face. I wipe them when I get to the door taking a deep breath. I walk back to the car getting in the backseat. Maddy asks if I want to talk about it but I shake my head, unable to use my voice. I feel bad because I don't get to see her often and I just missed my birthday celebration with them but deep down I know she understands.

Once we get to her house, her two cats welcome me like they usually do, making me feel somewhat better. They're both purring asking for cuddles.

"Alright, what can we do to make your day better?" Sam asks in his British accent that makes me miss Ryan even more.

"Oh, don't worry about me, you guys can do whatever it is you had planned already."

"Don't be ridiculous, let's start by going to Wendy's then we can go to the movies maybe?" Maddy hugs me. I know going to the movies is one of her favorite things to do so I guess I can be a good sport.

Maddy wanted to watch the movie featuring her favorite actor, Dwayne Johnson. Sam who's always so sweet to my friend agreed which gave me no choice even if I wasn't thrilled about watching a movie involving romance. Once we're settled in our seats, Sam wraps his arm around Maddy before kissing her. Seeing her happy with a man who treats her right is amazing. All three of us found our perfect men. Ryan is going through a rough patch, we all do sometimes, but he's the one for me. I miss him so much and it's only been two hours since we left the center.

I feel Maddy's hand on mine when the actress cries after a fight with her boyfriend. My breathing is labored as I try not to cry myself knowing I won't be able to stop if I start. I pull my hand away when Maddy starts drawing circles on my skin which is something Ryan always does. "Sorry," I whisper to her. The movie finally comes to an end allowing me to go hide in the bathroom where I take deep breaths.

Back at the house, we sit on the couch, Maddy, and Sam cuddling on one side and me on the other with one of her cats on my lap. I notice Jake posted the picture we took at the restaurant which is getting a lot of attention with Ryan being on it. I sigh in frustration.

"Ella, I wanted to thank you. My friend has never loved someone the way he loves you, the bond you share is truly amazing." Sam tells me.

"You're sweet but you don't have to thank me, I love him. I just hope he can figure out why he's struggling and get better." I can hear the sadness in my voice.

"I would assume he's got his father's genes. I know he's going to get out and be the best husband again."

"His father? Robert never struck me as someone who has a drinking problem?" I ask, confused.

"Not Robert, his real dad was a drunk," Sam explains.

"Real dad? Ryan never told me Robert isn't his biological dad."

"He doesn't like to talk about it. His mother remarried when he was 7 years old. His dad would be drunk around him all the time when he would visit. Until Ryan turned 10." Sam says, he looks down with a sad look on his face.

"What happened?" So many questions form in my mind.

"I don't think I should be the one to tell you. Maybe you can ask Ryan one day. Sorry," He gives me a sympathetic smile. I can't be mad at him for not sharing something personal about my husband but now my brain is turning trying to come up with scenarios of what might have happened. I can't help blaming myself for triggering his issues.

"Ella, you're good for Ryan, he will come out stronger. He's always talking about you, how you showed him what being in love truly means, how you make him happy. You are not the cause of his problem. Like I said, bad genes but you, still supporting him, will save him." I can see that he means every word.

"Thank you, I truly appreciate it. I'm going to go to my room if you guys don't mind. It's been a long day." I excuse myself to the room that was decorated for me.

I spend the night tossing and turning wondering what Ryan is doing right now. Whatever happened must be bad if he never even told me Robert wasn't his real dad. Even when his mother showed me family pictures. I guess I did find it odd that Robert wasn't on any of his baby pictures but the man isn't a fan of pictures so I didn't think too much of it at the time. I'm hoping he'll tell me more once his treatment will be completed.