A Reason (A Reason, Season, Lifetime Series) (16 page)

“I’ll get in touch with Robert and let him know what’s going on. He’s at my house more than likely. What about going out to a movie? Kevin was coming over later if you need him to, but what about just being seventeen year old girls? Go eat some greasy food court food and see a chick flick.” Grant says.

“I’ve never been to the movie theater, so that could be fun. What’s playing?” I ask.

“You’ve never been to the movie theater?” Ryan asks.

“No. Danny was happy to only see each other in school and I doubt my father would have let me go anyway.”

“Well then we’re definitely going. I am not eating greasy food
court food though. We’ll get dinner reservations like normal people.” Ryan says.

Grant laughs. “Normal old people, maybe. Seventeen year olds don’t usually go to a fancy restaurant for a date, but whatever Casanova.”

“How fancy? I guess we can run downstairs and see what we have to wear that would work for a nice restaurant. We’re mostly just jeans and t-shirts kind of girls.”

“Well, then I guess Ma gets to take two ladies shopping and surprise the boys with how lovely you look. What if I call my hair dresser and see if they can squeeze us in, we’ll grab some new clothes and the guys can meet us at the mall?” Ma says.

I look at the clock and am surprised that even though we have done so much, it’s still fairly early. We should have enough time for haircuts and some quick shopping. “Really? I mean we’ll pay you back, of course, but that would be amazing.”

“Nonsense. It’s a treat to me to have girls to spoil and shop with. Ryan gets the same boring hair cut every month and he’s old enough to shop for his own clothes. Ryan, you cal
l and see what movie is playing, and choose a time, then I’ll call and make hair appointments.” Ma says.

We work out that we have a few hours before the movie, so Ma calls to see what we can do for haircuts. Her friend isn’t working, so she calls her at home, tells her what has been going on, and her friend agrees to meet us at her salon in an hour.

“We won’t have time for dinner as well. We still have to pick out outfits.” I tell them.

“Oh, yes you do. The movie is at a place called Aimee’s, you eat a really nice dinner while you watch the movie. You’ll love it.
Go, be girls and get spoiled. I’ll see you in a couple of hours.” Ryan says to me.

Eva turns off the iron and my hair is straightened. “Great, all of that work to straighten my hair and now we’re going to a salon. Oops.” Eva and I laugh.

Is it sad that I’m sad to leave Ryan for a couple of hours?

“Go get your shoes on and we’ll head out. If we get there before her, maybe we’ll get nails. It takes just about half an hour to get there, she said an hour, so that may leave nail time.” Ma says.

Eva squeals and runs for her shoes. Mine are by the door so I walk to Ryan.

“Are you going to miss me as much as I’m going to miss you?”

“I’m so glad I’m not the only one. It’s crazy, isn’t it? I’ll follow you. Grant and I can go shopping ourselves. I won’t be far.” Ryan leans down to kiss me. A sweet kiss that makes me lightheaded and takes my breath away. Not the up against the refrigerator holy-shit- I-can’t-breathe-because-we’re-drowning-in-each-other kiss, but the sweet I-love-you kiss that is so new to me. I never knew a kiss could say so much.

We start out at Deb
, and Ma insists on us getting pretty dresses, shoes, jewelry, and new perfume. By the time we get to the salon her friend is just walking in. I tell her I don’t want it washed, since I just washed it and straightened it. We trim it so it looks cute and the ends are healthy. Not a dramatic difference, but it looks pretty. A girl, Ashley, isn’t busy so she offers to do my nails while Eva gets her hair done. Eva had her nails done in pink to match her dress.

“What do you want your nails to look like sweetheart?” She shows me designs and color options.

“You can do letters, like that?” I point to a picture.

“Yes, I can. I have this little pen here, it can do letters, though I’m limited on colors for the letters.”

I had chosen a black dress at Deb, so anything would work for nails. In the end I went with a basic French manicure look, with black letters. I smile and sing along to the music on the radio, excited over what Ryan would say when he sees my nails. I can’t wait for Monday at school. I’m going to be so careful that nothing happens to them.

We finish up, and when Ma looks at my nails, she tears
up a little and kisses my cheek. Luckily she isn’t wearing lipstick.

We get to the dinner and movie theater and see the guys are waiting by the door for us. Eva and I say bye to Ma and get out. Ryan smiles a big smile, dimples and his perfect white teeth showing even though it’s dark out, the theater is well lit outside.

“You look amazing. I don’t think I’ve ever seen you wear a dress?” Ryan says, holding my hand but stepping back to look at me.

I look at Grant who is staring speechless at Eva. She looks amazing. “Wipe the drool, Grant.” I say and
laugh, with my pointer finger pretending to wipe drool from the side of my mouth.

“What’s on your nails?” Ryan asks. I love that he notices.

I hold up both hands so he can see them.

“I love Ryan P. I’m honored
. You do know you’re going to have to show off your new lovely nails to everyone, right? In school you need to kitty claw everyone so they can see that you’re mine. That you love me.” He pulls me into his arms, his hand on the back of my neck to pull me in for a kiss. I love how he quietly almost growls the word mine.

“It’s a good thing I’m not a lipstick kind of girl.” I tell him after he kisses me.

“Yeah, your flavored lip gloss really works for me though. You taste like berries. Let’s get inside so we can order, before you two beautiful ladies freeze in those amazing dresses. I hope no one here has a heart condition. Twin redheads in killer dresses, we may need an ambulance or two.” We all laugh and walk in to the hostess. Ryan gives her our reservation info, and they walk us in to be seated. We’re actually a little early, so all of the lights are on bright enough to see everything. It’s pretty. Tables and comfortable chairs are on several layers of flooring so everyone can see and eat in comfort.

We decide on what we want to eat, and I’m feeling a little bad about the prices. Ryan doesn’t seem to be
bothered though, he’s really happy, so I don’t say anything. I don’t go out to eat much, so maybe the prices aren’t that bad. Twenty-five is the low side of the menu, but everything sounds really good.

“Excuse me for a minute, I want to wash my hands before we eat. I’ll be right back.” Ryan says, and kisses my cheek.

He’s gone for a while, and soon our food starts coming out. Salads, drinks and bread are first, and the lights start to dim. He walks back in and sits down with an apology of a problem in the back, whatever that means.

The preview starts, and I hear Eva gasp. I look up at the screen, and I see my name.

Emma Bellamy:

Will you do me the honor of accepting a promise ring, to be mine?

I love you. Always. Ryan Pierce

The lights turn back on and
music starts to play.

“They read you Cinderella. You hoped it would come true, that one day your Prince Charming would come rescue you. You like romantic movies, and you never will forget, the way you felt when Romeo kissed Juliet.” I Can Love You Like That by A
ll 4 One was playing, and it is so perfect. We were doing Romeo and Juliet the play, we loved the movie, and he really is my perfect prince charming.

He gets down on one knee
in front of my chair, turning me to face him. Then a waitress comes over with a rose and a box on a platter. In the box is a beautiful ring with a red heart.

I start to cry, of course. I’m glad I didn’t wear mascara, though I do have some waterproof eyeliner on.

I nod my head yes, and he puts the ring on my hand. “I know this is fast, I just wanted to give you a promise that I will always wait for you. I have no doubt you’re the girl for me, for always. You’ll go to college wherever you go, I’ll be there. I’ll be the one constant in your life that won’t change, because you have my heart now and always.” He gives me a sweet kiss, and everyone applauds. The staff bring in glasses of something to drink, and I look at him to question.

“Don’t worry, they know we’re not old en
ough to drink. We decided on nonalcoholic Sangria.” Ryan says.

I just look at him in astonishment. I don’t even want to know what kind of money he has spent on me today.

“I can tell by your face that you’re thinking the same thing I am, Emma. Just be glad I talked him out of the diamond.” Grant says, then toasts and takes a drink.

Eva is just sitting there with her mouth open, and I sit back in my chair, just shocked.

“I don’t spend much money on anything, I don’t need much, and my father made sure we were taken care of. I get a check every month, and this month I decided to spend it on showing you what you mean to me. You have had a rough time, and I just want to make you smile, and see you happy.” Ryan says quietly to me, after giving Grant a shut up look.

“Thank you. That was so sweet, and romantic. I don’t know if I deserve all of this, but I’m so glad we have each other. I love you, with or without the ring, though it is so beautiful. Your mom may have killed you if you had bought me a diamond.”

“I doubt it. She and my dad were still on their first date. They were set up on a blind date. They fell in love over dinner, stayed up all night talking, and he proposed as the sun rose. They took off to the weekend to Vermont, had a small wedding at a B&B, and then came home and told everyone. Knowing my mom, and she knows me, I doubt she will be surprised by the promise ring, but we’ll see.”

We eat an amazing dinner,
hold hands and cuddle during the movie. Eva hugs me and gushes over my ring after the movie is over and the lights are back on.

“I have known for months how you two felt towards each other. I wish I had said something sooner. Welcome to the family, my future brother in law. You take good care of my baby sister.” Eva says to Ryan after the movie.

He gives her a big smile and a quick hug. “I wish I had been braver and told her sooner too. We didn’t want to hurt Danny, but everything happens for a reason, and we have each other now. That’s what matters, sis. Baby sister?” He asks, looking between us.

“By seven minutes, though technically we were born on different days. Eva was born before midnight, I was born just after, so technically we have different birthdays, but we are twins. We’re just not identical twins, which is fine with us.” I explain.

“Let’s get heading home. It’s getting cold. Do you want my jacket, babe?” Ryan asks.

Our jackets didn’t look ri
ght with the dresses so Ma bought us wraps, but they are really light for New York in November. “Yes, please.” I tell him with a kiss to his cheek. Grant puts his around Eva’s shoulders too.

We head home, taking our time, holding hands when he doesn’t need both hands on the wheel. I can’t wait to climb into that waterbed.

~Chapter 4~

Monday morning comes too soon. My mom is out of the hospital, and Ma called in to work. She and Kevin are going to help my mom with everything while we go to school.

Ryan was right about his mom and the ring. Both moms took it really well, actually. I guess we really look like we’re in love, because they both said they were happy for us but to take it slow sex wise. He and I aren’t in any hurry when it comes to sex. We’re so happy to be together that it’s not really about sex. We enjoy kissing, and we’re still sleeping in the waterbed. His mom seems okay with it, and my mom hasn’t said anything either. We are almost eighteen, so I guess Ryan and I are the ones that will decide when we’re ready.

We get to school Monday and a few people look at us as he lets me out of the Jeep. I’m wearing my new dress for the hell of it, so is Eva. We had a bad weekend, everyone is going to know our father is dead, but we’re going to handle it as a new beginning. We look amazing, just like we did Saturday night. My hair is curly again, but luckily how she cut it, it looks good curly and straight. I’m so happy my nails still look amazing. I walk into school on Ryan’s arm and Eva walks in on Grant’s arm. They aren’t dating, but they are close friends now. We get to Eva’s locker first and I hug her before going to mine. Luckily Ryan’s isn’t far from mine. “Bye, future
brother in law. I’ll see you in English.” She says with a laugh, and blows us a kiss.

“You bet sis, see you then.” Ryan says and laughs
, pulling me towards our lockers. I run into someone and fall back a bit.

“Oops, sorry, I, Oh, hi Danny.”

“Brother in law, sis? What did we miss this weekend?” Danny asks, not looking happy. He looks down at my hands and lifts them. “Wow, a big ring, and I love Ryan P on your nails. I guess things really did change for you this weekend. Most people would be sad that their father is dead, but you bagged a rich boyfriend, so.” Ryan pushes him, hard, at this point and Danny falls on his ass.

“Ryan, stop. Danny, you know we were better friends than anything. I didn’t want to hurt you. Ryan and I have liked each other for a long time, and this weekend, he was really there for me. I’m sorry if you’re hurt and that’s how you feel, but we love each other and we hope you can be happy for your friends. I’m sorry you see me as a gold digger, you should really know me better than that. I am sad my dad is dead, but I’m also really glad he can’t hurt us anymore. I hope someday we can be friends again.” I pull Ryan towards our lockers, away from Danny. Of course there is a group of people around us.

“You probably didn’t need to put a ring on her finger, that whore was already in your bed Saturday morning!” Danny yells after us.

Well shit, there goes my hold on Ryan. “Grant!” I yell as Ryan jumps on the floor on top of Danny.

The hall is full of people of course, God only knows where Grant is now. I take my shoes off when I don’t see Grant and I toss the heels to the side. “You can’t get in the middle of that, you’ll be hurt!” Eva is next to me, grabbing my arm.

“Well I don’t know where Grant went. Robert is always in the weight room before first break and he doesn’t have to come this way for first period! Who else is going to get between those two? We each grab an ear. You grab Danny I’ll get my promised pain in the ass.”

We agree and we both jump in the middle of the two of them, each of us grabbing an ear and pulling, while trying not to get hit. When some of the guys see what we’re trying to do, they finally step forward to help hold them. Curt has Danny and I get in front of Ryan. “So help me if you break one of my new nails, I will kick your ass later, or I’ll pop your waterbed. Stand there and knock it off!”

“He said
...” Ryan starts to talk and I cut him off.

“I know what he said, knock it off!”

Of course teachers are now pushing forward. Since Danny is the one bleeding and Ryan is out of breath and pissed off, they know who was involved. They take both of them to the office, and I have to go to first period.

I get to class, holding my shoes because I didn’t feel like putting them on yet, and I’m glad it’s US History. That teacher loves Ryan and
me, as you could probably tell when he played along with our Queen of the leg press last week. “Are you okay, Emma? After what happened this weekend, I’m surprised at those boys. You’re about to bury your father and they are fighting over you. Do you need to see the nurse or talk to anyone?”

“No, sir. Thank you, but I’m okay. I’m worried about Ryan getting in trouble, but there’s nothing I can do about that.”

“He has never been in trouble before. I am sure they will take it easy on him. Probably just detention. We’ll have an easy day today, so sit down and we’ll get started. If you need to talk to someone, just wave to me and you can go. Head to the nurse or knock on Ms. Rivers’ door. She has study hall right now.”

“Thank you.” I say with a smile to him. I walk to the back of the room and sit between Brenda and Diane.

“Show us the ring, and you better already have a note written about what the hell is going on, or get writing, bitch.”

“I love you, too, Di. Your dad was awesome this weekend by the way. I have to come by and see your mom soon. And yes, I wrote it out last night because I knew you would attack me this morning. Who wants it first?” I hold out a folded piece of paper and they both grab for it, but Brenda wins. Texans scare me, that girl is really strong.

Since Brenda won the note, Di gets to see my ring and nails. “Ladies, this is class time, what is so important?”

“Her fluffing
engagement ring probably.” Curt speaks up. Of course everyone runs to the back of the room.

“It’s not an engagement ring, it’s a promise ring.” Brenda says. “He got on one knee though, holy shit I should have dated that guy.” Brenda says while still reading the letter.

I put my head down on my desk while people are passing around my ring. Since they are also checking out my nails I hit the desk kind of hard with my forehead.

“So now you guys are living together, promised, and sharing his waterbed?” Damn.

“Brenda, you gossip queen, shut the hell up.” Di says, while reaching for the note.

“We may as well share the note with the class since we are obviously not having class today. Diane, go
ahead, from the beginning. I must apologize for not having popcorn ready for the occasion.” The teacher says.
Ugh
.

Everyone laughs at the teacher, but me. I like him a little less at the moment. The joys of a small school.

“Well Friday he walked into Ms. Rivers class, he had bullied the whine-ass Danny into telling him that her father had beaten up her mom and her mom was in the hospital in bad shape. Grant and Robert came in and offered to help train her to fight and defend them. Later on, at first her and Ryan were pretending they were together, until he put her up against the refrigerator and almost took her virginity against the Drive safely school bus magnet.” Di stops long enough to snort and let everyone laugh over that. My head is still on my desk.

“So they shared the bed all weekend, and a hot shower, but they are taking it slow. Well I’m not sure if that’s slow since he took her to a movie, got down on one knee and gave her a ring in front of everyone. Who has that ring anyway? Is it expensive? Is that a real ruby?
” Di says.

Kill.Me.Now.

Brenda kneels next to me. “Are you okay, honey? Nothing good ever happens here, but you do know that I love you, right? I’m glad he’s gone, I’m glad you have Ryan, and some happiness. Y’all just be happy, and fuck everyone else. Danny is a jealous asshole. Your eyes have been on Ryan a long time, and trust me when I say his eyes have been on you. Be happy, enjoy the attention that it’s happy attention, jealous attention. People aren’t’ talking about the other stuff, much, they’re talking about how much Ryan loves you. That’s better than it being whispers about the poor girls that were abused whose dad was killed by a cop, isn’t it?”

Leave it to Brenda to sort things into neat little boxes and tell it like it is. “Yeah, you’re right. It sucks, some of it, but some good things have come out of it too. My mom has the money to start over, I have the best guy in the world in love with me, and Eva gets to go to the college of her dreams, but still be with my mom. Everything really does happen for a reason. Tho
ugh some of it sucked hardcore.” I say to her, then speak up to the class. “Um, guys, can I have my promise ring back?”

There is a knock at the door and I know this can’t be good. The teacher opens the door and I see Kevin. Shit. I put my shoes on, hold my hand out for my ring, and walk out into the hall without him saying a word. Since he’s in his uniform, no one else said a word either.

“Hey, Emma. Ms. Rivers called me when she heard about the fight. Danny is pressing charges against Ryan. Considering Danny has a broken nose, Ryan is being arrested. I figured you would want to know.”

“What can we do about it, Kevin?”

“You saved my brother’s life, and that boy saved yours. I’ll do everything I can, but locals are involved, and this is not my jurisdiction. I can talk to him, get him a lawyer, and talk to a judge, but I don’t know if I can keep him out of jail. You can’t physically attack someone because they call your girlfriend a bad name.”

I nod my head and we start walking towards the office. “Kevin, did you ever call anyone about the locals looking the other way with my father, which in turn led to him almost killing your brother?”

“Yes. Internal affairs takes time though, Emma. That won’t stop this.”

“So what keeps him out of jail?”

“Not much can, to be honest. He will have to go to jail today. Seeing it’s early on a Monday he should see a judge and we’ll see what I can do.”

“What do you recommend we do then? Let me be frank. How do I bring my future husband home without a night in jail?”

“I can’t promise that he won’t be in there for the night, but I can try. It depends on what he’s willing to do.”

“Meaning?”

“Just like your jocks run the school here, certain jocks run the world. Money, power, and military. How do you feel about being a military wife?”

“I think my future husband would look hot in a uniform. He’s athletic and strong and he loves to save people. Let’s get busy. Sign me out and let’s get to work.”

We get to the office and the same jerk who let us go the other day is arresting my Ryan. Kevin grabs my arm and holds me against him while they escort Ryan out in handcuffs. I refuse to cry, I need to be strong and get him out. I mouth “I love you.” I hold up my left hand, showing my ring. He gives me a sad smile and is escorted out.

“I’m signing out Emma Bellamy. I have permission from her mother. You should find it in your records.” Kevin says to Mrs. Osborne at the front office.

“Go ahead, sweetheart. We already know what’s going on. Can I see the ring?” She asks me.

Oh, for fuck’s sake. “Yes, it is just a promise ring, regardless of what you’ve heard.” I hold my hand out to her.

“Then you make sure you come back and see me when he gets you that diamond.” She says with a wink and a pat to my hand.

“You bet
. You might even know before I do.” I tell her with a small smile. Kevin waves and we walk out.

“Alright. I called Marie
as soon as I got the call. She’s getting the attorney set up and working things on the legal side. I am taking you to meet a friend of mine. He’s a military recruiter. Are you sure you’re okay?” Kevin asks.

“I’m in the let’s
-fucking-save-the-man-I-love mode. I’m fine. What branch?”

“Well seeing as it’s a small area he can recruit for any branch. I will tell you Army and Marines tend to have the most pull. Most police are one or the other, though most of us are former Marines.”

“Were you a Marine?”

“Yes, Ooh-Rah. It was the best eight years of my life. Not that it was always easy, but I love being a Marine. Once a Marine, always a Marine.” Then he makes a barking like sound.

I laugh. “What was that?”

“Marines are known as Devil Dogs. Once
, in Germany, the Marines were outnumbered. They started making noise, howling and yelling. They said we sounded like hounds of hell or something close, so we’re known as Devil Dogs. Marines are the elite, the best branch of the military. Everyone else is jealous and wish they could be us. SEALS outrank us, but most SEALS were Marines, so we get along pretty well.”

“Knowing Ryan, he would be proud to be the best, and someday he would make an amazing police officer. He looks up to you and respects you so much. I say we go for the best.”

“I know you two just got together but I’ve known him since he was a baby. I grew up with his mom, we have always been close, and she is best friends with my sister. I know him well enough to know he wouldn’t have bothered with that ring if he wasn’t sure you were the one. Are you sure you can handle having a husband who may have to keep secrets about his job? He will be gone away from home for months at a time when there is war. Training will be a couple of months of hell and separation. Bases are like family though. When your husband is gone, families team up and help each other. We take care of our own. Can you handle that, and will Ryan be willing to give up his scholarship for the Marines? Though this arrest could ruin that anyway, maybe.”