Things Have Changed For Me [SEQUEL TO FORM A MOUNTAIN]

Chapter Sixteen

I ended up staying at Kendall's house for almost two weeks because I didn't want to leave and they didn't want me to leave either. Kendall and I woke up on a Wednesday morning and I realized I should probably go because school was only about a week or so away. Kendall called Ryan and Brendon who came over to her house to see me off. 

"Come back soon" Brendon said as he hugged me. 

"I second that" Kendall said as she cried against my shoulder. I hugged her tight and wouldn't let go. I hated this, I loved them but I hated the situation. I needed to get back here as soon as possible but a visit would have to wait until November most likely because that was our first three day weekend. Kendall finally let go so that Ryan could have his turn at saying goodbye. 

"My guest room is yours if you need it, hell use my bed if you want!" Kendall said. 

"Don't worry" Ryan said "We'll save that for next time"

Kendall hugged me again before going inside with Brendon. It was just Ryan and I in the driveway alone for one of the only times during this visit. We sat down and he just held me. 

"You know I want this to work as long as possible" he whispered. 

"Yes Ryan" I replied. 

I didn't want to leave his arms, I couldn't. What was I supposed to do if I had a bad day at school or if I just wanted to be with him? This was going to be so difficult. 

"Babe, you should go" he said after an hour of just sitting on the ground together. 

"No" I protested as I clung to him. 

"Peyton, you're strong. I'm strong. We have to be strong for each other" he said. He picked me up off the ground and held me draped in his arms like I was a baby. I looked up at him and ran a finger down his jaw line. I started crying, not knowing when I would get to touch him or see him again. 

"I can't let you drive like this" he said. 

"I'll be fine" I whimpered "Plus how would you get home?"

"Promise you'll call as soon as you're in the driveway?"

"I promise" I said. 

He crashed his lips to mine and I kissed back. I wanted to stay here so bad, fuckin' education. We finally pulled apart, I got in the car, and drove off. I couldn't look back or my heart would break even more. 

THREE DAYS LATER

BRENDON'S POV

Kendall and I hadn't seen Ryan in days. He hadn't left his house, hadn't called us, and his mom said he hadn't even picked up his guitar. We were supposed to have band practice but we understood that he was feeling really vulnerable right now. Kendall suggested we go try to cheer him up but I didn't think it would help. Regardless we borrowed her mom's car and drove over to his house. His sister let us in and we went up to his room. 

"Ry?" Kendall knocked on his door "Ryan?"

We didn't get an answer so we just went in. He was laying face down on his bed near a trashcan full of tissues. His guitar was in the corner of the room, untouched. There was sheet music everywhere and it was tear stained. Oh my fuck, he'd been crying!

"Ryan?" I said. He didn't move; fuck, he was dead. 

Kendall sat next to him on the bed but he still didn't move. He coughed but that was the only sign of life we got out of him. 

"Babe it's not use" I said. 

"I think you're right. We'll try again in a few days"

Kendall awkwardly hugged his destroyed body before getting up and leaving with me. We went back to the car and just sat there. 

"Fuck" she said. 

"Yeah" I replied. 

"What should we do?" she asked. 

"Just leave him. He misses her, a lot. He'll either buck up or be depressed until she comes back, and I feel like it's going to be the second option"

"We have to help, Brendon. He's our friend!"

"He is but right now we need to let him be"

"You do know him best" she said. 

She started the car and we left Ryan to choke on his misery.