Page 101 of Tiny Fractures
“We’re trying to figure out what to do tonight,” Zack says. “Shane’s working, so the beach house isn’t an option. But I talked to Steve and he thought maybe we should catch a movie.”
“Oh, I like that idea.” Vada screws her bottle of candy apple-red nail polish closed. All ten of her toes are beautifully painted, as are mine thanks to Vada’s polishing skills.
“Awesome,” Zack says. “Steve was out and about somewhere, but we checked and there’s a seven o’clock showing of some movie Steve said he wanted to see. Maybe we could grab some food beforehand.”
We’re all on board with that idea. Vada calls Steve and confirms the plan.
“Okay, so we’ll meet you at Javier’s in an hour,” she tells Steve, then reminds him she loves him before hanging up the phone.
I try to call Ronan to see if he’s up for a movie, but he doesn’t pick up. My text goes unanswered as well.
“Do you guys mind if we stop by Ran’s house really quick? I can’t get ahold of him,” I ask into the room, and am met with unanimous head-nodding.
***
We pull up to Ronan’s house fifteen minutes later. His car is here, so he must be as well. Zack, Summer, Vada, and I clamber out of Zack’s car and, walking up to the front door, I can spot Ronan in the kitchen through the window. My heart speeds up at seeing his face and I increase my pace as I step up to the front door to knock.
“Hey,” Ronan says, surprise in his voice and a smile on his lips when he opens the front door for us. “What are you guys doing here?” He steps back, holding the door open, and allows us into the hallway.
“Well, we’re checking on you because you’re apparently not answering your phone,” Vada says, poking her index finger into Ronan’s chest.
He gives her a quizzical look.
“I was trying to call you,” I say. “We thought we’d head to a movie and I wanted to check if you can come.”
He pulls me into a gentle hug and kisses my lips softly. “Sorry, baby, I…” he starts, but is interrupted.
“Well, hello everyone,” Ronan’s mom says. She walks down the stairs dressed in her light-blue scrubs, her hair in a long braid. She really is a beautiful woman, and her green eyes are exactly the same color as Ronan’s.
Vada, Zack, Summer, and I greet her politely.
She turns her attention to Ronan. “I’m heading out,” she says, her tone noticeably cooler. “I’m working a twenty-four-hour shift, and I expect everything to be done by the time I get back tomorrow evening.”
Ronan just nods.
She raises her hand as a quick see-you-later to us, then heads out the door.
Ronan sighs, and his eyes return to mine. “I can’t go to the movies tonight,” he says, and there’s defeat in his voice.
“Oh, come on, Ran,” Zack says, his tone teasing. “You can finish whatever she wants you to do later, can’t you?”
“No, really, I have to get it done now. You guys go ahead,” he says, and strokes his thumb across my cheek.
“Jeez, Ran, I didn’t take you for such a momma’s boy,” Zack jokes, and Ronan’s body tenses.
“How about I stay here with you?” I say.
Ronan’s eyes soften. “No, you should go and have fun.”
I search his eyes. There’s sadness and frustration reflected in them. I put my hands on his chest. “If it’s okay with you, I’d like to stay here with you. Please?”
He nods. “Okay.”
“Are you guys sure?” Vada asks, and I assure her that I would actually prefer to stay with Ronan than be the fifth wheel at dinner and a movie. So, the three of them head out to meet up with Steve at this little Mexican restaurant not too far from the theater.
“I feel terrible,” Ronan says once Vada, Zack, and Summer are gone. His hands rest on my hips while mine are laced around his neck.
“Don’t! I promise, I want to be here with you. I’ll choose being with you over going to a movie with friends anytime. Plus, maybe I can help you get whatever you need to get done sooner?”