The Richling's Trip-Married To Mr. Rich Jerk 2

6. Loss.

"Grief is like the ocean, it comes in waves, ebbing and flowing. Sometimes the water is calm, and sometimes it's overwhelming. All we can do is learn to swim." - Vicki Harrison.

Chapter-6.

Sarah Reeves' POV:

Ugh! Damn! I whined and groaned aloud when I fell from my bed. Why can't I wake up normally for once in my whole existence?

Quickly getting up, I switched my alarm off by which I jolted down my bed due to its sudden voice. Stretching my body I again ended up on my bed. Only after a good 5 minutes, sudden realization happens to hit me. I jerked myself up and hurried towards my bathroom. I glanced at my clock and undoubtedly, I was horribly late. It's already dark out there and here I'm still not yet ready. Jon would come here any moment to take me to the nightclub.

Since this was an everyday type of job, I had to give up my weekend singing. I had my interest invested in it but seems like, sometimes it becomes necessary to sacrifice something or the other at random points of life and that was just it. Although I would miss humming twice a week I would certainly get over it.

Getting rid of my thoughts, I quickly wore my attire and got myself ready.

"Where's Mom, I'm leaving," I said out loudly making sure Ella heard me. I spotted her inside the kitchen; her back facing me. I frowned realizing that she was making something. Strange. Ella and cooking are like the 8th wonder to this world.

"Its been only a while since we were back from the park and I made sure she did not threw away the meds out from her window." She explained as I slightly nodded. Sometimes, its hard to make her realize the solemnity of her situation. Avoiding meds is something she often tries to do when Ella and I are not paying attention. "She should be asleep by now." Ella spoke again grabbing my concentration as she gives me a quick glance and added again in no time, "She was stressing out over a tiny issue the whole evening. I think it was about the bud vase. She whined about why it had white flowers and not the usual yellow ones." She ranted nonchalantly. I rolled my eyes at my mother's adamancy.

"I have no idea what is so important about yellow though," she shrugged and I bitterly respond right away, "You should know this by now. They were her husband's favorite." My face turned instantaneously hard as she finally spared me a glance. I continued not giving her chance to snap or even speak for that matter. "She practically forgets about me, not to forget, even my name, but she easily remembers about this irresponsible man's likes and dislikes. The despise I carry for him only reaches high." I mumbled the last part out of rage. I noticed Ella parting her lips slightly to speak; her eyes were soft and held something unusual which was kind of anti-Ella. Precisely, she felt the same as well.

The next moment, my stomach growled, giving me zero chances to decode or name her emotions. However, I have no time to eat. I strode inside the kitchen to take out a bottle of water and simmer down my hunger for a while till I reach the club which is an hour away from this house.

"Don't drink just water." Ella stopped me tilting her head sideways a little and went back to making something. My brows rose in uncertainty as I peeked through her body, to look at whatever she's been putting together. She suddenly turned giving me a swift glance as she spoke in a nonchalant tone. "I already packed your dinner, eat on your way to the club." She completed as she pointed towards a small dinner package.

I was awestruck. Did I hear it right? I remember she had not snapped or mocked tonight and on the top of it, she was inside the kitchen.

"You packed a dinner for me?" I exclaimed it distinctly, not hiding the daze and amusement in my tone.

What happened overnight!? Why is she so nice to me! She did not snap. She packed food as well. That's so beyond belief. I remember her going through a break-up but this is amazing. I hate to come out as an unkind type right now, but if a break up leads her towards humanity a bit every time, then I wish she should get them frequently.

"I thought you were getting late," Ella remarked bringing me back to life. I was yet to be registered with the current surprise, when she dropped another shock my way, "Don't be late the coming morning; I need to go. So be here before I leave for work." See. That's what I was talking about.

"Work?" My brows meeting the ceiling in the fazed state. I questioned as she turned my way switching off the flame.

"Yes. I don't want your money to survive in this house. I can make it on my own." She said in a thick voice as I nodded in realization.

Right! Of course, why not?

"And don't start to assume that I started liking you or something. I cooked that for myself." She pointed as I realized she was talking about the dinner that she had just packed. "But then, those tacos reminded me of Xander and then I thought I could just pack for you instead of wasting it. Right!" She completed leaving me staggered. Exactly. How dare of me to even think that she made an effort of cooking something like this for me. Apparently, I was happy only for a moment.

I noticed Ella placed something inside the microwave shutting the door a bit harshly than it required as she glanced my way only to find an unbelievable look that was directed towards her.

"What? I don't like the wastage of foodstuff. Now stop staring at me and run to your workplace. Your boyfriend has been waiting for you for a long time already." She hissed rolling her eyes.

I recognized she was referring to Jon here. "He's not my boyfriend." I retorted as she mimicked my statement and gave me an 'I don't believe you' look.

"He's one of my best friends," I stated, affronted and she only smirked. Damn, when would people realize that smirks are the most annoying smiles in this entire universe?

"How many do you have huh!?" She asked back in a soft mockery.

"He's gay and in a relationship with Ollie. He is the..." I stopped midway as she snickers. I glared at her, "Why am I even explaining this to you." I shook shooting her a bored stare. She chuckled. Ignoring her, I finally got out of that small place and spotted Jon waiting for me.

"You can't be late everyday Sarah." He mockingly stated once he found me entering his car.

"I agree and I apologize either." I quickly responded as he gave me a smirk.

What's wrong with everyone I'm crossing my way with? Is it necessary to smirk at me?

I am feeling more and more hatred towards smirks!

"What now?" I queried.

"You'll see my driving skills tonight!" and before I could object or react, he was on his way to the club.

"Slow down," I screamed clutching against the seat belt as a loud gasp escaped my mouth.

"Ah...don't be so dramatic Sarah darling." He chuckled wickedly, "This is normal speed." He smirked glancing my way making me scowl at him.

"Shut up and slow down you pig." I hissed landing a punch against his arm. "And stop smirking too. I hate it already." I hissed again.

"You mean a cute pig right!?" He ignored my last sentence and laughed at his own joke and I glared at him followed by a punch on his arm again.

"Okay fine, stop being loud and violent." He teased gaining a cheeky smile from me.

A while later, Jon's mobile started ringing. He avoided it for the first time but it again buzzed.

"Take it. I'm not listening." I teased and he took a swift glance my way. Slightly nodding, he connected his Bluetooth.

"Yes." I heard him speak.

"No. We're on our way already." He added.

"Yeah, she was late as usual." He mocked almost rolling his eyes and I passed him a dirty glare. He let out a sheepish grin that made me smile.

He went back to talking and I assumed it was probably Ollie at the other end. In order to entertain myself, I glanced outside rolling down the glass window. A genuine smile took over my expressions when the natural cold breeze touched every inch of my dull and pale face.

However, I wish I could be more relaxed for a few more moments as unfortunately, my gaze fell on a particular flatter house and that helped my smile to weaken away instantly. This thing irks me whenever I pass this street on the way to my workplace every day.

"What happened?" I was brought back to life by Jon. Seems like he hung up already. I shrugged a little, letting him know that I was fine at the moment, while I really wasn't.

Points of human life!

Ryden's Parker's POV:

Upon hearing the curtains being removed and the sunlight which hit directly on my eyes, I parted my eyelids which happened to be still heavy as I readjusted my vision. Instantly, I found mom's back as she glanced outside. She seemed so lost in her thoughts, admiring the view from my window. She always loved my room for anyone can have a clear look at the garden down there. She is so fond of nature, flowers, and scents.

My mother, Rhea Parker is a peace loving person.

I climbed out of my bed and suddenly felt a massive headache and instantaneously, I clutched my temples with my both palms tightly. Groaning and hissing over the pain, I landed myself at the foot of my bed. By now, she realized me awake as she jolted my way making long strides as she sat beside me.

"How are you feeling, sweetheart?" She questioned placing her loving motherly touch on my forehead, probably checking my temperature.

"I'm fine," I replied trying to get up but she dragged me down making me sit on my bed.

"No. You're not." She sighed shaking her head in utter disappointment. Before I could retort, she started again. "Look at you, what is wrong with you?" She gave me a poignant stare and all over again, I felt disturbed.

I know what will be her next words. "You are behaving like you have nothing else left. Life must go on son. Get over it!" She cried only to get a fake clueless look from me. "What are you talking about? I'm good." I voiced out giving her a faint smile.

Sighing audibly, she added as I finally got up facing the other side, not wanting her to witness my openness. "Take out your hassle and depression. Trust me, you will feel well again." Mom attempted to help me through her words but oy to get my ignorance. However, she wasn't one of those who gives up easily, not at all. She started again in a concerned tone of voice, "Don't keep your feelings to yourself, take them out. It would definitely lessen the amount of pain you have been carrying since these past days. You can't stay like this forever for the rest of your life!" She exclaimed loudly finally losing in the end, this time.

I wanted to speak, but she added again, "You act exactly like your Dad when I married him." She said gaining my attention. "He showed himself as a conceited, unkind and emotionless person but from the inside, he was so lovable, caring and amazing man." She paused thinking something, probably reminiscing about Dad being such a pain for her at the starting point of their married life. I know everything about their life so far. I remember Nana used to banter in front of Dad while we met him during the weekends.

Honestly, whatever might be the reason, but Dad should not have forced her to marry and treat her like that. And I believe it was Mom who was so patient and easy for him and handled all of his behaviors. She did not deserve such attitude from him. In fact, no one should. I wanted to clear it in front of her though. I wasn't being arrogant. I have just distanced myself, not intending to show my defenseless stance recently.

"Don't create this other unfeeling side of you, son," Mom's anxious voice brought me back to reality as she stood to face me. "It will lead to nothing at the end." She completed with a light tap on my shoulder as she waited for my reaction which never came for her. However, I slightly nodded in an understanding manner which was a forceful one, obviously. I was in no mood to discuss my angst or misery now.

Nodding slightly and summoning up a slight smile on her face, she advanced her steps towards the door to leave me alone.

"And I forgot to mention about your meeting at the office today. Your Dad asked me to let you know about it. He sounded as if it's really important." She informed all at once and smiled brightly like the serious talk never happened a few moments ago.

How does she manage to smile all the time?

"But he said he is taking care of that?" I questioned as she shrugged. "I have other agencies to take care of. They need more attention." I muttered aloud.

"I have no idea, baby." She teased, her eyes showing the hidden smirk. "Why don't you join him for the breakfast today? Ask him by yourself." She stated nonchalantly as I glared at her.

"What!" She played innocent.

"Baby!?" I hissed. "Look at me. I have told you a thousand times not to call me by that. I'm not a baby anymore! And please, don't even slip that thing out in front of Rachel." I horrifyingly uttered mentally thinking about her cringe names for me. "You can't trust that thing in your life." I hissed again and she smirked followed by a soft giggle.

"That thing is called your baby sister okay. I will take care from next time though." She gave an apologetic look which was not genuine at all. "Alright baby?" She added again and before I could say anything, she disappeared out of my room door.

Mom!

She behaves like a child sometimes. My mood suddenly dropped when her words replayed in my mind. It was one of her multiple attempts to let me feel the way I used to be. Shirley really took away my glee along with her. I mean this is really so hard for me. How in the heck am I supposed to carry on when someone I love is no longer with me? I can't hold her, I cannot touch her and mostly, I cannot seem to forget about her. Don't they get that? I love her. She touched my heart every time she smiled and mostly, she made me feel loved. Of course my people do care for me but however, I never showed what I felt regarding her absence in my life and therefore, mom thinks I was restraining my agony to myself; not letting it out, which is completely true.

°°°°°°

Even though I couldn't open my eyes, I knew I was awake. My throat was dry and I felt as if I have been deprived of liquids for eternity. The next moment, I heard a loud gasp as someone called my name. I wanted to respond, but my will to reply was way too less in front of my defenseless state. My eyelids have never been so heavy and I just couldn't move my lips in time.

Upon feeling someone's hands on mine, I tried harder to part my eyes. Following it, I realized that it was my mother, Rhea Parker. I adjusted my vision against the shrill lights as I squinted my gaze.

"Ryden," I knew that voice. It belonged to my mother. "Baby, thank god! Can you hear me?" She spoke again, her tone expressing her vulnerability.

I blinked again finally gathering it all as I came across mom's pale, tear-stained face. I recognized she wasn't alone. There were people around me. A team of doctors and nurses, guiding each other and checking my physical state. One of them had an injection in their hand, another one guided the buttons of the monitors and the others had green scrubs over them and another one checking my body.

I registered it for everything. I wasn't home. It was a hospital, of course, the doctors and all. The sounds that were deprived suddenly intensified. And it all came back. The dread and fear, the truck, Shirley's head hunched over and her bloodstained face; everything. I looked aside and to my utter disappointment, I was alone. She wasn't anywhere nearer to me, bringing back the discomfort and terror within me.

"Mom," my voice croaked out as an unknown hand presses my hand against the bed and before I could complete, Mom cuts me off, "Stay calm baby, you really need to be free from the stress."

I tried what she had said. I tried to be calm but the more I did, the more Shirley's face that had covered with blood came in front of my eyes and the fact that she was missing in this room made it difficult. Tears started to well up in my eyes as I close my eyes. It only meant something negative or scary. She had so much blood covered on her face.

"Mom," I attempted again, "Where is Shirley? I need to see her." I desperately pleaded.

"I am afraid, Mr. Parker. I'm sorry to say but because of the complex condition of your hip, you certainly face difficulties to carry on with the wheelchair." The doctor informed with a practised nod making me growl in frustration.

"She will be fine. You stay suppressed honey," Mom assured again as she controlled a sob and holding my hand. She squeezed it. I tried to keep my breathing normal, but I miserably failed. I closed my eyes again as I let it all go. I let the tears fall down my cheeks as Mom held my hand again in reassurance. Short little hiccups escaped my mouth and then, I felt weak. My vision turned blurry again and blackness engulfed me.

I had woken up again and it took me a while to register it in my head, all over again. It was clear this time, though. There weren't many people. Only Mom who was busy with her phone. The moment she found me awake, it fell off as she rushed my way.

"How are you feeling, darling?" she asked as she kissed my forehead.

"I feel numb," I growled.

"It'll be alright. Have patience." she faintly expressed.

"How serious my condition is. I can't move my legs without investing much effort, is it much serious, did I lose my legs it what?" I questioned as she instantaneously shook her head, "Not at all. It's just the drugs I guess. You got so many messed up bones." she shifted closer. "You were out for almost two days," she added with a sad smile.

"What else do I have in store?" I questioned again.

"Your left leg has a dislodged kneecap and a broken calf. And you've nearly every possible bone broken to your right one."

"You were lucky, son." she kissed my head again as a small smile appeared on her lips.

"And what about Shirley? She's fine right?" I impatiently uttered, my heart hoping to hear something too positive but the worry on Mom's face made it obvious to me.

"I need to know." I voiced out shakily as she sighed. Mom hesitated to speak, and that gave me the perfect reason to feel terrible. Before speaking, she closed her eyes, trying to suppress something.

With a pained expression, she finally spoke, "She is in the coma, it's persistent. Her head--" she stopped. Her lips quivered as she gazed at our hands. It was difficult for her. I could say. "She had her left leg and arm broken. Shoulder dislocation and ruptured lungs." she finishes as she bit her lip.

I looked at her. The tears threatened to fall again as I cried, "I need to see her. Right now." my failed attempts at moving made me realize how hopeless and helpless I was with my body.

"You cannot, Ryden," Mom exclaimed with pure concern. "Haven't you heard what doctors had said before. You can't even move for god sake." I felt bad for making her go through that as she wiped her tears.

"There has to be a way, Mom. I can't stay like this knowing--" before I finish, she cut it short.

"She's in a coma, Ryden. It is--" she trailed off as I frowned.

"What Mom?" I added in hysteria.

"It is her head," she added in a slow tentative voice; trying to figure out if I could take it or not.

"I am listening, mother," I demanded.

"It is hard and severe. The swellings inside her head are too severe, they say. It's too complex." she completed with a sigh as she instantly looked my way.

I could hear my heart beating rapidly. My veins turned cold and I could feel it inside my ears. Something about it felt too odd; not at all right.

"You don't stress yourself, honey." Mom tried to assure again.

"She could make it, right. Tell me she is out of danger, Mom." I asked her desperately. She hesitated again and this is not a good sign.

"They need to control it as soon as possible. It's really hard to say when she'd wake up." she bit her lip again as she rubbed my arm soothingly, making sure I was alright. How could I ever be? After knowing all this s**t about Shirley, I could hardly breathe.

"It was all me," I muttered.

"What do you mean?" Mom reacted right away carrying a frown on her forehead.

"I shouldn't have let her drive. I should have known. I should have been cautious." I continuously blamed myself.

"Shut up. There's nothing like that." Mom warned as she got up. "Stop everything and take rest. It's enough alright," she demanded as she straightened my sheets.

It really tore me apart. It broke me. I felt so weak, to hold it all inside and I couldn't stop the traitors streaming on my face.

My eyesight blurred, but not because tears were welled up, everything was fuzzy. My consciousness was floating. It's horrible; knowing Shirley is somewhere close in this building, fighting for her life and I couldn't be with her.

Mom comforted me, speaking words of reassurance but comfort is what lacked for whatever I felt within the moment.

°°°°°°

I had this little hope and wish when she was still lying on that hospital bed fighting for each breath she took. But now, when she is no more, I don't feel anything. All I care about is my family. I can't behave like me even if I want to. It seems so hard now. At the end of the day, I cannot escape from thinking about my own contributions to this company and what it means to me. I realized my normal existence means at least anything to someone and that is what makes me go on. All I know is that I care for my people that are only Mom, Dad and my little sister, Rachel.

I pretend to be usual and happy but never after Shirley's death, I talked about her in front of them nor did I let them talk to me. Mom is exclusion. She says those things oftentimes, but my answer would and will be the same, for how long, I don't know.

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