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

5. Rich Guy.

"Heal yourself first, the rest will come later." - via (www.livelifehappy.com), Pinterest.

Chapter-5.

Ryden Parker's POV:

With shaky legs and sweaty palms, I managed to drive myself towards the hospital which had been a second home for Shirley for this past couple of years.

A call disturbed me making me grumble a little by its sudden noise and upon seeing the caller ID, my face only grimaced. It was Dad. And that made me realize I left my office while my presence was much needed. His call reminded me about the meeting with the board of directors which was due today but at this time nothing made sense to me.

He always wanted me to move on and I had always said that I would try to, though I knew it was hard. There's not a day where I haven't hoped about her recovery, she should come back alive but they were mere hopes, which resided inside me.

I heaved in a long, unreleased sigh. My breathing turned heavy as I rapidly kill the distance and my heart pounded against my chest when Keith's words from a few hours back that adamantly refused to leave my mind. My will to stay all collected was utterly against me.

Rushing towards her room and dreadfully catching my breath, I placed my wobbly hand on the doorknob. At this moment, twisting a knob and entering a room seemed so difficult for me. I never realized Shirley made me this weak. Love was supposed to make a person stronger. But here I am turning shaky and feeble each passing second. Why can't I find the heart of walking in and probably find her lifeless who used to be the reason behind my cheer? She made my heart beat rapidly and now she made me fragile. She had been making me weak for these past two years. Why couldn't she just give me what I want?

And now I hear about her leaving me alone forever. My mind is going to explode.

I don't know what I am even thinking right now and if it even made sense. Finally slanting the knob, I shut my eyes tight and walked in. Parting my eyelids, I could only see an empty bed. Panic and anxiety ran through my whole body as I moved closer. I checked the washroom too, though I don't know why I did. I am already on my way to lose my sanity. Or I already did.

"Where's Shirley?" I asked taking nervous breaths as the cleaner who arranged everything into the place eyed me weirdly but soon her expression changed realizing my state.

"Someone from her family just signed all the final papers and the hospital authorities handed him the body." He informed as he went back continuing his work.

My heart was pumping in my chest hearing his words. I could not seem to believe. My mind refused to cooperate. It all started in the back of my mind. It started playing all the memories I had with her. The way she made me laugh when I was stressed or low.. Somehow, I prevented the signs of my misery to fall down my cheeks but now, it seems so hard. A lone tear made its way from my left eye. There was no stopping them. It felt as if a piece of my heart has been taken away.

She's gone. She wasn't coming back. I would never be going to hear her voice again or see her smile again. At that moment, I broke down more. I couldn't imagine continuing my life without her.

+++++

I stood a bit far away from everyone as the rain droplets perfectly masked my distress. I experienced this pain of someone leaving me forever earlier too when Nana left as I just had entered my teen years. And today the same feeling settled inside, if not, only more, looking at her lifeless figure being graved, taking her away from me forever.

Hiding the reddening of my eyes using my shades, I stood there for some more time.

I wanted to cry and my heart felt so heavy. I wanted to shout louder and louder in order to get this pain out of my chest. Why this thing hurts.

A sighed once I noticed Keith coming my way furiously. He stood in front of me, his eyes denounced my way giving me those accusing stare which I believe would never leave me alone from now. And somewhere deep down, I started agreeing with him. I was supposed to take care of her and what have I done instead.

Taking a swift turn and settling myself in my car, I drove away. I want to be alone, away from the people I knew. I can't let them witness my vulnerability to any more extent.

No matter what, to the outer world, I'm someone who had always had it all. It's no secret that I was thriving in my career and living in one of the vibrant, sought out cities of the world and making huge amounts of money every day. Yet, that's all isn't enough. If only they knew.

I'm so depressed and clueless. I still can't get over the feeling I got when all of this deprivation started. The feeling of helplessness, finding myself cold and heavy and the cool liquid running inside my system, lying being so powerless. Not able to move my hand, my head or my body is the worst thing to ever experience. And when I finally gained power, it only broke, to watch her already drifting back to deep sleep.

Sarah Reeves' POV:

"I'm leaving," I shouted standing in the doorway as I glance down at my wristwatch. I don't want to be late again to work. I'm the bartender girl. Obviously, I had no knowledge about serving and mixing drinks and invention of the cocktails, but past these two months, I've been observing Ollie and his ways and methods as a bartender.

Jon introduced me to Ollie while I was sulking and brooding over not able to find a better job. There were many of them but I needed better payment in return and this nightclub where I was helping Ollie was the best.

They both met at a common friend's party and soon they hit it off. They claim themselves to be together now.

Of course, it's not the best job I could get but for now, when I desperately need one, it would be the better and knowing Ollie by now, he is a darling. I'm pleased to know that it was not the kind of place where you often encounter perverts. And I'm thankful to Jon for that. It was him who helped me in getting this.

Where had she been? I murmured when there was still no trace of Ella. I am late.

"Ella," I called out in an annoyed tone this time.

"Why are you shouting?" Her irritated voice could be heard surprisingly from behind as she emerged from the outside.

"You weren't at home all this while?" I asked in horror as she was dressed in formal attire. "Where you're coming from by the way?" I asked right back before she could reply to my previous query.

Knowing Ella, I bet she will ever find herself a job. She is the kind of girl who would love to have fun using her rich boyfriend to her fullest. I wonder how she ever managed to get one, not that I'm jealous or something like that, but it's just mind-boggling.

"Does it matter?" She raised her brows giving me the most famous quirky look.

"Yeah, right. I forgot who I was talking to!" I shook my head as I walked past her.

"Ah, don't act hurt baby sister," she hissed in soft mockery. "I was with Xander. He broke up with me." Her voice turned evidently parched as she tilted her head avoiding looking at me directly. For a moment, I was just staring at her. "You can let it out, you know," I stated gaining a grimace from her. Though, I continued, "And I might pretend I never witnessed your whining and exposure. I promise." She wryly smiled making me chuckle a bit. It was the second time she ever showed her emotion regarding her feelings, her expression was softer, unlike all the times where she always likes to bicker about smaller things. By the way, first was when Mom walked all by herself to the next street talking to herself. She was supposed to take care of her but upon realizing that she failed in to do that, she was so panicked.

I noticed her biting her bottom lip as her eyes curled up with what I grasped was irritation mixed with annoyance. "Are you going to cry now?" I inquired stupidly, "I mean I have to be prepared in case, you know," I did not realize that could make her snicker a little.

"Just know that I am feeling a lot on the inside," Ella finally expressed as I take a step forward. Maybe she wanted a hug. Just as I thought it was okay, she soon added, "But crying would be the last thing I would choose. My mascara is way too expensive to ruin it." She finished with a smirk as I give her a look containing incredulity.

However, I spoke, "That makes sense for you though," I shrugged. "Exactly? What else do you think? Do you think; I would give in and seek your comfort and hugs then? A horrible decision by my part. Really. Oh Sarah, were better than this!" Ella derided opting for a dramatic roll of her eyes as I immediately glared at her.

"Of course. I again forgot who I was talking to, Ella. Forgive me, okay?" I ridiculed making her snort.

It wasn't that easy as I thought. At least, I try to get nearer, guess it is no happening. However, she might show us the bitter side but I know that in her heart, she deeply cares for her. And by that I mean, only Mom. I'm not at all sure about me.

Brushing off of my head everything, I continued looking at her.

"No big deal sissy," she shrugged like really it doesn't matter, "By the way did you check the mails on the table." He tone suddenly turned serious as I frowned. She added, "One of them was from Mr. Dexter. Take care of it sooner. It's better to repay sooner. I don't want to be involved in a civil lawsuit. Make it quick sister." She tapped my cheek and I glared at her.

"You call yourself his daughter too. Mind offering a bit of help, big sister?" I mocked as she made a face of disapproval.

"Next month for sure. I don't really have savings now." She shrugged and I glared at her.

"Of course you don't," I derisively said as she chuckled leaving me angrier.

"I thought you were getting late." She smirked and her sudden change of expressions only made me stare at her in mistrust. But soon, I found myself rushing towards the stop. I wish I didn't miss my bus. However, I did miss it and now I have to pay extra fare for the taxi.

All because of Ella. I found myself disturbed again, thinking about the emails from that Dexter guy. I have to pay the monthly fee. Times like these make me feel more revulsion for my father and sometimes even more, for bringing Ella home. Gosh, why everything is so complicated?

Damn her!

+++++

"I'll be right back. Jon wants me there." Ollie informed as his gaze stopped at a particular corner where I spotted Jon and a few another group of people. I waved at him so did he waved us back. His gaze followed towards Ollie as he blew him a flying kiss.

"He is here with a few of his 'new' friends and wants to introduce me to them." He paused smiling in admiration. They really make a sweet and good couple. "Take care of this guy. He is a big shot." Ollie grinned winking as he pointed me towards my left, where this guy had been staring at the counter in front of him. By the looks and attire, he seemed pretty rich and his hair was a mess. The black suit he was wearing was all crumpled and the shirt beneath was also not very much arranged. It has been a while and he is like this; drowning himself into alcohol. Ollie tapped my cheek and then vanished in the crowd in front of me.

"One more please." The guy in front of me slammed his glass against the counter as I refilled his glass again. Usually, people like him are spotted upstairs there, not here in the common area. He had an expensive looking suit on and the watch he wore would cost me my entire life's salary and his eyes made it more mystifying about him. He wasn't completely smashed yet but if he doesn't stop right away, then I doubt if he could ever make it out from here.

I look around all over the place and it was so crowded. Of course, these clubs and bars are always crowded when it is the weekend time. I was poignant that I had to work at a place like this. I don't like being around loud and noisy atmosphere. Apart from the VIP section, people throw themselves on each other.

I miss working at the gym. It felt like I was permanently comfortable there. Anthony was really a good man and he genuinely was nice to everyone who worked there as trainers. He was my friend and I was working there since he started it and it's quite difficult for me to accept the fact that he is really no more and it was disturbing too. Finding this job was a difficult thing to do. I was refusing to this one when Jon suggested but the unpaid bills reminded me of the burdened need for money in my life.

I was disturbed by my thoughts when the ringing of someone's phone brought me back to the current scenario. I wouldn't be back to reality but since this rich guy was right in front of me, I could hear his fade iPhone ringtone.

He almost dropped it while trying to look at the caller ID. I had nothing important and interesting to do at the moment and so I found myself just looking at him. He ignored the buzzing sound as he fished it deep inside his suit pocket. He does not look like a regular drinker, but again, I can't be so sure. The call was back again and this time he placed it beside his glass on the table without caring to switch it off or preventing it from ringing.

"Another one." He commanded this time as he banged the glass on the counter grabbing a couple more attention around him. I stared at him for some reason. His eyes were glassy and even in his liable state, he managed to snap at me giving me a pointed stare. "I said I want another glass of this." He pointed at the bottle from which I have been pouring him the drink. He gulped it down as his eyes gave it away.

A while later, he ordered again and as per my job demanded, I obliged. I served him but before he could drink it, he collapsed. His head rested carelessly on the counter table and at the same time, there was the sudden ringing of his phone, again.

I looked around and there was nobody accompanying him. I decided to tell the manager about it. He has completely lost it. I shook him, trying to get him back to senses but it was of no use. He was totally out.

I managed to pay no heed to it for a while but the phone continued ringing like an alarm. I know that it was not the nice thing to do but somehow, my hand reached out for it and pressed the answer button. The word 'Dad' was shown on the screen. Before I could speak, the person started speaking in a frantic tone, not giving me a chance to let him know that it was me, a bartender and not his son.

"Where the hell are you Ryden and why haven't you been answering my calls!? Your Mom is worried. Get back here at the mansion for heaven's sake!" The worried voice finally stopped for a second and I forced myself to speak.

"Uh...I don't know why I received this. I'm so sorry but he is not in a position to react to anything. I am the bartender of the club where he could be found completely wasted." I replied stuttering, not sure if I did was right or not.

"What!?" That was the only reaction I got. There was a moment of silence from the other end and I didn't intend to interfere further.

"Thank you." The person from the other end sighed and the line suddenly went dead.

I pursed my lips keeping the phone back near his head and shaking him lightly, precisely a failed attempt to stir him up. Finally giving up, I backed away leaving him alone.

"Thank you so much." The person whom I assumed him as this rich guy's father appreciated for taking his call as he tried to wake him up, who was still in his deep sleep. "I can't believe this," I noticed the man twisting his eyes in displeasure and discontent. "Ryden, wake up." He reluctantly shook him by his shoulders. "Can I have a glass of water please?" He asked as I slightly nodded.

I always presumed, that rich people carry invisible horns and that makes them superior and so they treat people like trash. That's what I thought actually while working at Anthony's gym. It was quite popular among the rich guys and they often showed themselves up and treated others like trash sometimes. So those made me carry such opinion. However, this man was quite different. He was nice and appreciated me for my actions. He did not dismiss me either. There was no egotism or even a glint of insolence.

"I can't believe her death would affect him this much and he ended up here, out of all the places. This is really unbelievable." He murmured observing his son's condition and shook his head disapprovingly.

Well, that probably explains why he chose to lose himself by consuming this much amounts of alcohol.

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