[when your heart] stops beating., {ridley}

[Ryan Jake Harring]

This felt weird for the twenty three year old. After four years of being around Sororitys and fraternitys, you would have thought the twenty three year old would have got used to it. But no, he wasn't. He would rather do anything else then come to this place. But Ridley lived here, and he really needed her help right now. So, he pulled up in the driveway in his impala. Hollie in the front seat talking about something she had done in school that week. Ryan finished off his conversation with her. RYan would talk with her all the time, it helped alot in developing her skill and such. So did reading, he had always red with her, even when she had crawled into his bed at eleven becuase she had a nightmare, and she was scared. Ryan would read his car magazine to her. Even thought she wans't in someway Ridley was the girls mother, keeping her on the girly side of life.

After she finished what she had to say, Ryan and Hollie got out of the car, and he got her disney princess suitcase out of the back seat. Yeh, he had to carry that around. Hollie took her backpack which had some more stuff in it. Ryan had been kicked out of his apartment. He had missed rent and the rent he did pay wasn't full. Hollie had been ill a couple of times, so he had to look after her, missing work and not gettng paid. It was only for the night he was gonna ask Ridley if she would watch her. He didn't trust anyone else. Ryan would just sleep in the car or something. Walking through the hall way down to the bedroom, Ryan knocked on it gently. It was only eight pm, not too late. Luckily Hollie didn't know what was going on, the fact that they were now officially homeless.

[Ridley Penelope Vreeland]

Ridley was working on some last minute school work for her Physical Science class. It was part of her Minor program Pediatrics. Since, she does love kids, but it's got nothing to do with the fact that she's got one of her own, Emily. Laying out on her bed with her books spread out around her, looking through her textbooks for the answers to the questions that she had to answer in an essay format. Sometimes, she hated writing essay style answers to questions just because it would take forever to finish the assignment. But, of course what else could she expect out of a medical program? Nothing, but perfection. Because, if you weren't then there's no getting your state license for the practice.

Emily was watching one of her favorite Disney movies, Beauty and the Beast. This was actually one of Ridley's favorites too when she was growing up. Just the story itself about love, and good vs. evil. But, the one that was Ridley's ultimate favorite Disney movie was Pochantus. She thought, that Pochantus was so, beautiful with her black hair and the fact that she tried to help the people she loved. It was just a wonderful story and Ridley loved it. But, as she thought about this there was a knock on her bedroom door.

Ridley looked towards the door and got up from her bed. Wearing her pajamas which consisted of pajama shorts and a light blue tank. Opening up the door and seeing the last person that she thought would come to this house was Ryan and Hollie was with him. Ridley was kinda shocked, "H-Hey, what are you doing?"

[Ryan Jake Harring]

When she opened the door, Ryan was startled to see her in her pyjamas. Okay, so he took a quick look, but he was a typical guy, and she was so hot. Not that he had ever told her that he was possibly in love with her and that he was scared to do something about it becuase that meant something bad was going to happen to her. Ryan seemed to have that effect on people. Well, it was what he thought. Even since Sadie he just, froze up with his emotions. Except for Hollie. You had to see him in dad mode to actually believe that he could feel something. "Hey." He replied and as he looked down to Hollie who was holding onto his hand tightly. It was so small comapred to his.

"I'm sorry, I know I should have called. But, can I come in for a second? I need to ask a favour. A huge one." He nodded and looked down to Hollie who was looking up at him, her gaze not moving what so ever. He gave her a reassuring smile that everything was going to be fine. She could probably sense something was up. Letting go of her hand, Ryan just picked her up and held her close. He was scared. He didn't have anywhere to live, and it wouldn't be as bad if it was just him but the guy had a daughter. He didn't speak to his parents so he had no one else to look after her but Ridley.

[Ridley Penelope Vreeland]

Ridley looked at Ryan something about his face made her think that something was wrong. Shaking her head, "No, it's ok. Come in." Ridley took a few steps backward opening the door more for the two of them to come in. "Emily, look who's here!" Ridley called out to her and once she did Emily came running into the room. Seeing Hollie, Emily grabbed her hand and took her into the play room where the television was. Ridley smiled and shook her head once again, but she couldn't blame her, since Ridley used to do the same thing when friends would come over when she was little.

Ridley looked back to Ryan noticing the Disney princess suitcase. "So, what's going on? Is something wrong?" Knowing Ridley she has to ask because this wasn't like Ryan to bring Hollie over here with her little suitcase. It just didn't seem right to her. So, being the nosey self that she was she asked him. Ridley walked back over to her bed and started to close her textbooks and notebooks. Putting them on her desk that was on the otherside of the room.

[Ryan Jake Harring]

Ryan watched Emily take Hollie into the playroom. Wow. They just had, the apartment as one huge playroom. Damn, this place was getting posher and posher the more times he visited. He smiled at her and waved as she walked away. Putting his hand back in his pockets, Ry left the suitcase by the door as he followed her through into the dorm. Wow, she really looked gorgeous. And not just becuase she was in her pyjamas. When she asked what was wrong, Ryan sighed and then realised it was bad idea, and he shouldn't of come here. But, he was here now, and Hollie had to come before his pride.

"Uh, well." He started then looked down to the floor. How was he suppose to say it? How was he suppose to tell one of the richest girls in the college that the guy who liked her couldn't even afford to keep an apartment. "I need Hollie to stay for the night. If you can't, then it's fine. Just say." He told her, knowing that he couldn't just expect someone to look after his daughter. "Just one night, I'll pay-" Wait. He couldn't pay her. "I'll make it up to you." He nodded quietly.

[Ridley Penelope Vreeland]

Ridley had put her textbooks and notebooks on the desk. Turning around to face Ryan as he had finally started to tell her what was going on. Well, not really all he did say was if Hollie could stay here for a night. And it was that question that made her even more curious. Although, Ryan seemed to be a little reluctant to talk about it so, she didn't want to argue with him at the moment so, she left this matter alone for now. But, she just couldn't get it out of her head, she knew something was wrong.

Walking towards her bed, and sitting down upon it. "Sure, that's no problem, I know Emily would love it. Tell me if I'm out of line here, but is everything ok?" This was just something she had to know, but if Ryan didn't feel like telling her then that would be okay too. Ridley knew that Emily would love the fact that Hollie would be staying for the night.

[Ryan Jake Harring]

Ryan smiled appreciativly when Ridley said that Hollie could stay there for the night. "Thanks, it's really helping me out." He nodded and looked around the room. It was, comftable, he would give her that. Hell knows what he was going to do, find another apartment? Bunk with some of his college friends? But what about Hollie? Maybe he should just give up on college and go into full work. It would make sense, well not really seen as he was so close to graduating and getting a degree. Something his father told him he would never get when he went to tell him that Sadie was pregnant. Hell knows why he did that, he just thought they might be able to patch things up, or atleast get on a good term.

Is everything okay? It made Ryan smirk. "Okay?" He asked laughing a little as he sat down on a chair and just stared at the floor. Should he tell her? I mean, he never intended too, but she might of had some good advice for him. "...I lost the apartment." He said quietly, not looking up to Ridley. How was he gonna be able too? Even when he tried his damn best it wasn't enough to get through in life. Oh when his father found out about this. He knew he would just rub it in his face, probably call social services. "We have a week to get our stuff. All three things." He said sarcastically, but in all honesty his apartment was pretty bare.

[Ridley Penelope Vreeland]

Ridley nodded her head slightly, "It's really no problem. Besides, the girls will have fun." It was true, Ridley could bet that Emily had the entire evening planned. Watching some disney movies and playing with dolls that would be it. Sometimes, it was scary of how much Emily was like her mother. At least in Ridley's opinion. Looking at Ryan once again, even though the look of worry was on his face didn't keep her from looking at him. He was always hot and that's just how he was. Although, she had feelings for him and more than just your little average crush. When she's around him she can barely breathe and when she's not with him she wants to be with him. But, sometimes, Ridley feels like she's kidding herself that there's no way a guy like Ryan could ever look at her like that.

Ridley looked at him strangely, his answer to her concerns were a little odd. At least to the part of him laughing about it a little. And plus Ryan was sitting in her desk chair and just staring at the floor. She knew that something had to be wrong for him to do that. When Ryan finally spoke to her saying that he had lost the apartment, her eyes went wide. "Oh my gosh," Ridley just couldn't believe it even though Ridley was giving him money without him knowing it still wasn't good enough. "Alright, you're going to stay here and there's absolutely no way that I'm letting sleep in your car. That's out of the question." Even though, Ridley and Emily weren't the only people that were in this room, she knew that Zoe would understand. And she wasn't going to be here tonight so, even if he did stay the night he would be able to sleep in his own bed.

[Ryan Jake Harring]

Ryan raised an eyebrow when she said that he was going to be sleeping over here tonight. "-I can't." See, that was the scared part of him coming through. If he spent so much time with her he knew he was going to do something stupid and words would slip out of his mouth that he didn't want her to hear. Becuase once you say things you can't take them back, they're out there. Done; said. Your only hope is if they didn't hear it. And then you were extreemly lucky. "It's not fair on you girls, Hollie's enough." He nodded and stood up, rubbing the back of his neck. "I'm gonna go say goodnight." He nodded and walked over to the 'playroom'.

When Ryan explained to the girl that he would be gone until the morning, Hollie started crying. Neither of them had stayed a night aprtment from them ever. He just held her tight and said that Ridley was going to look after her, but still, it wasn't enough. Sighing, he picked her up and gave her a special daddy hug. The special one where no one else can perfect it. Except Ryan. Putting her back down, and kissing her cheek, Ryan looked into her innocent eyes and decided he was going to do everything in his power to help her. She didn't deserve having a crap dad.

Walking back over to Ridley, Ryan just felt bad and got his wallet out, handing her ten dollers. "I think, that should coer her." He sighed and handed her the suitcase. "Everything's in there. I guess." He shrugged and looked at her, getting the car keys. "Thanks-"

[Ridley Penelope Vreeland]

Ridley nodded her head, "Yes, you can. Zoe, won't be home tonight so, you and Hollie can sleep in her bed." It was true Zoe was going to be staying at a friends house for tonight. So, it really wouldn't be a problem. "Ryan, it's really ok. You both can stay here." But, as usual Ryan being his dumbass self didn't listen to her and went to say goodnight to Hollie. When Ridley saw the look on Hollie's face and her reaction to what Ryan was telling her made her get a little mad at Ryan.

Ridley looked at the ten dollars and let it drop on to her bed. She had gone over to the door and stood in front of it. Her arms folded across her chest. "What did I just tell you? You're not leaving. If I have to tie you up to keep you here then I will." That was a little over the top, but still she would do it to keep him here because there was no way that he would be leaving this room. There was no way that Ryan was just gonna dump Hollie off on her even though, Ridley didn't mind, but still he was going to have to stay whether he liked it or not.

[Ryan Jake Harring]

Why did she want him around so bad? She had too much of a kind heart on her, Ryan knew that. He just didn't want people {including Ridley} thinking that he was taking advantage of that. Becuase he wasn't. And if she needed something that Ryan could help her with, and was able, he wouldn't say no. Hell, the guy couldn't even tell his brother. Ryan just didn't want it getting back to his dad so soon. He loved Cooper, he did, he just knew how things slip out of your mouth when you dont want them too.

When she stood in front of the door, Ryan rolled his eyes. He didn't know what to do, I mean; a bed would be nice. Real nice. More comfier then his car. She knew him to well to know he would be sleeping there tonight. Looking at Ridley, Ryan sighed and just nodded. "Fine. One night. Thanks." Ryan leaned forward and placed a small kiss on her cheek. Backing away, Ryan looked around, there were alot of pictures. Including Emily and Ridley, wait..maybe that was Chloe? Urgh. Identicle twins got so confusing sometimes. "Well, your deffinatly the better looking one." He smirked, knowing that it was impossible.

[Ridley Penelope Vreeland]

Ridley still stood these with her arms folded across her chest. When he leaned towards her and gave her a kiss on her cheek that actually startled Ridley a little. Of course, Ridley's done it to Ryan, but she'd never thought that he would do it to her. But, all in all she was happy that Ryan finally gave in. She smiled, her right arm behind her back locking the door. So, just in case Ryan tried to take off he wouldn't be able to leave since he would need Ridley's key to unlock the door. She smirked slightly as she watched him look around her side of the bedroom.

Ridley laughed, when Ryan said that she was the better looking one. "Ryan, we're identical twins so, we both have the same features and besides we know it." She walked over to the mantle where all of her pictures were. "That one right there is of Emily and Chloe, it was Emily's second birthday. We had the party outside at the park. It was a great day, but Emily was such a mess afterwards. Had cake all over her and in her hair, it was pretty funny, but still cute though. Actually, I think I've got a picture of that somewhere in her baby book."

Ridley went to her closet bent down looking through her boxes that she kept packed. It wasn't in the first box that she looked in so, she tried the next one and sure enough she found it. Pink and white with a photo of Ridley holding Emily just minutes after Ridley gave birth to her on the cover. "Ah, found it." Walking over to her bed with the photo book in hand. She sat down upon her bed looking through the contents of the book. Smiling at a few of the pictures that she saw.

[Ryan Jake Harring]

"Yeh well, maybe I'm just more fond of you." He smirked and watched her as she explained the pictures. She really was gorgeous. Ryan couldn't explain all the reasons he liked her, Ridley just confused him alot of the time. The last time he had felt like this was for Sadie, his daughters mother. And it freaked him out, alot, becuase she died. He got close to someone and she died. Hearing about Emily and the birthday cake, Ryan smirked. "Try Hollie finding the superglue while your fixing a shelf." He winced a bit remembering that, the guy actually thought he was going to have to cut some of her hair off it was so matted. But he got it out eventually. And I mean, eventually. It was about two hours of her sat on his bed while he had a bucket of water. The stupid shower was broken again.

As she got a few baby books out, Ryan sat down on the bed next to her. Wow, he had never done something like this, presented like this. He just had a photo album with some notes written on the back. Plus there were a load of pictures from a digital camera Cooper had bought him just before Hollie was born. As he saw the pictures of just Ridley and Emily when she was just born, Ryan started to wonder about what happened to the father. He had never asked her straight out, and Cooper didn't know. So, Ryan just never asked, and he doubted that Ridley was in contact with him, cause she had never mentioned it. "Does it bother you? Being a single mom?"He asked, not really seeing it as a bad question, becuase he was a single dad and when people asked him that he just shook his head. It would be nice, perfect if Sadie was around, but she wasn't. And he had an obligation to Hollie.

[Ridley Penelope Vreeland]

Ridley smiled softly, "Oh my gosh, is Ryan Harring, actually showing some affection to someone other than his daughter? Wow, that's a big improvement and besides you've never really met my sister." It was a little funny to her that he said that about herself. Although, she was greatful about what he said still, it made some questions rise into her mind. Like was he being serious? Or was this just another one of his jokes, because if it was then she would lose all hope of trying to get close to him at least to the point of closeness that she wanted. Ridley giggled when Ryan mentioned Hollie getting into superglue. "That would've been a cute picture to have. I would have loved to see that."

Ridley continued to show Ryan the baby book that she found. Some of the pictures were when Emily was first starting to walk, and some pictures of Ridley's friends, Jacey, Delilah, Zoe with Emily. Most of these pictures were taken at the park or something of that nature. Ryan suddenly spoke to her, looking at him as he asked his question it kind of dawned on her that she knew that someday she would have to tell both Ryan and Emily about the father and about that night. But, she didn't really feel up to talking about it just yet so, all she said was this, "No, not really. I mean I know it does for Emily, I can tell even though she tries to hide it. But, I'd just be thankful to never see him again, then again I seriously doubt that. And what about you? Does it bother you to be a single father?"

[Ryan Jake Harring]

Ryan raised an eyebrow when she comment on how he was showing affectionate to someone other then Hollie. Was he? See, he didn't even recognise it. When Sadie died, Ryan just threw every emotion he had into looking after Hollie. And it had paid off, becuase she was an amazing four year old. She was polite, spoke well, could read and was intellegent. She kind of scared Ryan with her abilities. "I don't need to meet your sister, take a compliment will you?" He asked with a smirk and just carried on looking at all of the pictures. The ones of Ridley and Emily showed how much of a good mother she was, and from what he had seen as well.

When she asked about a picture with the glue in Hollie's hair, Ryan pulled out his cell and scrolled through the images he had on there. Finally getting to the one of Hollie with superglue all in her hair, Ryan showed it too her. "Took me two hours. I swear I am hiding everything like that from the girls reach when we get settled again." He nodded and then guilt hit him all over again as he realised they were homeless. Well, they had this place for the night, and he'd figure the rest out tomorrow.

When she mentioned how Emily wanted wanted a dad, but tended to hide it, Ryan nodded, he understood. But what stumped him was how Ridley was glad she was never going to see him again. "Dead beat dad? Well, if you need someone to act like a dad for her, then I'm here. If you want. Only if there isnt someone else- It's just an offer." He asked and then just thought about the question directed at him. How was he suppose to answer that without going into details about Sadie and the how the girl he thought he was going to marry was now dead? "The dad thing? No, it doesn't bother me; me and Hollie do well together. It's the single thing that bothers me the most, I mean, Hollie shes used to it. It's been just us from day one-" Ah crap. Now he really was going to have to explain that.

"-Sadie died during childbirth."