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

[Ryan Jake Harring]

Ryan smiled as she said she would like for him to spoil her. "Well, don't expect anything too soon. Hollie needs some new gear." He said honestly, becuase he wanted her to know that Hollie was going to come first. And she probably felt the same way about Emily. Which was a good thing, becuase the relationship was going to be hard seen as there were two kids involved. But atleast Hollie and Emily had a good relationship, they wern't been thrown into something their mum or dad wanted.

What about his parents. He laughed a little as his head fell into the hand that wasn't wrapped around Ridley. "They havn't liked me since I was seven. Well, my dad and step mom." He nodded. "You know what? This is the most I've ever told someone in...ever." And Ryan was beginning to feel a little uncomftable. But, she would ask questions, and she deserved to know what kind of a mess she was getting into. "My mom died when I was three. Dad remarried. The women hated me, loved cooper. Dad got violent, kicked me out. I lived with my grandparents. There."

[Ridley Penelope Vreeland]

Ridley smiled and laughed, "Oh Ryan, I know that. You have an obligation to Hollie just like I've got to Emily. So, believe me I understand." She could completely understand where Ryan was coming from. She had her own daughter to take care of. Although, she's going to be taking care of Hollie too. Ryan, won't be alone anymore, Ridley would be there to help. It was a good match since Hollie and Emily got along so well. Even though they got along it will still be a little hard because their still so young. And it's not just something that their parents want, well it is it's just she knew that they wouldn't mind because of the fact that they got along.

Ridley gave Ryan a confused look, "He never hurt you did he?" She was concerned about that fact because then she would have something to say to that so called father of his. An if he tried to hit her then she would put his butt in jail. She couldn't believe how parents could get so violent that they would hit their children. She just couldn't understand why they would do something like that. "Why don't they like you? Did they ever say why?" All these questions started popping into her mind and she just started asking them because she was curious to know the answers.

Ridley was glad that she was finally able to learn more about Ryan. Even though they were learning more about each other she still doesn't feel ready to tell him about what happened to her yet. Just because she knows that she'd basically have to relive that moment in her life that she's tried to forget for many years now. "I'm glad Ryan, I really am. You know....we should go out one night and just have fun. Oh and my sister can watch the girls. She loves Emily and I know she'd love Hollie too."

[Ryan Jake Harring]

Had they hurt him? Well, to say the boy ended up in hospital then yeh, I would say they hurt him. Ryan was six, he had a broken rib and a concussion. He didn't even remember that one, all he knew was they had done it. They had bragged about it when he got home. Of course, to the doctors and nurses, he fell down the stairs. Classic right? "Youn could say that." He had the scars; which she was bound to see at some point. And there were more questions. Did Ryan want to tell her, well, if he got it open and out with. "He blamed me for mom's death. Which I don't know how it worked, but he was too young to take it out on Cooper, so I was the last one left."

They could go out one night, on a date. Oh how that was going to be weird for him. "Yeh, sure. Just...let me know the details. Your pick." He nodded and brushed her arm softy with the tip of his fingers. "Are you sure Chloe won't mind?" He asked, feeling a bit awkward, about her family actually. Okay, sure, their daughter had a kid young, but would they not like Ryan for it? Would they judge him like all the other people did, just becuase of Hollie? But to be honest, if he didn't have Hollie and Ridley didnt have Emily, then to him, Ridley would be his little brothers friend. And that's it.

[Ridley Penelope Vreeland]

Ridley looked very shocked by what Ryan had just told her. Ryan's father had physically abused him. She only wish she knew what his father's name was because then she'd be able to find him without a problem since she's got the right connections. And she would definitely give him a piece of her mind. It just wasn't right to beat your own child like that it's just not tolerated especially in her book. If she had her way he'd be in jail right about now for the things he's done to his son. Even thouigh, Cooper may be his favorite or whatever she'd make sure that the both of them would stay away from him just because she wouldn't want to take a chance. Ridley started to get a little upset about Ryan was telling her, "I can't believe that. He has no right to call himself father none whatsoever. For either you or Cooper and I don't care if he does favor Coop more he still doesn't have the right to call himself a father."

Ridley smiled softly, "Alright, then how about tomorrow night? We could probably go for dinner then take a walk through the city, the park, or the beach? Which one would you prefer?" She wanted Ryan's opinion just because she wouldn't want to be the person that decides everything. It just wouldn't be right so, she was going to include Ryan on the decisions. Even if it was just for a date. Giggling a little, "Yeah, I'm sure she won't and if she can't then Zoe or Jacey can look after the girls. I know Jacey would love it because she hasn't been able to babysit very much since my sister always takes the job of it."

This felt right to Ridley it really did. for some reason it just did and she didn't really understand why, but maybe she'd figure that out a little later who knows. But, one thing is for sure even though she's never had a real relationship before or kiss or anything for that matter until now she's starting to feel that Ryan might just be the one for her. But, again she'd just have to let things run it's own course for now.

[Ryan Jake Harring]

Ryan got a little uncomftable when she started saying that his father was possibly the worst man out there. And don't get me wrong, Ryan thought he was, he just...I dunno; he just got on with the fact. "It's- it doesn't matter. What's done is done..." He shrugged, knowing that what he said wasn't the ideal thing she wanted to hear. "I havent' seen them since I was twelve so I'm not that bothered about them anymore." Little did he know that they had actually come to his funeral, they had just stayed out of the way for Ryans sake. Not that it made them any better parents. They had a granddaughter, and they didn't really give a damn. Not at christmas or birthdays at least.

Ryan shrugged when she have him the options. "We can see where we end up." Ryan pulled her up a little so they were hugging a little more, and he gently kissed the top of her head. "The choice of baby sitters sounds fine-" He nodded and ran a hand through his hair. Looking up when he heard the small patter of feet, Ryan smiled a little as Hollie poked her head around the door of the living room. "Miss Hollie?" He asked with a smile as she walked over slowly and steadily.
"I couldn't sleep-" She said looking over to Ridley, probably wondering what was going on.
"Come here then-" He opened his other arm up as she came running and then jumped on him. Ryan knew she would be asleep in minutes.

[Ridley Penelope Vreeland]

Ridley sighed as she gently brought her arms across her chest. "I guess you're right, but I just can't see how parents or even just one parent could do something like that to their child it just...it just doesn't seem right." It really didn't seem right at all in her book. If parents were caught doing that to their child they should be thrown in jail with all the other people that deserve to be in there. She bet that he didn't even think to care that he's got a granddaughter. Probably, not since she's never seen him around christmas or Hollie's birthdays. At least the ones that she's been to anyway.

Ridley smiled softly looking up towards him, "I like that idea. We'll just go with the flow." She felt him kiss the top of her head and she didn't really mind it. She was glad that the choice of babysitters were good, since they were all people that she knew that she could trust with her daughter let alone Ryan's. Ridley heard little footsteps coming towards the living room. Smiling when Ryan called out Hollie's name. She thought it was cute that Ryan knew it was her. But, of course she's probably done this before. Ridley sat up so, Hollie could be in her father's arms. "Is Emily still asleep?" Ridley thought about going to check on Emily just in case, but she'd thought she'd wait to hear what Hollie was going to say.

[Ryan Jake Harring]

Ryan sighed when she carried on talking about the matter. "Pretty girl...as much as I love you're voice. I don't need a recap of my crappy childhood." He said as nicely as possible, but still letting her know he didn't like taling about. If she wanted to know more, then he would tell her over time, as the relationship grew, but right now..he was still holding up hi defense. Maybe Ridley understood him a bit better, why he was so protective for his little girl, why he didn't really talk to the world when the person he needed most at one point turned his back on him. Ryan wasn't going to turn into that, he had decided that sat in the hospital room, looking at Hollie in her little crib.

Ryan looked down at Hollie when Ridley asked if Emily was still asleep. She nodded and moved herself so she was compeletely facing Ryan but still laid against him. "I wanna go home-" She wispered softly. RYan sighed and puased. She had never been comftable in different places, which was fair enough.
"That's not our home anymore baby, but we're gonna have a new one, so just hold on and trust daddy okay?" He asked softly, wanting her to fall back to sleep. She nodded and rested her head on his shoulder. Within a minute she was asleep again, Ryan not realising

[Ridley Penelope Vreeland]

Ridley looked at Ryan, "Right....I'm sorry, I'll just shut up now." She could understand how Ryan felt that he didn't want to tell her completely everything right then and there, but he probably would overtime and that was ok with her. If only she had the guts or just the stamina to even try to tell Ryan about what really happened when she got pregnant with Emily. But, since Hollie was here she wasn't going to tell him anything even if she wanted to if she wasn't here. She really didn't know how to say it or even begin to. I mean how can you tell someone that you care about that you were raped when you were sixteen and you got a child out of the whole deal? She really doesn't even know how to start saying something like that.

Ridley nodded slowly as she looked at the two of them. Ryan was a good father to Hollie he really was. He always put her first just like she does with Emily. And she could understand how Ryan wanted to protect his daughter, just like she wants to protect her own from the bad things in this world. Ridley heard Hollie say that she wanted to go home, which was something that Ridley like to help with, but it also made her feel a little sad at the same time. Although, she didn't show it. Looking at the two of them, she decided that she was going to go check on Emily. Ridley started to move off the couch, "I'm going to go check on Emily. I'll be right back."

Standing up from the couch she walked out of the living room. Ridley went up the one flight of stairs towards her bedroom. Walking into the room she found Emily laying down still. She heard sniffling noises coming from her. Walking over to her bed and sitting down upon it. "Hey sweetie, what's the matter? Did you have a bad dream?" Emily had a lot of bad dreams, but they weren't like one every night it was probably just one every few weeks or something like that. Emily sat up quickly hugging Ridley tightly and she started crying. Ridley wrapped her arms around her holding her close. "Shh, it's ok Emily. It was just a bad dream, everything will be fine. I promise."

[Ryan Jake Harring]

Ryan kissed her head softly when she said she would shut up. He didn't mean it nastily, but if you got him concentraded on the subject in high doses he would get angry and agitated, which he didn't want or need right now seen as everything else that was going on with the apartment, Ridley, Hollie and Emily. Plus, even though with all the crap he's had to deal with, Ryan made it through it all pretty damn well in his opinion. And dealing with Cooper too, that was awkward at some points.

He nodded when she said she was going to check on Emily, and Ryan was left with a sleeping Hollie on his chest, she was light. Too light. Ryan had taken her to the doctors one time becuase he was worried, there was some medical condition where her motabalism rate was too fast, so they had to sort that out quickly or she would look like she was anorexic as she grew up. Luckly, they managed to stay clear of that. Feeling the thud of her head move, Ryan looked down and smiled softly, lifting her up so he wouldn't wake her. She would be asleep for the night now. Carrying her back into the bedroom, Ryan walked in hearing Emily crying. She wouldn't wake Hollie, that was for sure. Putting her back in the bed, he tucked the covers over her so she wouldn't be cold. Could you be cold in California?

Seeing a small cuddly bunny rabbit on the floor, Ryan picked it up and squatted infront of Emily. "Will this help?" He asked with a soft comforting smile, and the girl nodded and took it softly. "I'll go wait back in the living room-" He nodded and stood up, kissing the side of Ridleys head. Walking back, he sighed as he kind of fell onto the couch and laid down, closing his eyes. Today had been...eventfull.

[Ridley Penelope Vreeland]

Ridley was sitting on her bed comforting her daughter because she had a bad dream. Holding her gently as she was crying, "Shh, it's ok, I'm here." Ridley started to slightly rock Emily back and forth while she continued to hug her gently. She knew that Emily was scared of whatever she saw in her dream so, Ridley would stay there until Emily was not scared anymore.

Ridley could remember when she was little that she'd have nightmares sometimes so, it was only natural that Emily would have them too. So, Ridley could understand having nightmares at this age. She heard footsteps coming from the hallway and they came towards the bedroom. It was Ryan, he had walked into with a sleeping Hollie in his arms. He had went over to Zoe's bed and put her back down upon the bed. Ridley smiled when Ryan had given Emily her bunny back that was laying on the floor. "Alright, let's lay back down and go to sleep ok?", Emily laid back down and Ridley tucked her in once again. Leaning forward to kiss Emily on the side of her head, "Good night sweetheart."

Ridley stood up from the bed, walking out from the bedroom leaving the door open slightly. As she walked back into the living room at first she didn't notice Ryan, but once she walked further she found him laying down upon the couch. She stood behind the couch, putting her hands upon the back of the couch just standing there looking at how cute he was when he had his eyes closed. Smiling softly as she looked at him, he looked like a little boy again, it was cute.

[Ryan Jake Harring]

Ever had that feeling when you can't see someone, but still you know that they are in your presence? Ryan had gotten that feeling right now. Except he had heard Ridley come into the hallway and through to the living room. It wasn't heard when you were half of the people in the building put together. At Ryan's best guess he would say that she was somewhere in the room, by the couch he was laying on. She probably thought he was asleep and didn't want to bother him.

"Come here." Ryan said, keeping his eyes closed as he reached up for her hand and pulled her over the couch so she would be lying on top of him while he rested. "Did she go back to sleep okay?" Ryan asked, knowing the two of them would have to be careful when they climbed into bed, not waking the two little figures up. Placing his arms on her back, Ryan rubbed her skin softly with this thumbs. "Thanks for letting us stay again, I swear, I should be sorted by tomorrow." He nodded and leaned upward to kiss the tip of her nose. See, a whole new side of Ryan shining right through.

[Ridley Penelope Vreeland]

Ridley wasn't expecting him to say anything let alone do anything. But, Ryan had surprised her once again. He had grabbed her hand and pulled her over the back of the couch, landing on top of him. Ridley giggled, looking at Ryan, he had asked her if Emily had gone back to sleep ok. Ridley nodded her head, "Yeah, she did finally." Smiling when Ryan had kissed her nose, "Your welcome. I'm actually surprised that you came here. I wasn't really expecting you to do something like that."

Ridley was very happy, she had two of the most people that she loved in the entire world right here in this house. Of course, she loved her sister very much too, but it was just different. Ridley laid her head down upon his chest as she was starting to get tired herself. The clock in the living room said it was quarter to 1 am. Ryan had been here for a few hours now and it was quite funny that time just seemed to go by so, fast. And she didn't want to because she knew that tomorrow he would be leaving. But, she was starting to get sleepy herself and she wondered if Ryan was tired at all. "Are you tired?"

[Ryan Jake Harring]

Ridley was suprised he had turned up at her door? It made sense to him. "Well, Hollie likes you two...and I didn't really have anyone else to leave her with.And you're a mom yourself; so I'm gonna trust you over one..." Ryan reasoned with a shrug. He really had no idea when he asked if Hollie could sleep that by the end of the night he was going to be sleeping too and would be in the start of a relationship. If he did know that he probably wouldn't have come. Becuase, as nice as it was having Ridley laid on top of him, it scared him.

Was he tired? The fact he had just been asleep nearly on the couch might suggest that. "Umhm." He nooded, stroking her hair affectionatly. "Are we gonna call it a night?" He asked knowing they would have to be quiet getting into their beds seen as there woud be two four years olds in the room. But he also knew that as soon as his head hit the pillow he would be out of it for the night, and Ridley would probably have to force him to wake up. Sitting up, Ryan kept Ridley where she was and then picked her up in those big strong arms of his, carrying her through to the bedroom.

[Ridley Penelope Vreeland]

Ridley nodded blushing slightly, "I know, it's just you know, with the two of us arguing every once in a while, I never really thought that you'd come to me to take care of Hollie for a while." Yeah, Ridley and Ryan had their fair share of arguements at times. But, they really were good for each other. They weren't the types to keep a grudge against someone so, after their little arguements they always made up.

Ridley's eyes were starting to get heavier and heavier. Until finally she just closed them and just laid on top of Ryan as she started to drift off to sleep. When she heard Ryan asking if they were gonna call it a night, she made a little noise which sounded like, "Umhm." But, not completely like it though, she was half asleep by now. She had finals in the morning so, she had to get some sleep. As Ryan carried Ridley to the bedroom, she had her arms around his neck gently since she was basically out.

[Ryan Jake Harring]

The girl was nearly asleep bless her, and it made Ryan smile as she made some form of a noise in agreement. "Alright then pretty girl." He nodded and carried her up to the bedroom. Opening the door slowly, he crept through and pulled back the part of the duvet on her bed that wasn't covering Emily. Ridley was already in her pajamas, so that was a relief, becuase then Ryan wouldn't have to wake her. Sure, they might be boyfriend and girlfriend now, but Ryan wasn't going to undress her on the first night, even if he was trying to help. Laying her down softly, Ryan put the duvet over her and then wandered over to his suitcase which had been brought in earlier.

Taking out his pajamas, Ryan wandered into the ensuite and got changed. Then threw some cold water over his face from the sink. He had alot of figuring out to do.Walking back out in his new set of clothes, Ryan checked his cell one last time and looked at a text from his brother. It was something about a concert? ha. Like that would be happening. Shutting off his cell, Ryan laid down in bed, turning his head to see if Hollie was still asleep, and she was, thankfully.As he rolled onto his side, Hollie did the same and fell asleep against him.