Chapter 5

Ricky’s pov

It has been almost a week and Ellie still isn’t talking. We have convinced her to eat but she won’t make eye contact with any of us. I have just about had it.

I storm out of my room and fling open her bedroom door. What i see breaks my heart. Ellie is sitting on her bed with the picture of dad, her, and me clutched to her chest. I sit on the bed next to her and reach for the picture. It was one of us in victory lane during one of our fathers many wins.

“Ellie I miss him too” she sobs in response. “I’m right here and I’m not going anywhere no matter long it takes”

She surprises me when she hugs me on my good side. “I just need some time” she says barely above a whisper.

“I have all the time in the world” thank god my sister is showing signs of coming around. “I am going to head back to my room. If you need me just come and wake me up”

I pull out my phone and text Shelby

Me: she talked to me even if it was only five words

Shelby: that’s a really good sign

Me: I am going to lay down when you get back do u mind checking on her

Shelby: of course see you latter

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Shelby’s pov

When I arrive back at the Andonites house it was mostly quiet except for the tv in the living room. I am more than surprised to find Ellie sitting on the couch watching it. I head up to the guest room I have been occupying and change and take a quick shower.

I peak my head in Ricky’s room and he is fast asleep. The pain meds are making him

Groggy. I leave him be and go downstairs to spend time with Ellie.

“Hey I heard you’re starting to come around. Is there anything you want to talk about” I ask her giving her hand a light squeeze.

“No I think I’m going to head to bed” she stands and hands me the tv remote.

“Ok get some rest” it’s better than not talking I guess. Me and Ricky have a lot of work to do when it comes to getting her to open up.

I sit and contimplate my choices I know im here to support the whole family but my feelings for Ricky are stonger then ever. I think the only one who doesnt know how i feel is Ricky. He dated a few times since my feelings sprouted towards him. Every time i made myself scarce to avoid getting my feelings hurt.

I lay on the couch for a few hours while watching tv and letting my thoughts scattered from subject to subject.

"Shelby" i hear Ricky call my name. My eyes snapped open I must have dozed off. "Hey i didnt mean to startle you. But you fell asleep on the couch i thought you would want to head to bed and not wake up sore.

I nodded my head and jumped up and walked past him without a word. He didnt need to knwo what was going on my head right now.

"Night Shelbs" he says as he passes my room when i close the door without another word.

I knew helping Ricky was going to be hard on my feelings. But i need to be strong for Ellies sake and get through these few weeks without having my heart broken.