Rylann stood by terminal C of LaGuardia Airport waiting for Jayde and Zandria to arrive. It was nearing 11:30 pm, and their flight was due to land nearly 45 minutes before. She was half tempted to call Joel to make sure their flight had left on time, but pushed that thought from her mind fearing Benji could answer or she would, in some way, have to think about him. She stood blankly at the gate when she was startled by a soft touch on her shoulder.
“Zandria!” Rylann turned to face the 5”4 20 year old with short, spiky fire engine red hair. “Wrong terminal?” she bit her lower lip with a half smile.
“Yea, that’s actually terminal C,” she pointed to another gate where Jayde could be seen walking toward them. Jayde, and her 5”8 perfect frame, low back length jet black curls, defiantly stood out in a crowd. Although Rylann was never exactly given the chance to really get to know the girls, she was very excited they were there. She really need the company, to keep ‘those’ thoughts out of her head. Jayde and Zandria always went out of their way to include her and treat her like they’ve been best friends forever. She was really happy they were there.
*At Rylann’s Apartment*
“Well…there are 3 bedrooms besides mine, so you girls can each have your own or whatever you choose. “ Rylann explained as she threw her keys on the nearest table and opened the door wider for the two girls and their luggage.
“Sounds great Ry…but what’d say we put all that aside for now, and hit up the town, make it a girls night?” Jayde said enthusiastically.
“ Ok, sounds great…I mean, as long as you guys aren’t tired from the flight and everything, I mean, it’s 12:15 now…”
“Are you kidding?!? Being on tour, we never get to sleep until after 4! Besides, all the best bars don’t even get going till after midnight!” Zandria chimed in.
“Ok…I guess it would be kinda nice to get outta here, I haven’t really left much since, well…I came home…” Rylann looked down.
“I know sweetie, but let’s not think about that now…time to PARTAY!” Jayde tried to cheer her up.
“So where to?” Rylann smiled.
“You tell us, you’re the city girl.”
“Well…there’s only one place where we will all fit in..” she grinned “The Devil’s Whorehouse!”
“Let’s roll!” Zandria said grabbing her bag and leading the other two out the door.
*Next Day*
“Ughhh” Rylann stumbled toward the bathroom. She quickly moved her hand to her forehead. She walked to the sink and let the water run as hot as it would go. She washed her face with the steaming water and quickly pulled her long hair loosely on top of her head.
“She walks!” Zandria joked from the couch.
“How you feelin’ kid?” Jayde asked sincerely. Rylann covered her eyes at the bright light of the living room.
“I’ve been better…guess I didn’t realize how long it’s been since I’ve drank like that…” she managed a weak smile.
“Here..take two of these and a hot shower, and you’ll be better in no time.” Jayde handed her some Advil.
“Thanks Jay… that sounds like a good idea. I’ll be back out in a bit.”
~*~
“ So, what do you ladies feel like doing today?” Rylann asked as she ran a towel over her long, damp hair.
“When do you have to be back at school?” Zandria questioned from the kitchen.
“ I don’t start classes again for another two days. So until then, I’m all yours” Rylann said with a smile.
“I see the Advil and shower helped.” Jayde said proudly.
“Yesssss…thank you!”
“Anytime Kid…you learn a few tricks being around Benj…being around guys.” She corrected, almost saying Benji, almost bringing up his alcoholic past that Rylann knew few details about.
“Yea…” Rylann said quietly, looking at her feet. The three girls spent the rest of the day hanging around the city, Rylann giving them the deluxe tour. The shopped, ate, visited Times Square, and had a great time.
* That night, back at the apartment *
“Well girls, I think I’m gonna hit the sack…I’m still exhausted from our little adventure last night!” Zandria gave both Jayde and Rylann a quick hug and headed toward her room.
“Night Zan..” both girls chorused. After a few moments of silence, Jayde turned her body towards Rylann.
“So Ry…have you talked to Benj yet?” Jayde asked cautiously.
“Not yet…I don’t know if I am ready to talk to him. I know I really hurt him, I just…”
“It’s ok Ry…I understand. Besides, I think you should talk to him first. Unless you want to get something out, I am more than happy to listen.”
“No, thanks Jay…it’s not you, I just think that the person to hear everything first should be Benj..When I figure all that out.”
“Completely understandable.” Jayde smiled. “Well, I think I am gonna head to bed too, g’night Ry,” she hugged Rylann tight.
“G’night Jay.” Rylann smiled. Jayde slid the envelope from Benji out of her magazine and dropped it on the table next to the couch.
Rylann stayed out on the couch for another half hour before sleep started to get the best of her. She yawned one final time before she decided to go to bed. She leaned over to the side table to turn off the lamp when she saw the envelope. Curious, she took it in her hands and looked closely at the name on the front. ‘Rylann’ in the handwriting she knew better than her own. She immediately became more alert and opened the envelope up and slid the paper from inside into her delicate hands. She read over the words, mainly the lyrics several times before noticing something else in the envelope. She shook it lightly and the silver band fell into her palm. Tears brimmed her eyes, threatening to spill over. She looked down and the band and blinked, sending the tears racing down her cheeks. She carefully placed the paper back into the envelope and slid the ring back onto her left, ring finger. She turned out the light and headed for her room. Before climbing into bed for the night, she walked to her desk and took a picture frame into her hands. It was a picture from the night Benji had taken her to meet the rest of the guys. He had his arms wrapped around her waist tightly and rested his head on her shoulder. Both were smiling bright. She blinked back more tears as she slipped the envelope into the frame, behind the picture. She held the frame tightly as she walked back over to her bed, turned out the light, and climbed in.
“I love you Benj…” she whispered to herself as she closed her eyes, still holding the frame in her arms.