Things had been going all right for Branalie and Ryan. Their relationship was fully public, and most of the fans were ok with it and at least Branalie and Jon were on speaking terms, thanks to the wisdom of Stever, who helped the two get back talking.Branalie hadn't told anyone about what happened with her and Jon that fateful summer...
"Ryan, can we talk?" Branalie and Ryan were sitting on his bed, just talking.
"What? Are you breaking up with me?" Ryan joked.
"I just need to talk to you about some stuff."
"Go ahead. I was just joking."
"I know." Branalie got up and walked to Ryan's bedroom window "It's about why my parents sent me here."
"Babe, if you don't want to talk about it..."
"No, Ryan, I want to talk about it, I just not sure you're the person I need to talk to."
"Who then. Jon?"
"Actually, yes."
"Why?"
"Jon is the reason I'm here."
"What? You guys knew each other before you came here?"
"I met Jon when he came down last summer to visit his cousin, Kyrin, my ex-best friend. I did some stuff that I'll regret forever, and Jon told Kyrin, who spread it around, and exaggerated it so much, I don't think I'll ever be able to live with the rep she gave me. I started to drink. It made me feel better."
"Oh God, Branalie, I had no idea."
"No one does. I have been to Hell and back. And look what it's gotten me. Nothing. Except a couple of trashy cheerleader uniforms, but other than that, nothing at all!"
"Don't say that. You've got me Branalie." Ryan looked into her eyes, his sincerity saying more than words. "And I will never let you go. What happened in Tennessee is in the past, and all that matters is our future."
"Ryan you don't understand. When I got my letter that I was coming here, to Newmarket, I prayed that I would never have to see him again, but I stepped off that plane, and lo and behold, there's Jon, looking like the devil's advocate, like it's his damn fault I am staying with his family."
"But don't you see? It's fate! Fate brought us together! If it weren't for Jon, we never would have found each other. You don't know how lonely I've been, before you."
"Ryan," Branalie took his hand gently "You are always the optimist, and I wish I could believe in things like you do, but I can't. I think, no, I know I would have been better off without you. I'm sorry." She kissed his cheek, turned, and walked out of his room, not shedding a single tear.
...Chapter 7
