The AH family

Chapter 44

"Thomas." A familiar voice says, causing Thomas to pause. "You're late." Thomas slowly turns around.

"I know, I know. But my kid is home sick, I had to at least offer to take care of him." Thomas replies.

"And you think that's a viable excuse?"

"I-uh-I guess not... It won't happen again..."

"It had better not. You know why we wanted you here." The man says.

"Yeah look, I don't have the money right now... but i will soon! I swear!" Thomas replied, desperate.

"Well if you don't, we have the collateral."

"I know, I know." He sighs. "I'll have the money soon."

"Good. We'll be waiting."

He sighs as he hears the footsteps slowly fade. "Damn kids, nearly getting me killed..."

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"How ya feelin' Rye?" Geoff asks as he sets a bowl of chicken soup down on his bedside table.

"Okay." Ryan mutters.

"That's good." Geoff presses a hand to Ryan's cheek. His fever had gone down mostly. "You seem a lot better." Geoff smiles.

"Yeah, I feel much better than before..." Ryan replies, pushing himself up so he''s leaning against the headboard, his weight making it hit the wall with a loud thud. 

"Okay, well, you're still sick, so drink your soup, and get some more rest." Geoff says, before leaning forward to kiss his brother's forehead. Ryan gently leans into it. He loves it when Geoff takes care of him. He gets to see this side of him that only comes out when someone is sick. Geoff in mommy mode is amazing. He acts just like their mother did. Ryan still remembers that first year or so after she died. Geoff was constantly apologizing. "I know its not as good as Mom would make,but I hope you like it..." "I know Mom would always make you toast with strawberry jam, but all we have is grape. I'll get it right next time..." He was constantly saying stuff like that. "I know Mom did this but I could only do this. I hope its okay." Ryan knows Geoff was doing his best. He knew he tried to be like her, but he also knew he couldn't. Geoff had always done his best to raise them. Ryan remembers back when Geoff stayed in his room everyday. Ryan would go weeks without seeing him, except for family meals. Geoff had changed so much. He had to. Know he takes care of them, helping with their every need, with all the things from making sure every one's ready in the morning, cooking meals, buying them clothes and school supplies, heck, even giving Ryan the talk when he was old enough. Ryan still shudders to think of that day after school. Ryan thinks of the time when they all used to be a big, happy family. Before Mom died, before Dad left. Dad...

"Hey Geoff." Ryan said, catching Geoff as he was about to walk out the door.

"Yeah Rye?"

"Can I ask you something?" Ryan says gingerly, putting his spoon down next to his soup.

"Of course Rye. You know you can ask me anything." Geoff says with a smile, albeit a worried one, but a smile none the less.

"Why... why do you hate Dad?" Ryan asks, staring up at his brother. The second the words left his mouth, and he saw Geoff tense up, he regretted them.

Geoff stares at him for several seconds before answering. "Look Rye, Dad, he's-uh- he's not exactly the best guy." Geoff mumbles as he sits on the side of Ryan's bed. "When Jack and I were little, not long after you were born, he was, uh, into some pretty bad things... He was almost constantly either drunk or high. He couldn't keep a job. He would do anything for a fix. For a while, I forgot what he was even like sober." Geoff stares down at his hands. "I just," He sighs. "Its not that I hate him. I just don't want him to be around you guys like that. He...he was a bad drunk... So, I don't hate him. I just don't trust him. He seems clean, but I don't know for sure, and I just want to protect you guys, okay?" Geoff sighs again, running a hand through his hair. "Just, promise me you'll stay away from him, at least for now, until I can figure this all out?"

Ryan doesn't really know what to say... Was he really that bad? Geoff wouldn't lie about some thing like this, but, was it really so bad that he couldn't look past it after all these years? But Ryan trusts Geoff more than anyone, and if he said so, then he must be right. "Promise."