All I Need

FOUR

୨⎯ A few days later ⎯୧

I sit at my keyboard, playing the same melody repeatedly in hopes to come up with some new lyrics.

"Ryleigh, we're about to start filming!" My mom yells from downstairs. 

"K, I'll be down in a minute!"

 I quickly jot down a few lyrics before rushing downstairs. 

My whole family was sitting at our dining room table.

 I take a seat between Alabama and Penelope. 

The chefs serve the first course and my family begins to chat. 

My phone keeps buzzing. 

"Ryleigh, turn it off." My mom says sternly. 

 I briefly check who's texting me before responding to my mom. 

Josh.

 "Umm, actually, may I be excused for a moment, please." 

Mom turns to Lovey for approval. 

"You're excused," Lovey winks at me.

 I giggle before leaving the table. 

I head to my room and call Josh. 

*.·:·.✧ ✦✧.·:·.*

"What do you want?" 

"Have you talked to Ness recently?" 

"No, why would I talk to her?"

 "I don't know, but she won't respond to any of my messages or answer my calls; it's been hours and I'm getting worried."  

"I don't know, Josh. All I can do is text her. I'm kinda tied up with something right now."

 "Oh."

 "Don't do that."

 "Do what?"

 "That oh thing. It's so fucking annoying! Don't try to guilt-trip me!" 

"What, I'm not!"

 "You are." 

"Psh, whatever."

 "Are you gonna be ok?" 

 "Yeah." 

"Have you asked Jaden? Maybe he's talked to her today." 

"That's the thing, tho he won't answer either." 

"He's not at the house?"

 "No." 

"I'll try to call him, then I'll get back to you." 

"Ok, thanks, Ry."

 I sigh as I hang up.

He's got a lot of nerve contacting me after all this time to ask me about Nessa.

 I call Jaden.

 It rings 5 times; no answer. 

So I call again; no answer. 

Weird.

 "He didn't answer me either."

 "So maybe they're together."

 "Where'd they be together at?" 

"Recording studio?" 

"But the already finished la di die. What else would they be working on?"

 "I don't know, Ry."

 "Let me see if I can get out this dinner so we can find out." 

"Cool."  

I return to the dining table and pull my mom and Travis to the side. 

I explain the situation.

 Travis gives me the keys to his studio and my mom permits me to leave. 

*.·:·.✧ ✦✧.·:·.*

I pick up Josh and we ride in silence. 

When we arrive at the studio, we ensure to be as quiet as possible, so we don't disturb anyone.

 Travis had told me the studio number the recorded la di die in 3C, so that's the first one we check. 

I open the door and slowly walk in with Josh trailing behind me. 

I hear some kind of noise, but not music. 

I start to grow anxious. 

Then I see them. 

I quickly turn around and bury my face in Josh's chest as I begin to cry. 

"It's not what it looks like!"

 "What do you mean it's not what it looks like? It looks like you're fucking my girlfriend! There's no explanation for that!"

 "Josh, wait!" 

"No, fuck both of you! You're dead to me and consider yourself dead to Ryleigh too!" 

"Oh, come on. Don't act like you guys haven't hooked up." 

"We haven't. Never even came close to it because we love you guys. Well,  loved you guys. But you can consider that over now; we owe you no loyalty anymore."

 I pull away from Josh's chest. 

Josh turns around and takes my hand, beginning to drag me out of the studio. 

"Ryleigh, wait!" Another arm grabs me. 

"Please let go of me." 

"No, Ryls, let me explain."

 "Don't call me that; just leave me alone." 

"Let's go, Ry." Josh pulls me to his side and puts his arm around me. 

He leans over slightly to whisper in my ear.

"Are you ok?"

 "No." 

"Let's get you home."