Bk 2, Chapter 7: Return to Southfalls

I rode Proudfoot hard for the next few days, and I arrived back in Southfalls, eager to see my mother.

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When I arrived at my house, I opened the door, and was instantly attacked by Gabby. My gorgeous twin sister threw her arms around my neck and clung to me. I squeezed her tightly.

“Gabs, what’s wrong?” I asked.

“You just left without a word!” she slapped me. I laughed and grabbed her, spinning her around.

“I missed you, too.” I smiled, kissing her cheek. She beamed and hugged me again. You know, Gabby had a really amazing rack as well.

“So, how’d your suitor ball end up?” I asked my twin.

“Ugh. Badly. All those guys did was ogle my breasts.” Gabby sighed.

“That sucks. Hey, do you know where Mom is?” I asked.

“Mom? Yeah, she’s upstairs, getting ready for her date with Micah today.” Gabby shrugged. I kissed Gabby’s forehead.

“Alright. I’ll be right back.” I said, and hurried up to Mom’s room, knocking.

“Who is it?” Mom called from inside.

“Ryan!” I called back. Mom threw open the door a minute later. I stepped into her bedroom, and pulled my mother tightly against my chest, closing the door behind me.

“Ryan, where have you been?” she asked, running a hand through my hair.

“I went to visit Aunt Sasha.” I said, holding up the tracking ring. Mom’s lips made an O.

“She helped me come to terms with something I’ve been hiding from you.” I admitted. Mom lifted her eyebrows.

“What is it?” she asked.

“I.... I love you.” I said. Mom’s face screwed up in confusion.

“I love you, too.” she said, confused.

“No, I’m... I’m in love with you.” I murmured, nervous as hell. Mom looked shocked.

“What?” she whispered.

“I’m in love with you.” I repeated.

“Oh, Ryan.” Mom said sadly.

“Do you... do you not feel the same way?” I whispered.

“I... I don’t know. I’m with Micah, now. I... I’m.... I thought I was happy.” Mom whispered back. I hung my head. Mom touched my shoulder, and I looked up at her.

“Ryan. I hid my own feelings from you because I thought you’d be horrified. If only you’d told me as soon as you got back from the Academy, we could’ve been together.” Mom said sadly.

“Why can’t we be together now?” I asked, stunned at the revelation. She kissed me lightly on the lips, which sent shocks through my body.

“Micah.” was all she said, and I was horrified to see the shining silver ring on her hand.