Ride or Die

“Get in here!” he said, at almost every family photo I’m hesitant to join and would just politely suggest to take for them. Ryan is my best friend, since forever. We were neighbors, and our parents were great friends. Our moms were sorority sisters and were each other’s ride or die. Unfortunately, five years ago, my parents were involved in a tragic plane crash, and being an only child, I was left alone at 16. My grandparents passed away quite long ago, and other relatives were staying too far from home. So, my parents decided that for circumstances like this, trusting their long term friendship that much, they named Ryan’s parents as my legal guardians. The accident was the first ever heartbreak that I had in my life, and Ryan has become my rock. That was the time when I told myself that I’ll be the same for him, and will never be the cause of any heartbreak that he’ll ever have.

I became part of his family, and stayed with them for few years while we were still studying. And when we graduated, and had our first jobs, we decided to move out and became roommates. Finally, sweet independence we both were dreaming about. I was a business graduate, and currently working as a PR representative for a cosmetics company, while Ryan was a IT specialist in a tech company. We were both doing great, and we were taking on adulthood as it is. Work stress, Friday night outs, weekend family time - if we weren’t childhood best friends, we would be mistaken as a couple.

“How you holding up A?“, handing me another glass of margarita, after being MIA for thirty minutes. “Where have you been? I’ve been looking for you, asshole!“, I rolled my eyes. “Did you miss me?“, he winked. “Shut up. I was waiting for my drink. See, I already got myself a couple.“, ignoring his question. “Sorry, I met someone over there. And we may grab a cup of coffee after.“, a devious smirk appeared. “Who? Which one?“, I glanced over the bar, curious to see his next victim. He pointed to a petite girl, in a skimpy sequined dress, big long curls and a vibrant red lips. Yup, certainly his type. “Okay, I’ll stay over at Jake’s tonight.“, surrendered in defeat. “You’re the best, A. But I’ll only be good at this tonight - I still don’t like that guy. See yah!“, as he rushed back to the bar. I fondled through my phone and messaged Jake, informing that I’m coming over tonight. Jake’s and I have been dating for six months now. It’s the longest and one of the very few relationships that I had. He’s a couple of years older than me. And I met him through a colleague. He’s an architect, and is a very career driven guy. He’s the type of guy who’s perfect to get serious with. He’s kind, and patient with me, I’ve always felt safe when I’m with him. Ryan on the other hand has met him a couple of times. I know we’ve been friends and basically seems like each other’s shadows for years, but he takes a step back whenever Jake’s around. Just like other guys I’ve dated, he probably thinks it’s a short term thing. However, for me, it’s a relationship worth building, so I’m very careful with it. Nonetheless, I hope that they’d get along in the future.

The alarm rang at 7 a.m. My head is buzzing, hungover from last night’s wild night. “So sorry to wake you up sweetie, I’m just going for a morning jog. I’ll grab some breakfast, and a hangover cure for you. Go back to sleep.“, Jake said and kissed me on the forehead. He left with the curtains and lights closed, hoping that I’d get more rest. I dozed off in a few seconds, and woke up again at 10 a.m. I was still alone in the room. My head felt a bit better, but my body was still weak. I forced myself out of bed, and went straight to the bathroom to straighten up. I looked at the mirror, and as expected, I look like shit. I had panda eyes because of the mascara, and my hair was all over the place. I wonder how Jake was able to even look at me this morning. I hopped in the shower, and brushed my teeth. I had few toiletries in Jake’s place, it’s nicely hidden in his stock cabinet. I don’t want to invade his space, but for convenience sake - I had to keep some of my stuff in his place. I grabbed one of his t-shirts, and walked out of the room fresh and ready to start the day. There he was, on the couch, still in his computer, perhaps catching up on some of his projects, or just reading some news.

“What’s up sweetie?” I asked. “Oh, you’re up! Just in time, I got us some breakfast. I grabbed some fresh orange juice, hoping it would make you feel better. Let’s eat?“, he said while walking to the dining area. “You didn’t have to, I could’ve just whipped up something nice from your fridge.“, still a little ashamed. “Nah, it’s fine. You had a tiring night. Did you have fun?“, he asked. How did I get so lucky? “Yeah, it was nice. Sorry for the last minute crash. Ryan had a long week, he deserved a win last night.“, I said as I started on my breakfast. “Good for him, I guess. But great for me, I can have you all day today.“, he said with a big smile. “Yeah, I can stay ’til this afternoon. I need to head back at 6, family dinner.” It was tradition, and the least I can do for them. Also, it was always fun being around Ryan’s family. Jake looked disappointed, let out a small sigh and said “I was hoping you could stay another night, but it’s fine. We can watch a movie, and have coffee outside later. I discovered a nice new cafe nearby.” “I’m sorry sweetie, let’s schedule a weekend together some other time okay? And that sounds like a plan.“, I placed my hand over his, and smiled, hoping that it would make him feel a bit better. He kissed my hand gently, and we finished our meal.

My phone rang several times, but can’t pick up because I was driving as fast as I can. I was running 15 minutes late for dinner, Jake and I had a nice long conversation earlier and I didn’t notice the time. I finally arrived, parked as fast as I can, and ran into the house. “Hey Aria, your Aunt Liz is almost done with dinner. Go check it out, it’s your favorite.“, Uncle John greeted me with hug. Thank God, they haven’t started dinner yet. I went straight to the kitchen, Ryan and his siblings are out at the backyard, prepping the tables. “Hey darling, we’re having barbecue tonight, I’m just finishing the soup. How are you?“, Aunt Liz gave me a small peck on the cheek. “I’m good. But I thought I was late, Ryan was ringing my phone nonstop. I almost flew the car.“, I explained while looking over the tasty dishes. “You know Ryan, he always want you around.“, Aunt Liz casually said while putting final garnishes on the soup. “I think so too, such a clingy boy. But hey, I’m here. That smells delicious, what else can I help you with?“, offering my help. “Hmmm, you can prep the salad. It’s already chopped, just throw everything in a bowl, and grab some dressing on the counter. I’ll bring this outside now.“, she said while moving the plates outside. As soon as the salad was ready, I went outside and joined everyone. The family was complete, plus ones included. Aunt Liz and Uncle John was sitting at the far left. Clint the oldest was sitting next to them, with his girlfriend, Anne. Sam, the only daughter, was beside Anne. They were chatting about the latest celebrity trend. In front of them were Justin and his girlfriend Belle, looking lovey-dovey in their couple shirts. And beside them was Duke, the youngest, who was busy playing games on his phone. Across him was an empty seat, and Ryan who was looking at me, displeased. Of course, I sat next to him, who was pissed off because of me not picking up his calls. But as soon as I asked about his night, he lit up and was back to his old self. The backyard looks so nice, it was decorated in nice lights, and the table was decorated with flowers. And we were using Aunt Liz’ expensive china. We ate dinner, laughed a lot, drank some wine, and a bit after music started playing.

“Will you marry me?” Clint was on his knees, shortly after the music playing and a brief message of love. Anne stood in front of him, teary eyed. She was stunned by the gesture, and the ring that was waiting for her to be worn. “Of course silly! Yes!“, she finally agreed with her hand on her mouth - still in shock. Clint wore the ring on her finger, he hugged her and they kissed. Sam and Duke were busy filming the scene. And we were all cheering and clapping for them. We congratulated the couple and headed back to our seats. Sam brought out a cake that she ordered earlier. A surprise for the couple. “I never doubted a yes, here’s a surprise for you two.“, she exclaimed. And everybody laughed. “Everybody knew?” Anne asked. “Well, not everybody. It was last minute notice. Belle and Aria were surprised too.” he explained. “Sorry babe, I forgot.” Justin said apologetically. “If you weren’t late, or even just picked up my calls.” Ryan scowled. “Oh come on. I like surprises. Congratulations again you two.“, ignoring Ryan. “So Ryan, are you next?” Anne asked playfully. “He doesn’t even have a girlfriend!“, Duke said. “I’d like Aria to be my sister in law too.“, Sam teased. “Yeah, why not?” Ryan asked with a weirdly serious expression. “Haha. Whatever, you’ll find your girl.“, I answered nervously. The table became briefly silent. “I guess that’s a no?” Clint joked. “Don’t be arrogant!“, Ryan answered playfully. And everyone laughed. It was the first time the his family teased me with Ryan. It was a little awkward, but the thought of Ryan having a girl over - which he never does, makes me wonder. Would I feel replaced, or do I even have space in the family? But I think, it’s something that I should accept sooner or later.

The weekend was over, and we’re back to our usual work day. We both would wake up at 8am, do our morning routines. I’d pack lunch the both of us, and we’d leave at 9:30am. Our offices are located just across each other’s, so we figured to sync our schedules as well, so we can save time and gas and just carpool together. He usually works overtime, while I leave on the dot. And would just continue working at home. Or would grab dinner with my girl friends or Jake. So, I’d take the car home, and he’d take an uber. Every wednesday was our “pick-me-upper” night. No overtime for him, and we’d carpool back to the apartment together. We’d grab some beers, order take-out and watch Netflix. Everything platonic, it was our tradition ever since, to choose one night, and spend time together. Honestly, it’s the highlight of my week. We usually end up sleeping on the couch, as we binge watch our favorite series. Ryan’s a big Marvel/DC fan, while I’m more of a reality TV girl. So, we’d take turns watching sci-fi or super hero series, then we’ll watch my favorite cooking competition series. Living with my best friend has been a comfort that I’d never want to change, well not yet.