42 - Brake

PLEASE, DON'T KILL ME...


Anna watched Ryan with a careful eye as she drove them both home. She insisted on driving; she still wasn’t too high on the idea of fresh-out-of-the-hospital Ryan driving at night. Ryan settled. He had other plans in mind anyway.

Parking in the garage, Anna went to put the keys on the counter when she felt Ryan’s arms around her.

“You were amazing tonight,” he whispered in her ear, sending chills down her spine, “I’m so proud of you.”

Anna smiled nervously, “Thanks, I-”

Her voice was suppressed by a moan as Ryan kissed from her ear to her shoulder, pulling back her cardigan so he could continue trailing down her neck. His hands wandered up to her chest, grasping her gently. Anna held onto his wrists, feeling her body stiffen.

They were used to this now, but each time still felt amazing. Ryan was gentle and sweet as he made love to her upstairs in their bed, holding her tightly and lovingly. They reached the perfect moment at the same time; Anna's nails digging into Ryan's back as she writhed beneath him. Falling down beside her, he felt like everything was in place. It was the perfect moment.

"Will you marry me, Anna?"

No response.

Ryan turned to look at her. She was fast asleep. He sighed, a bit frustrated.

"So that whole sex thing mixed with pregnancy does tire a woman out," he thought miserably, "I'll make a mental note of that."

-

It must have been around 3:00 am when the phone rang. Ryan crawled out of bed, gently releasing his embrace around Anna. He yawned, hoping this wasn’t a prank call.

“Hello?”

Anna opened her eyes slowly and turned to see Ryan standing with the portable phone in his ear. She sat up, covering herself with the blanket, blinking at him curiously.

“Oh my god....oh my god...” Ryan put a hand on his forehead, pushing back his hair while he shook his head, “I’m so sorry....yes, I’ll tell her.” He sighed, “I’ll be sure to let Lindy know. Thank you.” Hanging up the phone, Ryan looked as though he’d seen a ghost.

“Who was that?” Anna asked him, “What’s wrong?”

Ryan couldn’t look at her. His eyes were fixed on the floor as he walked back to bed, getting in next to her. The suspense was killing Anna.

“That was Dan Bylsma. There’s been an accident, Annie...” Ryan said slowly.

Anna felt her heart sink, “What happened?”

Ryan took both of Anna’s hands, rubbing his thumbs along her palms, “Max and Fleury were in an accident. Their car collided with a van on an icy road just outside of Pittsburgh. Apparently it was storming badly there.” Anna bit her lip. “Fleury is ok, though. He just has a couple scratches.”

Anna grasped Ryan, “And Max?”

Ryan sighed. Anna squeezed him harder. Ryan could feel his eyes growing heavier as he finally made himself look at her; her gaze enough to stab him. The tears started falling from Anna’s eyes as he said the very words they had feared.

“He’s gone, Annie...Max didn’t make it. I’m...I’m sorry...”

Anna buried her face in Ryan’s shoulder, sobbing uncontrollably. He wrapped his arms around her, kissing the top of her head over and over. She gripped his arms tightly, the anger and sadness pouring out of her like a fountain. Ryan felt tears welling up in his eyes too, but he knew he had to be strong. Anna needed him right now.

Gently, Ryan laid Anna down on the bed and held her. She settled her head on his chest, stilling sobbing quietly. Ryan ran a hand through her hair, whispering softly, “It’s ok, it’s ok, I’m here for you...”

“I shouldn’t have asked him...” Anna said between sobs, “I shouldn’t...”

It made sense now as to why they never showed, and why TK and Kris weren't there after the show.

“It’s not your fault,” Ryan told her, “It’s no one’s.”

They spent the rest of the night like this, hardly sleeping, just holding each other. Ryan rocked her back and forth, kissing her every now and then. Anna cried until she ran out of tears. It felt like a part of her was gone.