The Ryland Boys
Chapter 9

“I can’t anymore Norah, this-this was the last straw.” She said staring at me with wide eyes as she pointed to the remainder of our home.

My heart ached, all of dads things, his clothes, our pictures, his possessions were gone. It was all because of me.

I held a hand over my chest “Mom, please forgive me! I’m so sorry.” I said shaking my head and watching her shake her head crying “I can’t. I can’t do this.” She sighed.

Aunt Elle gave me a soft look “Your moms going to live with me for a while. You have a place here?” She asked me while Mom went into the rubble collecting things she could salvage.

Giving a nod, I forced myself to say yes, I couldn’t ask for more. I’ve been a burden on my mother since the day I was born, I can’t be more of one to her. She loves me and I know that, but there’s only so much she can take.

This was the cherry on top.

A very big cherry.

“I’ll be okay, I-I’ll go.” I said turning and watching Aunt Elle nod.

Getting in my car, I pulled out of the driveway heading down the street to the park. Turning off the car I let myself cry, a deep and heart wrenching cry.

Dialing her number, I waited and as she answered she was laughing, she was happy. “Norah hunny, how are you doing?” Amanda asked sweetly.

I let out a silent shaky breath “I’m okay, I just, I wanted to see if you are doing good.” I lied, realizing I can’t ruin her happiness.

“I’m doing beautifully, I met this guy, he’s ugh-perfect Nor, perfect!” She said gleefully, her sighs telling me she might have met the one.

I smiled “That’s beautiful, you deserve it. Have fun, I love you. Be safe.” I said before I exchanged byes and hung up.

Eyeing the check in my passenger seat, I drove off to the bank pulling on the sweater in my backseat. I grabbed the check and headed inside to cash it.

Standing in the line, I wiped a stray tear and a napkin came to my left side, I turned looking to the one offering it. Smiling at him, I took it “What are you doing here?” I asked Jerry.

He held up his check “I was told to come cash a check. They always send me on useless errands.” He said smiling.

I eyed my check, “Why so sad?” Jerry asked me as I wiped my cheeks.

“Next” the woman called.

I gave him a small smile and went to the woman handing her my check and putting my debit card in.

“Cash or on the card?” She asked.

“Cash.” I said wiping my eyes.

The woman handed me the cash in an envelope and I headed out the door. “Norah!”

Turning to Jerry I smiled at him “Sorry, I just…bad day.” I said hanging my head.

He gave me a rub on the back “I have a daughter your age, she’s much like you. Always carrying the weight of others, always taking on the burden.” He sighed “Don’t worry about Mrs. Ryland, as soon as she realizes no one will work as well as you did she will come back to you.” He said wisely.

I sighed “I was sad about the job, but I uh-I have a bigger problem than that.” I said shaking my head as I pictured the home.

Jerry stared down with furrowed eyebrows “What bigger problem?” He asked me.

Laughing I wiped a tear “Last night I was so engulfed in Lucas’s phone call I forgot to turn the stove off. I left two slices in. They caught fire, and I was gone so long the whole home burnt down.” I said pinching the bridge of my nose in disbelief of my own stupidity.

His face fell and he looked around the parking lot “Your mother?” He asked me looking back down at me.

I held the envelope up “She’s been with my aunt, she came when the city called. I’m giving her my paycheck, it’s not much but I’m hoping it can help her.” I said mentally cursing myself for the tears slipping.

Jerry eyed his car “Do you have a place to stay? Don’t lie to me either Norah.” He said looking down at me.

I stared up at him nodding but as he stared deeper I shook my head “No, I don’t.” I said taking a steady breath.

He nodded and pulled out a pen and paper from his coat writing something and handing it to me “This is my address, I get off at eight thirty. I’ll be home by then, I’ll let my wife know you’re coming.” He said giving me a stern smile.

I went to say no I couldn’t, and I can’t be a burden, but he was already leaving.

Walking to my car, I drove back to the house happy to see mom was still there. I got out and walked over to her handing her the envelope “It’s not much, but it’s all I’ve got. I love you and I’m sorry. I hope you can forgive me.” I said watching her stare blankly as she held a shirt to her chest. Dads shirt.

Aunt Elle pushed the envelope from mom to my chest “I’ve got her, don’t worry Norah. Keep that for yourself. Please.” She said kissing my

Forehead.

I shook my head “No, I can’t. I can’t keep it.” I said sniffling.

Mom looked up at me “Keep it Norah. Get yourself a place. Go to school.” She said smiling at me softly. “I love you, I forgive you. I just can’t raise you Norah, I can’t watch over you.” She said pointing to her head.

I nodded and then gave her a hug before hugging my aunt and watching them leave. As the car pulled away and they drove to the airport, I sighed and went into the ashes kicking parts aside picking up a few things I could find.

One album of photos was sitting beneath the burnt wood of the windows sills and I smiled pulling it out and flipping it open. My heart smiling wide, dad.

The album was on the ground in what was my room and coincidently the book was barely burnt. As if dad was protecting it or something.

Holding it to my chest, I picked up the jewelry box, thank god mom got the metal one.

I put the items I found in my car, most of my trophies lasted, and to my surprise too because I thought they’d have burnt down.

Taking the seven that lasted, I eyed the heavy one, the dry b***d on the corner flashing my memory to three years ago.

Shaking it off, I put the trophy back down leaving it and putting the other ones in my trunk.

My metals had melted into a tub of silver and I eyed it leaving it and going for the door knob.

Picking it up, I eyed it and walked down to my car tossing it into the grass and getting in the car driving to get myself some work flyers.

I’d have to get a job soon, especially now on my own, I wasn’t going to let Jerry take me in. I definitely wasn’t going to stay with him and his wife. That’s just ridiculous.

Eyeing the board of job opportunities, I began pulling the tags of phone numbers writing the name and job on the back.

Sighing, I headed back to my car looking over the numbers.

My phone began ringing and I stared down at Nichole’s name shining.

Ignoring it, she rang again and I picked it up putting the phone to my ear as I put the numbers in the console. “Hey Nichole. Listen I can’t really talk now, I’ve had such a f*****g shitty day.” I said sighing as the other side of the line went quiet.

“I’m sorry, I just, I burnt the house down. That kid I was watching called because his dibshit brothers let him drink. I had to watch him and because I’m such a good person I went over. The house burnt down while I was gone. My mom left to stay with Aunt Elle again. Did you know that I just cashed my check and it was three thousand f*****g dollars Nikky.” I sighed shaking my head “I forgot, I didn’t tell you I got fired for sleeping on the job. I only slept though because my mom left and I was home alone and you remember what happen last time she left me.” I said pushing back the memory “I was awake all night before work in fear that it would happen again. I didn’t even think about how it would affect my work.” I gripped my hair dropping my head to the steering wheel “I’m sorry, I’m ranting. What did you call for hun?” I asked waiting.

“I was calling to tell you that you left your items in Lucas’s room and you should come pick them up this week.” Alison said questionably.

Alison’s voice shocked me and I stared at my phone confused, I had a missed call from Nichole a second before Alison called. f**k me.

I felt my stomach turn “I hate my life.” I said softly dropping my head to the steering wheel and jumping as it honked the horn.

“f**k!” I shouted before realizing my former employer was on the phone. “I’m sorry, I’ll come get them right now. Just leave them with Jack and I’ll get them from him.” I said running a hand through my hair sighing.

Alison stayed quiet on the other line “You don’t sound okay.” She said pointing out the obvious, thanks Alison, thank you for that.

I rolled my eyes “I’m not, honestly I’m not. I don’t feel like discussing it though, I’ll be there to pick it up.” I said “bye Alison.” I said before hanging up.

Driving to the house, I managed to earn a ticket on my way there and got to the front pulling into the driveway.

I got out and Jack smiled, “Did Alison give you anything for me?” I asked.

He shook his head, I handed him my keys and went up to the door knocking and waiting.

As the door opened, I stared at Alison, she stared my face over “Come in.” She said gesturing for me to go inside and I inwardly sighed going inside.

She eyed my sweater, “Your clothes burn up too?” She asked me as I followed her to her office.

I nodded “Yeah, I’ll go get more later today.” I said trying to wrap my head around everything since last night.

Honestly burnt clothes were the least of my worries.

We walked into her office and she smiled at Jerry “Get us two martinis.” She said sitting and lighting a cigarette.

Sitting back, I brought my hand to my lips biting my nails and mentally cursing myself for picking that old habit back up, especially after it took me so long to quit it.

She lit it and took a drag “Thirty six.” She said calmly eyeing me over with a studying stare.

I wondered what the hell she meant, until she continued “I’ve had thirty six interviews since you left. Each was exceptional and had raised children of their own, They’re great for the job, they would teach Lucas everything he needs to in order to become a successful man some day. One is fluent in Japanese, Arabic and German in addition to English.” She said as Jerry walked in with the drinks.

He placed one down in front of her and handed me mine. I took it thanking him before he left the room.

“After you left this morning I sat with each of the staff members to receive their view of you, how they felt about you and whether they trusted you.” She took a drink.

They better have been kind, I am nothing but great to them.

“A few complained you tackle them to entertain Lucas.” She said eyeing me curiously.

I nodded “It only happened once and I didn’t end up tackling them, in fact I tackled Masons team instead.” I said realizing that’s not any better.

She took a drag “You teach Lucas things that those older woman can’t, friendship. He feels comfortable with you, enough to dial your phone number. I still don’t know how he did that. Especially since I never gave him your number.” She said confused, don’t worry we’re both curious about that.

I let out a shaky breath and took a drink “I couldn’t tell you, I was shocked myself.” I said.

Alison nodded “Its not just him though…” she took another drag blowing it to the side, “Mason was hospitalized two years ago after he tried to kill himself. He had been struggling with depression since then.” She furrowed her eyebrows. “Before you arrived he was starting to show the same signs he had from before, not eating his favorite foods, being more happy than usual, giving away his prized and closest possessions.” She took a drink. “He gave his friend Marcus his favorite signed basketball.” She shifted in her seat staring into my face.

I nodded “My moms done that a few times.” I said taking a drink.

Alison leaned forward to placed her drink down and ash the cigarette “Well last week his friend Marcus came over to drop the ball off.” She said leaning back again.

Keeping her stare, she shrugged “I confronted him before I left, you know what he told me?” She asked furrowing her eyebrows.

I shook my head and she sighed “He told me your kindness reminded him that there are good people in the world. He said it reminded him of the innocence in the world that he craved.” She crossed her legs.

God, I didn’t know I had that much of an impact on Mason.

Looking to my drink I ran a finger around the rim, “I had no idea.” I said looking up at her.

She stood up and moved around the table standing in front of me while she sat on the edge of her desk staring down at me “I want you back here Norah.” She said taking a drag.

I felt my smile want to explode over my face, I felt the ‘yes!’ In my throat but I just stared instead.

Alison pursed her lips “I know that my sons phone call resulted in the burning down of your home and because of that I insist you stay here for the time being.” She said and as I went to say no she eyed me stern.

Nodding, she gave me a small stare “Follow me.” She said going out the office with me, we headed up the stairs and I followed to the room beside Jax’s. “This is the guest room, it’ll be your room if you agree to my deal and terms.” She said opening the door and showing me the big room.

I gave her my full attention and she held up one finger “Rule one, you are still Lucas’s babysitter, you’ll be watching him Monday through Friday eight in the morning until six at night. Saturday’s and Sunday’s are still yours.” She said before holding a second finger up “My husband doesn’t do mooching, so I will be cutting your paycheck in half for living and expenses.” She said watching my expression, “Three, my most important,” She looked to Jax’s door and then back at me “If I find you sleeping with any of my boys I will fire you. I will not be housing any of my sons whores. Not to mean you’re a w***e, but that’s what it’ll be to me if you do.” She said eyeing me.

“Four, no bringing people over, especially guys.” She said before going to explain “That’s just because I can’t be responsible for what goes on with you after.” She stated.

I nodded “I completely understand.” I said tucking my hair behind my ear, “I uh, I’m not sexually active, haven’t been for years. Probably won’t be for years.” I said softly.

She stared thoughtfully before nodding “Good, now, the last rule is one I have to say but I know you wouldn’t. No stealing. If I catch you stealing anything, I will not only fire you but I will have you arrested. Remember you are a guest in my home.” She said before holding a hand out.

I eyed it before shaking it “Understood.” I said letting out a silent sigh.

Alison smiled “Don’t make me regret this Norah, I am not one to make a fool of. I trust you, don’t defy my trust.” She said crossing her hands over her chest.

The house was so quiet. “Where is everyone?” I asked her.

She looked around the empty home “They all went to Masons game, they’ll be back in a couple hours. That should give you enough time to get some clothes and settle in your room.” She said smiling softly.

I nodded “Did you tell the guys?” I asked her.

She shook her head “No, but something tells me they don’t mind.” She said giving me a wink. “I’ll be in my office if you need me.” She said leaving the room.

Sighing, I looked around the big room, the dresser, vanity, book shelf, the side table with the beautiful lamp, the walk in closet and the bathroom. Holy s**t.

Biting my l*p, I headed out the door and down the stairs to Jack getting my car and going to a few clothing stores picking up a few T-shirt’s, jeans, leggings and yoga pants, a few shorts, four pairs of converse, bras, panties, a few bikinis, some summer rompers and dresses, sandals and anything else I really liked.

I even bought the body wash, shampoo, conditioner, loofa, towel and a blow dryer that also came with a straightener.

I spent two thousand dollars not worried since I have nothing and this was a sort of way to make me feel better.

I’d even bought a few books and magazines to make myself feel at home.

When I got to the house, I had Jerry and Emily help me take the tons of bags up to my room.

After an hour, and with Emily’s help, I had everything put away and began making a list of things I wanted to make me feel home again.

1. Nail Polish

2. Makeup

3. Calendar

4. Laptop*******

5. Purses

6. Candles

7. Lights

Putting the paper on the vanity, I put the jewelry box down opening it up and smiling at all the jewelry surprised it survived.

My trophies took over the shelves on the wall and I smiled softly at it before going to shower.

After a hot shower, I blow dried my hair and straightened it changing into my new clothes.

I felt a lot better after realizing I had a place to stay.

“Mom!” Lucas shouted from downstairs.

I bit my l*p and shut my door as I heard some footsteps slowly go upstairs.

As I shut it, the footsteps stopped.

f**k.

Walking to the bed, I crossed my arms over my chest and eyed the door.

As I shut it, the footsteps stopped.

“How’d it go?” Alison asked before the footsteps faded back downstairs.

Masons laugh came “We kicked a*s. Wish you could’ve seen it.” He said laughing.

Benson sighed “Alright, what’s for dinner?” He asked.

“Oh I actually have to run something by all of you, I uh- I gave the guest room away.” She said clearing her throat as the “what?”s came aggressively.

Alison hushed them and then Masons voice came annoyed “Who the hell did you invite?” He asked. “Not uncle Melvin right? The guys a wack job.” He sighed.

Well I guess as long as I’m not uncle Melvin I’ll be good right?

My stomach turned, “Norah.” She said softly.

It grew quiet “Norahs here?!” Lucas asked with his foot steps running but then they stopped “Yes, and she’s very nervous. I know you guys aren’t used to living with a girl, and I know I should’ve ran it by you, but her house burned down because of Lucas’s phone call.” She said rushed.

Masons voice came “No, I don’t mind at all, I’m happy you did that for her.” I smiled.

Bensons voice came next “What about cost?” He asked.

Alison cut in “Don’t worry, I’m cutting her paycheck in half so that other half will be her rent.” She said to Benson. “Then I’m okay with that.” He said.

Carter laughed “Thats awesome. Wow mom, didn’t think you had it in you.” He joked.

She scoffed and a thud came, she must’ve hit him.

“Jax?” Alison asked.

The silence grew “Yeah, I don’t mind.” He said bored.

She sighed, “Okay good that you’re all okay because she’s actually in the room now.” She said laughing.

Lucas’s foot steps went running and I ran around trying to look busy.

Shoving headphones in, I grabbed a

Magazine and sat on the bed as the door opened. “Norah!” Lucas said running and jumping onto the bed.

I took the headphones out smiling at him “Hey kid!” I said hugging him.

Putting the magazine down, I looked to the door to see Mason leaning into the doorsill smirking “Ah, it’s so good to see your face again.” He said.

I c****d an eyebrow “You guys do know I saw you all last night right?” I asked him laughing.

Mason nodded “It doesn’t count though, our drunk radar was on and we couldn’t tell.” He said laughing.

Smiling, I stood with Lucas and walked to Mason hugging him “How’d your game go?” I asked him picking Lucas up.

We walked with Mason down the stairs and he told me about how he won them hungover.

As we sat around the table, we got a seafood dinner of shrimp, baked fish and a bit of lobster.

I sat beside Lucas and smiled at Carter and Jax shyly.

It’s embarrassing to be homeless and have a couple hot guys see their mom take you in.

I’m never going to forget this day.

“So your house burnt down?” Lucas asked me staring up at me with wide eyes, “Mom said it’s cause I called. I’m sorry for burning your house down Norah.” He said sadly.

I shook my head “Oh no, it’s my fault. I was so scared for you I forgot to turn off the stove.” I said with wide eyes. He matched my eyes “You let your house burn for me?” He asked tilting his head to the side.

Giving him a smile “It’s just a house buddy, it can’t replace a life.” I said brushing his hair back. He looked to his mom “She loves me more than her house.” He smirked.

I laughed and looked to Alison who smiled softly.

Mason laughed “She was scared for me not you Luke.” He said furrowing his eyebrows eyeing Lucas. Alison rolled her eyes at Mason as Lucas shook his head “She loves me not you.” He said scowling.

Carter leaned in “If she doesn’t love us why’d she take care of us too?” He asked staring from Lucas to me.

I leaned in Lucas’s ear “It’s because I didn’t want them to cry like little babies in the morning.” I said watching him laugh.

Mason smirked “Hey, hey what did she say? Keeping secrets already?” He shook his head.

Lucas smirked and stared at me grinning.

Looking up at Jax, he put some lobster in his mouth eyeing me before giving me his wild green eyes.

He’s annoyingly sexy in more ways than one.

Moving my stare to Benson he was laughing hard at Lucas’s smug look as he told Mason he isn’t man enough to win a girl over.

Dinner ended with Lucas spilling sauce on Masons pants to which mason poured his tea on Lucas and then Alison yelled at both of them.

Taking Lucas, Alison cut in “You don’t have to, it’s Saturday hun. You’re off.” She said going to take him.

I shook my head “I’ve got it, you finish your dinner.” I said taking Lucas and going upstairs.

He sat in the bath dropping bombs on the ships with his plane. “Ahhhh! They hit our ship!” He said slowly pulling the ship under.

I leaned my back into the cabinet flipping the page as I read the story of Alice in Wonderland for the thousandth time. It used to be my moms favorite to read me.

“Alice huh?”

Looking up at Carter, I smiled “Yeah, a classic favorite.” I said shutting the book and looking to Lucas “Hand check.” I said as he lifted his fingers to me.

“Alright you’re still good. Ten more minutes and then we’re done.” I said watching him nod. I smiled and looked back at Carter “Got a favorite book?” I asked.

He shrugged “Probably the Center Of Winter.”

Oh god, “You like dramas?” I asked laughing.

Carter smirked “Hey, it’s a very heart wrenching book.” He said laughing as he stared at the ground. “It was my ex wives, she uh made me read it.” He said clearing his throat.

I nodded “Its a very depressing book. I personally couldn’t finish. I got about half way before I decided that woman’s life was s**t and I couldn’t read more.” I said shaking my head.

He smiled at me “You read fantasy?” He eyed the book.

I moved my eyes from the book to him “Normally I don’t, but I have a weakness for this one. I like mystery novels, thrillers and anything by Stephen King.” I said laughing.

Carter eyed me “I would’ve pegged you for a romance novel chick.” He said staring up and down my body. “Guess you would’ve pegged me wrong.” I said standing up.

He nodded “Goodnight Norah.” He said walking backwards.

I smirked “Goodnight Carter.” I said unplugging the tub and wrapping the towel around Lucas.

We read the hungry hungry caterpillar and he fell asleep half way through the story.

I got up and headed out the room shutting off the light and softly closing the door.

Jax’s door was open and as I walked past slowly, I caught eyes with him, he was grabbing gloves. He stared at me for a few seconds, and we stood there just sharing a gaze before I broke it and went into my bedroom shutting the door.

As I listened to his footsteps move from the bedroom to the stairs, they paused outside my door for a few minutes before he walked down the stairs.

I let out a breath I hadn’t realized I was holding and changed into pajamas going into bed and dialing Nichole’s number.

She answered after the third ring “Nikki!” I whisper shouted.

She laughed “You alright Nor?” She asked.

I smiled “Okay so I burnt my house down and then now I’m living with three super hot guys and I am melting.” I said low.

Silence filled the other line, “You’re living with three hot guys? How?” She asked confused.

“That kid I’m babysitting, remember I told you he has two hot siblings? Turns out he has three. Their mom gave me a place to stay and I’ve moved in and oh my freaken god.” I said quietly.

Nichole hushed someone “How the hell did you manage that you lucky s**t? Are you going to shag one?” She asked.

As much as she’d hope so, I laughed “No, I’m not. That’s one of the rules. How are you?” I asked.

She scoffed “I’ve been f*****g three guys, all idiots but they’re hot. One is insanely rich and in love with me, you think I got what it takes to have a sugar daddy?” She asked.

I laughed “Yeah actually that might be your calling.” I said taking out a magazine and looking through it.

Nichole laughed “Alright well time change is different. It’s very early here. I’ll talk to you later babe.” She said hushing someone again.

Smiling I sighed “Alright, love you Nikki.” I said waiting as she said “love you too Nor.”

Hanging up I put my phone on the side table and felt safe.

For once in a very long time, I didn’t feel like I had to worry about if someone would break in.

It felt so good.