Theatre Geek - (R.B.) - Chapter 5: Chapter 5

Ricky's thoughts were filled with a foreboding emotion. After a long day at school, he returned home the next evening to learn that his parents were planning to divorce soon. He'd known they didn't get along for a long time, but he couldn't figure out why. The question would creep into his mind at the most inconvenient times, hounding him to comprehend why they had spent so many years in an unpleasant relationship just to eventually split. The uncharacteristically vacant dining table, 'family' vacations where only one parent was present, and the two of everything; birthday celebrations, holiday parties . . . He should've seen it coming a long time ago.
He felt hollow as if there was nothing he could do to make himself feel better. Shortly after learning of the impending separation, he hurriedly grabbed his backpack and dashed out the front door, intending to spend the night at a friend's place instead. He rang Big Red, the one person he knew he could rely on. Regrettably, Red had to cancel the sleepover, leaving Ricky to fend for himself once more.
He knew that if he went to Nini's house, she would decline the request right away, so he decided not to risk it. He was still exploring the frigid streets in his clothing as it was becoming darker. He had neglected to pack any extra clothing, which presented him with yet another conundrum.
A thought came to him right then, and he ran towards the location, even though he wasn't sure it was the right thing to do. From her bedroom window, he observed Julia intently, her gaze fixed on the words in a novel whose title he couldn't quite place. His eyes were glued to the way her nose crinkled slightly and her tongue stroked the edge of her lips, while her hand danced with the turning of pages, and he found it very difficult to look away.
It didn't take long for him to realise he was standing outside in sub-zero temperatures, without a place to sleep for the night. However, when it did, he quietly knocked on the window, but Julia ignored him. Instead, she was outraged by the most likely scenario: another group of obnoxious middle schoolers hurling rocks at her window.
Ricky's brows furrowed and he knocked a little louder, but she made a 'whatever' gesture with her hand. He then spoke her name, and it was only then that her eyes opened in surprise as she turned to face him.
She got out of bed, shrugged her shoulders, and opened the window, crossing her arms as if attempting to protect herself from the night sky's cold.
"Ricky? What exactly are you doing here?" she questioned, a worried tone in her voice.
He answered, a weak chuckle coming from him, "No-no, don't worry. Can I, uh, stay the night?"
Ricky cringed almost hearing how fast the cogs in her head were turning. Right about now she was wondering whether he was joking, then she would scan through all the times they were together to see if he needed something because he always needed something.
Julia's family moved in next door to the Bowen's, and at the time they were in primary school, not communicating more than a simple greeting or a wave. When middle school came along, that too turned into an awkward glance from the driveway.
"That's probably not the best idea," she finally said after a moment.
He didn't want to confess it earlier, but he realised that explaining his reasoning for asking such an abrupt request was probably necessary. "I don't have anywhere to stay tonight. So, if you wouldn't mind allowing me to stay? Only tonight. That's all I'm asking. Please."
The desperation in his brown eyes was a dead giveaway that he was being truthful, and Julia couldn't possibly deny this from him.
"Okay, uh⸺come in, I guess." She shifted to the side to allow him to enter, and she pondered what could have prompted his surprise visit.
"Thank you so much," he started as soon as she closed the window. "It's freezing, isn't it?"
Julia stared at him blankly, unresponsive to his attempt at lightening the mood. "Yeah."
Ricky swallowed his saliva and looked around the room awkwardly as if searching for something else to talk about to take his focus away from whatever mishap was going on. "You have a nice room here. It's weird that we've lived next door for, what, ten years and I've never seen it."
"Our parents never truly did get along," she replied with a small smile.
Just then, the door opened quickly, causing both of the teenagers to show expressions like they were just caught with their hands inside the cookie jar.
Julia's sole aunt Cheryl was staying with her until her parents returned from a business trip in the suburbs. A tall woman, possibly in her forties, with gleaming blonde hair that contrasted sharply with her niece's natural brown, and a haughty smile that radiated contentment.
"Who's this young man?" Cheryl asked, eyeing Ricky.
"This is, uh⸺"
"I'm Ricky," he interrupted, raising out his hand for the older woman to shake.
"Cheryl." She accepted the handshake.
"Ricky was wondering if he could stay the night," Julia added, "I know there's no spare room, but I can make him some space on my floor?"
Cheryl said nothing, but with a firm nod of her head, Ricky knew that she had agreed. He was worried she would've declined, but relief filled him as the outcome was the complete opposite. The woman gestured Julia over and the girl did as told. She leaned in to whisper in her ear something that caused the young teenager to blush profusely. "Use protection."
Julia didn't even bother to correct her aunt because she knew she wouldn't believe her anyway. Cheryl then flashed her a wink and exited the room, shutting the door behind her. Julia went into her closet to avoid meeting Ricky's oblivious stare and to hide her embarrassment. She reappeared a few moments later, carrying some neutral-coloured clothes. "Since you probably don't have any extra clothes to sleep in, you should be able to fit into these."
Ricky felt at ease once more because it was more like a statement than a question. He had intended to sleep in his jeans and sweater, but he appreciated her effort even before he asked for anything.
He locked himself in the bathroom in Julia's room after murmuring a short 'thank you,' and stepped out a few minutes later, wearing the loose t-shirt and pyjama pants that were a few sizes too big on Julia.
"They fit you well," she said with a smile. "I had a clue they would."
"I guess I kind of owe you an apology." He shoved his hands into the pockets of the cotton pants. "And an explanation."
Julia shook her head. She sat down on her bed with the laced bedsheet. "Yeah, you do, but we don't have to talk about if you're not comfortable."
"I should probably do so. It'll take my mind off things and clear up any confusion you may have." He murmured a gentle snicker and sat down beside her on the bed, a comfortable distance between them.
Julia learned what was causing Ricky so much worry in the minutes that followed. Knowing that the cause was a potential divorce saddened her, and it reminded her of a period when her own parents were considering it as well, but fortunately, they chose an alternative, recognizing that separation does not always ensure fulfilment.
She realised something else in those minutes. She wasn't alone, and there were a number of things that worried her about her life, as did a similar pattern in the life of another teenager who lived just down the block.
She wondered if the chance encounter could help divert attention away from any casualties and lead to a bond, even if it was only platonic.
She wondered if Ricky could be the one to take that place.