SOS…
Time Jump some Months Later
It's not that Ryan didn't know Angelique was cheating. She did, however, she didn't want to acknowledge the flaw. She didn't want their relationship to be a self fulfilling prophecy, a result of something she desperately tried to piece together knowing that it was always a one sided effort. Ryan heard her words and fell for them, again. Only this time she had the visuals as her solid proof, she could no longer hide from the truth.
The sounds of another woman echoed when she walked into their apartment, Angelique’s name falling off her lips continuously. Shoes that aren't hers perched by the shoe rack as she entered, further notifying her that someone else, other than her girlfriend was present. The trail of clothes leading to their bedroom all but solidified what Ryan already knew in her heart to be true. She quietly opened their bedroom door to find another woman on her knees, naked as the day she was born, pleasing her girlfriend. Angelique knew that Ryan knew, she didn't even have the decency to immediately ask the woman to leave. She’d later tell Ryan she didn't even know she was there until she slammed the door to their bedroom, that was a lie. Angelique knew Ryan was there, she felt her. She was just more focussed on getting her fix than she did about the hurt she’d caused Ryan, even before today.
The audacity of Angelique to try to lie her way out of a clear cut situation was astounding. Even more shocking was her bravery to step to Ryan, to raise her voice at the woman who’d all but loved her something chronic when she shouldn't have. When Angelique grew tired of hearing Ryan’s pain she got frustrated.
“Ryan, I don't know how many times you want me to say I'm sorry and it won't happen again. What else do you want from me?”
“Your love Angelique, your love and faithfulness is all I've ever wanted. I was an idiot to think you ever had the capacity to love anyone but yourself”
Ryan tried to walk away from the situation, tried to give them both some space but Ange wouldn't allow it. She grabbed Ryan at the chest and balled her flannel into her fists, then shoved Ryan against the wall.
“And where the fuck do you think you’re going”
“Away from you. Take your fucking hands off me Angelique or I swear you'll regret the day you met me”
Angelique saw red, how dare Ryan threaten to leave her. How dare she walk away from a relationship so bad it deserves a toxicity label slapped on it. How dare she choose herself and her happiness? How dare she.
“The fuck you are. You think you can leave me, Ryan? I'm the only one who can love you good. You’re fucking worthless without me”
“You’re so full of yourself. Let me go Ange. now”
Angelique raised her fist, hoping to scare Ryan. When she noticed she didn't, she drove her knuckles into the wall directly next to Ryan’s head. When she realised she hadn't broken Ryan, she let her shirt drop and walked back into their bedroom. Ryan didn't hesitate to pull her packed bag out of its hiding place. Before she left, she wrote Angelique a note that simply said:
We’re done, for good this time
R
Ryan boarded the next flight to Gotham City. Mary’s house was her one and only stop. Mary opens her door to a dishevelled Wilder. Her friend was almost unrecognisable through the smudged mascara, bloodshot eyes and swollen face, she looked run down, like she would collapse any moment. She quickly ushers Ryan into her apartment without hesitation or question, once Ryan’s drops her bags Mary wraps her arms around her friend, allowing her shoulder to catch the tears she’d manage to hold for the uber ride from the airport to where she currently is.
Their group chat was sent one message
“Man down”
They understood
—-------------
Mare Bear🐻💕: Man Down!!!
Within the next two hours, the friends were together in Mary’s apartment doing what they do best; putting one of their own back together. There was still one friend missing however; Sophie had yet to arrive and she hadn't responded to any of the messages in the group chat. Mary managed to step away from the larger group. She called Sophie. It was quickly declined. Mary called again. It was declined. She sent Sophie a private message.
Sophie reads the message that just came through with a resulting sigh
Jordan: What's got you sighing like a pregnant cat? And why you declining Mary’s calls?
Sophie: I think someone’s in trouble
Jordan: huh?
Sophie chuckles, “Mary sent an “SOS”, I’m assuming someone’s had a breakdown or something. Well not just someone, one of us needs us, all of us.
Jordan stares with pursed lips and squinted eyes, “You guys are weirdly close. I can't decide whether I support it or if I need to get you away from here. Hmm”
Sophie: Ahh shh, lemme get the scoop
When Mary finally tells the rest of the group chat what's going on, Sophie releases another sigh. Jordan looks at her expectantly
Sophie: It’s Ryan…
Jordan raises her eyebrow, “Oooo, sexy ex bartender chick?”
Sophie: Yes Jordan
Jordan: Why do you look so….conflicted?
Sophie: I don't know if my presence is needed…
Jordan: Isn't she your friend? Isn't this what you guys do?
Sophie: mmm, yeah but. The last time we saw each other…
Jordan: What, y'all had a fight or something?
Sophie: Not exactly…
Jordan: Then what? You have me on the edge of my seat here sis
Sophie: We kissed?
Jordan audibly pulled as much air into her lungs as she could, her eyes almost bulging out of her head.
Jordan: SOPH….
Sophie: Don't start…
Jordan: You kissed her and you didn't tell me. What kinda sister are you?
Sophie: You know what…..
Sophie started to move but before she could stand, Jordan threw herself across her sister’s lap laughing
Jordan: Nooo, Sophie, wait. I mean, I truly do care about your feelings and everything but updating little sister must always come first okaaay?
Jordan sits upright, tucking her legs under her, “Spill. Right now. Because how, when and where and what happened next. In no particular order”
Sophie laughs, “It's highly concerning how invested you are in my love life. Truly concerning”
Jordan: Mhm, yeah…
Sophie rolls her eyes. “It happened at Kara and Lena’s engagement party. I was still with Tyler J, I felt so horrid and guilty afterwards. I ran and left her”
Jordan: Oh my gosh. Why did you leave her? I know you were with Tyler and whatever but hello?
Sophie: I know you're not condoning cheating Jordan
Jordan: I'm not but-
Jordan cuts herself off when she realises, “She’s the reason you broke up with him”
Sophie sighs
Jordan: Soph why didn't you tell me. I knew something was up. Then you got all flavoured. The girlies been tasting the rainbow huh?
Sophie: Oh nah, don't ever again. Ew, what do you even know about rainbows being tasted
Jordan: Oh I know enough. Want me to tell?
Sophie; GOD NO!!
Jordan bursts into laughter at the sheer horror on Sophie's face. “Whatever. So, what are you gonna do about Ryan? I take it you guys haven’t spoken since the kiss or even about it?”
Sophie: I haven’t seen her since that night….
Jordan: Well, for what it's worth, it sounds like she just needs her friends right now
Sophie ponders Jordan’s words for a moment before releasing one of her signature sighs
Sophie: Yeah, you're right. I can definitely do that
Jordan: Good. Now when are you going to see your future wife?
Sophie groans in slight embarrassment but. Future wife. Does Ryan even see her like that? Do they even stand a chance after what Ryan’s going through? Is she selfish for thinking about her and Ryan being a possibility considering the current breakup Ryan seems to be struggling with?
Sophie blinks her thoughts away and messages the group. She’d be whatever Ryan needed her to be as she navigates through this.