So personal

"where on earth do I find this young lady?" He walked down the hallway looking frustrated. He'd been looking for Joy since morning - he didn't go to class.

The school was as noisy as ever and his ears hurt.

Sigh.....

He walked his way to the rooftop and sat on a bench there. He remembered seeing Joy and Lily come here everyday.

The view was great. He could see buildings and the sky. The sky was bright blue and the sun shine brightly.

He starred at the clouds lost in thoughts again.

FEW HOURS AGO

"What is wrong with you?" Kim asked her son who didn't even have the courage to look up at her.

"I'm sorry" was the only word he could say. He didn't know why he said sorry but he just said it.

"I told you to stop saying that" she barked at him. He shut his eyes, anger almost taking over.

Why did his mother hate him so much?

Why did she always complain about everything he does?

He wanted to voice out but he held it in.

Just a little longer...

He felt pressured. He was never like this. He also wanted to change but he couldn't, he was trying but his parents always found ways to criticize him either by his grade or the way he speaks or even everything he does.

Did his so called father go through so much before being CEO? Or is he just hellbent on making his life miserable?

He couldn't take it anymore.

One...two...three

"What do you want from me, mother?" He said in a slightly high voice.

"Prove that you can be my son" Those words make her heart break.

"How can I do that without you complaining all the time?" He paused "are you even my mother?" Those words just fell from his mouth and ran directly into her mother's heart.

"What did I just hear you say?" He heard his father and he knew he was done for.

"What did you just asked your mother?" He barked at him.

"I...." A hard slap on his face before he could say a complete word.

"Get out" he yelled "and come back when you're ready to prove that you come from this family" Ryan looked directly in his eyes before walking away. He knew he was rude but he didn't care anymore.

He didn't know where he was going but his legs took him to the school and the only person he could look for was his annoying PA.

PRESENT

She was there but was lost in her books. She hasn't been able to study for days first because of Ryan and because of the people she lives with.

She was beaten black and blue last night and her face was red from the bruises.

She checked the time and realized she's been there for five hours and decided to come out to take a break but she isn't going to that classroom.

She opened the door and came out of the small space she was in and stretched her muscles, she's been here all day.

"So you're here?" She heard from behind her and was startled.

"What are you doing here?" She turned to look at the person talking behind her but immediately turned her head back in attempt to hide her face. She didn't know why but she didn't want Ryan to see her like that.

"What happened to your face?" He asked. He already saw it.

"Nothing" she answered nervously.

"Let me see" he tried to look properly but she kept hiding it.

The anger he felt few minutes ago tripled.

Why did he care if her face was injured?

He walked up to her and held her shoulders from behind, something he never did.

"What happened?" He asked softly this time.

"Why do you want to know?" Joy was trying to control the thing she felt in her stomach.

Did he really care? Or is he asking because he wanted to tease her later? She really wanted to tell him, honestly. But what if he didn't take it seriously and say something that'll hurt her. Who was she kidding, she knew Ryan would laugh and make fun of her later.

"Because you're hurt"

What?! Ryan cares if I'm hurt?

No no don't fall for it.

"I'm not hurt. I'll be fine" she tried to shake his hands away "take your hands off me" she growled.

"You hate me that much don't you?"

The question hit her hard and she stilled.

She didn't hate him but just didn't like him, or so she thought.

"I don't hate you...I just don't want to tell you" she turned to face him and looked directly at his face "for no reason"

Stunned and speechless, Ryan let go of her but his eyes never left he face.

What in the world was she going through?

Who in the world did that to her?

Why did he care?

"I won't bite. I promise" That was all it took. Joy knew how much she wanted to tell him and he sounded like he really care - because he did.

"It's the people I live with...I had a fight with their daughter and three pair of hands did this to my pretty face" she gave a weak smile while tried to not make eye contact with a certain man sitting beside her.

"What happened?" He asked again and thus time, he sounded ultra worried. Joy exhaled loudly before telling him everything that happened and what has always been happening.

She never thought she would tell anyone thise things but there she was telling Ryan everything. She didn't even tell Lily.

"That's...." Ryan didn't know what to say "and what are you doing about it"

"Nothing. Just waiting" she shrugged trying to look fine but Ryan could see through her.

"What if it takes a lot of time?" Almost a whisper.

Joy looked at him this time wondering why that question sounded so personal.

"What's wrong?"

"It uh..just..." He turned to look at the clouds again. He had never really had someone to talk to about his life but it felt right telling Joy. It just did.

"I hate my parents"

Joy's eyes widened. She'd heard Jess say the same thing but Ryan...?

Why could he possibly hate his parents? He was given everything, right?

"Why do say so?"

"I know what you're thinking but nerd, you have to go to class"

Disappointment was visible in her face. So he wasn't gonna tell her? Jerk.

He held out his hand " take my hand let's go. I'll go another time" Joy didn't take his hands instead she looked away.

"I promise" he'd said that word twice to her already.

Joy's face softened and she took his hands.

I should trust him.

"But what about...?"

"No one will ask if you're with me" he assured and they both walked towards the stairs in silence...