The Hidden Ones: The Spotlight - 33. Beach Day!

---Teddy---

I couldn’t help but exhale a deep breath of relief as I watched Mrs. Sullivan hold her grandson. Out of all the good and bad I’ve seen from him, today was probably the hardest moment our relationship has ever seen. Watching him lay in bed all day, surrounded by nothing but hopelessness, it killed me inside. Yet He survived it. We survived it. We can take anything. Now I know we can.

We stayed outside for a little bit longer as Ryder clutched onto his deep red guitar. An instrument that has no doubt become so much more to him than just another one of his guitars. It’s his heart. His family. I wish I could’ve stayed with them all night, but as nine rolled around I knew my parents would be wondering where I was. Sure, I was texting them letting them know I was okay, but they’re my parents. Texts only mean so much.

I didn’t see much of Ryder in the passing days, but that feeling from that night. That bond that seemed to strengthen so much more, it never faded. I tried my hardest to get him to take at least one day off, but he held Thursday’s plans over my head like a piñata at a children’s birthday party!

When Thursday morning finally rolled around I found a tired rock star at my front door surrounded by Blake and Liz. As much as I would’ve loved a quiet day away with him, well I know he needed to spend the day with people who love him. A day that reminds him he’s not alone.

“Did we really have to get up so early?” He forced out, our hug turning more into him resting on me than an embrace.

“Yes.” I giggled, happily holding onto him. “It’s the middle of summer. If you don’t want to sit in traffic for hours then we need to leave as early as possible.”

“And trust me you don’t want to be in two hours of traffic with Teddy.” Liz teased, taking a long look at us. “What kind of bathing suit is that anyway?”

Ryder looked down at his shorts and shook his head. “I don’t wear bathing suits.” He rejected. “I don’t swim.”

“Not even a little bit?” I asked, hoping he would cave.

“No.” He dismissed, refusing to break even slightly.

“Boring.” I teased, as our hands connected. “So what beach do you want to go to?”

“Um.” Ryder let out, but it was clear he was waiting for someone else to answer.

“Seaside!” Blake yelped, jumping at the chance to decide.

“That’s going to be soooo busy.” I groaned, thinking of the normal jersey shore trash that hangs out there. “Let’s just go to Point Pleasant. It’s closer and cleaner.”

“Yeah.” Ryder quickly nodded. “Point Pleasant is nicer.”

Liz raised her eyebrows and looked to her boyfriend. “Oh yeah?” She taunted Ryder.

“Yeah.” Ryder nodded, a little less confident than before.

“But it doesn’t have a board walk.” She lured, seeing what she could get out of him.

“So?” Ryder asked. “We don’t need a board walk, we’ll just go hang out on the beach.”

“Point Pleasant totally has a board walk! He has no idea what he’s talking about!” Blake shouted, capitalizing on the moment. “Why the hell are we letting him decide?”

“Because this trips for him.” I emphasized, staring them both down. “He’s the one that’s overworked, and in desperate need of a day off.” I shifted back towards Ryder and sighed. “You’ve never been to Point Pleasant have you?”

“No.” He confessed in a low voice.

“That’s okay.” I tried to comfort. “Where did you go growing up? If it’s not too far we’ll just go there.” He stayed quiet as his eyes drifted way. “You never went down the shore as a kid did you?”

“Who was I going to go with?” he shrugged, finally looking back at me. “My grandma hates long drives, and money was always tight.”

I let out a deep sigh as I realized another thing Ryder missed out on growing up. It might sound crazy, but for a Jersey kid going down the shore in the summers is everything. Everyone does it, and everyone has their shore points. It’s just a way of life around here. One of those things we all do. “We don’t have to go to the beach if,”

“I want to.” He interrupted, reading the words in my head. “I just, I don’t know which is which.”

“Then let’s show him Seaside!” Blake whined. “We could totally sneak into a bar and have a few beers before we hit,”

“No.” Ryder interrupted once more. “Teddy decides.” He nodded.

“Why?” Liz let out, trying her hardest to support her boyfriend’s wishes.

“He knows me the best.” Ryder shrugged, fighting off a bashful smile. “He’ll know the place I’ll like the most.”

“That’s easily Point Pleasant.” I quickly encouraged. “It’s small, and quiet, and no one will even bother us there. We can just walk the board walk, or lay around on the beach.”

“Whatever.” Blake sighed. “Let’s just get going.”

I took one last look at Ryder and swayed my lips fromm side to side. “No Teddy.” Ryder sighed, knowing what was coming next. “Whatever you’re about to say, just, no.”

“You don’t own a bathing suit do you?” I poked, as our eyes connected.

“That’s none of your business.” He defended, turning away from my gaze.

“I’ll go get you one of my extras.” I exhaled, breaking free from his hand and heading towards the stairs.

“Why?” he protested in a groan. “I don’t need one! I don’t swim!”

“I heard you the first time!” I dismissed, halfway up the stairs. “But trust me you don’t want sand in your shorts!”

I heard some stifled laughter from downstairs but didn’t care. He can be embarrassed and mad all he wants. I’m not letting anything ruin our day away together. Especially not something as small as sand!

As I came back downstairs he fought me on the bright pair of swim trunks, but eventually broke and got changed anyway. It took everything in my power not to laugh at him in pineapple decorated light blue swim trunks, but he simply rolled his eyes and ignored the look on my face.

It didn’t take long for him and Blake to fall asleep. It was kind of cute in a way. Two guys that try so hard to seem dark and tough both so vulnerable. Every now and then one of Ryder’s songs would pop on the radio and make me smile, or Liz would start a conversation but for the most part the hour and a half ride was quiet. As odd as it sounds I wouldn’t have it any other way. He’s earned this nap. He’s earned some quiet time. And best of all I get to sit right next to him and make sure he’s okay.

As we finally pulled into a lot and Ryder woke up I couldn’t help but smile. “You ready for your first time at the beach?”

He swayed his head still trying his hardest to wake up. “Sure.” He let out, as we all exited the car.

“So what are we doing first?” Blake asked. The salty air filling our lungs.

“Funnel cake!” Liz shouted, causing us all to jump.

“Okay, okay.” Blake shook his head, trying his hardest to hide a smile. “I’ll get you funnel cake.”

“You’re damn right you will.” She teased, grabbing his hand and leading him up unto the board walk.

“You guys go head.” I instructed, seeing Ryder’s eyes drift to the ocean. “I think we’re going to go take a walk on the beach.”

“Are you sure?” Liz asked, turning back towards us. “Ryder you have to try board walk food. It’s like,”

“They’re sure.” Blake interrupted, understanding where I was coming from. “We have the whole day to hang out. We’ll catch up with them later.”

“Yeah.” Ryder nodded, eyes’ still fascinated by the rising tides. I couldn’t help but shake my head as they disappeared off into the crowd. “It’s weird for you to see them all flirty, isn’t it?”

“Oh yeah.” I confirmed in a nod. “I mean I guess in a way I’ve always noticed it, but now that it’s official it’s just, different.”

“Blake said the same thing about us.” Ryder teased in a smile. As we walked the wooden ramp that lead to the sand I couldn’t help but notice Ryder hesitate.

“First step in real sand?” I giggled, pulling him forward.

“Yeah.” he nodded, kicking off his sandals. “I mean there was the sand box back when we were kids.”

“That might as well have been dirt.” I smiled, as he finally sank his feet into the sand.

He took a few more steps, trying his hardest to learn how to walk in the grainy substance. “It’s so soft.” He observed as we slowly made our way towards the ocean. “How the hell does anyone walk in this?”

“Very lightly.” I laughed, noticing him digging his feet deep into the sand. “So not at all like that.”

“You must think I’m a freak.” He shook his head, finally starting to get the hang of it.

“Not at all.” I smiled as our hands locked and he pulled me close. “Well not for this at least.”

“You think you’re soo funny.” He teased as the ocean breeze swept by us, making sure to spray us on its way past. “So people really just come lay out here all day?”

“Yup.” I nodded, looking around at the near hundred people already scattered across the long beach.

“And they just sleep the day away?” he asked, still trying to wrap his head around it. “Like they put a towel down and just sleep?”

“Mhm.” I hummed, shooting him a curious look. “But here it’s called tanning.”

“That’s so cool.” He shook his head. “I usually get yelled at for sleeping all day.”

“That’s not even close to the same thing!” I laughed as he continued to look at everyone around him.

“Tomato, tomahto.” He shook his head as we finally reached the ocean. Once more he stopped moving and just stared at the incoming waves.

I let him enjoy the moment for a few seconds before lightly squeezing his hand. “You really like the ocean, don’t you?”

“I’ve just never got to see it before.” He blushed, mesmerized by the way the water moved. “It’s so much different than I imagined.”

“Yeah?” I poked, hoping he would expand a little bit more.

He gently nodded his head and breathed in the ocean air. “It’s so, so, powerful.” He observed. “The way it rolls in then goes right back out. I probably sound crazy,” He shook his head. “But it’s just so damn cool.”

“You don’t sound crazy.” I smiled. “I think you’re just a beach person is all.”

“I guess so.” He shrugged, as we started to walk down the shore line. Every now and then he would flinch as the cold water coated our feet, but for the most part he seemed to really be enjoying his day away.

I went to speak but before I could I saw three teenagers only a few years younger rushed up to us. “Ryder Sullivan?!” One of them yelped in excitement.

“Um. Yeah.” He nodded, looking over the three of them. “What can I do for you?”

“I told you it was him!” One of them squealed to the group.

“Can you blame me for doubting you?” Another let out. “Look at his bathing suit!”

“I had to borrow my boyfriend’s.” Ryder blushed, giving me a light push.

“You get to date him?” One of them gasped, taking a long look at me. “Like you’re both gay, and,”

“Yup.” I nodded, not wanting to hear the second part of the question. “Every day.”

They all looked at one another then back to Ryder as excitement bubbled in their eyes. “So, can I help you?” Ryder forced out, beginning to grow uncomfortable by all the staring.

“Oh sorry!” One of them exclaimed. “Can I, can we get a picture with you?”

Ryder looked to me and I quickly nodded. “I’ll take it.” I offered as one of them happily offered up their phone. “You guys like Messiah I take it?”

“Yup!” They all happily answered. “I can’t wait for Broken Home!” One excitedly let out as I took their picture. “Forsaken is so good! We listened to it on repeat all the way here!”

“I’m glad you like it.” Ryder smiled, backing up and quickly rejoining me. “Album’s coming out tomorrow, so I hope you guys are ready.”

“We are!” One quickly nodded.

“And um,” Ryder began once more. “Can you guys do me a favor and keep this on the down low until tonight. I just want to have a quiet day at the beach, you know?”

They all nodded their head, pleased to meet their idols request. “Sorry if we bothered,”

“No,” Ryder waived off before the teen could finish the idea. “You didn’t bother me at all. I’m happy to have met you three. I just don’t want this to be an all-day kind of thing.”

Once more they squealed out of happiness. “Thank you!” They each let out, running back towards their towels.

“So now a picture of me in this lives on forever.” Ryder groaned, looking down at the bathing suit.

“Good, then you won’t fight me when I want pictures for Instagram and Facebook later.” I teased as his hand finally met mine once again. He let out a playful groan but didn’t say no. “So I take it that’s been happening a lot lately?”

“I wouldn’t say a lot.” Ryder swayed his head. “But a lot more than I expected for just an E.P.”

“You’re music’s something special.” I shrugged. “All it took was five songs and a single for your face to be on the news this morning.”

“Wait,” Ryder let out, looking right at me. “I was where?”

“On the news.” I repeated as our eyes connected. “I just figured you caught it.”

“I was hardly awake when I left the house.” He spoke, trying hard to figure out if the moment was real or a dream. “Wow.” He let out.

“Wow is right.” I smiled, letting our hands sway in the breeze. “They were talking about how many plays Forsaken got in one day. They were saying a rock song hasn’t blown up like that in a long time.”

“It’s hardly a rock song.” He shook his head. “It was just a song I put out there to try and attract as many listeners as possible. It’s kind of sell outish to be honest.”

“There you go selling yourself short again.” I teased, leaning against him. “It’s not sell outish at all. It was basically as hard as your other songs. You just put clean vocals and a catchy guitar in it. There’s no shame in that.” He nodded but I could tell he didn’t fully buy my words. “Would the rock community have already embraced it so much if it was a sell out?”

“I guess not.” He smiled as confidence finally reentered his head. “But that’s not important today.”

“No?” I asked, looking over at him.

“No.” He repeated giving me a smile.

“Then what is?”

“Us.” He shrugged bucking shoulders with me.

I shook my head as a smile overtook my face. “You’re so cheesy.” I giggled. I’m not sure when it happened but at some point Ryder found all the right words to say. He just knows how to make me smile. How to make me feel appreciated.

When we finally walked the full length of the beach we looped back onto the board walk and found Blake and Liz sitting right outside one of those classic board walk stands.

“Enjoy the beach?” Liz teased as we sat down across from them.

Ryder nodded his head and took a look at the empty plates in front of them. “Is the food here that good?”

“No.” I quickly shook my head remembering Ryder’s love for greasy food. “It’s terrible.”

“What are you crazy?” Liz yelped. “They can deep fry anything you want! Twinkies! Snickers! Oreos! Twix! Anything!”

“WHAT?!” Ryder exclaimed jumping to his feet. “Teddy!” He excitedly let out. “Why didn’t you tell me that?!”

“Because I knew this was going to happen.” I groaned as he rushed up to the front window. “Thanks.” I grumbled staring down Liz.

“It’s not her fault you date a psychopath.” Blake cackled as our eyes connected.

“I know.” I conceded in a sigh, quickly rushing up behind him. “At least let me pay for you.”

“No.” Ryder rejected, swatting my hand away from my pocket. “I’ve got the whole day covered.” He nodded, quickly paying before I could say otherwise. “And besides I still owe your parents money.”

“I’m not even having this conversation with you right now.” I shook my head, remembering the investment my parents had made in him.

“Alright.” He shrugged. “But I’m paying them back.”

It didn’t take long for the food to come out but when it did I felt my jaw drop at how much he had ordered. “Ryder Sullivan!” I let out, staring at the tray of fried foods. “No! No! You’re not eating all of that!”

“Well, not alone.” He laughed, taking a good look at all of it. “Any of you can have some.”

“I’m not cleaning you up when you puke.” I stubbornly insisted, watching him eat grease ball after grease ball.

“You don’t have to.” He shrugged, barely looking up from his food. “I have an iron stomach.”

I shook my head as Blake and Liz both begin to giggle at the sight in front of them. “Remember when you took those shots?”

“Nope.” He smiled, beginning to nudge my foot with his. “But I remember you were so stressed you told me you loved me.”

“You’re not worming your way out of this.” I denied, as our eyes connected once more.

“Come on.” He encouraged looking right back down to his tray. “Relax and eat some junk food for a little bit.”

“Teddy? Eat junk food?” Liz questioned in a laugh. “That will never happen.”

“He’s basically a vegetarian.” Blake rolled his eyes. “How haven’t you accepted that by now?”

“I’ll break him down one day.” Ryder shrugged, still keeping most of his focus on his food. “And he eats meat. Right?” He questioned, glancing towards me then back.

“Not really.” I shrugged, thinking over my usual diet. “I mean I’ll eat it, but not a lot.”

Ryder tilted his head and thought it over. “I never noticed that.” He reflected. “I guess we need to go out to eat more.”

“Yeah, that’s it.” I groaned, as he finally slowed down.

“You can play doctor all you want, for as long as you want, but whether we’re eighteen or sixty I’m going to be eating junk food.” He shrugged. “And on our wedding day we’re not getting just salad.”

“Yeah?” I giggled, leaning against him. “I’m going to sabotage all the dessert, just you wait.”

“If you do that I’ll divorce you on the spot.” He joked, reaching around me and letting me fully lay into him. Blake and Liz shot us confused looks as they overheard the conversation but didn’t dare to say anything. “We’re getting married young.” Ryder shrugged.

“Don’t tell them that!” I yelped, squeezing his arm.

“Married?” Blake repeated shaking his head in disbelief. “I, Teddy you’ve always lived fast but married in your twenties? Isn’t that a bit, a bit,”

“Crazy?” Liz finished for him.

I shrugged my shoulders and looked to Ryder. “I’ve got to lock him up before he can get to college.” He teased. “There will be plenty of hot guys there, but I need them to know he’s mine.”

“Before? College?” Blake repeated once more as the color seemed to disappear from his face. “What kind of monster did I create when I set you two up?”

“The best kind.” I laughed, hoping Ryder was taking the conversation as lightly as me. “Why? You two have basically been dating for years and years. Haven’t you thought about marriage?”

“No.” They both let out, faces turning red. “It just never came up.” Blake shook his head. “We’re just taking our time and having fun.”

“We don’t have time.” Ryder smiled, but I could tell he wasn’t kidding.

“That’s true.” Liz let out, still trying to wrap her head around it. “When do you go back out on tour?”

“Not for a while.” Ryder lied with a wave of his hand. “I mean, I haven’t even heard about when the tour kicks off.”

I went to push him on it but knew it would be better if I didn’t. If I only have him for another week I’m not going to waste it worrying about when he’ll be leaving. I’m not going to waste our day at the beach talking about when we’ll be alone again. I felt him hold me tighter as the same insecurities rushed through his mind. We’ll survive, I know we will.