A Terrible and Haunting Love {Suspect&Data}

[Data]

Figured I'd give an idea of how she looks. Just makes it a bit easier.

Winter usually meant snow storms and sweaters, but the weather had been unusually warm for this time of year. This, of course, was a blessing in Liza's opinion because that meant her usual walk to and from campus was far more pleasant when she didn't have to trudge through snow. With the sun out and the temperature near the 60s, she was smiling as she hurried from her organic chemistry class back to the apartment she shared with Ryan. It was only a ten minute walk, so lugging her heavy books wasn't as back breaking as it could have been. A chilly breeze stirred her brown black curls, and made the young woman pulled her jacket tighter and pick up her pace. She was in a hurry anyways because today was her two year anniversary with Ryan, and she wanted to make something special for him before he got home. He was older than her, but the age difference didn't bother her.

Her cell phone started buzzing as she reached the front of their apartment building, an older red bricked building that seemed like it had seen better days. "Hey!" she said happily to her mother as she unlocked the main door of the building and headed up the wooden stairs to the third floor. "I was planning on calling you later to talk about Christmas break plans with you! I know you want me to come home, but it really is going to depend on-" She sighed as she entered their place and dropped her backpack on the ground by the door. "I'm not going to leave him alone for Christmas if he can't come with me! Look, I'll ask him tonight I promise. I'll call you later, ok? Love ya!" She ended the call with a sigh before plopping down on their second-hand couch. Their little apartment was nice, even if the building was old. It had been remodeled, so the apartments looked like those in newer building. The kitchen was to the right as you came in the door with the main living area at the end of the short entry hall.

Liza glanced at the clock on the wall and went to retrieve her backpack. She had a few hours before Ryan was supposed to be home, so she figured she could crank out her assignments for her classes and have it out of the way. As a student, she only worked part time and her parents helped her pay the bills while she was studying. She was currently an undergraduate at the university studying to get a degree in chemistry before she went off to pharmacy school. Just after high school, she had got her certification for a pharmacy tech, so that's what she worked as at a local family owned pharmacy. With all of that, life could be hectic, and sometimes she and Ryan couldn't spend enough time together. That is why today she was so determined to make sure they had a good time. She missed the relationship they had when they first met. He had been different, happier almost. Now, now Liza had to walk a fine line with him sometimes since anger broguht out the worst in him.

[Suspect]

Laughter.

That was all that could be heard in Ryan's motor vehicle. He was with a group of friends and they were cruising through the streets of the town. With Ryan being in a committed relationship, he couldn't prowl on the females that crossed his path but his friends were having fun with it. "You guys need to chill. You will never get a girl acting like that." He said as they raised their brows at him then just started laughing again. Ryan pulled the car into a nearby parking space and shut the engine off. They all got out and went into the restaurant. "I'm not eating anything guys. Liza might cook tonight for our anniversary, but I'll be down the street. Alright?" Before leaving his friends, he made sure that they understood where he was. He went into the jewelry store and looked around. His eyes scanned at every item available. He wished that he could buy them all for Liza, but he couldn't. "Excuse me..." He spoke in his regular boyish tone. The clerk walked over there towards him with a smile curved among her pink stained lips. "I would like to see that one, please." She nodded and took a key, opening up the glass case and carefully handing Ryan the ring.

The diamonds in the ring were just a sparkling away in his eyes. His face lit up with a smile. "I'll take it." He sat the ring down and started digging through his pockets, taking out his wallet then his card. He followed the clerk to the register as she rang him right on up. "$300.00 please." He swiped the card and typed in his pin. "I'll like it in a lavender case please." He said with a smile, the clerk handed him the ring in a small bag. "Thank you." He turned heel after placing the card in the wallet and back into his pocket. He wondered what his friends were up to at this moment, surprisingly to him, they didn't get kicked out of the restaurant yet. With them still eating, he just had to go to the flower shop. "Hello, welcome to Jean's Boutique." The flower girl said as Ryan walked through the door, a bell going off, signaling he was there. "Uhmm yes..." Ryan looked around and snapped his fingers. "I would like a dozen roses please. Red, if you got them." She smiled and went into the back. Ryan stood there leaned against the counter as he took in the smell of the building. After two minutes, she was back out with the roses as she handed them to him while ringing him up. "That'll be $50.00." He handed her the card as she swiped it fast then handed it back to him and telling him to have a great day.

'Ring, check. Roses, check. Limit reached, check.' He thought to himself, walking back to the car where his friends were standing. "Alright, you guys ready to leave?" They all nodded and complained about how full they were before getting in the car and heading down the road. As he drove, he remembered when him and Liza first met. They were the cutest couple people had ever seen and they were always together and happy. But he let his anger get the best of him. Truly, he never intends to hurt Liza but he could feel that he does, when his anger rises.

After dropping his friends off, he headed back to the apartment and knew that Liza was already home. He sat in the car for a moment, breathing slowly and looking towards their apartment. He smiled then turned off the engine as he got out of the car, closing the door and locking the car, with a simple click of a button. He founded the right key and opened the door, quietly, or tried to be quiet. Ryan closed the door behind him as he took the bag, with the ring in it, and folded it down then placed it in the small drawer next to the door. He held the roses behind his back as he crept along the apartment floor then went into the room, where Liza was. He jumped out of nowhere and screamed while hoping he wouldn't scare her. If he did though, he would have did nothing but laughed. "Happy Anniversary!" He chuckled a little bit then handed Liza the roses, while also giving her a quick kiss on the lips. "How has your day been?" He asked her while taking off his sweater vest and hanging it back up in the closet.

[Data]

Liza spent very little time actually working on her assignments, and more time worrying over dinner. She was trying something new, and she was nervous since she wasn't that skilled of a cook to begin with. She did manage to get everything going and straightened up before Ryan came in. Obliviously packing her books away, she made a surprised squeak and nearly fell flat on her face when Ryan popped into the room with a bouquet of roses. He was laughing at her attics, and she only playfully glared at him before joining in. "Oh roses! They're so pretty!" she exclaimed as she took the offered flowers. "Thank you so much!" She smiled and breathed in their lovely scent as she went to retrieve a vase to put them in. "My day was fine," she made a face before smiling at him again. "My lazy lab partner has us behind in a big project, so I've got to fix his mistakes so we don't both fail."

She paused with a sigh, "Also need to figure out what we're doing for Christmas! My persistent mother is wanting to know what we're doing?" She ended with a questioning tone, since she wasn't so sure either. Liza had been keeping her parents at arms length since things had started changing. She loved Ryan dearly but was afraid of what could possibly happen if she put her over baring mother and him in the same room. Ryan couldn't help his temper sometimes, however her mother wouldn't be as understanding as she was. Liza smiled again and gave Ryan a quick hug, "But we'll worry with that later of course! How was your day?" A timer in the kitchen buzzer, and she ducked back around the corner to go pull her chicken out of the oven. "Trying something different for dinner, so I hope your hungry!"

[Suspect]

Ryan was in the bathroom, undressing himself and getting cleaned up for dinner.

As Liza spoke about her day, he was nodding and responding as he was in the bathroom. He opened the door slightly, with the mention of her lab partner. "Your not talking about that jock guy, are you?" He asked her with a raised brow. When she answered and put away the roses, he closed the door and continued on, getting ready for dinner. At the mention of her mother, he paused again as he put on a robe, stepping out of the bathroom. "You know your mother hates me..." He said with an eye roll and a slight huff then turned heel, walking back in the bathroom and closing the door. "I'll give it a go!" Ryan yelled through the door. His blood was truly boiling but he tried his best not to show it, as it was their anniversary. He wanted to make this very special for her. Little did she know, the roses was step one. Ryan looked up in the mirror with a smile then changed into his clothing. When he was impressed with the way he looked, he left the bathroom and followed Liza around the house.

"My day was okay. Hung around with the guys. Same O', Same O'." He waved his hand in the air when speaking the last part of that sentence. When the timer went off, Ryan walked towards the table to sit down and instantly smelled the chicken smoke, as if it was tickling at his nose. He got up from the table and walked up behind Liza, wrapping his arms lightly around her waist. "Don't worry about me and your mother. I said I'll give it a go." Ryan unwrapped his arms from around her waist then turned around, reaching up in the cupboard and grabbing two wine glasses then walked over towards the freezer and grabbed the bottle of Champagne, hoping Liza was following him with their plates. "I am starving." He laughed lightly as he went into the dining area and sat the glasses down in front of their respective chair as he slid her out and waited for her to sit down. When she sat down, he slid the chair up closer to the table then removed the wrapper to reveal the cork as he popped the bottle open, pouring Liza a glass, followed by himself. He sat the bottle down then sat down himself, looking over at Liza then down at his plate.

He took his fork and knife then cut the chicken, placing it in his mouth as he chewed it slowly then gulped it down. "This is..." He wiped around his mouth with his napkin while also tapping a sip of his Champagne. "Really good." A soft smile curved about among his lips as he continued on eating.

[Data]

When Ryan emerged she gave him a wink and carefully got their plates ready. "The guys? Well I hope you all didn't get into too much trouble. I know how they are when they're out in public," she teased as she followed him to the table, which was placed against the wall in the larger living space since the kitchen was too small to have a table. She gave murmured thank you as he pulled out her chair. Everything turned out perfectly, Liza happily sampled her handiwork with a frown. "This is awful!" She gasped but even it was dry it wasn't inedible, and Ryan said it was fine and seemed to be eating it. "I knew I shouldn't have tried something new," she Waiting until he reached for his glass, she lifted her glass of champagne with a smile and clinked it against his, "To us! Happy Anniversary!"

After taking a rather large sip of hers, she brought up Christmas again. "I'm so glad you're ok with going! Mom will be happy to have us come down to see them, and you know she doesn't hate you," she said with a smile and a roll of her eyes. "She's just over protective. I'm the only girl, so you know her and Dad just want to make sure I'm happy, which of course I am!" Chuckling, she took another sip from her glass. "That's enough of about my crazy parents, and we'll work out travel and all that later. For work, I can twist Jamie's arm at work to make sure he gives me time off for the trip, and maybe a few days after the holiday to get ready for the next semester." She finished most of her food in between sentences. Even if the food wasn't that great, everything else was good. She was just happy to be spending with him. Finishing her glass, she stood with a smile. "I do want to point out how excited I am for dessert because I know this one isn't going to be burnt. You have to forgive me, but I got my favorite, chocolate cheesecake," she smiled and laughed as she grabbed their plates and went to kitchen to get dessert.

[Suspect]

When she spoke about the guys, he couldn't do nothing but laugh to himself. "Yeah, we had some good times together." He took another bite of the food, swallowing before speaking again. "But no times can top the ones I've spent with you." He said with a soft smile while taking another sip from his glass. He raised a brow when she took a bite of her food and said it was awful. He chuckled a little bit then took another bite of his own food. Yeah, it was awful and even a little dry but he just wanted to make her happy. He got up from his seat and walked over to her, wrapping his arms lightly around her neck, placing his head next to hers. "Well, no matter how awful..." He kissed her cheek then smiled while continuing on. "I'm just happy to be here with you." He raised his glass to drink but Liza clinked her glass to his and heard the words she spoke, which caused him to smile. "Happy Anniversary!" He was already done eating his food as she started speaking about the Christmas break and her mother. "Yeah, I know that she's over protective but we lasted this long alone, I'm sure we can survive. And I'm sure I can ask Mr. Reynolds about taking a break from the Law Firm." Ryan spoke while helping her grab the dishes and placing them in the sink.

Ryan nodded and agreed with her. "Yeah, I'm ready for dessert as well." He spoke while sneaking away, making sure she wasn't looking before going back towards the front, digging through the drawer and finding the jewelers bag as he took the lavender case out and stuck it inside of his jacket pocket and snuck back in the dining room, where he sat down in his chair, acting like he been there the whole entire time. He smiled when Liza brought out the dessert as he picked up his fork and starting eating away at the chocolate cheesecake. "Mmmm..." Escaped through his lips as he widened his eyes. "This would be better with some Vanilla Ice Cream." He got up from his seat, walking into the kitchen and getting the ice cream while taking long breaths, a little nervous about giving her the ring. 'Maybe this is a bad idea. Yeah, don't give it to her. Just do it, you stupid idiot.' He thought to himself while grabbing a spoon and walking back into the dining room.

He opened the ice cream carton and gave himself a small scoop then walked over to Liza, where he gave her a small scoop but if she was to look closely, he was definitely shaking.

Ryan closed the carton of ice cream and the spoon, taking them both back to the kitchen as he sat the spoon in the sink and the ice cream back in the freezer. He blew another long breath through his lips as he went back to the dining room, standing in the doorway, looking directly at Liza. "Liza..." His voice was shaky, just like his body as he reached into his jacket pocket and cuffed the lavender case in his hands, hiding the fact that it was a ring box, then walked over to her, getting down on one knee beside her. "You know I love you and I am sorry for the mistakes that I have made. I just thank you for being with me this long." He spoke while revealing the lavender ring box to her then opening it, showing the ring as he smiled then looked up at her. "And this is a token for you." Ryan took the ring out of the box then grabbed her hand, sliding the ring on the respective finger. "Perfect fit." He said with a big smile coming across his face as he shook his head then continued on speaking. "I mean, don't take this as a marriage ring cause you're still in school and what not but this is a promise ring."

Ryan was too nervous to give her that ring and he was still shaking, indeed. The only thing that made him most nervous now was her reaction to the promise ring.

[Data]

"You're so sweet," She said when he kissed her cheek. "Well I do hope you're able to get time off as well!" Once they were both seated again, Liza happily took a bit of her cheese cake as Ryan decided he wanted ice cream. It seemed like an odd desire, but she didn't really question it too closely, nor did she notice his hands trembling. She turned to look at him as he called her name with a slight frown creased forehead. "What's wrong?" she said as she turned to face him, hand gripping the back of chair. As he fished something out of his pocket, she blinked in surprise wondering what he could be up to, and she nearly stopped breathing as he got down on his knee. The sight of the ring was frightening to her. She was too young to think about marriage. She still had at least 4 more years of university still ahead, and she wasn't going to sacrifice her career, even for Ryan.

Tears sprang to her eyes as he offered the ring. "Oh Ryan!" she exclaimed as he slid the ring onto her finger. It fit perfectly, but knowing Ryan as she did, that did not surprise her in the least. "Thank you so much! It's so beautiful." Throwing her arms around his neck, she kissed him happily and pulled away wit ha huge smile on her lips. "I love you too. No matter what happens, that will never change," she laughed softly and kissed his cheek. "You are too perfect. I hope you know that!" She sat back some admiring the ring with a huge smile, but her eyes held a concerned look. "You know my parents are going to think this is an engagement ring, they'll be furious," she bite her lip and looked at him shyly through her eyelashes. She was happy, but this also made her nervous. She loved Ryan, wanted the commitment, but this type of symbol was serious.

[Suspect]

"Why would they be furious?"

He questioned, the comment kind of angered him as he rose up from one knee, placing his hands on his hips. He shook his head then walked into the kitchen, leaning against the counter, folding his arms over his chest. The kitchen and dining were almost connected, so Ryan could stare daggers at Liza and that was exactly what he did. “I don’t get it, Liza. I really don’t.” He said while walking back into the dining room. “If they are going to be so furious then maybe we shouldn’t go see them.” He placed his hand on his chest, looking up at the ceiling then back at Liza. “Oh wait, then they’ll miss their baby too much.” He got in her face, whispering in her ear. “Do they really hate me, Liza?” He slammed the palm of his hand on the table, this time yelling. “Huh?! Do they?!” He then leaned up from and turned heel and walked towards the bedroom, where he would start taking off his clothing, mumbling to himself.

He went into the bathroom to brush his teeth then came back out. He put on his sleeping attire and sat at the edge of the bed, tears coming out of his ears and his hand placed over his mouth. “Liza.” His voice was now a little weak and soft. “Haven’t I done nothing but please you over these two years? I got you my all, made sacrifices for you.” Ryan has never been this emotional before but he never means to be this cruel to Liza. He laid down on his side, pulling a little cover over him as he sniffled and wiped his tears away.

He didn’t usually display this type of behavior. Liza is the first and only to see this side of him.

[Data]

Liza sighed when her questioned her, but she did watch him as he strode off into the kitchen to glare at her from there. "You know what I mean! Please don't try to turn this into something it's not. What parent would want their child getting this serious so soon, especially while in school still! That's all this is." She cut her argument short when he came storming back into the room. She flinched away from him when he started coming closer. "Please Ryan, you know I haven't seen them since July," her tone was pleading, and she tried very hard to keep it from wavering. Angering Ryan wasn't what she had wanted for tonight, and she didn't want to upset him. Though she knew her parents, knew they were so determined to see her finish school, and make something of herself because they had never had that opportunity. When he slammed his hand onto the table she jumped and stepped back slightly. "Ryan!" she cried, eyes wide. "You know they don't hate you. They are just wanting to make sure I don't lose my chances for education. They just want me to take school seriously." He moved off to get ready for bed, and she took that moment to gather their dishes and take them to the kitchen, dumping their half eaten desserts into the garbage. Blinking furiously, she kept back the tears that threatened to fall.

Entering the bed room, she saw him sitting on the edge of the bed with his head in his hands, so she hurried over to him sitting on the bed beside him as he rolled away from her. "Ryan you've done everything for me, and I love you for it. You know I'm not trying to upset you," she said softly leaning forward to kiss his cheek lightly. "I'm so sorry, please forgive me," she whispered before getting up and heading to the bathroom to get ready for bed as well. Mentally she berated herself for saying the wrong things all the time and causing Ryan so much distress. There night was ruined because of her. Still biting back tears, she went back into the bedroom to curl up beside Ryan. "Please don't be upset with me all night. I am sorry."

[Suspect]

Ryan laid down on his side, then saw Liza made her way into the room. He heard her words then saw that she leaned into kiss him on his cheek, but he raised his hand up for her not to do that. He was hurt, it seemed like his world was crushed. He did all that he could to make sure that she was happy in this relationship. Was this a way of telling him that she wasn’t happy? He let out a soft sigh at the thought then watched as she went into the bathroom, to get ready for bed. She got beside him and curled up as he listened to her words, leaning up and turning the lights out, still not speaking a word until she apologized again. He turned towards her and stared into her eyes while stroking her cheek with his fingers. “It’s okay. I shouldn’t have blown up like that. Come here.” He wrapped his arms around her and pulled her close to him then stroked her arm, kissed her forehead and bid her good night before falling asleep.

The Next Day…

Ryan had woken up earlier than usual. He was in the kitchen cooking up a breakfast for him and Liza. The smell was rather intoxicating. He made pancakes, sausage patties, scrambled eggs, bacon and biscuits. He even made a fruit platter for them both to enjoy. Ryan set the table and set the platter dishes onto the table as well. He smiled as he made the plates of food then garnished them with the fruits from the fruit platter. Once he finished that, he walked upstairs to the bedroom, leaning over Liza.

“Liza…” He shook her head as he looked down at her. “I made breakfast. Come.” He said while grabbing ahold of her hand, walking out of the room, down the stairs and into the dining room. He smiled while looking over at her then walking and pulling her chair out, just like last night. He waited until she sat down to push her chair a little then took his own seat. “Shit, forgot the juice.” He snapped his fingers then got up from the table, walking into the kitchen, grabbing two small glasses from the cupboard and the carton of orange juice from the fridge. He walked back into the dining room and pour juice into the two glasses, handing one to Liza.

“I’ve been thinking and I want to apologize for my behavior.” He said while sitting down into his seat and picking up a fork. “We can go visit your parents but you can take the ring off, if it bothers them so much.” He dipped his fork into the eggs and took a bite then looked up at Liza. “How’s your breakfast?” He waited for a reply while continuing on eating his breakfast.

Ryan hardly ever cooked but when he did, it was really enjoyable.