Curveball

"Curveball" (Part 10 — Green Light)

By lunch, Leah was still glowing.

Her lips were back to glossy.
Edges laid.
His hoodie? Still on.
But under it? She was still carrying that morning with her.

Ryan sat with the baseball boys like usual—
Except his arm stayed slung over the back of her chair.
And anytime someone even looked at her for too long?

He tightened his grip like a warning.

⸻

After lunch, he pulled her aside in the empty stairwell.

Just them.
Hushed footsteps outside.
The light hitting the dust in the air just right.

Ryan leaned against the wall, looking too good in a black tee and silver chain.

"I got something for you," he said.

Leah blinked. "What?"

He pulled a tiny black box from his pocket.

"Ryan..." she started, eyes wide.

"Open it," he said, voice low.

She did.

Inside:
A delicate Pandora necklace.
Thin silver chain.
At the center, a tiny green heart-shaped gem.
Emerald. Subtle. But glowing.

Leah stared.

Ryan stepped closer, brushing her hair back.

"You said green was your favorite," he said. "Said it reminded you of peace. Of control. Thought you should wear it when things get loud."

Her throat tightened. "You remember everything I say?"

"Everything that matters."

He lifted the necklace, clasping it gently around her neck.
His fingers lingered on her skin, slow, careful.

"You like it?"

"I love it," she whispered. "Like... way too much."

He smirked, eyes dark. "Then wear it tonight."

She blinked. "What's tonight?"

Ryan leaned in, lips brushing her cheek.

"Party. My place. Team's throwing it."
Then softer: "I want you there."

She hesitated. "It's gonna be wild, huh?"

"It won't be wild for you. You'll be with me."

Her heart skipped. "You sure?"

He kissed the green gem at her neck.

"I want them to see you. All of you."

⸻

Later that day, 3:24 PM.

Ryan pulled up in front of her house in his blacked-out car, music low.

Leah unbuckled her seatbelt slowly.

"Still want me to come tonight?"

He looked over at her, one hand on the wheel, other on her thigh.

"I want you to walk in wearing that necklace. That gloss. And that confidence."

She smirked. "So you want me to ruin people's lives."

"I want you to show 'em you're mine."

She stepped out, leaning into the window.

"Pick me up at 8?"

Ryan grinned. "8 sharp."

Then, just before she turned—

"Leah."

She looked back.

His eyes held hers.

"Don't let anybody dim you tonight. I'll handle everything else."