*Hands over a martini*
Hehe he he *trying to impersonate Gojo*
Enjoyyy!!
Best enjoyed with popcorn :)
Emily's P.O.V.
I saw the trees pass by and just imagined what it would be like to become a bird residing on one of these trees.
But that brings us to the fact that no creature lives a completely peaceful life. Everyone has to fend for themselves in some way or the other.
I sighed, stretching my legs out in the passenger seat of Lex's car.
It's been three days since the day I met with Alex and had that heated argument with Ryder.
I would be lying if I said that I was okay. I didn't cry though, I just felt numb. I mean, how are you supposed to feel when you lose someone who wasn't yours to begin with?
Ryder and I have had no contact since then. We didn't have a reason to.
There were nods of acknowledgement when we passed each other in the school hall and that was it.
I think this is the longest we've gone without talking since the day I came back to town.
But that was enough to make my heart feel heavy and empty at the same time.
I've been training a lot more than I used to. All the things I'm feeling right now, I convert them to rage.
I need help.
And because of all that, I've been a tired mess. I sometimes fall asleep in classes because of a night that I spent in the gym, training.
This is pathetic. I'm experiencing heartbreak, even without a breakup.
I'm pretty sure I would've been in the gym right now if it wasn't Perri's birthday.
We were on our way to an ice rink just outside town, to an address that Cole sent us.
Cole spent days planning this for Perri's birthday, which I think, is the sweetest thing ever.
So, Lex, Mia and I are headed there and Cole is supposed to pick Perri from her place. Apparently he had a surprise for Perri that even we don't know about.
Even though Perri's my best friend and I love her but I'm also dreading the part where I'll have to face Ryder and pretend to be okay.
It's tiring.
"So, he dumped you?" Mia frowned, munching on peanuts.
I groaned in frustration. "Yes- No! I don't know! We were not dating, in the first place."
Mia sighed. "You two are the weirdest people I've ever seen. You love each other yet you manage to fall apart, everytime."
"Tell me about it." Lex added.
I didn't say anything as I didn't have an answer.
"You know what I don't get though?" Mia said, placing her head between the front seats. "You're both suffering because of streetfighting. Can't you just quit? It's not like there's a membership."
I averted my eyes back to the window.
We obviously couldn't tell her the truth. She doesn't know anything about the gangs being involved or the fact that I have to do this to make sure that Ryder is safe.
"It's a little more complicated than that." I sighed.
The conversation just drifted to another direction after that till we reached our destination.
Mia yelled something to us about catching up before she jumped out of the car.
I looked to see her running towards Dylan who was already near the entrance.
I shook my head before stepping out of the car as well.
The cold air hit me in the face, making goosebumps rise up on my sweater clad skin.
I was wearing a loose cream sweater and black jeans, paired with white sneakers.
My hair was in it's natural waves and I just didn't bother with trying to apply make-up.
"So, what exactly are you planning to do, now?" Lex said, catching up to me.
I glanced at her before sighing. "Honestly? I have no idea."
"What?" She frowned.
We walked slower as I noticed the silhouettes of a few more people with Dylan and Mia.
I recognised one as Ryder's but I didn't let my eyes focus on him, and decided to look away.
"Not gonna lie, I do have a plan but I just don't know if it's worth the risk, specially after the conversation with Alex." I said, running a hand through my hair. "And after what Jack said to me."
"Do you really think it meant something?" She furrowed her eyebrows. "He works for this King dude, how can we trust anything he says?"
I bit my lip as the whole conversation plays in my head just like every other day for the past three days
*Three days ago*
Jack was assigned to drop me back at my place and I was surprised when he guided me all the way to the car and started driving without any crude comments.
I didn't poke him because I was too tired to do anything. My head was a mess with like ten different voices just blabbering away.
The car came to a stop and he removed the blindfold off my eyes before turning to face forward with a blank face.
I frowned, but decided against picking up a conversation and moved to step out of the car.
Just as I was about to pull the handle he spoke, making me freeze.
"Do it."
I turned to look at him only to see him still looking forward with the same expression.
"What?" I frowned.
"Do what you're planning to do with Jacob." My eyes widened but I said nothing as I saw his grip tighten on the stearing wheel. "Alex knows nothing about him yet, but it's only a matter of time before he does."
"How do you-"
"Do it within 10 days."
He suddenly turned his head to look at me, and the look in his eyes was enough for me to know that this information can't be ignored.
*Present*
"And that's why we can't just ignore what he said." I said, running a hand down my face.
I felt someone's eyes on me and instantly knew who it was as there's only one person who can have this effect on me.
I suppressed the urge to look his way and shifted my eyes to look down instead.
Lex sighed. "Why does this keep getting complicated?"
"Asparagus! Brocolli! You're finally here." Dylan called out, loud enough to make people look at us weird.
I grimaced, taking long strides towards him. "Dylan?"
He hummed, smiling.
"Shut up."
His face fell before he threw his arms around me and Lex and squishing the life out of us. "But I missed you. You haven't been around lately, it's almost like I haven't seen you in days."
He pulled away with a frown.
"Yeah, I've... uh been busy." I said, chuckling nervously.
I felt his gaze burn into my skull but I resisted the urge to look at him.
"They're not here yet?" I asked Dylan.
"Nah, I'm sure Cole's being a stammering mess trying to impress Perri." He rolled his eyes.
I nodded and suddenly heard a very familiar voice. "Hey, thanks. I can't believe I left it in your car, again."
Everyone grew silent and looked at the exchange between Ryder and Ashley as she handed him his car keys. She was holding a jacket in her hand.
I felt a pang in my chest.
I didn't know she was going to be here, too.
My eyes then averted to Ryder's for the first time today as he nodded at Ashley muttering a 'no problem'.
I swallowed the lump in my throat and looked away right before Ryder could turn his head and our eyes could meet.
The feeling of hurt that I've been suppressing for days, resurfaced.
"Hey losers!" Someone hollered and the attention was finally averted from Ashley and Ryder to none other than my brother.
"What is this ass doing here?" I frowned before I saw Lex run to him and jump into his arms.
I was glad for this distraction.
I sighed, rubbing my temples. "I keep forgetting that they're a couple now."
"I hope you don't mind if I join." Alec said, joining us, holding hands with Lex.
"I mind." I narrowed my eyes at him.
I was kidding. In fact looking at the smiles on their faces when they're together is my favourite thing to do nowadays.
"Too bad." Alec said, flicking my forehead, making me wince.
I turned to Lex with a murderous look. "I'm gonna kill your boyfriend."
"Already getting on her nerves dude? That must be a record." Another familiar voice said.
I glanced behind Alec to see Harry and Ryan chuckling and walking towards us.
"Oh yeah, they tagged along too." Alec said sheepishly looking at Lex who just smiled up at him.
Alec bent a little to place his lips on hers.
I small smile grew on my lips, while I shook my head stepping back from the couple.
But while doing that I managed to stumble on the curb and lose my footing.
I gasped and shut my eyes waiting for the impact of the concrete floor but it never came.
Instead, I felt one pair of arms go around my waist and another pair hooked around my arms.
I swallowed a gasp when I felt sparks erupt on my body and opened my eyes to see Ryder and Ryan looking down at me with concern.
How did they get here so quick?
"Are you okay?" They said in unison, before glaring at each other.
Before matters got worse, I quickly stepped out of their grip and stood at a good three feet distance from both of them.
"Yeah... I'm good, thanks." I said awkwardly.
Ryan smiled at me while Ryder continued to glare at him. "I'm glad. But how do you manage to trip over thin air, Em?"
I rolled my eyes with a small smile. " It's a talent."
"Is Connor not coming?" Alec asked, who completely missed the fall and catch situation that just took place.
"No. Antonio has an art exhibition that he had to go to." I shook my head.
Alec nodded, eyeing Ryan and Ryder who were standing beside me.
"Here they come." Dylan said, making us all turn to where he was pointing.
Cole and Perri walked towards us with huge smiles on their faces. A small smile grew on my own face when I noticed their adjoined hands.
I exchanged looks with Lex and Mia, as I wasn't the only one who noticed.
They came to a stop in front of us and that's when everyone just exploded.
Wishing her a happy birthday and giving Perri suggestive looks, to which she turned a shade of red.
"So...?" I trailed off, once the boys were off to get the equipment.
"So..." Perri frowned.
"Really? Come on, just spill." Lex said, literally on her spot.
"There's nothing to tell." Perri said, and she almost looked kinda sad.
"Wha-" I shot Mia a warning look.
I placed a hand on her shoulder. "What do you mean?"
She sighed. "I don't know. Am I crazy? Am I crazy to assume that he might like me?"
"What?" I frowned.
"I mean, I know we're friends and all, but so are you and Ryder." She said, running a hand through her hair. "I just- I like him. I really do, for a while now, actually. I know it must be surprisi-"
"We know." Mia said.
"What?" Perri's eyes widened as looked at us as we stood there with blank looks.
I sighed. "You really are slow."
"We've known for a while too, Per." Mia said, with a sympathetic pat on her shoulder. "But why are you so down then? Shouldn't you be like, celebrating?"
"Okay... well." She looked at us all before sighing. "I don't- I don't think he likes me... back?"
There was a whole minute of silence before she looked up to see our faces, which had clear disbelief written on them.
"What?" She frowned.
I opened my mouth but I had no idea what to say.
I looked around to see everyone going through the same.
I sighed. "I need to talk to Cole." I cracked my knuckles.
"Ow!" I rubbed my butt after falling for the 100th time in the past half an hour.
I heard Mia chuckle. "This is like, not funny anymore."
"It kind of is." I heard a voice and then a hand came into view.
I looked up to see Ryan with his hand extended to help me up.
I rolled my eyes before taking his hand and standing on my feet again.
"You're really bad at this." Ryan chuckled, looking down at me.
"Really? I didn't notice." I scoffed with a small smile.
There was a slight commotion somewhere beside us and then the sound of someone falling echoed through the arena.
I looked to the side to see Ashley sitting on her butt and looking up at Ryder. "You said you'd catch me." Ashley whined.
Ryder, on the other hand, had his eyes on me, or rather on my hands that were in Ryan's.
I frowned before looking away and pulling my hands out of Ryan's grip.
"I could teach you, if you want?" Ryan said, making me snap my gaze to his.
"What?"
"Won't that be better than falling on your ass every five second?" He chuckled, extending his hand for me to take.
I glanced at Mia, standing beside me. Her eyes widened and she quickly spotted Dylan before skating towards him.
"I guess so." I said, nervously, placing my hand into his.
He was teaching me the basics and told me how tense my posture was. I slowly got the hang of it, but maintaining the balance was still a problem.
I felt someone's gaze burn into my back but I restrained myself from looking back at him, only to feel hurt.
I had a conversation with Cole but before I could get to the point, he stopped me and said that he had it under control and that I should just trust him. They were skating together right now. More like, Perri was helping Cole not fall every other minute, just like me.
Dylan and Mia were on another side laughing at Harry who was yet to let go of the railing of the rink.
Alec and Lex were in their own world, skating away while laughing and talking.
So, naturally that left me with Ryan, who offered to teach me. And that left Ryder with Ashley.
I had suppressed the feeling of hurt deep down with a lot of effort and I knew that looking back at him looking carefree with Ashley would be of no help to me.
So, I decided to do what I always do, I decided to ignore them and pretend like everything's okay.
"Hold on to me." Ryan said.
I looked at his hand.
"Come on. I don't bite." He chuckled, and I could see his dimple as he smiled.
I rolled my eyes at him. "But I do." I said before placing my hand into his.
He chuckled and started giving instructions for me to move.
We skated for a while and after a few minutes I actually loosened up and started to have fun.
I was laughing at Ryan who was laying on the ice because he tried to save me and fell down himself.
"You- you-" I wheezed, trying to breathe between the laughter.
He simply laid there, smiling up at me.
"Yeah yeah laugh all you want. It's not my first time falling for you."
My laughter slowly died down as I looked down at him to look for a sign of sarcasm on his face but I didn't find any.
I wanted to laugh at my stars at the coincidence as I saw Ryder and Ashley skating beside us just as Ryan said that.
I heard their skates skid to a stop.
I didn't turn my head to look at him as I could almost feel his glare.
"I- uh-" I stuttered before I took a deep breath.
"You wanna go somewhere quieter to talk about it?" Ryan said scratching the back of his head, glancing to the side.
I was more than eager to get away from the burning gaze of Ryder too, so I nodded.
We took off our skates and walked towards the benches that were a little further away from the rink, but we could still see everyone.
"Look I-" I started, finally facing him.
"I know what you're gonna say." He sighed.
"You do..." I trailed off.
"Yeah." He chuckled. "I know about you and him." He said, motioning behind him towards the rink.
I looked down. "So, what you-"
"I don't know why I said it. I guess I thought that since there's this coldness between you two, there's a slight possibility that I might have a chance." He said, with a sad smile.
My heart felt heavy as I looked up at him. "Ryan I'm so sorry. I could lie, but it wouldn't be fair to you." I said, pursing my lips.
He nodded.
"I understand. Well, at least it's off my chest now." He chuckled, making me smile. "It's not easy having a crush on your friend's little sister, you know?"
I chuckled but that was cut off by a loud voice.
"WHAT THE ACTUAL-"
"ALEC!" Lex yelled, running after Alec as he made his way towards us in high speed.
"Great." I muttered under my breath.
Alec had Ryan in a death grip against the wall. "I thought you were my friend, man!"
"Alec!" I said in exasperation, grabbing his hand that was around Ryan's throat. "Stop."
He looked at me, bewildered. "What? Don't tell me you're actually moved by his confession."
I smacked the back of his head pretty hard, making his groan. "Don't fucking yell at me and let go."
He glared at Ryan one last time before loosening his grip.
"Thank you."
Ryan bent over to catch his breath while I patted his back.
"That's my little sister dude. You seriously tried to hit on her?" Alec said, raising his voice again.
Lex grabbed his arm in attempts to calm him down.
"Shut up Alec. It's not what it looks like." I said. "And what are you even doing here? Shouldn't you be skating?"
He rolled his eyes before glaring at Ryan. "Ryder suggested we take a break and grab something to drink."
And it didn't take a genius to figure out that Ryder was standing behind Alec with Ashley hanging onto him.
I looked away towards the ceiling in order to suppress the growing helplessness inside me.
"Of course." I muttered to myself.
"It's really not what it looks like man." Ryan said, coughing every now and then. "I admit I have a crush on her but I already knew I didn't have a chance and that's exactly what happened."
I passed a grateful look to Ryan before walking towards Alec.
"He's right." I said.
"You rejected him?" Alec asked and I nodded while Ryan shrugged.
"But we're good." I said, looking back at Ryan. "Right?"
He chuckled before nodding. "Yeah. We're good."
I looked back at Alec with my puppy dog eyes. "It wasn't his fault. Don't let this ruin your friendship."
Alec looked down at me before he looked at Ryan and grimaced. "You got rejected by my little sister man, I don't know if I wanna be friends with you anymore. You have a terrible taste in women."
I gasped, smacking his shoulder.
Ryan chuckled. "I don't think I do."
Alec rolled his eyes, before turning towards Lex.
I suddenly felt my phone buzz in my pocket and I fished it out, only to see a text from Jacob.
My eyes widened slightly and I looked at Lex.
"Hey Lex, do you think you can catch a ride back with Alec later?" She frowned at me but got a hint and turned to Alec.
"Of course you can babe." Alec said making me gag. "But where are you going?"
Alec narrowed his eyes at me and I saw Ryder do the same. Ashley wasn't beside him anymore.
"I need to be somewhere urgently." I said, making Alec frown.
"Are you-"
"I'll be fine." I said, making him sigh.
He raised his phone. "Keep me posted, keep your location on and please be careful."
I nodded, before Lex threw me her car keys. She mouthed me a 'Be careful' and I nodded.
I waved at Ryan before turning towards the exit.
I typed a response on my phone, while making my way towards the car.
"Miles!"
I stopped in my track before turning to see Ryder jogging towards me.
He stopped a good 4 feet away from me and suddenly the air around us grew thicker.
My breath almost hitched as this is the closest I've been to him since the day of our argument, except for the time when he stopped me from falling.
I gulped and gathered every ounce of courage in me to face him with a blank look.
*Author's note*
Hey lovelies!
I hope you enjoyed this chapter.
Don't forget to vote and comment.
Until next time <3