Chapter 39: Chapter Thirty-Nine

Kyla's POV

I appreciated the fact that Richard wasn't scared of letting the whole school know about us. Whatever we were. It still doesn't change the fact that I'm scared. He's risking his best friend for me. I shuddered as a chill ran down my spine. I was having a weird sense of deja vu and I didn't like it at all.

I had lost Riley because of a guy, and he was probably going to feel the same pain.

We walked into the cafeteria, and I had gotten used to being the talk of most tables, but this time they seemed to be doing it shamelessly. I doubt my situation would get better as Richard held my hand all the way to his table, the one meant for the rich and popular. Joanna was there, as well as Riley, and Stein arrived a minute later.

I noticed Joanna glaring from the corner of my eye and Riley looked confused. Her eyes fixed on Richard and me. She seemed shocked at our closeness. I wondered what was going through that head of hers.

My phone chimed and I read a text.

TONY: Meet me at the garden please. It's urgent.

I had forgotten about him slightly, but I guess he decided to refresh my memory. It was a good enough excuse to leave the table anyway.

"I'll be right back. There's something I have to do,” I whispered to Richard before standing up and strolling to meet Tony.

****

His back faced me as I walked in, clearing my throat until he turned to meet my gaze.

"I'm here,” I announced, and he smiled.

"Yeah. I'm sorry if you were in the middle of something. I just wanted to let you know that I'm transferring soon."

"Transferring?" I gulped.

"Yeah. Let's just say there's nothing keeping me here anymore. Ryder and I are well complicated right now and you are obviously smitten over Richard, and I don't want to be here to watch so I put in a transfer. I'll be gone before the week runs out."

I sighed deeply as the news hit me. Tony was the first person who showed me support and actually helped me through the journey. It hurt to see him leave.

"Tony, I..."

"Don't make things hurt more than they already do. Just be careful and do what makes you happy no matter what." He leaned in and pecked my cheeks.

"Goodbye Kyla."

I stayed rooted while he walked past me. I wasn't expecting that to happen at all.

I've had enough shockers for today. I'm not in for any more surprises. I'll just go back to my table and have a nice time with Richard. That's all I want.

"Kyla..."

A familiar voice called out.

"Riley..." I breathed out surprised to see her standing behind me.

"We need to talk. I need to talk to you."

I paused as she played with her fingernails.