Chapter 9: Chapter Nine
Kyla's POV
Riley and I immersed in a staring contest. Soon after, she folded her arms admiring the scene in front of her. The scene that confirmed everyone's words, her words. The same words I blankly refuted days ago. Today, she got to prove herself right.
I tried to look away and straighten my face. Focus on the plan. It was so hard especially as she gazed at me intently.
Such distaste, disgust, and distrust in her eyes. My very own best friend. It hurt more than leaving your hand in burning fire.
I tore my eyes from hers and faced Richard.
"I'll be delighted,” I said, thinking of the end game, the bigger picture. The price to pay would be lesser. Riley shook her head lightly before walking away.
"Alright then. I'll pick you up, say six p.m."
"Sounds good." I faked a smile and he walked away. I pursued Riley to put in a word or two. I might not be able to tell her what's going on but the only thing I can do is try and make it better. That's all.
"Riley! Hang on,” I screamed, she moved even faster making it impossible to catch up.
"Riley, please."
"What!" she fired and turned to me. Tears stream down her cheeks. Her eyes were red and puffy, I'd never seen her this way and it's my fault. "What...Huh, Kyla! Did you come to rub it in my face? You know for someone who doesn't want to do the dare, you seem really delighted,” she announced with vigor on the word “delighted.”
"Riley, you have to believe me. It'll all be over soon. I'm doing this for you."
"Oh shut up! You're a greedy bitch who was only thinking about herself. The vogue this would bring you. We've been friends for ages, I love him, but you don't care. Why would you? Express opportunity to get noticed so kindly stop hiding. You disdain me, Kyla. I denounce the day I met you and I wish I never did. Just stay away from me because we're done. It's the last time I'll say this. We are done,” she said firmly and clobbered away. As she did, she pulled the attention of a few people who looked upon me with even more distaste. I burst into a round of crying, and it lasted for more than ten minutes. I had no motive to stop for anything or anyone.
Why won't she believe me? I didn't want this life. I imagined a boring, normal school year instead I lost my friend and I'm in the middle of a bet. I sniffled lightly before wiping the tears from my cheeks most of which had nearly cleared.
"Hey, Kyla," a familiar male voice said. It was not Tony or Stein, and it couldn't be Richard. I turn around expecting it to be some random make student.
"Ryder," I called and sucked in a sharp breath.
"Hi, Kyla," he said. In school, it was Tony and Ryder, then Richard and Stein. Ryder and I have a history together. We used to be so close, in fact, he used to be my best friend. I could tell him everything. Abruptly, things changed. A lot of things changed.
Just like I'm losing Riley, I lost Ryder and I still don't understand why we drifted apart. He went ahead to be friends with Tony never uttered a word to me.
Our paths crossed in school, it was like we were strangers and after a while, I skipped how close we were. Seeing him up close now brings back all those memories.
But why now? He had innumerable openings to talk to me. Why now?
"Kyla,"
He called breathlessly keeping his gaze on me. I had this tormenting feeling that this meeting will not go well. Everyone appeared to want me after the dare. Somehow, I felt none of them had good intentions. Ryder was not impunity. I would just have to listen to what he wanted, then I could go home and cry for as long as I wished for.