Chapter Twenty-Four

Kyla's POV

I sat rooted to the spot. In all honesty, this is an excellent way to make progress. But as you know, Riley hatred for me multiples by thousands. She won't ever forgive me for a stunt like this no matter the explanation I give afterwards. They also made out in the locker room so kissing him now is just being heartless. I can't.

"I can't,” I state firmly before disposing of my leftovers. My eyes unconsciously dart to Richard, I'm stunned when I notice his eyes glisten with happiness. Isn't this his goal? Make me fall in love with Stein? Why is he happy that I declined then?

"I get no progress then."

The guy states and Joanna looks furious. She looks at Richard as I did, noticing the same expression. It makes her angrier, and she tightens her fist before storming out.

"A girl who likes a guy wouldn't throw herself at him. I'm developing the respect he has for me. Call it what you want." I shrug my shoulders before moving away. All the while, Richard didn't make any comment. I took that as a hint and left. Lunch went better than expect. The picture I have in my mind is much worse. I'm glad I could decline and move on.

As always, I went by my locker and drop my books before moving towards class. I must be the biggest nerd. Class wouldn't start for an extra thirty minutes or more.

I get to class and the sight sucked the air out of my lungs. Riley seats down at her usual spot, her head on the desk. Her shoulders flexed as she raises her back upwards at intervals. If I didn't know better, I'll say she was crying. The urge to move over and ask what happened hit me like a train. I just hope she doesn't yell at me or something worse.

We are the only two in the class, I simply shut the door moving towards her seat.

"Riley?"

I called out as gently as possible. She pushes me off hard raising her head. My suspicions are confirmed when she releases a light sob drying her tears.

"Why do you want?"

Her voice is more like a croak. So low, so broken.

"Is there anything I can do to help? You never cry,” I state resisting the urge to reach over and hold her.

"Yeah there's one thing you could do At this moment. It'll make everything better Kyla, but I know you won't."

"Tell me, I'll do anything."

"Alright, can you stop existing, die? Disappear? Can you Kyla? Either of those three would make me the happiest person on Earth now. I'll jump for fucking joy. If you can't do those, stay the fuck away From me,” she snaps and rushes out. My heart is broken into pieces. The hatred is visible in her eyes. I'm left to wonder if all This is worth it. For days now, I've convinced myself that in the end once I explain, Riley forgives me. But seeing what just happened, I wonder if she'll even stand to be in the same room with me.

It hurts to see this and hear how she feels. I know it's the truth, I can see it in her eyes. The Worse part is that I have no idea why she's crying.

I can't wait for the day to be over. I have a bed that needs hugging, eyes that need shutting. Furthermore, I wish I listened to my subconscious that night, stayed home and never went to that godforsaken party. Resting my head on the desk, the only wish I have is to reverse time. I'll do things a lot differently.

The bell rings and the next few seconds is filled with students trooping in. I don't raise my head waiting for the teacher to walk in. Even after she does, I doubt I'll pay attention anything she has to say. All I can think about is Riley, I can only hope she doesn't call me out for a question as always, today is the day I disappoint her in that case. My head is all screwed up, and I don't know what to do. I feel as if my life is never going to be the same after this bet, I wish that night never happened. I wish I never met any of them. Furthermore, I just want to let it all out and cry, why won't school just close already?

"Can I sit here?"

A male voice asks, interrupted my rants, complains, and breakdown. I sniffle drying any tears, raise my head to meet his gaze and lock our eyes together. Well, this is unexpected. Subsequently, several pairs of eyes start noticing his movements and turn their attention to the both of us, exactly the opposite of what I need and want now. Why does the universe choose to torture me every single time?