Chapter Thirty-One

Kyla's POV

After much contemplation, I knew what I had to do. The right thing.

"It's nothing really. Just a random guy. I'm just glad it’s all settled now." I faked a smile, and Tony seemed to be buying it. I'll talk to Ryder. I didn't do this for him, he doesn't deserve it. He's an asshole. I did it because I respect their friendship. I can't ruin it.

"Alright then. I'm glad that's over with since Richard refused the bet and all. Does that mean you're still doing the dare?"

He asks. There's no judgement in his tone just curiosity. Once again, I find myself fiddling with my fingers.

"Yes, I am,” I respond expecting follow-up questions. Instead, he just sighs lowly but doesn't respond. I don't plan on telling him about Stein's confession. Not until I've spoken to Ryder and him. I need to clear a lot of things up before things can go back to normal. By normal I mean dates with Richard or something. My definition of normal has definitely changed.

"I should get going now. Be safe Kyla. I'll see you later."

Tony gives me a quick hug before leaving. My emotions are all over the place. The next thing I do surprises me the most. I dialed a number I didn't think I ever would again. I saved his number, so I'll know if he calls. I waited but he never did, and I think a part of me still hoped that he might call someday although after what happened in the past week, I think I'll pass.

I sincerely hoped he was in class or something making him unable to answer his phone.

“Kyla,” he breathed out the second the receiver clicked.

"So much for that,” I mumbled sarcastically. “I need to talk to you. Meet me in the garden now,” I demanded biting hard on my lips so I wouldn't try to soften the blow. It was a really bad habit.

“I'll be there soon.”

“Alright.”

I hung up before ruining my moment of being cold. Then, I took a deep breath and became the most patient person at school waiting for him. It's really now or never. There's nothing I can do about it.

Ryder walked in about three minutes later with his hands in his pockets. He cruised towards me with a neutral expression, I frowned my face and scoffed until we were inches apart.

"We need to talk,” I stated and played with my hair. It's really hard being mean. I wonder how Joanna does it all the time.

"I know about the bet,” I added before he could try and say something stupid.

"Kyla, I..."

"No, don't say anything. I didn't call you here to ask why you did it. I came here to make it clear that I'm never going to be anyone's object of fun or something. You ended our friendship, you. Do not ever put me in the middle of one of yours games,” I paused and took in his expression. He didn't flinch.

"I swear it I won't just fold my arms the next time. I didn't tell Tony about it not for you but because I didn't want to ruin your friendship like you did ours but that doesn't mean I will keep quiet next time. It would be best if we went back to staying away from each other."

I had to stop to release a breath and breathe properly.

"What do you mean Tony didn't know? It was literally just idea and the only reason I agreed was because I thought you would end the dare and Riley night forgive you. You're acting like I did a really bad thing when I was just looking out for you. I would never intentionally hurt you. You know that. I love you Kyla. Even if you don't believe me, I love you."

All the air is knocked out of my lungs. I have no idea which part of his statement to pay much attention to. They all seem well, really shocking.