Chapter Thirty-Five

Kyla's POV

I got back home to meet the mess I left earlier. I picked the broken pieces of my phone from the floor and coupled them together. The screen was a little damaged and some other things would definitely be too. The phone still turned on and I was glad about that. I have some money so I can get it fixed tomorrow.

I laid on the bed staring at the ceiling. My mind was occupied with Richard as well as what happened today. I ran a finger over my lips still trembling over the kiss. I have to admit, it was amazing. His words were still ringing in my ears.

I don't know what I expected from him. That he would fall in love with me? Confess his undying love for me? I don't know but anything would've been better than a confused guy.

For the umpteenth time today, I sighed. I thought about Joanna and the podcast, and my anger rose up again. I remembered what I promised myself about making her pay. Thinking about what I said, going back to my old life, the old Kyla wouldn't be plotting revenge schemes. But like I said, something changed. I might never go back to who I was before and somehow that's a good thing.

Under that, I drew up a conclusion to save the rest as tomorrow's problem, took a shower, changed and went straight to bed drowning in my thoughts but not letting them in any way consume me.

*The Next Morning*

I woke up feeling average. Like I have for the past seventeen years of my entire life. I quickly got ready for school and once I was done, I walked downstairs waiting for my uncle to get ready. I groaned internally realizing I would have to take another ride with him.

I forced myself not to miss Riley or her free rides, she's in the past. I'm moving on whether I like it or not. The doorbell rang making me jump in shock. We hardly get visitors in the morning.

"Someone's at the door,” I announced before opening it up.

"Hi,” he beamed at the other end.

"What a wonderful surprise."

My subconscious mocked making me slap my wrist.

"Hi Ryder." I bit the insides of my lips playing my fingernails.

"Can I come in?" he requested. I nodded my head paving way for him.

"I figured you'll need a ride to school,” he says making me gulp.

"Yeah but I can ride with my uncle, it's fine."

"Ryder darling!" my aunt exclaimed at the top of the stairs. He welcomed her with a smile, and they embraced. My aunt and uncle were really fond of him before, well, you know what happened.

"It's been a really long time. Too long. Kyla won't even tell us what happened. I've missed you dear."

"Thank you ma'am,” he said making me roll my eyes. If only she knew he left me out in the cold and not the other way around.

"I was wondering if it would be okay to take her to school?"

"Yes, sure. She keeps losing people every day. Her friend, Riley, stopped coming here too."

I felt slightly hurt by her words. Her words were true, but it still hurt.

"Alright then. We'll be off."

"Bye aunt,” I said deciding not to protest. She would only ask more questions that I'm not ready to answer right now. I threw my bag over my shoulder and walked out of the house. The minute I stepped out, my hands flew on their own accord and slapped him.

"Don't ever put me in a position like that again."

"Old Kyla doesn't slap people."

My subconscious was back with her mocking.

"Oh shut up you,” I remarked getting into the car.

"I didn't say anything."

Ryder said making me turn to glare at him.

"I want a chance to fix this Kyla. Let me show you how sorry I am. Please,” he says getting into the car. I looked the other way ignoring him.

"Drive,” I demanded, and he ignited the engine.