Chapter Thirty-Six
Kyla's POV
Ryder meant every word of his "making things better" speech. He tried as hard as he could to make small talks with me. It almost felt like the old times. Almost.
I can't get it out of my head. He left me. He claims he fell in love with me but that doesn't erase the pain I felt after losing the only person I thought was my friend. Coming back years later and saying sorry isn't going to change anything.
"Kyla, talk to me please."
"I really don't want to. Just drop me off in school and don't come again. I'll manage the snarky remarks my aunt would make after I lost yet another friend,” I hissed lightly at the end, sarcasm dripping from my tone.
"I'm so sorry about that,” he apologized trying to make eye contact. I looked away immediately. I hate the soft spot I have for people when I dare look them in the eye.
Thankfully, I saw the school gate from afar and heaved a large sigh of relief.
"Thank you,” I muttered under my breath and opened the door.
"Have lunch with me?"
He offered running after me.
"I ended the bet Ryder. If that's one of the twisted reasons for doing this, I ended it already. I want my old, average and boring life back. Please just leave me alone. I forgive you for what happened, okay? But I don't think we could ever be like before so please,” I said, showing signs of weakness. I couldn't conceal my emotions. Old Kyla finally resurfaced. His grip on my arm loosened and I quickly walked away, sniffling slightly.
****
I got to my locker ignoring the annoying stares from the girl.
"BITCH!"
A paper flew out of my locker. I seriously can't believe a person would stoop this low. Even a toddler wouldn't result to this. I shook my head ripping the piece of paper before disposing it. After getting the books I needed, I closed it slightly.
"Morning,” a cool voice said close to me. I jumped in fright, and he chuckled. All annoyance was drained out of me. A smile made its way to my face.
"Hi Richard."
"Hi,” he responded curtly.
"I'm sorry I startled you,” I chuckled again and tucked my hair.
"It's fine. I was just headed to class."
"I just wanted to apologize for what happened yesterday."
"It's fine. I'm over it,” I lied trying to sound neutral.
"You're over everything that happened,” he says, and my mind immediately went to the kiss.
"Yup,” I responded popping the p. I'm a total liar.
"Ohh, alright then.”
I swore I could sense disappointment in his tone or something, but it was probably nothing.
"I guess I'll see you later. Bye Richard."
I walked away clinging to my books finally unable to release a breath, wondering why I held it in the first place.
"So far so good,” I huffed on my way to class.
****
The class was even better, excluding the mean stares from the girls. The podcast must have gone viral. My face dropped as the thought sank in. That's why I was having such a great day. I had totally forgotten all about Joanna and my plans. I chewed on my lips thinking of my next action.
I could continue my day and act normal. Act boring. Act like Kyla. The old me. Then again, I could do something about it, stand up to myself for a change. I couldn't decide so I waited for a sign or something.
Just then, the door opened. Riley and Joanna walked in just as the teacher was done. Riley hates skipping class. I guess that's a thing of the past now.
"There's your sign,” my subconscious whispered, and I found the strength to stand up.
I walked up to her, followed my instinct, raised my hands and landed her a slap on the cheeks. For the first time ever, I made the first move and did something other than sitting back and letting everyone stomp over me.