Chapter Forty

Kyla's POV

I have to admit. This is surprising. We're not best friends anymore. In fact, she made it pretty clear where we stood, almost foes or something. It beats me why she would want to talk to me.

"Alright,” I indulged. I really want to know what she has to say after weeks.

"Are you in love with Richard?" she asked making me choke. I thought we were going to talk, but this seemed to be an interrogation.

"If Joanna sent you, tell her that she can go to hell. I'm not playing any games."

"Joanna didn't. Just answer please."

"I'm not in love with him... I think,” I said, shrugging.

"But you do like him. You two have something together?"

"I'd like to think we do,” I responded coolly.

"Shit,” she cursed face palming herself.

"You said you wanted to talk instead you've been asking questions."

"I thought you loved Stein." She stared dejectedly.

"What! I explained to you that night that I didn't. I told you that I would never."

"I know. I acted impulsively and I was going to apologize the next day, but Joanna got to me. She said you had feelings for Stein, and this was your chance to get him. I believed her and that's why I did all those things to you. You were with him."

"Yeah. To get out of the dare quickly. I was going to convince everyone I had fallen for him so it could end for you,” I spat out with tears brimming. I blinked them back in.

"I didn't know that."

"Yeah. I'm sure. It's all in the past now. It's all over. Joanna played you and you let her do it. You destroyed our friendship and I'm doing my best to move on. Goodbye Riley,” I said and walked away right as a tear slipped from my eyes.

****

I didn't bother going back to the cafeteria to face anyone else. I rushed to the rest room crying my eyes out. I can't deny that it still hurts. There's still a hole in my heart.

After I was doing, I dropped some of my books in my locker preparing to go to class.

"Are you okay?"

Ryder asks standing in front of me.

"I'm fine. Please go away,” I said tiredly.

"You don't seem fine. Are you sure you're okay?"

"I'm fine,” I said with a sniffle.

"Let's get out of here. Go somewhere."

"No.."

"You seem really tired. Do you really want to go to class? I know I screwed up but let me help this once. Please,” he pleaded. I was too drained to say no. I really did want to get out of school.

"Where are we going?"

I asked shutting my locker.

***

Sneaking out of school was pretty easy. Ryder kept driving and I simply stared out the window letting my thoughts fly out like the wind.

"We're here,” he announced parking his car by the side.

"Where is here?"

"Come down and see,” he said. I reluctantly opened the car door and stepped down.

"What's next?"

"Come,” he says reaching out. I grabbed his hand and he led me to the side of the road.

"Look down." I shrugged lightly but looked down and a smile erupted on my face.

"It's beautiful,” I said referring the mini garden.

"You remembered how much I loved flowers."

"Of course,” he said.

"Thank you. It's really beautiful,” I said unable to look away.

"Yeah."

I breathed out in relief still staring at the flowers even though it might seem weird.

After a while, I sat down by the side enjoying the cool breeze.

"Tony is leaving,” I started.

"Yeah. I know."

"Will you miss him?"

"Of course I will."

"Alright." I dropped the subject immediately.

"Kyla..."

"Yeah..."

"I love you. You know that right?"

"Ryder..."

"I love you. We've known each other for years. I made a mistake, but I have to rectify it. I love you Kyla,” he stated once again.