Chapter 41: Chapter Forty-One

Kyla's POV

His confession came as a surprise I had to admit. His eyes were fixed on mine, and I couldn't reject him this way. Truly, I loved him but not in the way he wanted.

Ryder was like a brother to me, my best friend. It hurt when he left, and this is the reason why. I've learnt to live without him by my side but that doesn't mean I can hurt him.

"Ryder, you can't say things like that."

"But that's what I feel. I tried to escape them because I was scared you'd reject me, but I can't hide what I feel anymore. I just need to scream it out to you Kyla. I love you!" he yelled making me move back slightly.

"I think I should just go. Thank you for this but I think I should just be by myself for now."

"I'm sorry if I annoyed you Kyla."

"I understand but I just need to go."

"Let me drop you off..."

"No, it's fine. I'll walk."

I got up and put my address in the GPS of my phone and started walking. It was going to be a long fifteen minutes.

****

My feet were heavy when I took off my shoes by the door mat before searching for the keys and finally getting in.

I flung my belongings to the side and crashed right onto the sofa. My eyes shut by themselves, and I fell asleep almost immediately. Understandable after the long day I just had.

"Kyla..."

I heard a faint voice call like it was right on top of me.

"Kyla!"

It sounded more stern jolting me from my resting state.

"Kyla!"

My body shook and my eyes snapped open.

"Riley..." I called out moving to the other side of the couch.

"I'm sorry. I came over and the door was open. You were sleeping on the sofa so I just..." She sighed before pausing from her explanation.

"What are you doing here?" I croaked out, my voice a little sturdy.

"I couldn't stay with myself after what happened in school. I couldn't go home so I had to come here."

"I need space Riley. What happened can't just be overlooked after a few hours."

"I know. I understand but I also want you to know how sincerely sorry I am. I hurt you, betrayed our trust and friendship. I have no idea how I can ever make it up to you but I'm going to spend every day trying."

"I'm sorry,” she added sniffling.

"How do I know you won't just do it again?"

"I don't know how to give you that assurance, but I do promise not to let Stein come between us ever. I might be crushing on him but I'm going to let him go. I don't know if that's a step in the right direction but I'm going to do it."

"Wow,” I blurted out.

"I'm sorry for everything Kyla. I truly am. If you want, we can go to school together again. I don't think you like riding with Ryder,” she joked, and I couldn't help but muffle a chuckle. "I miss you and I'm sorry. I'll say it a gazillion times. See you tomorrow Kyla."

She smiled before getting up from the couch and walking out of the door. I slumped back to the sofa and undid my hair letting it fall to my face.

The door creaked open again, the hair was covering my face so I couldn't see who it was clearly.

"Kyla,” Richard called out. "We need to talk,” he uttered in a serious tone.