Chapter Forty-Three

Kyla's POV

For the rest of the evening, I shut my eyes and prayed for things to go smoothly for me, I acted like someone who was wishing for a job offer, I stood by the phone, the door, anything that might signify something from Richard. Maybe I scared him off by waiting. I figured that accepting his proposal might seem too cheap. It might give him a bad impression of me, and I also wanted something spontaneous like in the movies, instead I might have screwed up my chances with him. A silly thought crept in. I might just walk up to him and inform him of my decision to accept his proposal, regardless of the effect it had on my self-respect and dignity. I gave myself a hard smack on the face at such a silly thought.

Suddenly, there was a knock at the door. With a speed I didn't know I possessed, I dashed towards the door in hopes of the person at the other side being Richard. It wasn't him but I was surprised at who it was.

“Riley?” I called out with uncertainty. She stood at the doorway, playing with her dress while dancing uncomfortably. I took a closer look wondering why she was at my doorstep. Our last conversation didn't go so well, did she come back to laugh it up in my face?

“I wasn't expecting you to answer so quickly, I actually wanted to run away or something,” she said jokingly, playing with the strands of her hair. I bit down on my lips wondering if she was going somewhere with her words.

“I came here to say goodbye. I didn't have the courage to say it earlier and I wanted to take the coward's way out and leave, but I've been a coward for too long. I needed to apologize once again then say goodbye in question.” She gave a sad smile, but I was merely confused. Goodbye?

“You're leaving?” I asked still uncertain.

“Yes, I'm transferring. My parents are actually moving, so I guess I am as well.” She chuckled sadly and it broke my heart. I thought after what happened Riley meant less to me. It seemed I was wrong.

“Riley...”

“I'm sorry for ruining our last days together, I had no idea they would be our last days which makes this even worse. I'm sorry for letting a guy come between us. I'm sorry for letting my infatuation over Stein ruin us. I'm sorry Kyla.” I embraced her tightly, letting her hair fall over my body. I couldn't tell when or why but droplets of tears began pouring out while she sniffled then pulled away.

“When are you leaving?” I asked then forced a small smile.

“Tomorrow,” she responded. I nodded then moved away fully.

“I'm sorry things turned out this way between us Kyla, I really am. It wasn't my intention to hurt you in any way. I let Joanna use me to do her bidding and I doubt I'd ever get that off chest.”

“Talking to me is a great start. I'll miss you Riley but I'm sure transferring is for the best, it's not like you're dying. I'll still be in contact, and I hope you'll come visit.”

She nodded her head, biting down on her lips trying hard not to get teary.

“I best get going before my mom start throwing tantrums because I'm not there,” she said and chuckled, swiping her finger along the corners of her eyes. I went in for another hug, what might seem to be my last hug from Riley. I stood at my door and watch her leave, as sad as it was, I felt at peace with myself. The weight hanging over my head was gone, I sighed in relief. When I went back inside, I felt like a whole new person.

**

The next morning, I woke up like any other day. After deciding to leave fate to Richard, things were much easier. Riley taught me that no matter how hard we fought for something, if it wasn't meant to be ours, we'd never get it. I was grateful for that. If Richard was meant for me, he'd find a way to fulfill my wishes.

My aunt and uncle were off to work before I went downstairs, this time they left a bunch of notes on the counter for my feeding and transportation. I smiled sadly, twitching the corners of my lips before walking away with the notes.

After preparing, I locked the house, hung my bag over my shoulders then walked outside. Suddenly, I heard a running engine behind me. Turning around, I watched as Riley sped until she halted right beside me.

“It's my last day, how about a last ride?” She shot a wink, opening the door, I accepted her invitation and got in.

“Off to school,” She pumped the breaks then shot her hands in the air, I threw my head back in laughter, giggling like a little kid. As I said, I was at peace.

Something caught my attention while arriving at school, I looked over trying to get a closer look.

“What's going on...”

My voice trailed off seeing the smirk on Riley's face. What's happening?

She kept on driving till we got to the school garage but made a turn instead. As we got closer, the banner hung on the gate became much clearer and it left me awe. I gasped then shut my lips with my mouth. It was enough to bring tears to my eyes. I glanced back at Riley and the smirk was replaced with a full grin. I unlocked the car and stepped out looking around for signs of anyone. The entire place looked empty.

“I know you wouldn't like people around, but you also like public display of affection, so I thought I might as well add the two.” He cocked his head stylishly and I turned around, jumping into his arms.

The banner was visible to anyone who got close up. A big shinny banner filled with words. They were just words to many, but to me they were a show of affection. They read. “You mean the world to me Kyla. I know that I want you and the entire world to know that.” I glanced at the sign once more, each time I read it over, it made me giggle even more.

“I wanted to wait a week or two and give you chocolate or flowers or a gift but then I thought about leaving this banner here for a month, so every time you drive to school, every time someone drives into school, they see just how much you mean to me. Hell I had to do the impossible to get it up there, but it doesn't matter because it's for you and I mean those words. Every last fucking student needs to know I love you. You, you, only you. No one else. I can't stand hiding behind a dare or making you fall for someone else. I love you Kyla. I know you said prove it and if this isn't enough, I swear I'll think of something else, if you don't like the banner then I'll take it down. I just...”

Before he could find the end to that statement, I pushed myself to meet his height and claimed his lips for what it was worth, mine and only mine. This was more than enough, it was perfect.