Chapter Forty-Four

Kyla's POV

ONE MONTH LATER

Time passes by quicker when things were going great for you, it no longer made you feel like a burden on the earth. Richard got me flowers, chocolates and sweets for our one-month anniversary, but I still felt slightly sad. The banner was going down today. He was right, I enjoyed walking up to see it every single day and now the threshold was over. I pouted my lips and played with my fingers, slightly down.

A month ago Riley left the school. It was weird. I mean we've been friends since forever, I'd gotten used to doing absolutely everything with her and then I can't anymore. Her locker was empty, for now. I was sure a stupid would pick it up during senior year. Senior year.

Exams were finished last week and there was going to be a party to mark the end of the session, then the holidays and finally senior year. Before I have a glance at my watch again, I would be off to college. It always seemed to amaze me just how life was. If you're wondering what happened to the dare, it faded. Just like everything in high school, once others found some other news, they forget the old on and move on. The date turned into a party tale, In a few years, new students won't believe it ever happened. That was the beauty of high school.

Unlike most nerds, I enjoyed my high school days. I lived it to the fullest. I had the and bitch who tried to come between me and my best friend, I got answers to burning questions, I had an all-out war, and most importantly, I found love.

“Hey K,” He ducked in and planted a kiss on my lips before taking a seat across me. I pouted once more stretching my hands forward.

“Stop whining, you should've told me you wanted it up there longer.” I rolled my eyes, turning a pout into a glare.

“They're taking it down.” I whined once more.

“Yes but you'll always be in my heart and if you want I can say those words to you every single day.” I grinned and slid over, jumping into his arms. Good thing we were the only ones in the cafe.

“Good thing no one's here.” He said reading my thoughts.

“Exactly my thoughts,” I chirped then wrapped my legs around his waist. He reached over and pulled the strands of hair behind my ear before planting one more kiss on my lips, only this on lasted much longer.

****

Richard and I were the power couple. Most people still bad mouthed me for “theft” It was appalling how many people knew that Joanna wanted him. Speaking of which, I tried my best to keep out of her clutches for a while. The only reason why things went out of hand the first time was because we gave her an entry point. I'd never make that mistake again.

As for Stein, he transferred out as well. It was a tough time for Richard. He lost his best friend. Calling and texting won't ever be the same as getting to see them every day. I should know that; I haven't laid eyes on my parents in years.

The final bell sounded throughout the hallway and students rushed out. Some were heading home but most were heading out to celebrate. The session was over. I brushed past students in search for Richard. We had fourth period together then he disappeared.

“Kyla!” Ryder yelled behind me. I turned around alarmed.

“What is it?” I inquired.

“It's bad, it's really bad you need to come with me.” He tugged at my arm, and I followed him immediately. Ryder and I stayed friends through it all. The last time he ghosted me while trying to lose feelings, that didn't work so well, he was trying something else, and I think it worked. He fell in love with someone else, not love but I think they were getting there.

“Ryder, what is....” I trailed off standing in an empty garden. I swear I saw him run in here and now there was no one.

“Baby,” I heard a familiar voice behind me. I heard him it over the phone countless times and it got stuck in my head. It can't be. I was hallucinating for sure. For certainty, I turned around slowly. I wasn't dreaming. He was right there “Dad!” I squealed like a little kid, I ran into his arms, and he caught me. Resting my head on his shoulders, I let the tears flow freely.

“Dad,” I called out, unable to contain my emotions. He chuckled, and I raised my head.

“How? I thought you were...”

“Richard wanted it to be a surprise. Your mom would be here next week for the party, I'm sorry it took so long for us to come back baby and I'm glad Richard gave us the push we needed,” he explained. I was short of words. Richard did this? How?

“Dad,” I repeated instead. I'd figure out the details later on, my dad was here. He was fucking here. I relaxed on his chest, needing to stay there for a lifetime or more.

****

Back at the house, my aunt and uncle were still absent, I invited my dad inside trying not to hug him every ten seconds. I strode to the kitchen to get him water when the door creaked. I held the glass and dashed back to the living room. Richard and my dad were talking like old Friends. I honestly felt like the odd one.

“Richard.” My voice gained his attention and he shot me a smile before walking up to me. I headed to the kitchen and crossed my arms waiting for him.

“What did you do?”

“I knew today would be marked as a bad day for you, the banner going down, Riley leaving so I wanted to do something to make it better. I've been planning it for a while, I knew how much you missed your parents, so I got in touch with them, and I convinced them to visit at the very least. Ryder helped me of course.” He grinned.

“You did all this for me?” I asked, gob smacked.

“Yes, I did. I'll do much more because I love you Kyla. I said it before, but I want you to understand it now. I love you.” Tentatively, I reached for his cheeks and stroked gently. For the first time in one month, I understood the concept of love.

“I love you,” I answered back, wrapping my hands around his waist.

“Does he know we're dating though?” I asked, stifling a giggle.

“I can't do everything for you now,” he responded with holding a chuckle.