Mom sent me home, the previous night as I had school the other day. So much have happened in the span of a few hours that school is like a distant thought to me.
Ryan promised to pick me up in the morning, even after I argued that Reid and Ethan can give me a ride, but he was having none of it. I gave Cassie her food, I had a few minutes to kill before Ryan arrives, so I washed the dishes and just then there was honking of Ryan's Rover I quickly pulled up my backpack and was out the door. Subconsciously I went to the passenger side of the front door when I noticed the same supermodel sitting shotgun and glanced at Ryan before taking the backseat.
"Paige, this is Bailey Anderson and Bailey this is Paige Callahan." Ryan introduced us. What I actually wanted to know was, is she his girlfriend now. Bailey barely glanced in my direction before opening her compact and checking herself.
"So, you're new here?" I asked in an attempt to be friendly.
"Yeah." Just that one word. It didn't take a scientist to understand that she didn't want to talk with me. Maybe even thought that I was a loser, I don't understand why Ryan dates such stuck up girls when he himself is so kind. It made me feel really disappointed and I told myself that it's none of my business. After we reached school I opened his car door and wanted to flee from there as soon as possible. But before I could leave Ryan caught my wrist.
"Why in such a hurry?" He asked and I urged him to release my hand but he held onto it. Bailey was looking at us with narrowed eyes.
"I don't want to be in trouble, that's why" I hissed and finally shook my hand free from his. Hurt flickered in his eyes before it was replaced by indifference.
I speed walked towards the school and entered the homeroom for Physics class. There were only a few fellow classmates but slowly the class filled and I was surprised to see Reid standing at entrance of the class after coming in he scanned the rows, noticing me sitting alone he promptly made his way towards me.
"This seat taken?" He asked
"No"
He then proceeded to make himself comfortable next to me. He removed a book, two pens and neatly arranged them on the table.
"How have you been?" He asked with a warm smile.
I shrugged in response
"I've been better."
"I hope you'd call me if you need anything or any kind of help." He said not looking at me.
"I will. Don't worry, you'll officially be my knight in shining armor." I joked, making him smile and he went from good looking to quite attractive with just that smile. But not as attractive as Ryan though, my traitorous mind whispered. Well nobody is as attractive as him, it doesn't mean that I have to compare every guy to him. Anyways he's with Bailey now, not that he'd ever consider me as dating type maybe he just feels bad for me.
After the class was finished Reid followed me to the locker. Coincidentally his locker was right next to mine. Huh weird. After taking the books for our next class he went towards world history and I went towards my Spanish class.
The day went uneventful until lunch. Willow didn't come to school because she went to Iowa to visit her grandparents along with Drew. I'm not sure if I should suffer sitting alone in the cafeteria or go to library. I risked sitting on our usual table albeit without anyone. After I took my first bite, the chairs on either side of me were pulled back and I startled.
"How can we let our girl sit alone" Ethan drawled. I was really happy to see them and also relieved.
"Exactly, how could you" I humored him. They both chuckled and took a huge bite of their hamburger.
"Yikes, how can you eat this, it's soo.. unappetizing" complained Reid.
"Because we gotta survive and to survive, we have to eat. Survival of the fittest, at its best."
"You should've been a poet, you know with the way you rhyme your lines." Said Reid with a sour expression.
I threw my head back and laughed. It felt good and then as suddenly as the laughter had arrived it disappeared when I remembered about dad's cancer.
The twins noticed my sudden change in expression and once again tried to take my mind off things but to no avail. When I glanced up again, I saw Ryan watching me, while the new girl, Bailey was sitting on his lap practically salivating at him. It was disgusting to watch. And I was extremely irritated at him. He had the bombshell sitting on his lap, now what did he want from me? My friendship? No way, we were too different. I averted my gaze. Thank God, now Grace has someone else to deal with. But I think Bailey and Grace will soon be BFFs they're too alike, it's almost scary.
"How has been your first day so far?" I asked Reid and Ethan. They made a face which was so identical that it almost looked as if there was a mirror placed in front of either of them.
"I can't wait to graduate." Said Ethan
"Roger that, brother." Agreed Reid.
For few high school days are the best, for some they're forgettable and for a few others they are a complete nightmare. I guess I'm of the second category.
After school Ryan was waiting for me next to my locker. I searched for Bailey but she was nowhere to be found. I cautiously approached him feeling as if it's a trap and as soon as I approached him she'll pounce at me like a panther. But none of it happened.
Ryan made a show of checking his watch and frowned.
"You're late." He said
"I had to return a book from library." I defended.
He sighed and we went towards the parking lot. I expected Bailey to be standing there waiting for him but she wasn't there.
"Where's Bailey?" I asked him.
"She's gonna go home with Grace they had a slumber party or something."
My eyebrows raised upto my hairline. That's rich, Ryan's girlfriend and ex girlfriend buddying up so soon after their breakup. I thought Grace will claw Bailey's pretty face, but here they are being best of friends. I had been so right.
After buckling up, Ryan drove straight towards his mansion. I don't know what else to call it. Once home, he gave me a few problems to go through before locking himself up in his room.
"If you have any doubt or you cannot solve something, just call me."
Like that's really helpful. I made a face when his back was turned and went to Avery's room. She was lying on her bed staring at the ceiling but as soon as she saw me she jumped from the bed running straight to me.
"Let's play. Let's play" she chanted.
"No, today we'll read a book. Your favorite one okay?" I suggested.
She nodded vigorously. "I like Alice's adventures in wonderland" she squealed. I took the book from the bookshelf and we sat on her bed. After reading it twice and a million questions later she was satisfied.
"Okay Avery, will you read any other book which you like? I've got some homework to complete. If you cannot understand something, come to me alright?"
She nodded and spread all the books on her bed to select from. I watched her curious as to which book she'll select after considering all her options she opened C.S Lewis's The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe, sequel of Narnia. I was impressed by her choice, she'd love reading it.
I opened my much dreaded math textbook and started solving the problems which Ryan had marked. Apart from two or three problems out of twenty five I was able to solve every single one. I squealed and punched the air startling Avery who was completely engrossed in the book. I apologized and urged her to continue reading. I stood up and stretched then went out the door towards Ryan's room. Outside his door I could hear him speaking to someone and wasn't sure if I should enter when I heard him saying my name. I approached his door and tried to eavesdrop
"Don't be ridiculous, I don't like her like that way." He said which sent a pang through my chest.
"Then why is she hanging out with you all the time?" Asked an unmistakably female voice.
"I'm just helping her Bailey, for God's sake. Her dad had cancer, I cannot leave her like that, if she were any other girl I'd do the same and she's not really my type. Wearing all those dark clothes. I don't dig that." There was silence and sound of moaning. And just like that I shattered and rose with a vengeance. My looks and attire don't define me damnit! And I thought Bailey was at Grace's?
I saw red. How dare he judge me over the clothes I fucking wear. That's it. I'm done with him, so fucking done pining over him and hoping he'll see the real me. Apparently he doesn't 'dig' me but he 'digs' all those girls who are all sunshine and butterflies, well fuck him.
I was fuming, after entering Avery's room I stood there trying to control the prickling behind my eyes.
"Hey Avery, I won't be coming from tomorrow. Will it be alright?"
She scowled. "Why? I like you, don't go please. You're the nicest girlfriend Ryan has ever had" She pleaded. I almost laughed in her face. "Avery, I'm not your brother's girlfriend, he's just helping me with my studies." Which will be screwed if I won't get help. But I can't come here again. Not after Ryan almost admitted that I was a charity case for him. Screw math I can do it if I tried harder.
"I'll still meet you Avery. I'll be there at the library after school, I'll get to see you when your school closes at around twelve." I have an off period at that time, thank God.
"Pinky promise?"
I smiled at her and entwined my pinky finger with her.
"Pinky promise" I swore and asked her to inform Ryan that I left. I was too chicken to confront him. Afterall I cannot confront him saying that I was eavesdropping on their conversation. I'll just say I've got a better job offer and the bills are piling up, which isn't a lie. But for that I'll actually have to go job hunting. And first of all I gotta go give dad a visit. Thankfully on the way out I didn't have to confront Ryan or Bailey. I was never as glad to see my paint peeled Corolla as I've been today. Quickly I buckled up and cranked the car and pulled away from their driveway towards the hospital.
Faintly I heard the echo of my name being called and sure enough Ryan was standing at the door, shielding his eyes. I had returned their check and kept it on the huge ornate table in the living room with a note attached to it, saying that I won't be working for them anymore. His words, they still hurt like a stab piercing my heart. I have to go back to the way it was before he decided to meddle with my life. I'll stay away from him and he'll have no choice but pretend that I don't exist. I don't want his pity so that he can throw it in my face later on.
After I left the hospital later that night, I was really exhausted and wanted nothing more than to take a hot shower and sleep into oblivion.
When I turned to our driveway, I noticed Reid playing basketball in our neighboring lawn. Completely shirtless and sweaty. He wasn't stocky but had a lean built and impressive muscles. His blond hair were stuck to his forehead and turned a darker shade due to the sweat. After noticing my car he came around our house.
"Hey, how are you? How's your dad, I hope he's doing well of course." He's rambling and it's hella cute. I should fall for a guy like him and now I'm sure Reid is interested in me, I'll take the initiative. Mission: Forget Ryan.
"I was thinking if you'd like to go on a dinner date with me..?" I asked him suddenly unsure.
He smiled, a genuinely happy smile
"I'd love to, Paige." And that was that.