A few weeks later Ryan's pov:
"I've set up a physical therapist for you there, you will be seeing her every Wednesday." Tom said over the phone, "Please don't miss any, I want you to have a quick recovery." He added.
"Okay, whatever." I replied as I ended the call.
I threw on my hoodie, hat and grabbed my mask out of my drawer. Class reunions weren't really my thing, but here I am getting ready to go to one.
"I'll be heading out now!" I announced as I headed downstairs, "Don't drink to much, it's not healthy for your injury." Mom said.
I smiled and nodded, "can you bring some snacks on your way back?" I Lily asked.
"Sure, I'll head out now Eric is waiting."
I headed out the door and jumped into my car, the drive to the reunion giving me plenty of time to think. It had been years since I'd seen most of these people, and I wondered how much had changed.
When I arrived at the venue, a small local bar we used to hang out at, I spotted Eric waiting outside. He waved me over with a grin. "Hey, man! Ready for a trip down memory lane?"
"Yeah,sure " I replied.
We walked inside together, and the place was already buzzing with familiar faces. "Wow, look who it is!" Rain said as he spotted us, "It's the famous RYAN MILLER!" He announced his tone so cocky.
"Ha, im glad you know that." Eric smiled as we walked past there table and headed straight to our table.
"Ryan my guy, welcome back man." Kale rejoiced as he poured a cup of beer, "no drinking for me." I smiled politely refusing.
"Ah, why not your not the one to dodge alcohol." Kaia asked, "guys, his injured plus his driving." Eric chimed in.
"That sucks!" Kale said dropping in his chair, "Okay, I'll drink just one cup." I said grabbing the beer out of his hands.
"That's my Guy!" He smiled.
As the evening went on, the atmosphere grew more relaxed. Laughter and the hum of conversations filled the bar, creating a nostalgic and warm environment. I found myself catching up with old friends and reminiscing about our school days.
At some point, Eric nudged me and nodded towards the entrance. "Hey, look who just walked in."
I turned to see Ella entering with a group of friends. She looked stunning, even more so than I remembered. For a moment, our eyes met, and there was a flicker of recognition. I quickly looked away, taking a sip of my beer to calm my nerves.
"Thought you wouldn't be attending," Rain remarked, "And why would you think that?" She asked.
Rain shrugged, smirking. "You've been pretty low-key these past few years. Didn't think reunions were your thing."
Ella gave him a polite smile. "Maybe you should mind your business."
"Ella, over here." Kaia shouted towards our table.
Without hesitation she walked over to our table and sat next to Kaia, "you've been M.I.A for a while, didn't think you would actually come." Kaia said.
"Girl, work has been so stressful." She replied pouring herself a beer and chugging it down. "You do look worn out." Kale smiled.
"Ha, thank you." She replied.
"Isn't this just great, our little group back together." Eric chimed in,
Eric's comment broke the ice, and the table erupted in laughter and stories from the past. It felt like no time had passed, yet everything was different. I couldn't help but steal glances at Ella, who seemed to be enjoying herself despite the initial awkwardness.
As the night wore on, people started to mingle more. I found myself standing outside taking in some fresh air.
Suddenly before I also knew it Ella was standing right next to me, "Hey," she said softly, a hint of nervousness in her voice.
"Hey," I replied, turning to face her. "Having a good time?"
"Yeah, it's nice to see everyone again," she said, then paused. "It's good to see you too, Ryan."
I smiled. "Same here, Ella. It's been too long."
———————————
5 years ago:
On a hot afternoon after school Ryan and Ella were walking back home together.
"Thank lord it's Friday, wanna grab ice cream in the evening?" She asked turning to Ryan.
"Sure, at our normal spot?" He replied, "Duh, where else would we go." She said.
As they continued to walk Ryan kept a distance and just admired her for behind, "want to go to the beach on Sunday?" He asked.
"Sure, but after church Nana is forcing me to go." She said as she stopped at her house gate.
"Well see you later, at 5." She said as she waved at him and headed inside.
Later that evening, Ryan arrived at their usual ice cream spot a few minutes early, eagerly anticipating his time with Ella. He sat at their favorite table by the window, watching the world pass by and lost in his thoughts about their beach outing on Sunday.
At exactly 5:00 PM, Ella walked in, her face lighting up as she spotted him. "Hey! You beat me here as usual," she said, sliding into the seat across from him.
"Had to make sure we got the best spot," Ryan grinned. "What flavor are you getting today?"
Ella pretended to think hard, then laughed. "You know I'm sticking with chocolate chip. You?"
"Mint chocolate chip," Ryan replied, already heading to the counter. He returned a few moments later with their ice creams, handing Ella her cone with a flourish.
They spent the next hour chatting and laughing, talking about school, their friends, and their plans for the weekend. Ryan loved these moments with Ella, where everything felt easy and perfect.
As they finished their ice creams, Ella's phone buzzed. She glanced at the screen and frowned. "Nana wants me home soon. Guess I better head back."
Ryan nodded, a bit disappointed but understanding. "Alright, I'll walk you back."
They left the ice cream parlor and strolled through the familiar streets towards Ella's house. The setting sun cast a warm glow over everything, and for a moment, Ryan felt a surge of courage.
"Hey, Ella," he started, "there's something I've been meaning to tell you."
Ella looked at him curiously. "What's up?"
Ryan took a deep breath, his heart pounding. "I… I really like hanging out with you. You're my best friend, and I—"
And before he even got to finish Ella spoke up, "no, you know I'm dating rain please don't say that."
"We've also been friends since kindergarten, so please can we just be friends." She stated.
Ryan forced a smile, though his heart felt like it was shattering. "Yeah, friends it is," he replied, trying to keep his voice steady.
Ella gave him a quick hug, seemingly relieved. "Thanks, Ryan. You're the best."
As they reached her house, Ella waved goodbye and disappeared inside. Ryan stood there for a moment, staring at the door, before turning and walking home. Each step felt heavier than the last, his mind replaying the conversation over and over.
That night, Ryan lay in bed, staring at the ceiling. He tried to convince himself that being friends with Ella was enough, that he could be happy just having her in his life. But deep down, he knew things would never be the same.
——————
A week later at school as Ryan was returning his books to the library he overheard some boys in the bathroom and Ella's name was mentioned.
Curious he stood outside the bathroom and listened to the conversation, "ha, I don't like her she's just an easy use." Guy no 1 said.
"Just tell her I love you and boom she'll let me have it." He added.
"Ha, what a fucking slut." Guy 2 said.
"I don't even like her, she's ugly and all she does is hang around that wannabe boxer Ryan." Guy 1 remarked.
"It's like she's his bitch or something." He stated.
Without knowing it Ryan walked into the bathroom dropping his books and landing a punch on Rain guy 1.
Rain dropped to the floor as Ryan got on top of him and continued punching him, the other guy who was in the bathroom tried to get him off but he would budge.
Soon later a administrator came running in Taking Ryan off Rain.
"Ryan, stop!" the administrator shouted, pulling him off Rain with the help of another teacher who had arrived.
Ryan, his knuckles bloodied and breathing heavily, glared down at Rain. "You ever talk about Ella like that again, and I'll make sure you regret it," he spat.
Rain, clutching his bleeding nose, stared up in shock, a mix of fear and anger in his eyes. "You're crazy, Miller! She's just a—"
"Enough!" the administrator interrupted, his face stern. "All of you, to the principal's office. Now!"
Ryan didn't protest, picking up his books and following the administrator. The adrenaline was still pumping through his veins, but he felt a sense of grim satisfaction. Rain had it coming.
Principal's OfficeThe principal, Mr. Kawakami, looked between the boys, his expression a mix of disappointment and anger. "This is unacceptable. Fighting on school grounds is serious enough, but the reason behind it is even more troubling."
Rain, still holding a tissue to his nose, started to protest. "He just attacked me out of nowhere! I didn't do anything!"
Ryan clenched his fists, trying to keep his composure. "That's not true. They were talking about Ella—saying disgusting things. I couldn't just stand there and do nothing."
Mr. Kawakami raised an eyebrow. "Is this true?" he asked Rain and his friend.
Rain's friend shifted uncomfortably but didn't say anything. Rain glared at Ryan but didn't deny it.
Mr. Kawakami sighed. "This kind of behavior is unacceptable from all of you. Rain, your comments are disrespectful and inappropriate. Ryan, while I understand your frustration, violence is never the answer."
Ryan nodded, feeling a bit of the anger dissipate. "I know, sir. I'm sorry."
Mr. Kawakami rubbed his temples. "Both of you will receive detention and a week's suspension."
————————
After school as they were walking home Ella was ignoring Ryan the whole walk, as they reached her house Ryan stopped her before she entered the house.
"Can you please just listen to me!"
"I don't want to talk to you." She said slapping his hand away.
"He was talking bad about you, what did you want me to do?" He stated.
"I don't care about what he said, you could've just minded your own business and walk away." She replied, "But—" "I don't care, you didn't have to hurt him. I know you like me but that doesn't give you a right to hurt my boyfriend!" She exclaimed.
"I told you I don't like you, why can't you understand! She said, She took a deep breath running her fingers through her hair.
"Let's stop being friends Ryan, I really don't want to be friends with a person who goes around beating up the people I love." She said, "You know I hate violence, now I also hate you." She said.
Ryan felt his heart drop, he couldn't believe the words that were coming out of his friends mouth.
"Wait, how can you say that Ella." Eric jumped in, "Ryan was protecting you, and this is how you repay him?!" He said his tone angry.
Ella just looked at them her eyes filled with tears, and was on the verge of crying.
"If that's what you want, then I'll respect that." Ryan said as he grabbed Eric and walked away.
Eric and Ryan walked away, the weight of Ella's words hanging heavily between them. The silence was thick, neither of them knowing quite what to say.
"She's upset," Eric finally said. "She'll come around."
Ryan shook his head, the pain evident in his eyes. "I don't think she will, Eric. She hates me now."
Eric sighed, patting Ryan on the shoulder. "You did the right thing, man. Sometimes people don't see it right away, but you stood up for her. That's what matters."
TBC