That One Friend Group: Summer Feud

17. Welcome Back to the Single Life, Brother

**TIME SKIP TO THE WEEK AFTER TAYLER'S GOODBYE PARTY**

Stella's POV:

We were talking on the group chat about where we wanted to go today because the park was getting boring. We decided on the town because we could go shopping as well. Chris was so excited to go and then Parker asked if we could call so we said yes. We got on the call and Jordan started showing us all the clothes she ordered online and some of us zoned out. Josh started a different conversation with the boy gang but Jordan kept going. "So, where are we going first?" He asked with sounds of Jordan still talking about her clothes. "McDonald's." Chris suggested. "Why?" Josh asked. "Because i'm hungry." Chris answered. "Why don't you just eat just now? We're not leaving for another half hour!" Parker said and Chris made up a dumb excuse. Jordan was still talking about her clothes so Chris told her to shut up then she left the call but Parker added her back.

We spoke for the next half hour and then we said bye so we could leave. I was meeting up with Parker and Josh because we lived near each other. I met them at the hill in between our houses and we started heading towards the school gates to meet the rest of them. "So, has Ryder said anything to you? About, me?" I asked them and they chuckled. "Maybe, why?" Parker said. "Because! I want him to decide!" I replied. "Well, he has decided but he said that he's not gonna tell you until he's ready." Parker said and it angered me. "Does he even still like you?" I asked Parker, I don't know if things have been cool with Parker and Ryder ever since the drama. All I know is that he isn't with me. "Yes." Parker said, I couldn't believe it. "You're joking." I was confused and mad. "Nope, we're besties for life." It was confusing to me that he hasn't said a word to me since but he's been talking to Parker like nothing happened? I mean, they have been friends for a while, well ever since Parker came to our school. So like, 9 months or something? "But he hasn't said anything to me!" I told them and Josh got involved. "Because you broke his heart." Josh said, who asked for your opinion? "But he broke bro code." I mumbled but I could tell that they heard me. "What-" Parker started but I cut him off. "So, are you guys excited for today!" I changed the subject fast and luckily they went with it. "Yeah, I actually need to talk to you once he's gone." Josh told me, pointing at Parker. I nodded wondering what it could be. My first guess was Jordan!

We made it to the school gates and Tayler and Destiny were already there. We went over to them and we started talking for a bit. I looked behind me while we were still talking and I saw Ryder walking down the hill. I started to panic, it's gonna be awkward one way or another but I do hope that it won't be, but I don't think that's possible. I looked the other way because I saw Ryder look up and I saw Jordan and Chris. I could already tell that Chris was in his annoying mood because Jordan looked frustrated and sick of him. I saw her hit him a few times and then continued the conversation with the rest of them. Chris had Jordan held up by climbing up a tree with her bag (which she loves), so she was trying to get it off him. So that means, Ryder was first to get to us. "Hi." He said and walked right past me, to stand beside Josh. He didn't look at me once, even when I was talking! The second I said something, he'd go on his phone. Everyone stayed silent because of the awkwardness between me and Ryder but luckily that silence was quickly broken. "Hey guys!" Jordan said happily, walking over to us fast to try and get away from Chris but he just ran after her. She had her bag back so she was really happy. "Ryder, take Chris." She ordered and he nodded and grabbed Chris's arm. "Is it awkward?" She whispered to me and I nodded in response. I told her how I asked Parker and Josh and that they said he has an answer but is waiting until he's ready to tell me. "I get that." She said. "Me too but I want him to tell me now!" I said a little louder but the rest of them were talking super loud to each other that you couldn't hear it. "It'll be fine and if he doesn't give you one, I'll make him." Jordan told me and I laughed.