What's Yours Is Mine

Chapter Nine- Hayley/Lydia

"Only seventeen but she walks the streets so mean."

Usually, I would wait for Charlotte after class and we'd walk home together but today I decide against it. Considering Charlotte is by now positively boiling over with anger I'd be on the receiving end of her powerful wrath. I'd much prefer to avoid her until it's absolutely necessary we come face to face.

"Hayley!" My brain automatically recognises the voice before my eyes even turn to see him. Ryan is calling me from the other end of the corridor. I'm half tempted to keep walking and play deaf. Honestly, I'm not emotionally ready to talk to him. I need time to process everything that's happening internally, my brain needs time to catch up with my heart.

However ignorance is not an option, Lydia has turned around to face him and I can hear the sound of his heavy footprints hitting the linoleum. I'm forced to turn to him. I allow myself a swift intake of cool air for Dutch courage.

Ryan's face is blazing vermillion, possibly from the heat or possibly from anger. I have been acting cold towards him for days now. It started with the Lydia kiss, then he told me I was embarrassing and finally and most importantly he is know my best friends boyfriend.

As much as I want to be ok with all this and carry on as if nothing happened I just can't. I do want him as a friend but too much has passed between us and my eventual realisation that I'm in love with him is making it impossible.

"Hayley... Where's Charlotte?" His voice is shaky, like he's worried about talking to me. I immediately feel guilty. Which just annoys me further because I am not in the wrong here. Or am I? I can't take this intramural pandemonium. How does one boy manage to make me so uncertain and unsure of myself?

"She's stayed behind to talk to mr price." I finally say after what seems like forever. The tension between us impenetrable. So dense I think I could reach out and touch it. "Aren't you waiting for her?" The inquisitive expression softens his face, his sullen eyes dart for answers amongst mine.

"No... I don't think... Well...she isn't talking to me. So what would be the point?" I stumble on my honest words, shocked at my intrepid display. His face shifts but I can't read his expression. There's nothing left to say. I turn to leave, trying hard not to show any sadness.

Lydia does as I do and neither of us says goodbye, we leave Ryan standing behind us quietly fuming. Lydia and Ryan are friends so I'm surprised at her solidarity. She doesn't say anything to me I welcome the silence. I'm to choked up to talk anyway.

"Hayley?!" Ryan shouts out to me, his tone laced with urgency. My body spins involuntarily, my heart is leading my limbs. I look to him waiting for him to speak. My own mouth painfully dry and incapable of any kind of response. His lips part ready to talk, but in the last seconds, he retreats and instead choses to wave pathetically. I just nod. That's all I can do. And then I walk away.

"Wow that was intense." Lydia whispers to me. I had almost forgotten she was beside me, a witness to our awkward parting. "It's...whatever." Is all I can muster as a reply. Lydia gives me an understanding smile. Who knew she would end up being my confidant, the girl I'd detested for so long.

At least one good thing has come from this situation. I have learned to never judge a book by its cover, sometimes people truly do surprise you. "He's an idiot. Always has been always will be. He'll never know what he wants, you don't need that shit." Lydia isn't being patronising, like Charlotte, no her advice is sincere and genuine.

"I know your right." I smile at her authentically. I'm glad to have her with me, a girl who I could talk to without judgment or vindication. "Right about what?" Aaron interrupted us. His green eyes and wide grin a welcome greeting to us both.