What's Yours Is Mine

Chapter Eleven- Charlotte/Ryan/Hayley/Aaron

"I'll find strength in pain and I will change my ways."

I hardly slept last night. Every time I closed my eyes I was back on that motorcycle my hands wrapped around Aaron's waist, my chin resting on his shoulder. I couldn't possibly be falling for Aaron. Not right now, not when I felt the way I do about Ryan. It just wasn't fair to anyone.

Is it possible to have feelings for two people at the same time? If I'm really in love with Ryan why do I have this connection with Aaron? I'm so confused! My emotions are a tangled ball bouncing around my insides making me a nervous wreck.

I'm regretting allowing myself to lose control with Aaron, the last thing I want is to hurt him. I know he likes me and I shouldn't take advantage of that just to boost my ego. No matter what I feel for Aaron, I'm in love with Ryan and Aaron doesn't deserve to play second fiddle.

I want to be Aaron's friend which means I need to think before I make any irrational decisions, for instance, last night's random cheek kiss. It's so difficult though, Aaron brings out a spontaneous side I never knew I had.

It doesn't help that he's offered to take me to school today. I've realised motorbikes are definitely my turn on. Maybe I should have said no, but I couldn't resist. Maybe I'm not attracted to Aaron, maybe I'm attracted to his motorbike. Oh because that's so much better Hayley!

*******************************************
I expected the drive to school to be awkward, but it wasn't. We didn't talk much that was more to do with the fact that we couldn't hear each other over the engine. The great thing about Aaron, perhaps my favorite thing, is he doesn't treat me any differently regardless of his feelings or my actions. He's just a great friend no matter what.

We meet Lydia outside school, she gives me a look that says 'you'd better tell me everything when we are alone'. The three of us walk into school laughing and joking. Charlotte, Ryan and the entire hopeless situation couldn't be further from my mind.

Well, that is until I spot Charlotte, Ryan and a few of my other friends frog marching towards me. My heart stops momentarily and I have to swallow hard to remind myself to breathe. She looks furious, she's going to take me down in front of everyone. In front of Ryan and Aaron.

Aaron slips his arm around my waist as he notices their approach. His strong arm steadying me. I let my body use his side for support. Charlotte stops mere centimeters from my face, a twisted scowl, and a snarling upper lip staring me down.

"Did you seriously leave me to walk home alone yesterday?!" Charlotte spits her question which I know doesn't require an answer but Lydia nudges me urging me to defend myself. "Well... You didn't talk to me and I knew you'd have...Ryan." My strength weakens as I say his name, but luckily Charlotte puts it down to her intimidation.

"Oh, so it's my fault your a moody bitch!" She looks back at our friends laughing, they all smile too, Laura's, in particular, is strained. I'm now aware that they aren't 'our' friends they are 'her' friends. I look up at Ryan hoping he'll say something, but he just looks through me. He's not going to defend me. But then again Why would he? I'm not his girlfriend she is.

"Don't call her a bitch, she's the furthest thing from it. The only moody bitch here love is you." Aaron speaks from my side his fingers tightening around my waist. His voice sounds universally calm but his body is stiffening with rage. Everyone seems stunned, no one stands up to Charlotte, not ever.

She doesn't even look at Aaron as if his presence alone doesn't dignify a response from her. "Are you going to let your boyfriend call me a bitch?" Her tone is cold and unforgiving, like biting into a lolly ice it sends shivers through me. She thinks he's my boyfriend and so does everybody else, including Ryan who's harsh glare is tearing me down. I'm under a microscope as everyone awaits my reply.