Faith Harper will do whatever it takes to be with her soulmate...and it all started with one unforgettable night. A night where her best friend professes his love for her hours before marrying another woman.
Too little too late, she soon finds her...
The next day had felt like it flew by rapidly. I spent the rest of the night getting reacquainted with my new/old life with a proper welcome. Sketching old baby photos of me, a Laugna Beach marathon, and hanging out with my Dad with a classic pizza and Pepsi Blue soda.
After being in my old bedroom and bed throughout the night reflecting on how this wasn't some bizarre dream after all, I was surprisingly feeling way more optimistic about today.
Ryder was like a toostie pop. An odd analogy I'd fully agree, but it was true.
He had so many layers to him that I just needed to peel each of them back to find out what would work, until I reached his soft and sweet center.
Holding my tray of cafeteria food—along with a special surprise for him, I was in the lunchroom while others continued brushing past me like I didn't exist. I peered my vision amongst the crowd to hopefully catch sight of the man.
But he wasn't anywhere to be found.
I hoped he was feeling okay. I couldn't afford for either of us to get sick. For all I knew my time was possibly ticking away if this elixir had a deactivation effect at some point.
Walking ahead to the outside seating quad, Adam and the other parking lot posse with a few other girls were all conjoined together.
And at last, Ryder, casually throwing paper balls at everyone passing him doing what he did best. Being a nuisance. If only his aim could be that good when winning a game...or even shooting a basket at least.
There was still no sign of Olivia yet, which was perfect.
But my God. Did he look so enticing more so than usual. Rocking a black and white half sleeve cotton shirt and a pair of simple jeans, topped with a whistle chain necklace over his neck.
Without hesitation, I paced over. The others around now didn't treat me as the invisible woman. More like a suspicious one. Like I was extremely unhinged for even getting this far without thinking twice.
If there was anything I learned from high school the first time around so I wouldn't create the same mistake again now, was not to sweat over the small things like imaginary designated seats for just the populars get to me.
"What's up fellas?! Oh yeah, remember me? I'm the girl with the smoothie wrecked car, thanks to my new friend Ryder here. But whatever you have to say about me or why I'm here, I'd suggest you keep it to yourselves until I'm done, because I seriously doubt any of it is more important than this. M'kay?" I took my seat next to him.
Staring at me, it was ridiculous how they appeared to be petrified that I was even breathing their same air. That was fine. At least they could stop talking for once. It would do them some good.
"Ah geez, she's back..." He started to mutter. "Are you lost?" Ryder disputed, bewildered and peeved.
"Of course not, silly! Don't worry though, I come in peace. Just wanted to hang and do some bestie bonding time while you're free." I cheerfully told him.
"Some what time?" He raised his left eyebrow, confused.
Whoops, forgot what year I was in for a second. "Forget it. You'll find out in the future. But look what I have! I got you your favorite flavor of fun dip! Ha, try saying that 5 times fast." I exclaimed, laughing at my own joke and handing off one of the candy packets I kept stashed in my room.
Peering down to it pale-faced—instead of what was suppose to be joyful, he glanced back up with uncertainty in his eyes.
"How in the world do you know my favorite...never mind." He replied shaking his head, deciding to just not bring it up.
I guess I didn't prepare enough though where I practically knew everything about him already, but he still had no idea how. Time jumping problems.
"Looks like McKenna's got a little junior stalker on his hands." Adam let out teasingly.
His crew laughed along at me yet again. I glared, silently trying to ignore it for now. I knew there was a good reason I'd never like him too. Smiling in a way I saw in him all the time back in the present, Ryder shook his head and rolled his eyes.
"Alright guys, chill." He warned. Wow. That was a first. Turning around to me, he cleared his throat. "What's your name again?" Seriously?
"Faith...." I answered bitterly.
"Okay then, Faith. Congratulations! You've got my attention like you want. But first, allow me to show what I'd like to do for you now before we continue."
Whoo! It worked! I couldn't believe it! "Are you for real?" I became a little speechless. He vigorously nodded. "Yes! Sure! I would love to!"
"A'ight! A'ight! Let's go." He grabbed my arm. We both got up and began following each other back toward the indoor seating area.
My heart was becoming so joyful. Yet suddenly, as I found myself more front and center and Ruder positioned behind me once my feet hit the marbled building floor, I abruptly heard a giant click!
Quickly turning around, I realized what really went down—hearing a loud and obnoxious triumph from the rest of the crowd. Ryder front and center of it all.
He had locked me back into the school just for me to get away from him and his friends. Twit.
"Psycho..." He muttered from the other side.
God, it was like pulling teeth with him. "Oh come on, man!"
I couldn't believe I fell for his fake charm...again. This was the worst game of cat and mouse ever. I didn't like being the dang cat anymore!
Grunting angrily, I snickered—not even daring to go back there.
Maybe it might've been a bit too direct the more I pondered over it, sorta understanding why he would possibly think I was a stalker. But he didn't have to go about it like this.
In the phraphased words of Enemiem, will the real Ryder Mckenna please stand up?
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Who knows the song, 'The Real Slim Shady'? Come on, I know I'm not the only one! Lol
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