You Belong With Me (A Sequel to "What Once Was")

13 together

It was a good game all together. The girls were playing for a playoff spot and it was going really well. They had won the first two sets by a lot, but halfway through the third, Ainsley had gone off the court. I knew it was related to her knee.

I nearly cringed as Ella was sent on to play in her spot. I may be her boyfriend (for now), but I can not deny that she sucks at volleyball.

Thankfully, prior to Ainsley going off, we were leading by a lot. The rest of the team plays well enough to make up for Ella's crappy playing anyways.

But surprisingly enough, Ella actually played well for once. She had some really good saves and even a really good hit. It took no time for the end of the set to come.

Cheers erupted from our side of the gym because the girls just punched a ticket to playoffs, and potentially state.

The crowd rushed onto the court and I found myself in the mix. My plan was to find Ella, and end things right now because that needs to be done asap. Then, I find Ainsley.

Finding Ella did not take long. She leapt right into my arms.

"Lucky you! You're dating the girl who just carried the volleyball team to a win and a spot in playoffs!" she exclaimed, which made me cringe.

"Yeah, so actually—"

She cut me off by pulling my lips down to her and kissing me.

I pushed her off quickly, but from my understanding, not quick enough.

My family had just approached and behind them, Ainsley was walking away.

I silently cursed myself for not ending things sooner because I knew this was the final straw.

"She saw that, didn't she?" I asked my mom, not even caring that Ella was still right beside me.

My mom wore a look of disappointment while she nodded. "You can't keep doing this," was all she said before walking off with my dad and Tessa.

-

-

-

"You played really well," said Nancy as I maneuvered my way through the crowd in hopes of finding Ryder. During my route, I ended up bumping into his family. "That knee is really giving you a hard time though, huh?"

I laughed softly. "Yeah. I guess it's a good thing that Landen is so strict on playing me, though. I want to make sure I have a good soccer season."

She nodded knowingly. "Well, everyone is glad you're back. You have such a positive impact on the team... on all the teams, really."

I gave her a small smile but it dropped, so did her smile. Ryder and Ella were kissing.

"I-I should head home," I said while turning sharply on my heel.

Why can't he just end things with her rather than leading me on? I'm tired of being his side chick, especially after seeing how she treats him.

I rushed into the locker room and changed quickly. I pushed right by Lacey when she walked through the door, not even stopping when she called after me.

Within moments, I drove into the garage and ran inside.

My mom was not yet home from the game, and my dad is gone for something football related down in LA.

Tears were welling up in my eyes but I blinked them away when a knock came from the door. Assuming it was Lacey, I opened it, but it wasn't.
It was Ryder.

"Go away," I jeered as he ran a hand through his wet hair because it was raining.

"Just let me explain," he said, "please."

I rolled my eyes and went to shut the door, but he stopped it with his hand.

"I'm not leaving until you talk to me."

I sighed loudly and leaned against the door frame.

"It was bad timing, I promise. I ended things with her right after because I realized I can't do without you," he said quickly.

All I did was continue to glare at him. He sighed and glanced down at his shoes.

"I love you, Ainsley. I was stupid enough to let you go, but that was my biggest regret of all time. You are an amazing girl, and I hate myself every day, minute, and second for passing up the opportunity to be with you. What happened tonight was a mistake, please don't let this be the end. I love you."

I'm not sure if it was rain water or tears that were running down his cheeks (I like to think it was tears), but what he said was enough. I stepped out into the rain and right into his arms. A relaxed sigh left his lips as I stood on my tippy toes to kiss him.

"I love you," I whispered as he rested his forehead on mine.

We shared small smiles, but pulled away from each other when a set of headlights showed on us. The car came to a stop and my mom stepped out.

"I think it worked out, Nance," she said into her phone before hanging up.

"Kat," Ryder said with his signature, charming smile that makes my heart go wild every time.

She smiled at us both. "Nancy and I thought it was over. I'm so happy you two made up."

Ryder and I met eyes as we laughed before my mom ushered us inside because we were both soaking wet from the rain.

-

A while later, I walked back into my room after showering. Ryder was sitting on my bed with Ozzie. A smile spread onto my face as I climbed onto the bed beside Ryder and kissed him softly.

However, we did break apart when a knock came from my door. I got up to get it and my mom came in. She set down a tray of food on my desk.

"I hope sushi is okay. It was all that was available."

"It's perfect, thank you, Kat," he said in his overly flirtatious tone.

I rolled my eyes at him. Always hitting on my mom.

"Of course, Ryder. Let me know if you need anything else."

He smiled at me while I continued to glare at him.

"You can't blame me. The Sloane Women will always have my heart," he said after my mom left the room.

"Keep the same energy for when I start hitting on your dad," I responded.

His eyes narrowed and it was my turn to smile.

"That's what I thought, babes," I said with a slight laugh.

Ryder continued to glare at me, but he stopped after I kissed his cheek.

"I love you so much," he whispered as I cuddled up to him. "I'm so sorry for ever hurting you." His hand rubbed up and down my back as he spoke.

"Things happen. I'm just so happy we managed to get back together."

He placed a soft kiss on my forehead. "Never let me do something so stupid again."