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

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When I arrived at Ryder's house the following night, Beau greeted me by my car.

"Beau, she's mine," Ryder called as he walked out of the house to the sight of me petting Beau.

He jogged over to where I was at. I stood up to greet him.

"Hi, gorgeous."

"Hi, Ry."

Ryder took my hand and led me inside. It looked as though Nancy was just finishing up dinner.

"Ainsley! Hi! How are you, doll?" she asked as Ryder and I helped set the table.

"I'm doing well, how about you?"

She wore her usual, kind smile. "After that win last night, incredible."

I laughed softly. "Yeah, that was easily the best comeback, probably ever."

A few minutes later, we all sat around the table. Nancy had prepared a pasta dish.

"Ainsley," said Tyler, "any news on what school you'll commit to?" he asked.

I shook my head. "I don't think I'll make any commitments until the end of the season."

"I still hope you and Ryder end up at the same place," said Nancy.

Ryder glanced at me from across the table and smiled. "Me too."

"It's crazy to think it's all so close. This time next year, you guys will be completing your first semester of school," said Nancy.

"I know, it's weird to think we'll be leaving in a few months," I replied.

The thought honestly makes me sad. My plan is to go where Ryder goes, but we most definitely will not be staying anywhere near here. It's just upsetting to think about leaving my family and friends.

Although, I found myself laughing only seconds later. "I'm happy about it. I get to have Ryder's room!"

"You won't even miss me?" he asked, slightly offended.

She shook her head. "No."

"After I drive you everywhere and buy you whatever you want."

"Okay...maybe for those reasons," she replied.

Ryder smiled. "Material girl."

Tessa glared at him. "Am not."

"Then do you admit you'll miss me for me?" he asked.

"No, now I won't miss you for any reason."

Everyone laughed and Ryder rolled his eyes. "Alright. Guess I won't be getting you anything for Christmas."

Tessa leapt up from her seat and sprinted over to Ryder's side. "No, no, no, I'm sorry. I was only joking. You are actually the best brother ever and I love you so much."

She had her arms around him. He was shaking his head and laughing as he looked at me.

"Aren't you glad you don't have siblings?" asked Tyler as he began to clean up the dishes.

"Maybe just a little."

-

The remainder of the week was easy, but a lot of fun. Soccer was going well and I was growing close with the girls on the team, with the exception of Ella. I doubt we'll ever be close though all things considered.

However, I do feel bad. Sure, she was a little bit of a bitch to me... but what I did was by far worse. No matter how many times I convince myself she was doing it to Ryder, it stings being that girl. If Ella was to find out, I know exactly how she would feel because I was once in her shoes. What Ryder and I did will forever live with me, despite it working out in the end.