The Reputation Trap

2.1

Ramona's POV

I wake up in a hospital bed. I look around and see balloons, stuffed animals, cards and bags on the other side of the room. I look down and a tube was in my arm. Then, a nurse comes in.

"Hello, Ms. Lake. I'm your nurse for now." She said. I nodded.

"What happened to me?" I asked.

"A bullet was shot in your stomach but don't worry, we were able to take it out." She said. I nodded again.

"I'll be here if you need anything." She said.

"Thank you." I replied. She smiled and leaves the room. Then, someone else comes into the room and few minutes later.

It was Ross.

Ross' POV

A few hours ago...

My family and I were all sitting in the living room, and Riker was smiling because Ramona was found. But he's really upset that she got shot and that she's in the hospital. But I still haven't told them yet.

"Guys I have something to confess." I said. They all turn to look to look at me. I told them everything.

"HOW COULD YOU!!" Riker yelled. I bit my lip.

"I'm sorry. I was so incredibly stupid for making that decision. I just wanted the money. But now, I don't even know why I wanted it. I don't need it anymore." I said.

"So you were mad at Ramona all this time because you thought she was moving? And because she cut herself behind your back?" Rydel asked. I shrugged.

"I guess. I don't know why I saved her. I'm still a bit mad at her." I said. They all smirked at me.

"You're not mad at her anymore, Ross." Rocky said.

"Yeah so? I still don't understand why I keep on having this feeling in my chest every time I think about her." I said, blushing. Wait. Why am I blushing?

"Ross" Riker started. "You love her".

Ramona's POV

Ross comes in and sits on the bed.

"Ross-"

"Let me explain everything, okay?" He said. I nodded.

"Okay. A couple months ago, Damian asked me to join this plan to hurt you. I didn't want to but I had to join because later, when I joined, I asked what would happen if I didn't and Selena and Tyrel said they'd kill you. I was really upset that I had to hurt you but it was all for money. But then, one day, I overheard you and Rydel talking. You were upset because you said you couldn't be friends with us because you were leaving. Then I just left. So then I actually started to bully you because I was really mad at you that you were gonna leave us. And then, I kinda forgave you a bit and told you to not cut but you cut anyway. I was really mad because I didn't want you to get hurt. So then now, we planned on doing this to you. They said they would kill your mom but not you. So I agreed but then when Selena pulled out a gun, she totally didn't stick to the plan. So then I found out that she only used me. After you got shot, I called the ambulance and police. Selena, Tyrel, and Damian are now in Prison for life. I explained everything to the police and they believed me. And then, I talked with my family and told them too. They were upset about it. And Rydel told me you weren't moving anywhere. So I was happy. But really. The truth is Ramona... I love you. I'm in love with you. I love your eyes, your smile, your hair, your shyness, your innocence, you. Your absolutely beautiful and I just love you. And I know your probably hating me right now for this and you probably don't feel the same way but I love you and I'll never stop loving you. I'm hoping you can forgive me" My eyes widen.

"Ross-"

"That's all I'm saying." He said. He got up from the bed and left. I was speechless. I started to get emotional. Then, Riker came in.

"Hey." I said. He smiled at me.

"It's okay if you feel the same way about him, Ramona." He said. I swallowed hard.

"Are you okay about it?" I asked. He nodded.

"I'm happy if you're happy." He said. I smiled.

"Thanks Riker. I really appreciate it." I said. He smiled.

"Can I go home now?" I asked. He nodded.

"I asked if I could take you home and they said yes. So let's go." He said.

*

Riker dropped me off at my house and I started to cry because my mom no longer lives.

I took a shower because I was way over dirty. I changed into a black crop tee and a high waisted black skirt and black combat boots. I let my hair be curly and wavy and I applied my regular mascara and eyeliner. I went downstairs and went over to the Lynches.

"Hey." I said to Rydel. She let me inside and gave me a huge hug.

"It's gonna be okay." She said. We pulled away and I smiled at her. I look around the room and Rocky, Ryland, Ross and Riker were sitting on the couch. When they saw me, they all lit up.

"Ramona!" Rocky and Ryland both exclaim. They run over to me and gave me a huge bear hug. I started to giggle a bit. We pulled away and I look at Ross. He stood up and walked over to me.

"Ramona-" but I cut him off by wrapping my arms around his neck, pulling him closer and connecting our lips together. He wrapped his hands around my waist and started to kiss back. We were kissing. It then became a little make-out session. We let go and smile. We rested our foreheads on each other's and breathed heavily. We looked into each other's eyes.

"Yay!" Rydel squeals in the background. Ross chuckles.

"It's okay if you don't feel the same way about me." He said. I chuckle.

"Oh I do. It's just... I have to figure out a good time to say it." I said. Ross smiles and kisses me.

•

Awww! I think I might cry. It finally happened i was like YAAASSS FINALLY THEY KISSED! But don't worry, the book is not over yet. I still got a lot to write in this book. I seriously might cry because i was listening to Lay Me Down by Sam Smith, One Last Time by Ariana Grande, Thinking Out Loud by Ed Sheeran and Love Me Like You Do by Ellie Goulding while making this chapter. 😍😘😭😭

-stephanie