The Quarry - Aftermath - Rylan

6 ~ Confessed

- Dylan POV -

"I think I... might... like you.." Ryan looked down at his hands.

What? No, he can't. Is he messing with me? Ryan would never like someone like me. My head starts spinning again. I lift Ryan's chin with my index finger and look him in the eyes. His eyes were glossy with tears.

"Ryan..." I didn't know what to say. I did like him, didn't I? How come I couldn't say anything, it was like my mouth was tied shut.

"I'm sorry, I'm.. so sorry." He stands up and walks to the door.

"Ryan! No! No, please." I walk over to him and grab his wrist.

"Dylan... I'm going to head out, take care." I loosen my grip on his wrist and open my mouth.

"Ryan, I'm sorry." I mumble as he slams the door and walks out. I could feel the tears start to pour down my cheek.

How could I be so stupid? I liked him, and I didn't respond. I was so confused and nervous... now he hates me.

I slid down the door and sat in front of it. My mom should get back tomorrow... My eyes stung from tears. I couldn't stop replaying the words that Ryan said when he confessed. The look on his face when he confessed. Everything about him was replaying.

How will I tell Ryan I do like him? Will he think I just said it out of pity now? What the fuck do I do? I was confused and scared... and sick... Oh shit, I had no one. What if I passed out or something? There was no one here. Damn it.

I wanted to be alone but my sickness made that nearly impossible. I felt shitty again with Ryan gone. Mentally, and physically. Maybe Kaitlyn could come over, she would also be a good friend to listen to my problems.

Kaitlyn was always good for that. People saw her as a serious, bossy girl, who had no soft spot. She was caring though, Kaitlyn never failed to make me feel better.

The phone rung a bit until Kaitlyn picked up. My voice was shaky.

"Kaitlyn, uh... long story, can you come over?"

"Dude? You sound like shit. I'm on my way."

"Fuck... I'm sorry" I rubbed my eyes with my only hand to get rid of the extra tears.

"Yo just wait a bit. You best tell me the whole story when I get there, okay?"

"Yeah Kaitlyn, I will... thanks..."

I hung up and rested my head against the wall. Sitting there and moping would do nothing. I grabbed my blanket and sat on the couch once again.

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6:35 PM

- Dylan POV -

Kaitlyn barged into the door like she was scared I'd be dead or something. I forgot she had a key, so I let out a little jump when she slammed the door open and closed.

She ran over to the couch when she saw me in tears. Her mouth gaped open.

"What the fuck, Dylan?" She grabbed me and pulled me into a hug. I was so... so... lucky to have her as a friend.

"I did something, something really bad, Kaitlyn." I hugged her back and rested my head on her shoulder.

"Dylan, what happened? Talk to me, man."

"Ryan... uhm... he confessed to liking me." I mumbled and pushed through the tears.

"Dylan..." she pulled away from the hug and looked me in the eyes

"I couldn't respond. I like him, but no words could come out. And I'm scared if I tell him I like him he'll just think it was out of pity. Like, I was such a dumbass and couldn't answer so he ran away! What the fuck, Kaitlyn. What is wrong with me? What the hell do I do?" All my words mashed together and I gasped for air.

"Dylan, breathe! Breathe!" I closed my eyes and hugged my knees to my chest.

"Okay, man... I'm really sorry that happened. I get it, you were nervous, he probably was too. That's why he ran off. Ryan is probably scared of you not liking him. He doesn't know how you feel, you need to tell him. But I think you need some time to yourself."

"He was angry Kaitlyn, I kno-"

She cut me off. "Dylan, he was nervous. Not angry. I don't think anyone could ever be angry at you."

I smiled even though tears were still running down my face. I didn't feel as physically sick now. Just mentally sick.

"What the fuck did I do to deserve you?"

Kaitlyn smirked. "Why, thank you."

"Okay, now I regret saying it." I looked at her again and forced a small laugh out. She patted my back.

"You look like shit, dude. Let's get you cleaned up, have you even showered? Eugh, pungent." She says and she pinches her nose sarcastically.

"Not really, I mean, I stepped in the shower for a few seconds. Then I almost fell so I got out..."

"Oh my god, you really are a mess."

Kaitlyn forced me up by grabbing my arm and pulling me to the bathroom. She went in my room and got me some clothes while I pulled out a hair brush.

"Take a shower, get clean. Just like... scream something if you fall. I'll be outside the door with Shrö." Kaitlyn says and she picks up the tiny cat.

I close the door and got inside the shower. The water felt warm, and nice. I stayed in the shower for about 20 minutes.

"That water bill ain't gonna be happy, Dylan." I heard her shout from outside the door. Oops. She was right, I probably needed to get out now. I hopped out of the shower and slipped my clothes on.

I looked into the mirror and brushed my hair. My eyes were still red from crying, but that was the least of my problems.

I was confessed to and acted like an ass, that was probably my biggest problem. I shook my head and tried to get rid of those thoughts.
I had Kaitlyn, nothing could go wrong. She is awesome.

I opened the door to see Kaitlyn and Shrödinger laying on the ground together.

"Hey Dyl! How does snacks and a movie sound?" She stood up and smiled up at me.

"Yeah... thank you." I gave her a small hug and went back to my usual spot on the couch. Kaitlyn came back to the couch with a bag of chips and some popcorn.

We turned on a movie and huddled up on the couch with some blankets. I was thankful for Kaitlyn, she always knew what made me feel happier.

Every time something went wrong she was there. Especially when I got rejected, I had a fear of rejection. Kaitlyn was the only one who knew that. No one else even knew how many times I've gotten rejected.

After a few movies I must have fallen asleep because the last thing I remember is braiding Kaitlyn's hair in the middle of the third movie. Her hair was pretty braided. Sometimes I wonder what my hair would look like long...

I woke up to Kaitlyn sprawled across my legs and Shrö on her stomach. Wow, I own a traitor cat, resting on my friend instead of me. Hmph.

My legs were numb from Kaitlyn laying on them, but I didn't want to wake her up. I was feeling much better, I don't think I had a fever anymore either...  I grabbed my phone that was sitting next to me on the table.

I spotted one notification from Ryan.

Ryan: I'm sorry for running away, Dylan. I get it, you don't like me, I'm sorry. That was stupid. Please talk to me, I don't want to lose you because I made a stupid decision.

I stared at the message for a good 10 minutes.

What do I do...?