Survive

Chapter Sixteen

Los Angeles, California, U.S.A.

September 1, 2022.

Andrey Butler's Point Of View.

I lean against one of the tables in the open area of the school next to Ryan, while David sit on one of the benches.

"Um... did you text Mad that we're here?" Ryan asks and I look at him smiling because I know what he is getting at.

"No, I didn't." And the look of disappointment comes over his face.

"Oh, got it.."

"I think you should make up your mind soon and ask to be with her once and for all, because I know you're only asking me this because you know Ashley and Mad only hang out together."

"I agree with Andrey." David comments.

"But I want to be with her and I will ask it. I'm just.. waiting for the right moment.."

"Okay. But she also likes you, so I guess any time is the right time."

"Yeah.. that makes sense."

"Hey boys," someone speaks to us and I look back to see who it is, seeing that it is Emily and Sarah.

"Hi baby," David says and they greet each other with a kiss. Then she comes over to Ryan and me, giving us a quick hug.

To be honest, I don't know what to think of Emily, because she hangs around with some girls of questionable character, but she has always been a nice and polite person to me and doesn't seem to be a bad person. So it's hard to have a concrete opinion about her.

"Hi guys," Sarah greet all of us and give us a hug too.

"Where are the girls?" Emily asks as she sits down next to David and Sarah sits down next to her.

"We don't know." Ryan answers and I look around to see if they are coming, but I don't see them.

"Andrey.." Sarah calls out to me and I turn my face to face her.

"What?"

"I think Madison might be a little upset with you," and I don't understand what she means, because at least as far as I know, I haven't done anything wrong.

"Sarah.." Emily scolds her friend, but her friend doesn't seem to mind.

"Why would she be upset with me?" I ask, not really understanding what is going on here.

"Because I commented that we have kissed before and I don't think she knew that." And my gaze on her boils over. There must be something wrong with this girl.

"It has been more than two years since this shit happened. Why did you say that?" I ask trying keep my cool.

"Oh, sorry. I didn't know that it was a secret." She ironizes.

"I didn't say that's a secret. I don't even give a damn about it. I just don't think there was any need for you to talk about something that happened years ago." And her wry expression fades away, giving way to a serious expression.

"I just said that so she can know that I understand why she likes you," and I take a deep breath, but then look at my friends, who stare at me in shock.

"I'm going after her. If she shows up here, text me," they agree and I walk away from them.

I walk past the cafeteria and look around to see if she is having a snack, since we are on break, but I don't see her, so I keep walking while I pick up my cell phone and text her, asking where she is.

Los Angeles, California, U.S.A.

September 1, 2022.

Madison Stone's Point Of View.

"Where are they?" Ashley asks as we pass through one of the large hallways of the school.

"I don't know. Text Ryan asking," and she agrees, already taking out her cell phone to do as I suggested.

"Are you angry at Andrey?"

"No." And it is true.

I am not angry at him, nor do I have any reason to be. He kissed her when we weren't together, so he didn't do anything wrong. I just didn't like the way I found out about it. That girl is obsessed with him.

"Ryan said they are in the open area that is next to the cafeteria."

"So let's go to there."

"Madison!"

We were about to turn down the hall, but I hear someone calling my name, so I stop walking and turn to see who called me.

"Bryan?" I say happy, but also surprised, because I thought he was not serious when he said he would come here to study.

He says something to a person next to him and starts walking toward us.

"Wasn't he playing in the homecoming game?" Ashley asks and I agree it.

"Yes. He's my ex." And she looks at me in surprise.

"Wow. You really have a good taste," and I give a little laugh.

"You were really serious Miller," I speak when he stops in front of me.

"You know I don't bluff." And I agree smiling.

"Yes, you don't bluff. But it's been a few weeks since the homecoming game, so I figured you were kidding."

"It's because first I had to convince my mother and second because as we are at the beginning of the school year and this school is disputed, it was more difficult to get a place.. but here I am."

"I'm glad you're here."

"Me too." He smiles at me and I smile back, but then I remember that Ashley is on my side.

"Oh, Bryan, this is Ashley. And Ashley, that's Bryan." I introduce them to each other and they greet each other.

"Um... Mad, Ryan is calling me to come stay with him, so I'm going to go there, okay?" And I turn my face to Ahsley.

"Oh, okay. Go there. Then I will go too."

"Okay," she says and then looks at Miller. "Then we talk more Bryan."

"That's right." He says and Ashely agrees, leaving right away.

"So.." I turn my gaze to him again. "Did you quit being the captain of the soccer team to come here to study?"

"Yeah... that was the hard part about leaving Justice, but if I get a spot on the team here and can play, I'll already be happy."

"Got it."

"And by the way, you were also the captain of the cheerleaders and left the school."

"Yes, but it wasn't me who wanted to get out of there, but my mother who took me out."

"Yeah, that's right.. but anyway, what matters is that I'm here to keep you company."

"And who says I need your company?" I ironize and he laughs.

"No one has to say. I know you do." He replies in the same tone and I smile. I really enjoy his company.

"Since you think so..." He stares at me smiling with his amber eyes shining.

"Give me a hug Stone," and he pulls me by the arm, giving me a tight hug, which is reciprocated by me. "I missed you."

"I missed you too, Bryan."

"Mad?" And when I hear Andrey's voice calling me, I let go of Ryan and turn to look at my boyfriend, who stares at me and my friend confused and serious.