Stranger

02 | Twisted Joke

I took a deep breath, locked the door and walked down the garden path as the daisies frolicked in the wind. I couldn't help but be vigilant of my surroundings. The street was surprisingly quiet, apart from a grumpy looking cat grooming itself on my neighbour's driveway.

I began to follow the same route to college that I had always taken; a 2 mile road, continued with a short diversion through a lane and out into a suburban street, from which my college is visible. I'd never had a problem with that lane, but the text I'd received was still prevalent in my mind. 

What if they knew my route to college and they were waiting for me? 

I shook my head, as if it could shake the thoughts out. 

The minute hand on my silver, bracelet watch glided over the number twelve. It was 9 o'clock, which meant one thing - I was late. My feet sped up beneath me as I approached the dreaded lane. Oh how I wished I had a car. Standing at the mouth of the lane that was dense with trees, little sunlight could get through. No matter how bright the sun, it was always grey and dismal down there. The lane curved slightly to the right so I couldn't see the end. I couldn't see if anyone was there... waiting. I had no other choice but to go that way, the only alternative route would add 15 minutes onto my journey. I stepped forward and started walking into the lane, my phone held against my chest. I stayed to the left of the lane so I could see more around the curve. As the end came into view, I realised I was the only one there. I breathed a sigh of relief and walked with more confidence towards the exit.

"BOO!"

My whole body jolted and I stumbled back, almost falling over. Adrenaline pumped through my muscles almost immediately, but as my eyes raised to identify the person, I was greeted with a familiar cheeky grin and messy brown hair.

"Woah, are you okay Mya? I didn't think I'd scare you that well." Concern adorned Ryan's face as he reached out to hold my hand. Indignation brewed inside of me whilst I tried to compose myself. 

"What do you think you're doing?! You scared the life out of me!" My hands trembled and tears began to fill my eyes. Ryan and I continued to walk together. 

"I'm so sorry, it was meant to be a little joke. I didn't think you'd react like this. What's wrong?" His arms wrapped around my shoulders.

"Don't worry, it's okay. I'm just not having a good day, that's all".

"Mya, you can always tell me if something's wrong. We've been together, what, 3 years now? You should be able to tell me anything."

I looked at the ground, debating whether to inform Ryan of what had happened. I could see him in the corner of my eye, looking at me with those beautiful green eyes. 

"I guess you're right," I sighed. Ryan grinned, happy with the confirmation that he was right. "This morning, I received some anonymous texts which freaked me out a little."

"Why, what did they say?" Ryan asked, in an inquisitive tone. I brought out my phone and passed it to Ryan. His eyes scanned the screen, swaying from left to right. His face became sterner as he read. When he got to the last message, his eyebrow raised. He passed my phone back to me, "I think it's just a twisted joke, sweetie." His eyes wrinkled as he gave me a beaming smile.

"Don't worry about it! What we should be worrying about though is what Miss Carter is going to say when we turn up to class late." We giggled and he pulled me into his arms to give me a reassuring hug, followed by a tender kiss on my forehead before we continued walking.

Somehow, Ryan's comments calmed me and I felt a huge weight lift from my shoulders. It was just a twisted joke. Right?

"How have you been anyway?" Ryan queried, lighting up a cigarette. It hung from his lip as he quickly asked another question. "How's your mum been too? I haven't seen her for a while." 

"That's because she's always working." I groaned. "But I'm doing okay." 

"Well that sounds believable!" Sarcasm riddled his voice. "I understand it's annoying that your mum works all the time but she's just doing the best she can for both of you and little Bobby." His words felt so sincere. 

"I know, I know. I'm not against her working. I love her to bits and I'm so grateful for all she does for me, but it would be nice to see her more and be able to spend quality time with her. It would be even nicer to see her when she's not tired and stressed. I don't think I'd recognise her without the bags under her eyes!" I chuckled and so did Ryan whilst he gently chuffed out smoke into the air. 

I often laughed at my own jokes and Ryan loved it. We appreciated the little things we both did out of habit or without realising. I loved the way Ryan ran his fingers through his brunette locks when it was getting in the way. He did it so smoothly that it made him look ten times more handsome, yet he never noticed himself do it. He always says that I bite my lip when I'm confused or thinking, saying I look super adorable and that's how he knows when I'm thinking hard, and that's when he knows it's his cue to offer me some help. I guess you could say the little things do count and they tended to be the things we appreciated most about the other. 

Ryan attempted to instil positivity into me. "You never know Mya, things may change. She may get a different job and you could see more of her. Nothing is permanent." 

"Ha! She wouldn't get a new job unless she got sacked! She trained hard and searched everywhere to get that position. It's the only job she can tolerate and she felt a huge sense of achievement when she finally got it. She needed something to get her mind off dad leaving." My voice wobbled and I averted my gaze to the ground. Talking about my dad always upset me, I regularly avoided any conversation about him. I still hadn't gotten over the fact he left me, many years before. 

Ryan frowned. "Don't think about him. He's not worth your time or energy."