Lucky

Sneaking Around

October 15, 2017

In the weeks that followed, a beautiful routine took shape between Mia and Ryder.

Ryder no longer was on the team so after school, Mia would eagerly board the bus to Wilkins, where they would immerse themselves in each other's presence for hours on end.

Together, they would cook delicious meals, delve into their studies, engage in playful games, and sometimes simply bask in the comfort of each other's embrace.

As time went on, the apartment on Wilkins began to feel just as much Mia's home as it was Ryder's, with her clothes and personal items finding a place there.

Their connection deepened, and their relationship grew more serious, prompting them to fabricate lies to their parents in order to spend precious nights together.

Mia, having never spent the night with a boy before, was uncertain of what to expect. However, the experience that unfolded was nothing short of perfect, even magical.

Ryder became the forbidden fruit she longed to savor, and she found herself falling irrevocably for a boy who kept their love hidden from the world.

They avoided conventional dates to the movies or dinners, opting instead to create their own world within the walls of the Wilkins apartment.

Mia stood at the sink, engrossed in washing the dishes, while Ryder tidied up and started to straighten up the place.

She cherished these moments alone with him, but with Sweetest Day just six days away, she couldn't help but feel a tinge of disappointment that he hadn't mentioned anything about it.

Suddenly, Ryder approached her from behind, wrapping his arms around her waist and planting a kiss on her cheek. "What's on your mind, mami? You seem lost in thought," he remarked.

Mia mustered up the courage to bring up Sweetest Day, her voice tinged with nervousness as she already anticipated the answer. "You know Sweetest Day is on Saturday, and there's a dance at school. Are we going?" she asked, her heart fluttering.

Ryder, seemingly unfazed, responded with a question of his own. "You want to do something for Sweetest Day?"

Mia's eyes lit up with excitement, and she eagerly replied, "Yes!"

He handed her a stack of money, instructing her to buy a dress, shoes, and get dolled up. Mia couldn't contain her joy, throwing her arms around him and expressing her gratitude.

Ryder, not fully understanding the fuss, simply enjoyed having her in his embrace, holding her tightly.

The tranquility of the moment was disrupted by a knock on the door, prompting Ryder to answer and let Jamal inside. As soon as Mia caught sight of Jamal, she knew it was her cue to leave.

Gathering her belongings, she approached Ryder to bid him goodnight with a kiss.

Meanwhile, Jamal patiently waited, as he always did. He walked her to the car and drove her home, their journey filled with silence.

Mia could sense the deep bond between Jamal and Ryder, as Jamal remained fiercely loyal to him without question.

Mia reached over and turned down the blaring music, then mustered the courage to speak up.

"Jamal, I just wanted to take a moment to thank you for giving me a ride home. I truly appreciate it."

Jamal, his eyes fixed on the road ahead, simply nodded his head in acknowledgment. Without a word, he turned the volume back up, drowning out any further attempts at conversation from Mia.