Drawing the Line

Chapter 11

Joel had just gotten home and flopped down on his sofa. He leaned back and stared blankly at his high ceiling.

"Yes, wherever Rylie Jang is, I hope she's happy."

The girl his mentor mentioned, her name was Rylie Jang. He didn't know her last name, but 'Rylie' wasn't a common first name. Could they be the same person? The same one Cameron was falling in love with?

But then again, there were millions of people in this city. Just because he didn't know another Rylie didn't mean there weren't any.

He fished out his phone and called Cameron.

"Hey! Did you wanna hang out tomorrow? It's been a while since we saw each other."

"That sounds awesome! But...I made plans with Rylie remember? I told you a few days ago."

"Oh yeah...I guess it slipped my mind. Sorry," he let out a guilty sigh, "I guess I'll just catch up on some work tomorrow."

"Wait, umm...why don't you join us? That way, we can still see each other, and you can get to know Rylie more."

"Are you sure? I don't want to interrupt anything..."

"No, don't worry! You're always welcome!" They said their goodbyes and hung up. Joel smiled at his friend who was always thinking of him.

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Rylie, Cameron and Joel had met up at the park and were setting up for a picnic. The boys had prepared the food while Rylie brought blankets, utensils and games.

The three of them were having a great time, including Joel. He glanced over at Rylie who was laughing at something Cameron said. She seemed liked she was genuinely enjoying herself and living in the moment. She was outgoing and bubbly, she couldn't be the same girl his mentor mentioned.

The sun was setting, and it was starting to get dark out. Everyone had started packing up and leaving the park.

Cameron had gone to get the car on the other side of the park. Joel was coming back from the bathroom and saw Rylie sitting on a bench, hitting her thighs with her fists.

"Is everything okay?" he asked while taking a seat next to her.

"Yeah, my legs are just sore, that's all."

Joel bent down to pull her legs to his lap, "Can I?"

"Uhh...sure?" Rylie sat there with a blank look on her face as he massaged her calves. Would it have been rude if she said no? Or should she be polite since he's trying to do a nice thing? It is her calves and it's not like he's touching her bare skin since she has pants on...

"My muscles get sore all the time when I'm working out, you just have to massage them a little; hitting them doesn't really help."

"Oh...thanks, I'll keep that in mind for next time," she watched his arm muscles flex as he moved them and then looked at her own thin, fragile wrists. She didn't have many chances growing up to enjoy her food unless she was with one of her "boyfriends". Her mom liked to waste food after all by throwing it on the floor.

Joel finished and caught Rylie looking at him. He cleared his throat and gently put her feet back on the ground. In that moment, he remembered why he wanted to see her again in person.

"I was wondering if I could ask you..."

*Hooooooooonk*

"Hey Rylie, Cameron! Sorry it took so long, everyone's trying to leave at the same time. We should go or we really will be the last ones!"