Realizations

Chapter 20

"Rika" I hear from behind me causing me to stiffen and freeze. You have got to be kidding me, why me? Why now? "Ryker...sorry" Kaitlyn says, "Can we talk?" This catches the attention of Enzo, Clove, Kobe, Adonis, and the small crowd closest to us. This can not be happening, eighth grade can not be happening all over again. "Why did she call you Rika" Clove asks confused. "Wait, is this..." Pedro asks. "Is this that girl" Lincoln asks. "Unfortunately" I answer. And yes Pedro and Lincoln know about Kaitlyn since I told them after they discovered I was trans. "You got some nerve" Lexa says, "Why can't you leave Ryker alone, haven't you already done enough?"

"What's going on" Enzo asks, "And who is she?" "Can we talk, please" Kaitlyn asks. "Kaitlyn" a girl wearing the same cheer uniform as Kaitlyn says, "I don't think this is the time or place, you're just gonna make things worse." "You couldn't have waited til later but...fine whatever" I say, "Let's just get this over with." We walk over to the side and away from everyone. Great, now I have some explaining to do and have to dig up past trauma that I didn't want to deal with or think about tonight. "You have until my parents get here" I say. "Parents? Your mom and dad-nevermind, that's not important right now" Kaitlyn says, "I wanted to talk things out when I got back but you had moved."

"Uh yeah...my mom got a new place closer to the high school I was going to and away from everyone that..." I say. "I know you already forgave me but I wanted to give you an actual and official apology" Kaitlyn says, "So...Ryker I'm sorry for everything I put you through, the part I played in everything, and not accepting you." "Oh wow...I uh...yeah, I forgive you again" I say, "Thanks, it means a lot that you really mean it and now accept me." "No problem. You were right and I needed some space to figure things out" Kaitlyn says, "I'm really glad I ran into you again and was able to get that off my chest. You've changed, in the best kind of way and you're hot-er you're a really great quarterback."

"Oh uh thanks" I say as an awkward silence fills the air, "You've changed a lot too...I didn't recognize you out there." "Thanks..." Kaitlyn says, "So Ryker...I was wondering if-" "I have to go" I say interrupting Kaitlyn, "My parents are here. It was...nice seeing you again." I jog over to them before she can say anything else and to get away from that awkward situation. I wasn't trying to be rude but I didn't want that already awkward situation to become even more awkward if she was trying to ask me out. "Hey" I say as Lexa, Pedro, and Lincoln give me a look of concern while Clove, Enzo, Adonis, and Kobe look at me in confusion. "Who were you talking to" Cole asks. "An old...someone I used to go to school with" I say.

After taking multiple pictures and mom and Bianca gushing over my song that I sang for Lexa, we headed to a local diner to grab some food before the party and part two of the proposal. I drive Lexa, Pedro, Clove, and Lincoln over, my parents drive over with Adonis and Enzo, while Kobe catches a ride with Rodrik and his family. "Can someone explain the sudden tension and awkwardness that happened the moment that girl walked over" Clove asks, "Also who was that girl and why did she call you Rika Ryker?" "Did not want to get into that part of my life tonight but it looks like I don't have a choice" I say before recapping the whole Kaitlyn situation.

I finish the recap as we pull into the parking lot. "Wow...that's a-that bitch" Clove says. "I guess that's one way to look at that" I say. "Although it hurts a little that you didn't tell me, I still accept you for you" Clove says, "Screw that bitch." "Yeah forget her" Pedro says, "Focus on tonight and how you lead us to two perfect back to back seasons." We enter the diner and I enjoy the meal with my family and second family, laughing and joking the whole time. After we finish we go back to school to attend the celebration party. On the way over to the party, I explain everything to Enzo, Adonis, and Kobe. They let me know that nothings changed.

As soon as I enter the house, everyone cheers. Adonis and Kobe walk over with a shot for everyone. "To the man of the hour" Adonis says. "To two perfect seasons" Kobe says. "To Ryker Quill" Adonis says as everyone takes the shot. "Let's dance" Clove says grabbing Pedro's arm and dragging him to the dance floor. "You wanna" I ask. "Yes" Lexa says grabbing my hand and dragging me to the dance floor. I nod at Lincoln and he nods back. He takes Enzo, Adonis, and Kobe to set up part two of my proposal while I distract Lexa and work on calming my nerves for what is about to happen.

Thanks for reading.  What did you think?  What do you think will happen next?  What do you want to happen next?  As always votes and comments are appreciated.