Outside Looking In

Chapter 2 - I Just Can't

Leigh's P.O.V

Today is the day that I'm meeting Ryder in the park. I'm a little nervous because I don't know if I can trust him yet. Monica said to give him a second chance, but I don't know about that quite yet. If people find out that we're dating, both of us are gonna get shit for it. I'm gonna be his charity case. I really don't want that to happen. I think right now, it's best if we just stay friends. Well, become friends again that is.

I roll over in my nice comfy bed, and look at the clock. It's 10:30. I'm meeting Ryder at noon. I guess I should start getting ready. I climb out of bed grab some clothes out of my closet, and go take a shower. For my outfit, I chose a navy blue high waisted skirt, a white and gray striped tank top, and some black sandals. I wore silver jewelry, and put my hair in a side braid over my shoulder. If I'm going to reject him, might as well do it in style. I grabbed my phone, and it was 11:30, I did my makeup as fast as I could, grabbed my purse, phone, sunglasses, ya know the usual. I went down the stairs and in to the kitchen to get some food. Monica was already cooking, so she made extra for me.

I quickly ate, and headed back to the bathroom and brushed my teeth. I said goodbye to everyone and headed out the door. The park was only a couple blocks from my house, so it was only a short walk. As I got closer to the park, I saw Ryder sitting on the bench.

"Looks like someone was finally early for something."

"Of course I am, I didn't want the queen to be all, OFF WITH HIS HEAD!"

"Ryder, I hate to break it to ya, but this isn't Alice in Wonderland."

"Well, maybe I want it to be."

"On that note, have a seat."

OH! Why does he have to be so cute? Do I have to say no? Yes, Leigh you do. Now man up. God, how I hate my mental arguments.

"Leigh, are you okay? You look like a dog staring at a steak."

"Yeah I'm fine. I'm just trying to find the right words to say."

"Say what?"

"Ryder, I don't know how to tell you this, but........

"But what?"

"I can't date you."

"What? No, of course you can't. I'm so stupid. I just get you back as a friend and then I go and ruin it. God! Why do I have to be such a moron."

"RYDER! You're rambling again."

"Sorry." A rosy tint appeared on his cheeks.

"I didn't say that we can't be friends. We just can't be boyfriend and girlfriend."

"Oh, well on that note. You wanna go get some ice cream and hang out like old times?"

"I'd love to."

We walked down the street to an ice cream shop about three blocks away. When we walked in a little old lady greeted us at the counter. After we ordered and received our ice cream, the old lady told us how cute we are as a couple. Now, just to clarify. WE ARE NOT A COUPLE! Just friends. Nothing more. Yet. *wink*

Before I knew it my hot fudge sundae was gone, and Ryder was finishing up the last bit of his cone.

"What do you wanna do now?" I asked looking down at my feet.

"I don't know. Wanna go catch a movie or something?"

"Yeah, sounds good."

After the movies it was about 5:30. Both us of unsure of what to do next.

"I'm kinda hungry. What about you Leigh?" Ryder sounded surprisingly concerned.

"I could eat." What is with him today? He acts like we're dating. Well, on the bright side. He's finally acting like a gentleman instead of a jerk.

There was an Italian restaurant not far away, so we decided to go there. When we walked in, I felt like I was in Italy. It was decorated beautifully.

We sat in a booth towards the back of the restaurant. I ordered a salad to start with raspberry vinaigrette on the side. For my entrée I got pasta primavera with some garlic bread. My dessert consisted of a couple of cannoli and a cup of green tea gelato. The whole meal was just amazing. I was so full, I didn't even think I could walk. I probably looked like I was a few weeks pregnant. Haha. I make myself laugh. Instead of walking back to the park to get back to our houses. We took the lazy approach and took a cab. The whole ride Ryder and I argued about who should've paid at the restaurant. I ended up paying. I guess Ryder was insulted because that's all he talked about for the 15 minute ride back to our houses.

"Will you shut up already! It's over and done."

"I don't care! You shouldn't have spent your money on a dinner. I'm the guy, I should've done it."

"Well I'm sorry for being a lady. I just thought I owed you for not being your girlfriend."

"Leigh, I never cared about if you were my girlfriend or not. I just didn't want to lose you again. I thought if you were my girlfriend that wouldn't happen."

Is he serious right now? There are so many girls that literally throw themselves at him, and he chose me out of like 200 other girls. He can have any girl he wants and he chose me. Leigh Nicole Jennings. The girl nobody notices.

I guess someone finally realized I'm an actual person and not a doormat.

I know what you're all thinking. SAY YES TO HIM ALREADY! I'm sorry I just can't do that. Nothing he does will change my mind.

"Look at us. We're fighting like a married couple." A chuckle escaped my lips.

"Yeah, maybe that'll be true one day." With a wink of his eye, Ryder turned on his heel and headed next door to his house.

I shook my head, and walked inside my house to be greeted by my parents.

"Hey Leigh. How did everything go with Ryder?" My mom asked.

"Better than expected actually." I tried to hide the blush forming on my cheeks.

"Good to hear."

I walked up the big staircase that seems to go on forever, and walked in my room.

I changed into my pajamas which consisted of sweatpants, and hoodie. I just chilled out for the rest of the night.

AUTHOR'S NOTE

DON'T KILL ME FOR NOT UPDATING YESTERDAY. I WAS CRAZY BUSY WITH WORK AND DANCE. SO YEAH. I HOPE YOU GUYS ENJOYED AND IF YOU HAVE A CUTE SHIP NAME FOR RYDER AND LEIGH THEN DON'T BE AFRAID TO COMMENT DOWN BELOW. WELL I'D SAY THAT'S IT CONSIDERING I HAVE WORK IN THE MORNING AND IT'S ALMOST 1AM. SEE YA NEXT CHAPTER.

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KELLY J <3