Falling For My Teacher

22: Friends

"Ryan?" Someone said from behind my bedroom door. Walking in was Spencer, Regean, Louis, Zayn, and... Harry? "Your mom let us in." Spencer looked uneasy about things as she spoke to me. "Are... Are you guys moving?" 

"I am," I replied with a sigh. "With my brother. My father is staying with his parents until further notice and my mom is selling the house for a smaller one." 

"Ryan.." Regean spoke softly. "What happened?" 

"What happened?" I scoffed. "Life did. I lost my friends when I needed them most. I can't be with someone who I care for deeply. And now? I'm leaving. Memories. Family." 

"Then stay," Harry said softly. He was avoiding eye contact. I know he was. It wasn't exactly the easiest thing to be in the same room as him. You can understand why. 

"I have to go," I sighed. "I leave tonight." 

"This is dumb Ryan," Zayn said cutting me off. I've never really seen Zayn get mad at all. But I am going to say now, it is quiet scary.  "You can't let a few misaps get to you like this. There is more people than Niall or Jalen that care. Why do you think we all came today? Casue we hate you? Cause we wanted to laugh in your face? No. We came for a reason. We care. We want you to stay. You are probably the best thing that has happened to us Ryan." I sighed, sitting on my bed. 

"Ryan," Regean spoke up. "We've been friends for quiet some time now. Since we were little kids. I'd never hurt you." 

"I haven't known you as long as most," Louis spoke up. "But you're one of the most amazing girls out there. Even in the most stressful situations you are smiling. Knowing you're leaving is... Well heartbreaking." 

"Guys," I finally stopped. "I-" 

"Don't leave," Harry spoke up louder this time. I looked up to him standing right in front of me. "Look around you. With everything that has happened to you, you've been able to stay strong. Keep your head up. Fight for what you want. And you're giving up? Just gonna leave like this?" 

"Harry please..."

"No Ryan. This isn't you," He softened a bit. 

"Everyone changes for the better Harry," I finally snapped back. "I need to leave. Away from my family. Away from drama. Away from Jalen. Away from everyone here. And away from-"

"Ryan," Bronson came into my room. "Everything is packed in my truck. We're taking off soon. Wrap things up please." I nodded, getting to my feet. 

"Well..." 

"Don't do this Ryan," Harry sighed. "Please." 

"I'll miss you guys," I said as I began walking towards the door. "But for my behalf.. Look at what I'm trying to say." And with that, I walked out of my room. 

"Ryan you're making a big mistake," Harry stopped. The way his voice still made my heart race. The way he was getting frustrated with the fact I wasn't going to listen to him. Or to anyone. Or how he was now right in my face... "Ryan please don't leave. I can't have you leave." 

"You and the rest of this little town?" I bit my lip. "I've heard it all Harry. No need to keep bringing up what other people told you." I wanted to just leave. But the tall figure was still standing in front of me. 

"I love you Ryan," he said with the slur of sadness and truth. His hand went to reach for me but I pushed away. His eyes filled with confusion and dissapointment. 

"I loved you Harry," I replied. "But... I can't." His hand dropped next to his side, head hanging low. His heart was broken. I know mine was. And I hated the feeling.