The next morning, Ryder has to drive me to school, since I don't have a car, and his parents are already gone for work.
On the way, he tries to make small talk with me, but it's useless. He startles me by asking, "Where are your parents?"
I very indiscreetly change the subject by saying, "What lovely weather we're having today!", and he doesn't question me.
When we reach Clearview High, I jump out of his car. As I run towards the building, I see a girl with chestnut hair approaching me.
"Hey Rosalie!" she calls out.
"Hey Vanessa!" I reply.
"So ... who was that?" she asks in a teasing tone.
I look at her in confusion. "Who are you talking?"
"That guy who got out of that car -amazing car by the way- after you?"
"Oh, that guy ... well, he's Ann's son who came back from boarding school. Yesterday." I say as I walk to my locker.
"Uh, Rose? Why's he walking this way? He's staring at you. Is he a stalker?" she whispers to me.
"No, he's not a stalker. Actually, maybe he is, I mean I've only known him for a day."
I turn around, and yet again, bump into Ryder. Seriously? I think to myself. I look around and see that Vanessa is gone. Traitor.
"What's on your schedule?" he inquires.
Maybe he is a stalker... " Why do you want to know?"
"The office said I have the same schedule as you and didn't print a copy for me."
"Fine, but once we get to homeroom, I'll write a copy down for you."
He pouts, "But can't I just follow you?"
"No, now let's go."
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As we're walking down the hall, I feel an arm slide around my waist. And no, it's not Ryder. I whip my head around and see that it's Aiden. He leans in for a quick kiss and says "How's my lovely girlfriend doing today?". Ryder stiffens at this sight.
"Not great, thanks to this idiot," I point to Ryder, "Aiden, this is Ryder, and Ryder, this is Aiden," I say, quickly introducing them. They both glare at each other.
"Never thought I'd see you again Ryder," Aiden sneers.
"Boy's, what's going on?"
"Nothing, nothing at all," Ryder says, forcing a smile on his face, "Come on."
"Bye Aid, see you at lunch," and I place a kiss on his cheek. I turn the corner and walk into homeroom. I quickly take a seat as Ryder walks up o a teacher and tells him about being a new student.
"Class, I'd like to introduce you to Ryder Adams. He is a new student here. Why don't you tell the class a bit about yourself?" says Mr. Greenswell.
"I'm not that interesting, but I was at a boarding school for the last two years. I guess that's it." He walks over to the only seat left, the seat right next to me.
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I try to ignore him for the rest of the morning till lunch, but it's nearly impossible since we have the same schedule. I go to the cafeteria and sit at my usual seat with Vanessa and Aiden, and wait for one of them to show up.
"Is this seat taken?" asks Aiden walking up to me.
"Yes, yes it is," I joke.
He places a hand on his chest, "You wound me," he says playfully.
I jump as I hear Vanessa's voice from behind me, "How was your day?" she asks.
"It was awful! Ryder is the most annoying thing to ever exist!"
"It can't be that bad..."
I look behind her, "Speak of the devil," I mumble.
"What are you doing here?" I say glaring at Ryder.
"As you can see, I'm new and don't know anyone here but you!" he exclaims, but then looks over at Aiden and just simply walks away.
"What is with you guys?" Vanessa asks Aiden.
All he says is, "Just a small misconception. Nothing to worry about."
I don't know why, but I run out of the cafeteria to find Ryder. I see him outside on the bleachers and make my way to him.
"What happened in there?" I inquire.
"You shouldn't be with Aiden. He's dangerous," is his reply.
"Why?"
"It's for me to know and you to never find out," he shrugs.
"Seriously?" I storm away.
