The Boy Next Door Is Not What He Seems

Chapter Nine: You Are My Friend

Chapter Nine: You Are My Friend

•.⌯.•River's POV•.⌯.•
I walked out of school with a purpose in each step. I had successfully gotten out without having been noticed by any of the guys the rest of the day and I'd like to keep it that way until I make it to the coffee house downtown.

I was in no mood to acknowledge any confrontation from Elliot nor was I in the mood of being alone with Charlie or the boys today. With Elliot now knowing about Annette, there's no doubt that Ryan figured out about what happened at lunch. Upon leaving school, I hear my name being called, but I choose to ignore it.

Shoot.

I continue walking, however I hear a pair of swift footsteps following behind me.

"River!" Ryan's voice calls out for me.

I wince at the sound of my name and stop abruptly to allow him to catch up. A part of my felt bad for leaving Ryan in the dark about this, but I genuinely just didn't want him to worry about the situation with Annette. Ryan's heavy breathing brings me back to reality, "Why didn't you sit next to me in Jen's class?"

I sighed as I throw him a quick glance as I continued my pace towards the direction of the coffee shop, "Well Melissa was sat in my seat and I just didn't want to bother her." I said simply, "Plus, it seemed like the two of you were busy talking."

He rolled his eyes at me giving me a playful smile, "Well I would've told her to move if you hadn't sat down so quickly in the front." Ryan said as he peered at my face, which caused his expression to fall slightly, "Is everything alright?"

My heart dropped a little from his tone. Ryan always knew when I wasn't doing my best, especially when Annette would really get under my skin and today was no different.

"Yeah, why wouldn't it be?" I replied vaguely.

Ryan raised an eyebrow and chose to ignore my sentiment, "Where are you going so fast? Do you need a ride?" He asked as he sped up and turned around to face me. He was now walking backwards, matching my pace in order to talk to me head on.

"No I'm fine Ry. I just need to be somewhere right now."

"I can give you a ride, if you need?"

"It's no problem, Ryan."

"But you'll work up a sweat and-"

"I'm fine." I emphasized.

"But-"

"Please Ryan. Just leave me alone."

I stop in my tracks causing him to pause as well. I don't realize the frustrated tone in my voice. It wasn't until I fully glanced at Ryan's face that flashed confusion and a hint of hurt that I did. My frustration was too much for me to hide it. I knew he was worried, but I turned around before he could speak. My sudden change of direction left him mute as the distance between him and I increased the more I walked. Guilt sets in as I walk farther and farther away from where Ryan stood. I continue my route to the coffee shop.

*

I get home around eight. The lights were off and my mother's car wasn't in the driveway. I silently thank God because if she knew I was out walking alone at night I would not hear the end of it. I continue on inside where I was safe from social interaction.

Upon entering the household, I notice the note on the fridge in the kitchen. It was probably from my mother. Deciding to leave it be, I head up to my room. I turn on the lights and allow myself to take in my familiar surrounding before plopping myself on bed.

God. Why am I so stupid?

I rub my eyes prior to letting out a yawn and let myself sit up from the position I was in. Rummaging through my bag to find my phone, I take out my portable charger and my wire before plugging both into an outlet by my bedside table. It was then that I notice the soft tapping on my window. Quietly muttering a curse, I purse my lips wondering what my next move should be.