Secrets And Lies

Chapter 29: State Champs And Romance

Axel

"I really wish you would tell me what's going on." I tried yet again, following close behind Ryan, who was speed walking down the hallway.

 I have spent a few nights a week, for the last couple of weeks, with her. I'd park around the corner then climb in her window. 

In the morning, I'd climb out and drive home to shower. Every night I would wake because she was crying in her sleep  and mumbling something I couldn't make out. She has been ignoring my pleas all morning. I grabbed her hand, pulling her, so she collided with my chest.

When she turned to face me, a tear rolled down her cheek. A knot in my chest tightened slightly as my sight  followed the path the tear took.

"Please, just stop." She looked down, refusing to look at me.

I tilted her chin up, not caring if that knot squeezed the life out of me.

"It kills me to see you upset... not to know why...or how to help you." I shouldn't push, but I wanted--needed to be able to help her, even if it was just to listen to her vent.

"Then maybe you shouldn't spend the night anymore." She yanked her chin out of my hold."And I never asked for your help!"

"Don't say that..."

 I didn't want to stop coming over because I could at least try to help when I was there. Granted, I don't know how to help, but not being there for Ryan when she went through that? No, I couldn't leave her to deal with that on her own even if she's done so in the past.

"This conversation is stupid. I'm fine!"

"Ryan, has anyone ever told you that you can't lie for shit? You are not okay."

"Leave it alone, Fuck-Face!

"Damn it! When will you trust me? "  Regretting my outburst, I raked my hands through my hair.

"I do trust you." She whispered almost inaudibly.

"Do you?"  I crossed my arms.

Mike's words repeated through my head like a damn broken record.

'Be patient. She will tell you when she's ready. Be patient.'

"I wouldn't let you come over if I didn't." Wiping stray tears with the back of her hand, Ryan examined the slight dampness on her knuckles, and as if they were offensive, she grimaced before rolling her eyes and growling. "Look, Ass-Hat, I don't open up easily. I know I need to; it's something that I'm working on...okay?

"Okay..."  I exhaled a breath, expelling some of the tension. "I promise not to push anymore,"  I would try to keep that promise. And if I forget, I'm sure Mike's words wouldn't skip a beat.

The tardy bell rang, interrupting any response she may have made. I didn't care if we  were late for P.E,  but Ryan did.

"Come on Ass-hat. We're late.." Ryan gave a half-hearted smile and grabbed my hand, dragging me to the locker room doors.

I had to trust her. She needed time, time for her to feel safe enough to confide in me. While she took the time she needed, I needed to find the time and place to make sure Ryan knew how I felt.

Ryan

Once Axel agreed to drop his annoying pestering, my mood brightened considerably. I never thought being stuck in a bus with a bunch of football players and cheerleaders could make all my anxiety disappear.  Even Bre's attempts to make me miserable rolled off my back.

I sat by Taylor so that Axel and Foster could talk about all things football. It was the state championship game, a.k.a. the last time I would have to wear this uniform, and the last time I would have to play nice with Bre. Although, Taylor had asked me to stay on for the rest of basketball season; I politely declined with a "hell no." I wanted to be able to explore other things.