It Could Happen...Someday

This Doesn't Change A Thing.

Macyn.

It's amazing how one simple word can change a person's mood.

Like they flip a switch, and everything is turned upside-down.

My plan today was to avoid Ryder as much as I possibly could. At least, until Chorus.

I was looking through book collections of popular duets for our project. As much as I hated it, I wanted to keep my end of the bargain.

There was no way I was going to be responsible for us failing.

Suddenly, the clearing of a throat breaks my concentration.

I turn to see Ryder standing in the stage doorway. The expression on his face isn't exactly readable, which worries me.

"So, it's you."

"Um... yeah, it sure is," I say in a sarcastic confusion.

I get up to put the books away.

"I mean it's you: Birth Control."

The books fall out of my hands.

Very slowly, I turn and face him. Emotions start to take over my entire body.

"You... you remember?"

I don't even recognize my voice, it's so shaky.

"I do," he nods.

Ryder keeps a careful, emotionless expression on his face as we stare at each other.

I don't know what to do.

For once, in a very long time...

I didn't know what to do.

I study him, hoping he makes the next move. and hoping it was soon.

He sighs and crosses his arms. His stare now intent on the floor.

My inner voice speaks up.

Leave. Now.

"I- I uh... I need to, um, go."

Ryder's head snaps up again.

I fumble around trying to pick up the books as quickly as possible and place them on the table.

I attempt to pass him, but he grabs my arm.

"Wait."

"Ryder, not now-"

"Please."

"I need to go."

Pulling my arm away from his hand, I start to walk towards the stage steps.

"Macyn, wait!"

Ryder's footsteps are close behind me.

I race down the stairs and turn the corner, but he catches up to me.

Suddenly, I'm jerked back, pinned against the wall.

"You can't just run from every little problem!"

He sure knows how to piss a girl off, doesn't he?

"You call this 'little?' Ryder, this is my entire past we're talking about!"

I struggle to free myself, but he doesn't budge.

"I was part of that past remember?"

"Do I ever..." I scoff.