Uniquely Normal (boyxBoy)

Chapter 3- Ryder

Dear Reader,

I don't know who you are. Heck, you barely know me. I- just want to open up more to people, but its hard. I'm an introvert. As an introvert, I crave meaningful one-on-one conversations with a like minded person. When in large groups, I tend to be quiet, and often Ill get lost in the shuffle. I will shut down completely if the crowd is too large and loud. I'll make an early exit as soon as I feel overwhelmed. The truth is, I feel more lonely in large groups than I would just being alone. Ah, but those conversations with just you and me are like magic. I open up and invite you to get to know the real me. It kindles my heart, and warms up my soul when I capture your undivided attention. No distractions, no interruptions. Just the two of us, sharing little pieces of their hearts and minds.

That my friend, is a beautiful thing.

Like always, Ryder Callistan.

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

The whole situation was really sketchy and scary. I was standing outside the door, covering my mouth, and then the new kid came out-- of the classroom that is.

I probably should mention that I am not what you call straight. or heterosexual. I am in fact gay. I just wanted to tell you before you read the next section.

when he walked out, my heart skipped a beat. He was wearing a white shirt, grey sweatpants, and white shoes. He also was really good looking. He had a chiseled jawline, rosy lips, green lips, and round Garamond glasses. AND HIS HAIR. His hair was brown with blonde streaks, it was combed to one side, with a little strand of hair gently laying on his forehead and part of his nose. He combed the little quiff off his face. I quickly looked down to the floor and blushed.

He smiled and giggled.

"Hey" he started "I'm ben, and you are?"

I looked up at him and mumbled "Ryder".

His face contorted into a face of confusion. he groaned slightly and inched closer.

"what?"

I looked up again and dropped my hand. I could see his eyes widen and his mouth definitely dropped. I kinda freaked out.

"I'm Ryder." I said.

His eyes narrowed.

"Why do you have lipstick on?"

There we go. I had LIPSTICK on. it was definitely not lipstick. It was red sharpie and I definitely did not slay it. Becca (Queen Kong) had forced my head into the corn filled ground while she messily spread the red alcohol tip all over my lower face. It was messy and if it looked ANYTHING like lipstick, it was ugly.

"It's not lipstick" I said trying to rub the "lipstick" with my sleeve. "It's sharpie"

Right when I said that, someone passed by, snapped a pic of me-- and Ben.

"Nice lipstick, Fag"

Ryder's chest puffed up and he began marching over to the rude student, his fist were clenched and knuckles protruding.

I had to hold him back. my hands (and part of my arms) landed on his chest, and waist. his chest was warm and hard. You could feel the muscle behind his shirt and his waist was thin and also muscly. my hands twitched awkwardly because I don't get a lot of human touch.

Ben snapped out of it and looked down at me. He grabbed my wrist in his hands (which were large and long)

"I'm so sorry" he let go of my hands " I just get super defensive over friends" he turned around and rubbed his neck

FRIENDS

"uhh We-We're Friends??" I stuttered.

He spun around. He got red, and kinda panicked.

"I-I mean if you- I mean- do you-- no- yes- I" he stuttered

"We can be friends" I laughed. That, made me really happy, reader. I don't have a lot of friends. The only friend I really had was Ana. and she moved to Chicago with her mom, then her dad got custody of her and now she lives in Des Moines, Iowa. I haven't seen her in a year.

"Alright Ryder" Ben calmed down. "hold up."

He took a breath and looked at me.

"Friends?" He asked. He gestured.

I looked up to the cieling and laughed. He was obviously had to answer.

"I guess so Ben."

You shouldve seen his face. His face lit up, and you could practically see fireworks going off in his eyes.

I dont know. I have never had this type of affection. Even if we still had no clue who we were. I had started something beautiful.

He grabbed my wrist and we waked down the hall. We eventually made eventually made our way to a little, tiny silent reading room and we entered and sat down. He plopped down in a chair. And he layed his hands and head on the table.

"So tell me about yourself." He said.

"Well." I hesitated, pausing for a moment. I loved this attention, but again... I wasnt used to it.

"I guess i love the feeling of summer breeze running through my hair, but i also love the crisp kisses of fall."

He raised his eyebrows and perched his head.

"Nice imagery, Ryder." He complimented me.

"I also have a sweet spot for books and dogs"

I continued

"I love to sing and listen to music. Im on my phone way too much. I could live in sweat pants, but i love skinny jeans all the same"

I paused and smiled.

"But thats just about me, and youre probobly getting bored."

I looked down at my bag and was about to leave until he grabbed my wrist and pulled me back.

"Tell me more," he said cooly
"I promise I'm not getting bored."

I sat back down and twisted his grip around my wrists until he let go.

"I guess im really shy, and lonely. Well, atleast until you get to know me. Onve i know you, I never shut up. Im usually sad, and when i am, i need someone to cheer me up, but typically no one does."

You could see his face get sad.

"Ive never had a best friend, bevause the ones i consider are, always end up leaving me. I have a hard time opening up to people."

His eyebrows furrowed.

"Im confused why I'm opening up to you so easily."

Ben relaxed in his chair.

"I don't know, ryder" he looked at me. "Maybe its been a long time since anyone has said 'I care about you'."
He smiled at me.

The bell rang and it was time to go to our 3rd period class.

He got his bag and was about to leave until i called him back.

"Hey, Ben?"

He stopped in his tracks.

"Yeah, Ryder?" He asked.

"Do you wanna hang out after school?"

"Sure, where?"

"Here"

He smiled and nodded.

"Alright, ryder see you later!"

He walked out, plugged in his headphones, and made his way to his class. I sighed.

"See ya later, ben."