Everything Changes

Chapter 7: His Regret

I woke up, thinking about how yesterday felt like a dream. Quietly I sat up, checking to see if Emma was awake. She was still sound asleep. I decided that this was the best time to go ahead and take a shower.

Carefully I maneuvered my way around Emma so as to not wake her. The last thing you want to do is wake Emma up. If she is ever woken up by anyone other than herself she gets very cranky. I shuffled my way down the hall, rubbing the sleep out of my eyes, yesterday still fresh on my mind. Suddenly, I smack into someone who quickly steadies me.

"Thank you." I look up and my heart flutters. Zack was standing there in his sweatpant, his hair a mess as if he had just woken up himself. He gave me a slight smile, but his eyes seemed to be looking through me. Rather than at me. He walked past me without saying a word to me.

Did I do something? Was yesterday a dream? Or did he not feel anything during that kiss? Maybe he didn't think I was good enough. I tried to shove all of it down as I made my way to the bathroom.

The first thing I did when getting into the bathroom was activating the shower head, waiting for it to warm up. I look into the mirror and grimace. If only I was prettier. My eyes had dark circles around them, my posture was lazy, and I was always gloomy.

The hot water felt amazing on my muscles, shoulder and scar. My mind went back to my thoughts from just a moment ago. Why did Zack ignore me like that? It's not as if we were a couple or that I even assumed we were. But that look he gave me, left me with a weird feeling in the pit of my stomach.

Whatever, nothing can be done right now. I reach down to grab my shampoo bottle. The angle caused the bathroom light to reflect off of my shower head. Casting a light in my eyes. The sounds of a horn blares. I shut my eyes. Chanting over and over again. You're okay. Everything was fine. You're okay. I'm safe in the bathroom.

My hands shook as I placed them against the wall, sliding down into the fetal position. I quietly started sobbing. No matter how many times I fight to not relive that moment, I will never forget those last, few miserable seconds with my dad. My scar started throbbing. I buried my head in my hands. My fingernails, digging into my skin. The pain consumed me.
     

                                             Ryder's P.O.V

I open my eyes, squinting at the light shining through the window. I reach over and move Alison's arm from around me. Being careful not to wake her. I climb out of bed slowly, reaching over to grab my clothes off the floor. I quickly start getting dressed. A pair of arms slip around me just as I'm starting to put my shoes on.

"Mmmm - where do you think you're going?" Alison says in a nasally voice. I guess my attempts to exit quietly were futile. I reached over, removing her arms from around me once again before putting my shoes on. I stand up and take a step back before she can try to pull me back in again.

       "Your parents are going to be home soon. I don't think they will be too happy to catch me here." She lets out a whine that she thinks is cute, but I personally think it's annoying. Don't get me wrong; she's hot, but her personality just ruins that sometimes.

We both know what this relationship was. Purely friends with benefits. I don't know why we have continued it for this long. Maybe for the company or the fact that I feel bad for her. I'm not sure. I crawl out of her window and run across the street, climbing onto the only thing that I truly love. My Harley-Davidson.

The morning sun was shining off the cherry-red paint, making it glisten. My bike is the only thing in my life that I can call mine. I've been working since I was 14 years old and saved every penny. I started up the engine and just listened to it purr. Getting that same adrenaline rush as always right before taking off. 

I put my helmet on and left. I feel the bike start picking up speed and the power behind it as I'm speeding down the street. The feeling of freedom washed over me. I always envision the idea of me just driving until my body is tired and never looking back. Instead I head to my house to take a shower and change before my father wakes up.

I crawled through my bedroom; It's basically the front door for me. I can't remember the days when I didn't use it as one. There really is never a point to look back on old memories. It's best to just keep moving forward and forget the past. It's what's gotten me this far.

Taking a shower was my top priority. I turned on the shower, giving it a moment to heat up. I catch a glimpse of the scars on my back from the corner of the bathroom mirror. Memories try to resurface, but I shake them off violently and jump in the shower.

The hot water hits my skin as my body relaxes, enjoying the peace and quiet. My mind drifts while I wash off trying to clean myself up. Yet no matter how many showers I take. I'll never feel completely clean.
       
I force myself out of the shower after what feels like an eternity. My phone buzzes the moment I reach for my towel. Quickly wrapping it around me I reached for the phone still in the pocket of my jeans and unlocked my phone to see who messaged me.
    

[Derek:] Hey wya?

[Me:] Just got home. You?

[Derek:] Oh? Let me guess... Alison?

[Me:] You caught me.

[Derek:] LMFAO! Well since you wasted your morning on her let's not waste your night on her as well. Chris is throwing a little back to school party ♫🍺 let's check it out

I paused for a moment, contemplating if this was an invitation I could refuse. I had to rewrite my reply a few times before giving up and just sending one word.

[Me:] Okay.

[Derek:] Sounds good. There should be plenty of girls for you to choose from tonight. You know how they are during the last party of the summer. If you know what I mean 8=D. Anyway get your ass over to my house.

[Me:] What the hell Derek? I didn't know you were so short. "More of a grower than a shower" is what you tell them?

[Derek:] Fuck off.

I laugh putting my phone in my pocket, Derek can be such an easy target sometimes. He's had a bad life and made some bad decisions, but I always try to have his back; especially after the incident. I hear a noise coming from the kitchen.

         My skin crawls and I hurry up, my body shaking with anxiousness. Walking out the bathroom door, I steel my nerves and head towards the noise. I see my dad pouring himself a bowl of cereal, looking like he hasn't fully woken up yet.

         I cautiously walked backward, hoping he didn't notice me. Like a prey seeing a predator before being spotted. I make a quick exit out of my bedroom window and get back on my bike. My heart was racing and my hands shook, causing me to fumble my keys.

        I nearly gasp out loud when my bike roars alive. "Get me the fuck out of here, cherry." I speak internally. The further away I got from my house, the better I felt. I cursed myself for not leaving earlier. That was too close for comfort.

                                                                                ❖

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Mr bad boy Ryder Bentley! Such a hottie! So who is this Alison chick that is all over him? Seems his friend Derek just doesn't like her! Even I don't like her at this point ): Any guys sorry again for this being short! I will try and make them longer again still! I love you guys and you know the drill! Leave a comment and a heart! :)

Xoxo Night <3