Changed For The Better

Queen of Hearts

After dinner, we all sat in the living room. No reason really, like there wasnt a movie night or anything. Everyone just seemed t be in there doing there own thing. I was sat with Ryan at the coffee table and he was teaching me how to play some card game.

There were a few people watching telly, and Sasha and Dexter were playing pool. Kazima was reading, and Carmen was doing her nails. Turns out, Carmen and Tee arent leaving until Sunday because they dont start until next Monday. Lucky them.

So I can put the ace of hearts onto...here?I asked as I placed it onto the red king.

No thats the king of diamonds, but you could put it onto the king of hearts, if it was there Ryan replied.

Right I said, totally not getting it.

Shell never get it Ryan said Jody as she and Tyler came in. Why is Tyler always trailing behind her? Is that how people see Ryan and I?

Go away Jody Ryan said as he dismissed her and turned his full attention to me.

Shes way too thick continued Jody. She should playing that game where you fit shapes into the right shaped holes. Thats more her level

Give it a rest Jody. What did Marie ever do to you? Ryan questioned as he stopped what he was doing. He still faced me though.

Jody couldnt reply. Im not surprised. Theres nothing Ive done to hurt her so she really doesnt have any reason to be hating on me. 

Well, Shes well stupid. Was all she could muster.

Great insult(!) Maybe you should go back to pre school and then maybe I would be offended I replied. Ryan smiled at me and even Tyler looked happy. Jody didnt, obviously. She huffed and then stormed off, Tyler trailing after her.

You know you dont have to do what she says I said to him while he was at the door. He stopped and turned to look at me. He was about to say something when Jody yelled

Tyler! Come on! From the distance. Tyler frowned then left the room again.

Honestly shes got him wrapped around her finger I sighed as soon as he was gone.

Well, thats not our problem. Tyler can see it Ryan replied. He knows what shes like and hell come to his senses eventually. Its their problem not ours

I know I replied. But Tyler and I used to be mates. Nowadays it seems like he doesnt really say anything to me at all

Same here Ryan replied. But like I said, we have to let him figure it out on his own. Anyway look you can put the four of spades on that five, then pick up the next card from the deck

I did what he said. I was so confused. We had been trying to play this game for ages. Im pretty certain its a single player game although I have no idea what its called.

I thought I would have been able to get the hang of it by now and play it by myself, or as a team with Ryan. But instead, Ryan has just been telling me what to do and doing every move for me. Card games arent really my thing.

—

We finally finished the game, but decided not to bother playing another round. It took us ages and some of the others had gone to bed. We headed up as it was quite late and were already tired enough from school. I dont want to be even worse tomorrow.

We went up to our room then took it in turns to use the bathroom and get changed. I was fully ready for bed and Ryan was doing his teeth so I just got under the covers in bed and picked up my phone to play on some games.

I got distracted however when I noticed that I have a text, from Harley. I felt nervous as I opened it up. 

H: Did you mean it when you asked to meet up?

What sort of a question is that?

M: If youre up to it

H: Why?

He replied almost instantly. I dont know how long ago he sent his first text but I guess he must have still been on his phone.

M: Ive been there before. Dont want you to be alone and wind up how I did, or almost did

H: Okay, tomorrow after school. Well go to town. K?

M: Sounds good to me. And you can meet us at lunch. I dont have maths before then so Ill definitely be there

H: Cool. See you tomorrow

M: Bye

I sat my phone back on the bedside table and smiled to myself. Im glad Harley doesnt hate me. It feels good to know that I might have made a more positive impact on his life.

Ryan had this impact on me, so its up to me to have it on someone else. Like a chain. Then one day, maybe Harley will be able to help someone else who is in need. 

What are you so happy about? Asked Ryan as he came back in and switched off the main light.

Harley texted I said. He walked to the curtains and shut them aggressively. I know he doesnt like it when I mention Harley but he really has nothing to be afraid of. He should trust me more. 

What did he say?

Well, he doesnt hate me which is good. Hes meeting us for lunch tomorrow then I said Id head into town with him after school

Make sure you tell Luke. Dont want a repeat of last time you met up with him

God that was ages ago. When I went to his house when I was meant to be grounded and left my phone behind.

I will. And Ryan? He looked up to me as he climbed into his bed. Dont go feeling jealous. Im helping Harley out because Ive been in his shoes and want to help him. I would do it for anyone in his situation okay? Theres nothing special about him

Alright. But dont be out for too long

I wont. Ill make sure he knows it. Ill tell him Luke needs me back for some reason, or Ill make up an excuse.

Nothing too big. If he finds out youre lying...

Well he wont. Anyway, Im really tired, can we just sleep?

But Ive barely been able to talk to you today

Ryan youve been with my practically all day

Yeah but all we have spoken about is Harley

Thats not true I thought for a moment as he raised his eyebrows at me. Okay fine it is kind of true

Yeah. So come on, lets have a proper talk before bed

Okay, but if it gets too late Im giving up and sleeping

Okay princess

What is it you want to talk about?

Just, your day I guess. Other than stressing and running round after Harley, what else has gone on?

Not a lot really other than what happened with Jody that you saw. I cant believe how tired I am though. I feel like its just going to get worse

Youre right on that one. I agree with you also. Im exhausted and its only been a day. I havent even done any homework or anything, so Im gonna hate myself tomorrow

I forgot about homework I moaned.

Do you have any due in tomorrow?

No

Then worry about it another time. For now, I can see how tired you are so Ill put our chat on hold until tomorrow morning

Thats a great idea. Thank you Ryan

No problem. Goodnight princess

Night Ryan. I love you

I love you more

I love YOU more

Impossible