Paired

Paired : Chapter 22

Do you know how much I love my readers? I really think that there is no way to elaborate on that. From the last chapter, my reads went up 3K. THREE THOUSAND reads! I love you all for the support in this story! It's not over just yet! (That means I have 5K reads)

Chapter 22

As I ran over the situation that I previously had in my mind, I still couldn't decide if I had picked the right person.

Did I love Ryan, or Fintan?

I couldn't just marry and be with Ryan forever because Chimala asked me to. It wouldn't be right. But, just wait, if I actually felt that way about Ryan and all I needed was a little push to go with him, would it be right then?

And then there's Fintan. The jerk-loving handsome devil. He had only been rude to me once, and that when the entire police situation had come up. I knew one thing, and that was that I did love Fintan. Nothing was ever going to change that. He was my first love, and he's my best friend.

But I kinda love Ryan too.

Bad grammar there, but I do. I can't even deny it. See! This is why people in our society get Paired. So they don't have to deal with these problems is life. But apparently that isn't how Chayna Parker's life works.

"Why did you leave on me?"

I turned around to find the green eyed boy that I love staring back at me.

I answered in a shaky voice, "Because you left me first."

He looked at me with a spark in his eyes that I never could identify.

"Chayna-"

I stopped him before he could get any further. "Ryan, I love you. You know that. But I'm not the strong girl I was back then. I've been poked and prodded with a stick that was just too sharp. I have scars from people who have hurt me badly. I can't take it anymore. You love me, or you don't. None of this "gang" crap. I just can't take it anymore." I felt my knees starting to give out and I decided to take a seat in the nearest chair that I could find.

Ryan was over at my side within seconds. He took his hand and lightly caressed my cheek. He leant his mouth near my ear and whispered, "I love you, between thick and thin. I love you, more than life itself. I love you, more than anyone ever has. I. Love. You."

I felt a small tear drip down my cheek. I loved this boy with all my heart and I wasn't afraid to show it anymore. I lightly pressed my mouth to his and pulled away, so I could see those big green eyes that made me love Ryan a million times more.

I hoarsely got a couple words out. "I need to tell Fintan." Ryan nodded and helped me up.

I walked out of the room to find Fintan. I was thinking about how I was going to tell Fintan that I loved him, I just didn't love him enough. I was about to yell his name out when I turned the corner.

I had found Fintan.

With Lauren.

And, I think, maybe, that they were kissing.

I walked away.

I walked back into the room with Ryan, and numbly sat down.

"What happened? What did he say?" Ryan asked me

I cleared my throat. "Uh, I think he was busy."

Ryan gave me a confused look. "With what?"

I laughed dryly. "Why does it matter? More time for us, right?"

"Chayna, what did Fintan do to you to make you-make you like this?"

I didn't know if I should tell Ryan or not, because it wasn't really something you brought up in a conversation.

"Chay, just tell me."

I swallowed hard. "I think, that Fintan and Lauren were kissing."

Ryan stared at me then a look crossed over his face- relief?

"Thank goodness. I thought that he said something to you that made you mad at me or made you feel self-conscience or upset or-" I covered his mouth with my hand.

"You're happy about this?!"

"Well, not exactly, but it's better than what I thought was happening."

An idea popped into my mind the minute he finished his sentence. "I'll be right back."

I ran into the other room, the one where I found Fintan and Lauren earlier, and surprise, surprise, they were still doing their earlier activity.

I cleared my throat and Fintan and Lauren turned. "Lauren," I said, scolding her, "don't you have a boyfriend?"

She looked at me with a face full of terror before saying, "Oh, crap."