Love, Hate, and Other Things

Chapter 9: Starting Over as Friends

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Chapter 9: Starting Over As Friends

"Maddie?" the voice brought chills down my spine. The voice belonged to Ryan.

"Here's your bag ma'am and have a nice day!" the cashier said as she handed me the bag.

"Thanks." I said as I turned around. I ignored Ryan and walked out to Sheena and Arielle.

"Uh..." Sheena said as she looked behind me. Arielle just looked behind me.

"What? Is there something behind me?" I said as I gave her the bag.

"Yes. There's someone behind you." she said as she stood up. Arielle nodded.

"Oh, hi Ryan!" I said like I didn't notice him at all.

"Hey." he simply stated.

"So where's Chrissy?" I asked.

"Who?" he said confused before thinking. "Oh, Crissy. I told her to leave."

"Ah, nice." I said as I gave a look to Sheena. "Let's go guys. We have more shopping to do before we meet up with the lads."

"Um. Maddie?" Ryan said.

"Yeah?" I turned to look at him.

"Can I talk to you?"

"But Sheena, Ari and I were going to go."

"It'll only take a second."

"Ugh. Fine." I said. "Girls, go meet up with the boys. I'll meet up with you later."

"Okay. See you later." they chorused.

I sat down and Ryan sat next to me. I moved a bit farther away from him.

"Right, sorry." he said as he looked at me. I didn't look back at him. I just stared at the ground. "Maddie, I'm sorry. What I did was so wrong a-" I interrupted him.

"You're really sorry and you want to get back together?" I got to his point.

"Basically yes." he said as he looked at the ground.

"Ryan." I said to get his attention. "Look. I used to like you remember?"

He nodded.

"Well, I don't want to get hurt again. I don't give out second chances Ryan."

"I understand. Then can we just start over? As friends?" he said sticking his hand out.

"Friends." I said shaking his hand.

"Well, bye Maddie." he stood up. He flashed me a smile before leaving. I smiled but not from ear to ear. More like a sad smile.

"Goodbye Ryan." I whispered quietly to no one at all.

I walked back to the guys and girls and I felt a tear roll down my cheek. I knew it wasn't tears of sadness but tears of happiness. I finally let it go.

"Are you okay, Maddie?" Sheena asked voice laced with concern.

"Of course, why wouldn't I be?" I asked smiling happily. The boys were just looking at me like I needed sympathy. "What's with the sad looks, boys?"

"Well, we heard that you talked to Ryan. So we thought that you needed some shoulders to cry on?" Liam stated.

"Maybe I do. Maybe I don't. I guess you guys are all on the edge for the conversation?"

"YES!" they all chorused. They all exchanged looks and then they laughed. I just smiled.

"Okay. It seems you all want to know." I joked. "Well, all he asked was to start over. As friends."