The Popularity Project

Chapter Twenty Nine - The Apology

Vivian's POV

Ugly Heart by G.R.L.

Amnesia by 5SOS

"I hope you all are taking this project very seriously. It is a requirement. I'm not sure how many ways I must spell it out for you. I am done with the intolerance and downright ruthlessness. You will not cross this stage next year if you do not complete every part of the project, including the hours. I do not care what you do with your partners as long as you don't fight or argue," our principle fumes. Apparently, some of my fellow students aren't taking the whole project ordeal well. No one wants to spend time with someone they dislike. I sure as hell do not want to be around Ryder, but I don't have a choice in the matter.

I need my diploma, as do everyone in this school, but it's more important for me. I am ambitious for Rosalie. Proving that those moron, lazy ass detectives were wrong. Something more happened in those months, something sinister. Something that chills me to the bone. First, Rosalie dies, then months later, Chris 'commits suicide'. Nothing about the case was solid, none of the evidence.

"That is all, have a nice afternoon," we are dismissed from the auditory. I walk quickly to my car, hoping to avoid the likes of Ryder Daniels.

"Vivian! Wait," I hear his voice and quicken my pace. "Please, I need to talk to you."

I take a deep breath, then stop. I don't turn around to look at him. Other students milling around seemed to have escaped the school before their partners could stop them. Why couldn't Ryder realize how much I don't want to talk to him? I was clear, crystal clear.

"We need to talk," he sighs, then comes around to stand in front of me. I have to crane my neck to see his face. When I see it, my eyes widen. Dark circles age his eyes, his hair is messier than I've ever seen it. There's also a purplish bruise blossoming on his cheek.

"What happened?" I brush my fingers over the mark before realize what I am doing. I recoil my hand and Ryder just hardens his expression.

"I got into a fight with someone," he shrugs and elusively attempts to change the subject. "We need to talk about what happened the other night."

"I have no clue what you're referring to," I swallow a lump in my throat.

"Vivian," Ryder sighs. "I didn't mean anything I said.. I was drunk and not thinking clearly."

"Don't ever say something you don't mean, and don't withhold something you want to say." I purse my lips.

"I'm sorry, Vivian. Charlotte said some things about you that I thought might be true," Ryder runs his fingers through his hair. "And I made the mistake of trusting her over you."

I look around, the whole school parking lot seems to be empty. Students ran away after our principal's scolding. No one has taken this seriously, except Ryder and Perry perhaps. They seem to have left the past in the past, and moved on to a odd sort of friendship.

"What happened between you and Perry that made you two suitable for this project?" I abruptly ask. Ryder raises his eyebrow at my question, not in any rush to answer.

"It wasn't my finest moment, I don't want you to think any less of me," Ryder gives me a stern look. "I don't owe you an explanation, so telling you is simply out of my affection for you."

I roll my eyes, "Your affection for me?"

"Do you want to hear the story or not?" He snaps. I nod my head yes and Ryder guides me to a bench. We sit down, staring at the road ahead of us. Ryder starts his story.

"I was a different person back then, I was reckless, promiscuous, and spiteful. I thought sleeping with countless girls would make me feel less lonely. I never formed any ties with the girls I slept with, perhaps that was the problem. Perry's girlfriend, Faye Winston, was the first girl ever to say no to my requests. She was the first to not take of her clothes at my command, the more I asked, the louder she denied. Perry had something I desperately wanted, and I would do anything to get it."