Always You

Chapter 9

It's been almost a month since I told Ryan to leave me alone. 

Apparently my words really had an effect on him, because he hasn't even tried to contact me. He even told his idiotic friends that he lied about hooking up with me, which thankfully made less and less people pay attention to me. 

Everything is back to normal. He pretends I don't exist and I pretend he doesn't exist, just like the last 4 years. 

Every once in a while, I still think about why Ryan started talking to me in the first place, why he was so protective of me and made up that stupid lie, why he wanted me back as a friend. None of it makes sense. 

But I guess I'll never know.

~~

"See you at practice." I give Camila a quick hug before heading to my 7th period class. Soccer practice has become increasingly harder. I think as the season progresses Coach Saunders craves misery even more, so now she forces us to stay 30 minutes later. 

As I walk down the hallway, I pass the most conceited population of boys in this school who think it's okay to treat girls like toys. I try to keep my head down, but I'm forced to look up when I feel a hard arm collide with my shoulder. When I look behind me to see who ran into me, I see Ashton laughing with his friends and looking back at me in amusement. 

Dick. 

I decide to be the bigger person and turn around, not giving him any satisfaction of  my annoyance. 

Walking right behind the football team is Ryan, a blonde girl locked to his arm and playing with his hair. He seems unamused by her and makes direct eye contact with me. For the first time ever, his blue eyes seem emotionless. He looks away when he notices me and then brings his attention to the girl on his arm.

I look away as well and continue walking to my next class, pretending he doesn't exist. 

~~

"That practice was absolute hell." Cammy says and wipes away the sweat from her forehead. "I feel like I'm dying"

"I know." I agree and struggle to catch my breath. 

"Hey, so on Friday there's this really cool alternative band playing at that cute coffee house on the corner of Lake Street. The guitarist is this really cute boy, and since it didn't work out with Harry or Ryan, you wanna check it out?" Camila asks as we walk down the hill past the football team. 

"First of all, nothing happened with Ryan. And Harry's really nice, but I don't know, I just don't want to date right now." I say and push her shoulder. "But I love alternative, so yes." 

"Great. Well I have to be home early. Mom's making me eat with her new boyfriend." Camila rolls her eyes as we reach the parking lot. I nod and say a quick goodbye before heading to the locker room to grab my clothes. 

Luckily, the football team usually doesn't come into the locker room until a couple minutes after me, so I don't have any chance of seeing Ashton or Ryan. 

I gather my things and sling my backpack over my shoulder before heading out to my car. When I reach the parking lot, I notice the football team putting away equipment and heading down towards the school.

Just on time. 

I quickly unlock my car and hop in, attempting to avoid any contact with any of those losers. When I put the key in the ignition, the worst possible thing at the worst possible moment happens. The car makes a grumbling noise and doesn't start, no matter how many times I try to start it. 

Just my fucking luck. I guess that's what happens when you buy a car that's 20 years old. 

I sigh and rest my head against the back of my seat in disappointment. Through my rear view mirror I can see the football team approaching the parking lot. Ryan stands out immediately, his blue eyes popping even in the setting sun. I watch as he laughs with a couple boys from his team and hands them his equipment, while he immediately heads to his car. Of course he would make his teammates bring in his stuff.