Alexis Miller [Editing]

Chapter twenty five: Trust Me

*two months later*

I sit at my desk staring at the four boys who sit before me. Apparently they were attempting to beat up a kid in a younger year. Unfortunately for them I saw this happening and now they have to sit with me, in detention.

Ahh yes, I got a job, as a teacher. Well a substitute teacher at my old high school. I figured since they were so desperate I might as well help out to pass the time.

It's so quiet and all that can be heard is ticking. I look at the clock located at the back of the classroom. 3:48pm. I'm gonna be late. I quickly dismiss the boys, even though it's ten minutes early, and head for the double doors that indicate an exit.

A few moments later I'm parked outside mine and Ryder's apartment. There's no need to use the elevator because it will take too long so I bolt for the staircase.

After going up the four flights of stairs I hurriedly open the door, “Am I late? I hope not, Ryder?"

“Hey. No, don't worry you're not late, a bit early if you ask me." He walks over to me then gives me a kiss on the cheek, “Could you please help me with the banner."

He holds up a large piece of white material with the words 'Happy Birthday Cora' written in pink. That's right, my baby is turning four today.

I stand on the opposite side of Roo as he ties the one end to ceiling and I tie the other. I step back to examine it, and it looks great.

DING DONG

I rush over to the door to let in the person on the side in. I look through the little hole and don't hesitate to open the door. “Sam!" I shout then let her in.

As soon as she drops her bags I jump on top of her, engulfing her in a hug. “I've missed you so much!" I say, “Even Cora misses you! She'll be so happy that you're here."

She chuckles, “oh it wasn't even that long, three months at max."

“That's a really long time!" I wrap my arms around her again and tightly squeeze her as she does the same.

“So who's the hot guy?" She let's go of me then I follow her gaze that lands on Ryder who is readjusting the banner. I don't think he even noticed someone else was here.

“Louis! what do you think?" He steps away with his hands on his hips, while his back is still facing us, “I think it's skew, should I redo it?" His head flips around to face our direction.

He then looks at me confused and I silently laugh, “Ryder I'd like you to meet my dear friend, Samantha." He quickly whips his right palm on his jeans then extends his arm to greet her.

“Hi, I'm Ryder, Louis's boyfriend and Cora's father." She gladly accepts his greeting with a warm smile.

“So you're responsible for that bundle of joy? I must say, you two make great babies but sometimes that girl can be hard work!"  Ryder laughs at her remark and they continue talking as the doorbell rings again.

“Hey! Alex! Open the door!" Becky's voice echoes throughout the apartment. I laugh then open the door. She walks right in with a bear shaped gift wrapped in pink wrapping paper.

Next comes in Tristan who is talking to someone on the phone. He gives me a quick hug then walks over to where the rest of the people are. Anny comes in immediately after him.

I had to beg for really long just to get her out of boarding school for the weekend just so that she could at least see her step-niece.

Just before I close the door Rose an AJ emerge from around the corner. He is holding a cake covered in light pink icing. I smile at them as I wait for them to enter. But something seems a little off.