Jenalyn: From the Inside (#3) [Complete]

Chapter 32: Hayden

Sunday, 11:59 A.M. EST

The stairwell leading back down to the ward smells like a hot glue gun. I’m not sure why, but I don’t like it.

As soon as Ryan opens the heavy door, I follow my now regular procedure of taking in a deep breath of fresh air on the roof and plugging up my nose.

“You’re so extra!” Ryan laughs as he holds the door open for me. I roll my eyes playfully in response as I walk past him, and into the smelly stairwell. 

Ryan follows behind me, but shimmies ahead of me as we reach the second floor so he can make sure the coast is clear.

He pulls open the second-floor door a crack, scanning the halls before pushing it shut.

I never understood why he checks the status of the second floor when we’re headed to the first. A close run-in with one of the adult ward nurses, making her way to the first floor for something, explained that for me about four days ago.

“We should wait here for a few minutes; I can’t tell what’s going on out there,” he says as he makes his way back to me.

Nodding my head, I lower myself onto the stairs though still prepared to sprint up them and out of sight if need be.

“It shouldn’t be too long,” he says as he lowers himself beside me. “We can still talk if you want. Did you decide yet?”

I’m confused, but recall the end of our conversation a few moments ago while we were still on the roof.

I told him I might just have to try to bring my crazy personality out to end this feud with Ren once and for all. I just wasn’t sure if it was a good idea to regress while I’m trying to get better.

“It’s been like... 5 minutes,” I laugh quietly, turning to face him with my brow raised. “I haven’t decided anything yet. What’s it matter to you, anyway?”

Ryan blushes. He turns to me, goes to respond, but ends up laughing as he looks away to regain himself. 

“I’m interested,” he says after a moment. “Plus, I need to know if I have to smuggle my phone in to record the video for WorldStar!” 

He winks at me as my jaw falls open, and I laugh again. 

“You’re a friggen idiot!” I laugh as I shove him. “My mother would have your head! Mine too! You don’t play with that!”

He raises a brow as if to threaten that he might; We both know he wouldn’t, though.

“I’m still considering it!” He jokes, only to laugh as he shakes his head and tells me he’s kidding.

He turns to me, his laughter faltering off rather quick. It’s replaced with an expression that’s familiar to me, but that I can’t pinpoint it right now for some reason.

Before I know it, Ryan’s eyes close and he goes in for a kiss.

What the-?

I stand up, turning around wearing a look of shock on my face. It’s just in time to see him fall forward.

“I- I’m sorry!” he exclaims, his face flushed with embarrassment. 

I have to shake my head to get my thoughts right, but manage to do it quickly.

“I uh... I’m in a relationship,” I say after a second, “Nothing personal to you! I just-“

Ryan stands now, too. “No, it’s okay!” he interrupts, embarrassment lining his voice. “No worries!” 

Could this be more awkward? What the hell just happened?!