Devil on the Rooftop [Book 1]

Chapter 91 - Arisa -

I didn't have the heart to stick around after school and search for my boyfriend. I was still aching, hurt over my encounter with the rooftop delinquent. I hated his hold over me and I hated myself for even thinking about what it would be like dating him. He was so immature, not to mention impulsive and irrational. He never took a second to think before he acted and that always landed him in hot water. I also couldn't help feel responsible for the disconnect between him and Loyal. I didn't want to be the reason their friendship fell apart.

My walk home was tiring, mostly due to the never ending conflictions my mind conjured up. I definitely had to take some melatonin tonight, if I wanted a nice and peaceful sleep. I kept my head down, trying hard to tune out the sounds of my uncertainty. I barely reached the steps to my house when I heard a familiar voice call out my name. "Arisa," they said, making my heart stop. I looked up to find my ex-boyfriend standing by the front gate of my house.

"W-Wade," I gasped.

His smile was just as warm, just as calming as I remembered it to be. His short blonde hair was growing out and his hazel eyes gleamed brightly. He got taller too. A lot taller than he was in middle school. Dressed in fitted dark jeans and a branded sweater, he looked like one of those American Eagle models. I was a little nervous to approach him. I knew I shouldn't be surprised to see him but I couldn't shake away the butterflies. My ex-boyfriend was so handsome.

"You look good in a uniform," he commented. "Must be breaking a lot of hearts at your new school."

I shook my head and forced the thought of Khaleel Abdul out. "Get out of here," I laughed. "I'm not of interest to anyone."

"That's hard to believe," Wade replied, walking over to me. "How many people did I have to threaten when you and I were going through our rough patch?"

I blushed at the reminder. "Right," I acknowledged awkwardly. "What are you doing here, Wade?"

"Your mom didn't tell you?"

I nodded. "She did but I didn't think you would actually show up. Not the way we ended things."

"Right," Wade drawled. "I guess that's one of the many reasons I wanted to see you. I know things ended badly, and I've had plenty of time to think back on what went wrong. There's a lot of stuff I assumed about you, and a lot of things you didn't correct me on. We're both responsible for that but lately I've been feeling a little guilty."

I raised my brow. "Guilty?"

Wade smiled. "I took advantage of your kindness," he said simply. "After my accident, I turned into a real dick, but you stuck by me and took care of me more than I deserved. You were the best girlfriend, Arisa. I'm mad at myself for letting you go. I wish I fought harder for us. I wish I didn't cut you off so inconsiderately."

"I appreciate you saying that, Wade," I told him. "We had some tough times but I don't regret dating you. It was fun having a boyfriend."

Wade laughed. "I'll take that."

"But Oakville High is far from Jackheights," I remembered. "How did you get here?"

Wade beamed. "I drove."

"Get out of here!" I laughed, feeling my old habits resurface. I used to say that phrase a lot around him. It was kind of my thing, and he always made fun of me for it. "You drive now? Gosh, I keep forgetting you failed grade one."

"Because I couldn't spell orange," Wade reminded me. "And I shaped my eights into infinity signs."

"Which is just hilarious," I laughed.

Wade laughed too. "It was all intentional," he joked. "So, um listen. This is going to be a long-shot but I wanted to ask if you were seeing anyone these days."

"Oh—uh," I stuttered to get my truth out. How in the world was I supposed to tell my ex-boyfriend that I was not only dating, but that it was with one of his childhood friends? Maybe I didn't have to say his name.

Wade nodded before I could form an answer. "Ah, I see," he said. "Well, that also doesn't surprise me. He's a lucky guy. I hope he treasures you more than I did."

"T-Thanks," I stammered.