Arranged to My Best Friend

9.

BRIE

I hated the days where Ryder stayed home from school. I always got bombarded by everyone, asking why he wasn't there. It was a good thing I had his friends. They were the nice jocks, the ones that actually stayed with one girl and didn't party recklessly. They weren't embarrassed to be seen with students that were low on the social bar. I had a few friends of my own, but sometimes I didn't know if it was because I was best friends with the Ryder Dallas or because of me.

I knocked on the large oak door, tapping my feet impatiently. I needed Ryder for two reasons. One, the math homework was insane. Two, I had to make sure he was okay. There weren't many reasons he skipped school. It was either sickness, traveling, or a fight with Kyle. I had a pretty good idea what it was.

One of the maids opened it, smiling and saying hello when she recognized me. She let me in and I traveled up the stairs to Ryder's room. I heard music blaring and I cringed, wondering what went down this time. I knocked on the door even though it was useless. I peeked in, seeing him lying on his bed, one of his knees propped up and a Xbox controller in his hands. He stared at the TV screen with a blank expression. He was in a pair of black sweatpants and a grey sweatshirt, the hood pulled over his head.

"Hey, you," I said entering his room, keeping the door at a crack. "Missed your pretty face today."

Ryder attempted a smile. "Missed ya too."

I dumped my backpack on the floor and sat at his side, facing him. He paused the music and the sounds of his video game stopped. He sat up and wrapped his arms around his knees. We stayed silent, and I kept waiting for him to say something. We confided in each other about everything.

"So..." I trailed off awkwardly. "I got the notes and homework you missed. We can do them together if you'd like. I need your help in math."

"Thanks, Brie. Yeah, that'd be fine. We can go ahead and do it."

Instead of getting our books, I bit my lip. "What did he say? Are you okay?"

Ryder sighed, rubbing at his eyes tiredly. "I don't want to talk about it."

"Ry-"

He snapped, "I said I don't want to talk about it, Brie!"

I flinched back, surprised that he raised his voice. He never did that with me. We've gotten into little spites here and there- what friends don't- but he never got loud.

Ryder's face swarm with realization as I shifted away from him. He reached out for me, grabbing my arm. "I'm sorry," he apologized sincerely, regret swimming in his eyes. "Brie, I didn't mean to yell at you."

"Then why did you?"

He sighed again. "I had a really tough night with my father. I got... I just got agitated and I took it out on you. I'm sorry, Brie."

"It's fine," I murmured, brushing strands of hair behind my ear. "Just don't do it again."

"I won't." He looked at me hopefully. "Are we okay?"

I gave him a small smile. "We're okay."

~~~

"Earth to Brie!" Ryder sang, off-tune may I add.

I lifted the spoon from my bowl of Fruit Loops to point it at him. "Don't sing again. My ears are too sensitive to hear that screeching nonsense."

"I'm a good singer," he argued.

"Your shower head must be lying to you then." He glared at me. I grinned smugly. I decided to change the subject. "What's on the agenda for today?"