Everything Changes

Chapter 18: Sweet Side

                                                                          Ryder P.O.V

I'm wide-awake lying in bed because sleep is eluding me. Grateful that tomorrow is Saturday. Although I need to get some sleep. Since I have to be out of the house in about 5 hours before he wakes up. I feel all tense and I can't relax, no matter how hard I try. What Derek said still stuck in my head, and the memories he brought up.

The room brightens up a bit, and I look over at my phone. Picking it up, I see I have a text message from Aria. That's a little unusual, so I looked at the time on my phone telling me it was 2 am. Why was she texting me? Opening the text, the message she sent stared at me, 'Are you awake?' Huh.

Me: Yeah, why what's up?

Aria: Well, this will sound strange.

Me: ?

Aria: I need help.

Me: Are you okay? Did something happen?

Aria: Kind of I just... I don't know what I am doing anymore or why I am texting you.

Me: ????

Aria: I just need someone to talk to... someone that I don't have to worry about always tiptoeing around me, and them prioritizing my feelings above theirs.

I'm not trying to be rude or anything, I just don't know why she is coming to me about this, and I don't know what to say. So, I sat there staring at my phone unsure of what to say back. Another text comes through.

Aria: Sorry I shouldn't have texted you. I just needed some advice because I need to put my feelings aside and put up an act for them so they can finally grieve. Sorry to have bothered you. I just don't know what to do anymore...

I felt like a dick because she wasn't bothering me. She was just confusing me about why she wanted my help. I'm not someone that people go to when they need advice about anything. Most people just try to avoid me with all the rumors that fly around me. I'm just not that guy that gets called first when someone needs help.. Maybe that's why they didn't come to me that night. I can't make that same mistake again.

Me: Don't be sorry. I just didn't know anybody who would text me for help ;)

Aria: Yeah, me either, but I can't go to Em about this.

Me: HEY! Don't offend me here.

Aria: Sorry!

Me: Stop saying sorry.

Aria: Okay, Sorry.

Me: There you go again. I'm not sure what kind of advice to give you.

Aria: That's okay... weird question, but are you busy today?

I know that I shouldn't say yes. I don't know how much help I was going to be. Plus I'm not someone she should be hanging out with. I'm guessing that she needs someone to be there for her, that she needs to get away. Not sure why I feel like I could be that person. Even though I'm at a total loss for what to do. I want to be there for her. She doesn't seem like she wants to talk to the people closest to her. So, a stranger might be the perfect thing for her.