Unbearable (Unexpected Sequel)|✔️

49- Replacements

As I laid in my bed, my legs dangling off the edge, I couldn't help but let my mind wander.

Everything was getting more serious than ever. Never did I expect things to go in this direction.

I swear, were males really this touch-starved? They start liking the first person that shows interest in them. It's a little ridiculous. Even I, who hasn't had many romantic relationships in the past, am not desperate enough to fall for the first guy who shows me attention.

And I know it's not specifically me. It would've been the same for any girl. I'm not anything special. It just happened that I was the only one who put in some effort with Ben. The first one to notice him.

Speaking of me, was I forgiving everyone too quickly? I mean, I used to hold grudges for months on end. Suddenly I'm in a forgiving mood?

But then again, wasn't it justified? Especially for Ben's case. For someone who seemed uncomfortable with apologizing and sweet gestures, he sure did it a lot. He stepped out of his comfort zone for me. I think that justified forgiveness.

Not that I think he'd want my forgiveness if he found out the truth.

But Dean? No offense, but telling me the cause of our breakup didn't really push away the hurt I felt for months. If he was honest in the beginning, I would've understood.

There I go again, talking about honesty when I can't even follow my own advice.

"Ryder, what do I do?" I asked my pup, who was lying on my bed with me. His tongue stuck out his mouth, almost touching the blanket. At the last minute, he tilted his head up and licked the hand that was petting him. I giggled and squirmed away from him, which made him try even harder.

The moment was short-lived. I needed to decide what I was doing with the guys in my life. There were way too many.

Shrugging to no one in particular, I decided that I'd wait for Monday to come around to see what Ben did. As for Dean, I really wasn't sure. My heart and body responded to him but my mind was screaming at me to back away before he hurt me again.

Keyword being again. He seemed to be doing that a lot lately.

The doorbell echoed, making me jump. Closing my eyes and letting out a breath, I sat up and started to make my way downstairs. When I was close enough to the door, I saw Justin there, talking to my guests.

"Anderson, it's good to see you," Justin said respectfully. Reece was Justin's assistant coach so he had to be nice. He liked him though.

"Sup Lil Wilks," Reece laughed, ruffling my brother's hair and stepping inside.

Skylar was next. She eyed Justin with an impassive look. "Hi."

"Hi."

I snorted at the brief interaction. Then my interest piqued when Dean started to enter. Justin put a hand on his chest, blocking his path.

"Dean, what're you doing here? Last I heard, my sister isn't with you." That made me laugh. Dean was over a lot more when we were broken up.

"She invited me," Dean smoothly replied. Neither knew I was watching from the staircase. "Besides, we're together again."

Justin's jaw slacked. I would've laughed if I didn't process Dean's words. Annoyed, I finally went up to the door. Irritation flashed through my eyes as I looked at Dean. "No, we're not." I turned to Justin and softened a little. "They're going to be over for a while."

Justin grabbed my arm and pulled me away from everyone. He had a lot more strength than last year, it was surprising. Then again, he's been playing football for a year now. In hushed voices, he said, "Ary, what's going on? Should I call Dylan?"