The Moment

Chapter Twenty-Eight

"What are you talking about?" He asked, looking over at me. The things that were said this morning were really starting to affect me and I didn't know if I'd be able to handle a relationship where things are constantly being said.

"People aren't the biggest fans of me and Noah together and they're making that very clear."

"Cross," He said, taking my hand in his; a moment I never thought would happen again. "you need to stop listening to other people. You're constantly needing approval from others and honestly, the only person that's going to hurt in the end is yourself. You like him; I can see it. The look in your eyes when you talk about him; it's one I've seen many times before."

My relationship with Ryland was one I only wished for. He was kind, caring and treated me with the most respect anyone ever had but the minute those three little words left his mouth, I knew he'd want to go public and the fear of negative opinions and abuse took over, causing me to run out on him.

"I do like him but-"

"No buts." Ryland said, cutting me off. "Don't let what ruined us, ruin you and Noah." Pulling his hand away from mine, he placed a soft kiss on the top of my head before getting up from the bench. "I'll make sure Thomas leaves you alone."

He was right. I was letting people I didn't even know have control over my life and my decisions and at the end of the day, the only person who was hurting because of it...was me. I need to learn to do what I feel is best for me and if being with Noah makes me happy, I'm going to be happy.

---

Pulling up to the Hype House after I left the park, it was definitely a strange feeling. Things weren't exactly good between me and Thomas so walking into his domain was something I kind of wanted to avoid.

"Hey Alex, where's Tayler?"

"Regan...what are you doing...here?" He asked, standing up from the kitchen table.

"I thought I made it pretty obvious with my first question...I'm looking for Tayler." I said, letting out a laugh that quickly died down as I took in the vibe from Alex. "What happened?" As soon as the words left my mouth, my head turned in the direction of shouting and I knew only two people could be involved.

With Alex following behind me, we headed towards Tayler's room to find Tayler and Thomas arguing back and forth.

"Tayler." I said, trying to step into the argument and calm him down. It wasn't until I was fully inside Tayler's room that I realized for myself what the argument was about.

"You said you'd lay off!" Tayler shouted from over me. "And now I have pictures of her all over my room!"

"It's a joke!" Thomas shouted back.

"It's not a joke anymore!" Tayler explained, stepping forward causing me to step backwards. "You're no longer doing this as a joke, man! You see the buzz it's getting and it's ruining more than just one person!"

"Yeah, well at least the person who's actually meant to feel something...is." I could feel Thomas' eyes on me and if I was ever going to have a chance to explain myself, this would be it.

"You don't think I felt something?" I asked, turning to face him. "You don't think every night I was here I was feeling more and more? You don't think I didn't think him and I could actually be something? It wasn't meant to be like that! He wasn't supposed to fall and neither was I! But I did and I got scared and I ran! But as far as that relationship is concerned, it has nothing to do with you! And this," I said, motioning towards the pictures on Tayler's walls. "needs to stop."

"Thomas," Hearing Ryland's voice from the doorway, the room fell silent and I was really hoping I wouldn't have to continue the conversation. "I need your help with something." Watching Thomas leave, I let out a sigh as I turned back towards Tayler.

"I'm moving out."