Bella:
The cheer from the entire school snapped me out of my thoughts, and I rushed outside with the twins to see which team had won the tournament. The entire Howlstone crowd was on their feet, chanting with the football team and lifting Ryder on their shoulders.
"Yes!" Finn yelled, jumping up with pride. He pulled Kai and me into a hug, as if he was the one who had won a trophy, making me ecstatic.
We waited there until the school team made their way over with Ryder still on their shoulders. He told them to stop when he got to us, and they put him down, still cheering.
"I'll be with you guys in a moment," he said to them, and then they rushed into the school building, screaming at the top of their voices.
"We are proud of you, man!" Finn said as they shook hands and engaged in a light hug. Ryder then turned to me. I was dying of excitement and couldn't say a thing; I just pulled him into a hug.
He pulled away, kissed my forehead, and grabbed my hand.
"The coach said you put in a good word for me, and I do not know how I can ever repay you for being an..." I placed a finger on his lips before he could finish.
"We should celebrate, not apologizing. So, who is with me?" I asked.
My evening had already been sad because of Hazel, and even though she didn't want me, I wanted to speak with her more than ever.
"Yes, how about we go to the apartment and see a movie or something?" Kai suggested, and we all nodded in agreement.
"Drinks on me, and we're taking my ride," Ryder said. Then he turned to leave. "I'm going to check in with the boys, and I will be right back. You guys should prepare," he said, and we nodded.
The twins and I rallied around the school for snacks, and when we were done, we were at the car park waiting for Ryder. They noticed my face had barely improved from earlier.
"Hazel will come around, and sometimes it's okay for people to be alone," Finn said while I leaned on the car with my arms crossed.
Ryder came around, and I forced a smile on my face, not wanting to kill his moment. We stacked everything in the trunk and got into the car.
"I'll drive," Ryder said, and Finn tossed him the key.
I got into the back seat, and Finn followed, causing Kai to sit up front with Ryder. The entire ride, I tried to make small conversations with my head on Finn's shoulder while constantly checking my phone to see if Hazel would text, but she never did.
After a while, we made it to the apartment, and we all got out, taking out the snacks and drinks.
"Wait a minute," Kai said, calling our attention before we could make it to the front door. "These are just sodas and no alcohol," he said, staring at Ryder, who slapped his forehead.
"I forgot. I'm trying to be sober, and I didn't realize you guys haven't been on a drinking spree like me."
"It... It is fine," I said, and the twins raised a brow. "Or not, you should probably get some right away," I said, rubbing the back of my neck.
"I'll go with you." Kai gave the packet of soda to Finn before getting into the car with Ryder, while Finn and I walked into the building.
We made our way to the elevator and then to Ryder's apartment. As soon as we were in the room, I made my way to the living space, throwing myself on the couch.
"Come on, you know I won't let you act like that, right?" Finn asked, placing the bags and packet of drinks on the table while I sighed. "You have to be present here, and you can worry about Hazel tomorrow. We care about Hazel too, and we owe her a lot because you probably wouldn't be here if she hadn't suggested I throw you on my shoulders," he said, causing my chin to lift a little.
"She knows you care, and she needs space to get things behind her. We all love you, and we still gave you space even when you were in your mean girl era, so she knows you care about her," he said, then he held my hand, caressing it softly. "So... what do you say? Let's pick out a movie before they return," he suggested, and I nodded.
"We should use the bedroom because we would have to sit separately in the living room, and you might not forget what is bugging you when you are alone," he suggested, and I nodded.
We poured the popcorn into a large bowl, set out the chips and sweets, then arranged the soda bottles close to the bed before proceeding to pick out a movie.
"Done!" I exclaimed, tossing the remote onto the bed. Then I threw my arms around him for support with my head on his chest. He patted my head gently, rubbing my back while I remained on him for a while before pulling away.
I was about to speak, but the moment our gazes met, mine drifted down to his lips. The memories of the last time with him clouded my mind, so I pressed my lips on his without thinking. He wrapped his hands around my waist, his left hand going low to grab my butt cheek as he pushed me toward him, deepening the kiss. He lifted me like a rag doll, placing me on top of the vanity, then attacked my neck with kisses, his hands moving around my laps, squeezing my body tightly while I tried to get my arms around him.
Suddenly, the door flipped open, causing us to pull away. Ryder and Kai stood by the door, their expressions plain. The room became silent. I got down from the vanity and walked up to them, facing Kai, and planting a kiss on his
lips.