Chapter Fourteen

Ayla.

Walking through the cafeteria I slowly tell Bri all the events of yesterday. As expected, she was feeling loads of different emotions, shock, disgust and anger masked her face. "Who in gods name does he think he is to be treating you... My best friend like that!" She shouted catching some weird looks and in return giving them glares telling them to mind their business. Whilst I completely understand her reaction towards all of this I didn't want her to make a huge deal out of it.

"Bri its okay you have nothing to worry about-" I reason with her until I'm cut off. "Listen Ayla. You don't deserve hum. He's a bast-" I slapped my hand on her mouth as gently as I could hoping she wouldn't say the horrible word coming next. "Bri!" I scolded, I didn't mind bad words but we were in a cafeteria and her screaming out a curse word would get us in trouble. Okay maybe I minded a little, I mean bastard is a strong word.

"I don't care Ayla, that's the nicest cuss I have for him now, it can get much worse. I'm annoyed right now, he took your first kiss, threw you out like a toy and then had the nerve to kiss you again? He has some balls, well not for long because I'm going to chop-" She spat put words laced with venom and my eyes widened as she carried on with her speech.

"Bria Emily Wilson. Stop." I raised my voice and she grumbled but did as told, Bri and I never argued, honestly never. Sure we had disagreements like in an other friendship which was normal but we always knew what boundaries to never cross and instead we communicated.

"Bri don't you think I'm angry too. I'll get over it, sometimes things don't go my way and that's just how life is." I explained and she sighed followed by a nod showing she surrendered and thank god she did because I didn't want to talk anymore about this. I feel so embarrassed, so naïve and dumb.

"Okay lets talk about something else. Are you going to the match tonight, I'm going to be there because Myles is playing." She says excitedly, I crease my brows until I recall the event. I had promised James I would go and I had no other plans. I would love to come and support James.

"Yeah, James invited me so I'll come."

I didn't even realise that its already Thursday, the week had gone by so fast. Yesterday there was no business so I didn't have to see Ryder and he wasn't in English class so my day was shining brighter than a diamond. I was pretty sure I didn't have a lesson with him today, I had English but I wasn't sure if he was coming in. Hopefully he doesn't. I need to be completely stress free today and seeing him wont help. Sometimes I wish we just stayed the way we were, our dynamic was fine. Sure I was on the short end of the stick but back then feelings were simple, he hated me and I was neutral, now he hates me and I think I- I don't know what I think.

The bell goes off and I groan, why couldn't I just be home in bed. I quickly went to class and sat down as Mr. cooper took attendance. I didn't look up to see if he was here, I just stared into my book. As weird as it sounds, I cant feel him here, like I know he's not here because I don't sense eyes on me, watching my every move. And so the lesson began, I delved into work and let it distract me from any derailing thoughts.

Ten minutes in and everyone's head turns when the door opens, it's him. I look straight back down and try to focus. That is until he takes a seat right beside me.

I didn't know if I cared, maybe I did but was convincing myself otherwise.

"What does this mean?" I hear, I look at Ryder to see him confused at the work. It was quite difficult in the sense that we had to analyse two different critical cases and then create our own but I was surprised since Ryder usually knew how to do everything.

"Um- the author wanted to organise the stanzas to differentiate nature between war. he criticised the language used, whereas this author praised the language but argued that the descriptions are up for conversation given the two themes." I swallow hard as he looks down at the paper and back up at me. He gives me sincere eyes as if saying thank you. I smile and he went back to his work. I shamelessly gawked at him, his beautiful facial structure, the way is hair fell and how plump his lips were. My eyes run down his face and stop as I see a red mark, but not just any red mark, a lipstick stain.

I inwardly gasp and my stomach turns, my breath uneven as I come to terms with the fact that he's been with someone else. I was enraged, upset and feel betrayed. Yes, we weren't together but this hurt, knowing someone else received the same intimacy he gave me makes me feel sick.

'Pull yourself together Ayla. He's not worth it.' I said to myself. Remembering the mantra I carried on with my work and didn't look at him again. Eventually the bell went off and class ended. I rushed out feeling humiliated, I was ashamed sitting next to him knowing his hands were all over me and his lips claimed mine.

As I leaned against the wall I couldn't help but feel stupid, so stupid. How did I forget... he was Ryder Costello, girls swoon over him. He didn't care about me, he probably just wanted something different, something else to conquer.

A hand ruffles my hair and I look up to see James, I give him a hug and smile at him. "Hey! You nervous for the big game?"

"No because I have you as a good luck charm." He answers and I blush while smoothing my hair.

"James!" I say making him chuckle.

"Ah Ayla. Anyways the games at seven so get there fifteen minutes early to get good seats." He says and I nod. "Okay I have to go see Bri but I'll be there." I say and we hug again before he walks off. I look to my right feeling glares being thrown at me and see Ryder, he was fuming. I almost scoffed, there was a girl rubbing up against him giving him kisses. Her lipstick matched the shade on his collar so I guess that's the culprit. As long as he's happy.

I shake my head and begin to walk towards the sociology block remembering Bri had a lesson there. Turning to a corner I shriek and the two separate. Oh my god I just walked in on a heavy make out. Bri's face goes red and he chuckles.

"I'll see you later babe, bye Ayla."

Me and Bri look back and forth before breaking out in laughter. "Jeez Bri you couldn't wait till the game?" I tease.

"Oh Ayla. So innocent, I just wanted to put a pre game practice in place." If only you guys could see the trauma in my face.

"Okay! No more details please. Can we just go home I'm tired and I need a nap before we go to the game." I whine and she nods laughing even more.

Bri and I make ways home, I told her to come to mine since there was construction in her area and she was complaining about the noise. Once at home we go upstairs to mum's room. I open the door and greet her as she smiles.

"Bria!" Mum squeals, she absolutely adores Bri.

"Hey Alaia how are you, oh my god you look so pretty with the glow!" Bri gushes and gives her a hug.

"I'm going to get changed and take a nap mama." I say and leave the room. Bri would come eventually after they caught up. I took off my clothes and put some shorts on and an oversized top. I was really comfortable and wondered where I got this shirt from because I needed another one. I probably ordered it online from the men's section since I do love the fit more. I also bought men's jeans tracksuits a lot, since they have pockets, why does the fashion industry not give us women pockets? I need answers.

The door opens and in comes Bri. "Had a nice chat?"

"Of course, your mum is so fun." She answers and takes a seat at my vanity.

"I'm going sleep, if you want to get comfy I have a fresh pair of shorts and another top for you there." I point to where the clothes are.

"I'll change but I got work to do so I'll wake you around five. Okay?" She says and I give her a thumbs up.

I slip into bed and snuggle my blanket, letting my eyes close and instantly falling into a deep slumber.

-

"Ayla. Ayla wake up its five." I feel myself being gently shaken and open my eyes to see Bri. Smiling at her I yawn and sit up against my headboard. "Thanks babe." I say my voice raspy and throat parched. I rub my eyes like a kitten and put my head between my legs to stretch my back. Looking out the window I see the navy blue sky and frown. there were many reasons I hated winter, and the sky getting dark so quickly is one of them. I hate it, I hate when it's only four and you can tell the sky is getting grey, I miss nine pm sunsets and the feeling of warmth.

"Okay let me pee and wash my face, I'll get ready then." I say and hurry to the bathroom. I get rid of the contents of my bladder and do my skincare routine. I walk back in the room and reach into my closet. "Hey what do you think about this dress?" I ask Bri, showing her the brown slip I pulled out. "Ooh that's nice, pair it with a off white cropped cardigan and it'll be perfect." I smile, Bri always knew how to put an outfit together.

I let my hair down and brush it, clipping my curtain bangs back a little. I quickly do up my face and end the look with a cherry coloured lip tint.

"Okay Ayla I see you." She says eyeing me, for dramatic effect I twirl and giggle as Bri claps.

"Thanks you babe! Okay so what you wearing, I have a really pretty dress." I say and she shakes her head. "Do you have a black skirt?" I nod and grab it. She takes off her shorts revealing her blush coloured lace underwear which complimented her fair skin.

"Im done, just need some lipstick." She looks through my collection and picks out a nice muted pink. The top went well with the skirt, and I could see why she didn't opt for a dress.

"That's it, lets go." She collects her bag and I put my wallet, keys and phone in my tote. The overthinker in me chucked an umbrella in there too just incase. Before we leave we stop by mums room and tell her we're going. We both head to the shop and buy lots of snacks to keeps us energised for the match. I wasn't a football hooligan, I did enjoy the sport and could sit through a game, my dad on the other hand loved football. He would always take me and mum to watch his favourite team. Bri's bag was now full with an assortment of sweets, drinks and chocolate. I pick up a gift box of chocolates to give to James after the match and resisted temptation of stealing one as they sat in my bag.

We hurry to catch the train and make it just in time. The train was packed since it was rush hour and the amount of corporate people shoving me got ridiculous. I had never been so thankful to get off a train once we did. I was afraid I would get shoved into a pulp.

"I'm kind of peckish, wanna grab some food?" Bri asks and I nod since my stomach is going berserk.

So we rushed to McDonald's and ordered some food. We got the twenty piece nuggets to share and some fries. I'd be lying if I said I didn't want to finish them all in one sitting.

We made it to the pitch by six forty and found our seats. Bri leaves me for a few minutes to find Myles and give him a good luck kiss. How adorable, I mean my date is nuggets, a bottle of coke and some Haribo's, how much more single can I get. Bri comes back and we begin eating just in time for the game to start. James was playing really good, Myles included. In fact, our whole team were great. I was loving the atmosphere right now, it was very cheery and very loud.

James scores and the crowd goes crazy. I cheer and smile as he looks at me giving me a wink. Within the next five minutes Myles scores and again the crowed screams. He ran to where we're sat and kisses Bri. The opposition score making their supporters rally. Not long after the whistle blows for half time and the players walk off the pitch.

"Myles played really good. And that kiss was so cute." I say fangirling.

"Well what can I say, I got the whole package." Bri states her voice all shy and her eyes dreamy.

"Aww." I squealed, I was so happy for her. I pop a mint and collect all our rubbish leaving my seat and looking for the bin. I frown not finding one and went inside. The hallways were dimly lit but quiet. I find a bin and walk to it throwing all the rubbish.

"Dressed up for James I see." I hear and turn my body to see Ryder, a cigarette in his mouth.

"You shouldn't be smoking that inside." I say ignoring his last statement.

"You're right." He says and throws his cigarette on the floor stomping it with his shoes. He kicked the flattened cigarette to the side and looked at me.

"Avoiding what I said tesoro?" He inquired and I almost fell to my knees hearing the endearment

"D-don't call me that." I try to say as harsh as possible. Chuckling he walks forward and I take a step back until I'm against the wall with nowhere to go. He cages me in and brought his lips to my ear. He smelt of the tobacco he had smoked earlier and oud. I don't know why, but I usually hated the smell of cigarettes but that mixed with his cologne was a scent to die for.

"Why tesoro. Why don't you want me to call you that." He whispers in my ear, his breath teasing the hairs on my skin. Goosebumps scattered across my body and I'm rattled. He lays small kisses along my neck ad I whimper, moaning ang gripping my dress for dear life.

My phone rings causing my to jolt into him. I pick up seeing it was Bri.

"Hello?" I say breathing heavily watching Ryder look deep into my eyes.

"Where are you? The games going to start again."

"Uh I'm coming." I say and hang up. Ryder looks me up and down before giving me a patronising smirk showing me he was satisfied. He walks off and I rush back to my seat. The game had already started and as much as I wanted to tell Bri she looks so focused and happy watching Myles. I will tell her later, I don't want to ruin her night.

I binge on the sweets to distract me from what just happened. wanted to get over him but I couldn't. I really couldn't. I glance to the opposite side of the pitch and let my heart sink as I see him sat with the same girl from earlier. She was feeling him up but he wasn't looking at her, he was looking at me. He caught my eye, whispering into her ears. I avert my eyes from them and look at James. This was his night, I was here for him. James scores again and gave me another wink, this time I blush profusely as the crowd looks at me hails his name. James runs to me and gives me a hug before doing his little celebration. I clap and look at him in awe, he was so talented. Another player scores and then after so many passes, free kicks and a yellow card the game finishes with a single blow of the referee's whistle. We all get up and make our way to the exit. Bri and I wait at the gates as Myles was coming to pick her up and take her to dinner.

After twenty minutes of waiting Myles and James show up. "Hey sorry for taking so long, coach gave us beers and we all had a drink." Myles says.

"It's fine, congrats guys! You played so well." I compliment.

Bri and Myles leave us and James and I walk to a nice little cafe. "So what do you want?" I ask James making him grin. "You don't have to get me anything, let me get you a drink." He says and I shake my head.

"James I said I was going to treat you end of discussion." He nods reluctantly and orders himself a drink, I end up getting something small and we find a cosy spot to sit in.

"You look nice." He says and I smile, "Thank yp0u, you were honestly great today." I compliment him back.

"Oh here." I remember the chocolate and get it out of my bag.

"Just a little something for today." I pass it to him and he embraces me.

"Thanks Ayla. So you coming to the party?" He asks and I furrow my brows.

"Its starting soon and its at Leo's." He says and I look at him contemplating if I should go or not. It was a school night and I was a little tired, but he seemed happy to go and the look on his face told me that he wanted me there.

"Sure, lets go."

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