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1552 Words
As I lifted my head to see who had offered the handkerchief, my heart skipped a beat when I saw that it was indeed Ryder standing in front of me. My eyes widened in surprise, and I quickly averted my gaze, feeling self-conscious and embarrassed. I couldn't believe he had witnessed me in such a vulnerable state.
I hurriedly covered my face with my hands, hoping to shield myself from his view. I felt utterly exposed, convinced that he must be seeing me at my worst. My tears had likely left smudges of mascara under my eyes, and my cheeks were probably red and blotchy from crying. I couldn't imagine a more unattractive sight.
Feeling vulnerable and wanting to escape from the situation, I tried to get up and leave, but it felt like an invisible force was holding me back. My feet felt heavy, as if rooted to the ground, preventing me from taking a single step away from the spot where I stood.
"You'll be fine, it's okay." I couldn't believe it. Ryder was sitting right next to me, his presence sending shivers down my spine. I could feel his warm breath on my cheek, and it only added to the turmoil of emotions swirling inside me. What was he doing here? And why did he choose to sit beside me? I tried my best to keep my composure and not let him see how much his proximity affected me. I didn't want him to know that he had any power over me, that he could make my heart race just by being near.
"If you're here to mock me, sorry, but you can't do that. I'm not in the mood to deal with you. Like what the hell? I'm crying right now!" As soon as the words escaped my lips, I felt a mix of relief and embarrassment. I had just blurted out my feelings without any filter, and now Ryder was witnessing a side of me I had tried so hard to hide.
"Just cry. Don't mind me," he said again, his voice gentle and reassuring. With a slight push, he placed the handkerchief back on my lap. "What are you crying at?" Ryder's question caught me off guard, and I found myself unable to answer right away. I glanced at him, and he was looking at me intently, waiting for a response. His eyes seemed to hold a hint of concern, which only added to the magnetic pull I felt towards him. "Oh, I'm sorry. Maybe it's better not to ask you about that," he quickly added, seemingly realizing that it might be a sensitive topic.
"I wish you hadn't told me that Dad was here," I blurted out, feeling out of control of my own words.
I wasn't even sure if I was thinking clearly because I was talking to this guy. I despise Ryder, so why am I talking to him now? Maybe it's just the emotions taking over. I badly need someone to talk to.
"Why? Did you get scolded?" His tone sounded concerned, but I wasn't sure if I was right.
"Nope. It's my thing; you wouldn't understand," I replied, relieved that I stopped myself from telling him about my situation. I didn't want anyone to know about me. It's enough that they know I have a stepsister. That's it. That's all they need to know.
"I understand you. You know what? The world is really unfair and cruel at the same time. Whatever your problem is, I know someday you'll be okay. Just cry and cry. Crying will help you ease the pain," he said gently.
I grabbed the handkerchief on my lap and wiped my face.
It's surprising how quickly things can change. Despite not being close and having feelings of dislike towards him, Ryder's words resonated with you. Perhaps he's going through something similar, which created a connection between the two of you. Sometimes, shared experiences or emotions can bridge gaps and bring unexpected understanding and comfort.
"Done crying, Señorita? Shall we?" He stood up and lend his hand. I hesitated for a moment, unsure of whether to take his hand or not. Ryder's offer to accompany me felt sincere, but a part of me still held on to the past animosity we had shared. In the end, I brushed him off and stood up on my own.
"I'm a strong independent woman. So I don't need your help." I fixed my hair a bit and walked away.
"Your back! Señorita is back. Good thing you're done with your own little drama." He even clapped his hands while walking.
"It's not a drama! You said a while ago that crying will help me to ease the pain! And then now you're saying that's a drama? You jerk!" Ryder's expression remained unchanged as he listened to my outburst. He didn't seem affected by my anger, which only fueled my frustration even more.
The meeting room was buzzing with excitement and anticipation as everyone gathered to discuss the upcoming play. Scripts and notes were spread across the table, and the director was explaining the plot and character dynamics to the cast.
I found myself lost in my thoughts as I carefully studied my lines, trying to absorb every word and emotion they conveyed. The pressure to deliver a compelling performance weighed heavily on my shoulders, especially since I was cast as the lead role, Christine.
"Deal?" He's now looking at me, holding his scripts.
"What?" I asked confusingly.
"Deal? You're staring at me and you look like you want to say something. I guess it's about the using thing. Am I right?"He raised and lowered his eyebrows and grinned at me. I couldn't help but roll my eyes at Ryder's cocky attitude.
"Tsk. Just by staring at your face, I realized that you're not that too handsome for me. And were not compatible! Eww! And It's not about the deal. I'm actually judging you."
As I saw Ryder's reaction to my blunt remarks, I couldn't help but feel a mix of annoyance and surprise. I never expected him to be affected by my words, considering his cocky demeanor. But there he was, clutching his chest dramatically as if my comments had wounded him deeply. Are you for real?" I asked, raising an eyebrow skeptically.
"You can't seriously be hurt by what I just said. You're the one who started this whole thing with your ridiculous proposal."
"Ouch! Easy there. And you're going to criticize me? There's nothing to criticize about my face. Dad says I'm handsome. That's why I'm pursued by girls now," he bragged, even managing to wink. I found his actions repulsive.
"You know, your Dad is a liar. And you believe him? Your own parents lying to you?" I shook my head and gave him an evil smile.
I took a deep breath to calm myself down and focused on the script in my hands. I needed to regain my composure and concentrate on my role as Christine. The last thing I wanted was to let Ryder's irritating presence distract me from my performance.
As I went over my lines, I could feel my frustration slowly dissipating. Acting had always been my passion, and I wasn't about to let Ryder ruin that for me. I reminded myself that I was in control of my emotions, and I wouldn't let anyone else dictate how I felt.
After a few hours, natapos din kami sa pagre-rehearse. I searched for Mila, but she was nowhere to be found. It was typical of her to disappear and go "boys hunting," as she called it, whenever she had the chance. I couldn't help but roll my eyes at her antics. Mila could be so unpredictable and impulsive, but that was just part of her charm, I guess.
"Oh, you're raising your eyebrows again, Señorita! Come with me. It's safer. It's getting dark too!" he said, as if he had the best idea in the world. I quickened my pace, trying to put some distance between me and Ryder. I didn't want to be anywhere near him, especially as the daylight was fading, and darkness was beginning to envelop the surroundings. My heart raced with unease, and I couldn't shake off the feeling of distrust towards him.
"Oh my gosh! What's this?" My heart sank as I saw the shattered window of my car. Glass shards glinted in the dim light, reflecting the unsettling reality of what had just happened. I rushed closer, my hands trembling as I inspected the damage. Someone had deliberately broken into my car, and anger and frustration swelled inside me. "Why would anyone do this? What did I do to deserve this?" I muttered to myself, feeling a mix of disbelief and helplessness. I couldn't comprehend why someone would target my car, and I couldn't shake off the feeling that it might be related to Ryder somehow.
As I hurriedly walked back inside the school, I couldn't shake off the feeling that someone was following me. The hairs on the back of my neck stood on end, and my heart started to race. Until I decided to stop. I heard whispers that seemed to be getting closer to me. I closed my eyes as I felt someone touch my shoulder.
- Writer
