Chapter 4

The school hallway was bustling with students during the lunch break and at the center of the chaos was Ryker.

I stood at my locker, searching for a book I needed for my next class. My long, chestnut hair cascaded over my shoulders as I concentrated on my task. Wearing my hair that way made me feel sheltered from the chaos.

I found the book and immediately shut the locker only to get startled by Ryker leaning on behind the door, causing me to jump and drop my books. They scattered on the floor, my fragile confidence shattering along with them.

“Oops, clumsy Harper,” Ryker sneered, a malicious grin on his face. “Always dropping things, aren’t you?”

I felt my cheeks flush with embarrassment, and my heart raced. I knew this was coming.

I bent down to pick up my fallen books. “Why do you do this, Ryker? What have I ever done to you?”

Mason and Jake exchanged grins, waiting for the usual cruel retort.

Ryker leaned in closer to me, his tone dripping with sarcasm. “Oh, Harper,” he taunted, “you think I need a reason to mess with you? You’re just an easy target. It’s like a game, watching you squirm.”

My eyes welled up with tears, but I refused to let them fall.

.

.

“Are you really doing this Harper?” I asked myself, feeling my stomach in knots.

As I watched the group of familiar faces gathered on the balcony of Charlotte’s lakeside cottage, doubts crept into my mind. What if I regretted coming here? What if he was still the jerk he used to be? Ugh! Harper, just don’t think!

My eyes caught the peaceful waters that mirrored the sparkling stars above, creating a picturesque scene that was a contrast to the inner turmoil I was experiencing at the moment.

Checking my phone, Emily still hadn’t messaged. She had mentioned she was on her way when I left my apartment, but her absence was starting to make me wonder. The evening had grown darker, and my nerve was mounting.

The sound of laughter and conversation from the balcony reached my ears; their cheerful voices, the clinking of glasses, and the gentle breeze rustling through the trees.

I took a deep breath. “All right. Do or die.”

As I reached the front door, I paused for a moment to take a look at the wreath of vibrant flowers with a sign that read “Welcome Back, Alumni!” hung cheerfully.

With a deep breath, I pushed open the door and stepped inside. The warm, rustic interior of the cottage greeted me, adorned with twinkling fairy lights and the comforting scent of wood and home-cooked food. The chatter and laughter from the balcony grew louder as I made my way through the cozy living room.

“Harper, you made it! I’m so glad you’re here.” I heard Charlotte’s screechy greeting, welcoming me with a warm hug.

I returned her hug and smiled. “Wouldn’t have missed it for the world, Char.”

“I would feel bad if you didn’t come. You did not reply to my DM on I*******m!”

I bit my lip. “Didn’t I? I thought I replied, Char. Sorry...”

She feigned upset, letting out a playful huff, and then linked her arm with mine. “You’re forgiven. You’re here now. But seriously, why’s Emily late?”

I wrinkled my nose. “Honestly, I’m not sure. She said she was on her way when I left, but I haven’t heard from her since.”

Charlotte’s eyes twinkled with mischief. “Since she’s late, she should prepare a grand entrance with a dramatic flair.”

I laughed at the thought. “Knowing Emily, she would never do that.”

“I know.” She laughed as we made our way toward the balcony where the rest of the guests had gathered.

Familiar faces turned toward me, and a chorus of greetings filled the air. I was so relieved Ryker was not here.

“Oh, the kitten is here,” joked Lala in a whisper as she hugged me.

“You still never changed. Stop calling me that.” I told her. She just giggled and handed me a drink. I particularly disliked the pet name. She, however, would whisper that name to me, avoiding one particular person to hear it.

Mason, Emily’s ex-boyfriend, was among the group. He extended a hand. “Harper. Good to see you here.”

I shook his hand with a friendly smile. “Likewise, Mason. It’s been a while.”

For a split second, I entertained the idea of giving his hand a twist, but I quickly dismissed it, besides, I believed that Ryker was the mastermind behind the plan to ridicule me and that he was merely a dog without a tail. Nevertheless, what angered me the most was the instances in which they all laughed and taunted me whenever Ryker attempted to intimidate me.

“Where’s the other dog?” I said, and everyone fell into silence. They looked at Mason for a moment and then at me. “I mean Jake,” I gave them a shrug, my tone nonchalant.

Mason let out an uncomfortable chuckle. “Jake couldn’t make it tonight. He’s caught up with work.”

Charlotte then laughed, breaking the awkward silence following my comment. “Oh, Harper, you always have a way of keeping us on our toes!”

I smiled, deciding to steer the conversation away from any lingering tension.

“Well, enough about that,” she said, a grin spreading across her face. “Let’s focus on making new memories tonight! How about we play a round of our classic college game: ‘Never Have I Ever’?”

Lala grabbed a deck of cards from the nearby table, her enthusiasm infectious. “Okay, let’s do this! I’ll start. Never have I ever skipped a class for a hook-up!”

Laughter erupted as some of us raised our glasses while others exchanged knowing glances.

“I have!” Charlotte burst into laughter.

“Yeah, I did that too!” Chelsea chimed in, her infectious laughter spreading like wildfire through the group.

“Never have I ever broken up with someone because I was a pussy!” Charlotte screeched, her eyes playfully trained on Mason, who couldn’t help but grimace at the sudden turn of the game.

“Oh, Ryker’s arrived,” Lala announced with excitement.

My heart rate quickened at the thought of his presence. Sure enough, there he was, striding onto the balcony with an air of confidence that was all too familiar.

I felt a rush of emotions—fear, anger, and a lingering sense of unease as I cast my eyes somewhere but him. These people mostly didn’t have any idea what Ryker and I had in those years. For them what we had was a playful banter, but they never had any idea what he was like when we were alone.

Drinking from my cup, I refused to meet his eyes.

Charlotte, always quick to lighten the mood, broke the silence. “Well, well, look who decided to grace us with his presence. Ryker, care to join in on our little game of ‘Never Have I Ever’?”