Chapter 11

*****Xena's POV*****

I was asked to stay at the hospital for a few more days for some checkups on my health and wait till I fully recover. Soon, I was discharged and I returned home. All through my stay at the hospital, Valkyrie never once visited me again. I guess she was mad at me for my words and my actions.

I was also asked to stay home for a day to get myself together before I attended school again, but I didn't listen. I had stayed away from school for four days and I needed to catch up with the attendance for the days missed.

I got ready the next morning and left for school in my car. Arriving at the college, I was met with a few students talking about a news I didn't quite get. They just kept whispering and giggling here and there, getting my curiosity piqued.

I stepped into the classroom and as usual, the entire students offered their greetings. I looked around stylishly and saw that Ryder was in class this time. I was quite surprised that he was early today.

Just before I began the classes and delved into the topics of the day, the student from before whom I couldn't remember his name asked me directly, "Miss Xena, how are you feeling now?"

I eyed him for a brief moment, the smile on his face widened as I stared at his cheerful eyes.

A small smile made its way to my lips and I answered cheerfully, matching the time he used.

"Thank you, I'm fine now." I simply said and he nodded with a brighter smile.

"Miss Xena, this weekend, my big brother is celebrating his birthday party, I want to invite you to attend."

I froze on the spot as I heard his words. Attend a student's party? Moreover, his brother's birthday party?

I glanced at the crazy kid and smiled at him, but before I could open up my mouth to give a response, I felt a cold gaze on me and I hurriedly turned in that direction.

I saw Ryder's gaze fixed on me, his eyes flashing with what seemed like anger.

At first, I wanted to refuse the invitation because of Ryder at least, but seeing the girl hovering over him and him doing nothing to stop her, I decided to go on with the invitation.

"Sure, just give me an Invite and also don't forget to remind me," I said, a blinding smile on my face as the boy nodded.

"Thank you so much, Miss Xena," he said and fished out the invitation.

I accepted it with thanks, then stuffed it into my bag.

Everyone cheered excitedly and began to scream.

"Miss Xena, please also attend my father's birthday!" Someone pleaded and I chuckled at their wits.

Only one person seemed very mad at me and I didn't care.

I went ahead to begin my lectures and all my students did the job of answering questions if asked.

Soon, the class was over and I watched all of them leave one after the other. The first to leave was Ryder, his hand was hanging loosely on the girl beside him as they walked out of the class.

I kept on a poker face but deep down, I was hurt by the way he acted like I wasn't the same person he was hovering over the other day.

After everyone had left the class, I picked up my items and walked to the school canteen.

It was lunch break and time to unwind.

"Today doesn't feel so good." Layla suddenly announced and I frowned.

"Why would you say that?" I asked her confused and she said, "Well, a certain someone isn't happy that their mate is ignoring them." She said and I chuckled.

"Layla, it's for the best."

"But you're feeling hurt," Layla reminded me and I groaned.

"Layla just stop asking all these silly questions." I pleaded and she just snorted.

I bought my meal and began walking out of the canteen.

On my way, I bumped into someone, but it wasn't enough to send my meal or hers falling over, but she staggered backward.

I glanced at her to apologize, but when our eyes met, I was shocked to see it was the same girl hovering over Ryder like some fly.

"Miss, Xena. It's you!" She said and smiled, but I didn't smile in return. Instead, I walked past her, away from the canteen hurriedly. Just seeing her face upsets me and thinking of what she was doing with Ryder almost killed me.

"Why are you getting upset?" Layla asked me and I just scoffed.

"Me? Upset? You must be joking." I said to her and just walked into my office to have lunch.

All through the meal, I kept thinking of that girl's hand on Ryder. I wasn't supposed to feel that way, but for the first time, I felt very scared.

"I won't say anything to this." Layla voiced out.

"You better don't," I remarked.

Out of anger, I couldn't even complete the meal and directly went to throw it into the waste bin.

The school bell rang indicating that the second lesson was about to begin.

I sighed in exhaustion, then took up my entire items and strutted into the next class.

Thankfully, Ryder wouldn't be in this class. After a lot of time wasted in each class, it was finally time to leave and I hurried out of the school before anyone else.

But it seemed the goddess wasn't on my side because, when I started my car, it broke down suddenly. I felt my eyes twitch in anger at that.

How could my car break down at a time like this?

The weather changed, indicating that a storm was approaching. I gritted my teeth at the foolish car and got down to check on it.

Out of anger, I kicked the tires of the car and nearly screamed.

I glanced around, in hopes of finding anyone that could help me, but everyone was just focused on one thing or the other and no one paid any attention to me.

Just then, I saw Ryder and that girl from earlier, step out of the school and towards Ryder's car. Ryder turned and our eyes met, but it was brief because he pulled the car door open for that girl and he got in, completely ignoring me.

I felt my heart clench in anger and hurt.

Questions swirled in my mind as I watched the car leave the school environment.

Did I ruin the relationship I was supposed to have?

Have I done something wrong?