Chapter 12

Zach’s POV

There were two cars parked outside Ryder’s off-campus apartment by the time I got there for our next session. One I recognized as the red Cardillac he drives to school, but the second black SUV I had never seen before.

Ordinarily I would have dismissed it as a gift, it wouldn’t be beyond his parents to send him a brand-new car for just existing, but the movement from his living room window and raised voices the closer I got told a different story.

He had a visitor, and it didn’t sound like a very merry one.

Not knowing what to do with myself in such a situation, I stood awkwardly at the porch for a moment. I had no idea how long they’d been here, nor how long they intended to stay.

And even if they walked out in the next minute, it didn’t seem like they would leave Ryder in the most hospitable mood, talk more of having to spend the next two hours studying.

It was already hard enough dealing with him on a regular day, I wouldn’t want to be caught up in the aftermath of whatever this was.

Earlier I texted him that I’d come and he didn’t seem against the idea, but given the situation it was probably best if I left.

Just as I turned to the street, I heard the lock click and a ray of light fell on my back as the door pulled open.

Shit. I probably should’ve sped up my thought process.

Conjuring what would be the fakest smile of my life, I clutched my bag to my chest and turned around to find a tall man in a dark suit with brooding eyes and a terrifying scowl standing behind me. He seemed to be in his late forties and a very terrible mood.

Behind him stood a blonde woman, face lighter but holding just the same tension.

Knowing better than to expect a handshake but unable to stop my hand from moving on time, I waved awkwardly instead. “Hi, I’m-”

Without another second of acknowledgement, the man brushed past me, the lady following after. I couldn’t even take offence at it as I turned and watched them get into the black SUV.

Just then, I felt strong fingers wrap around my shoulders fondly and I nearly jumped out of my skin.

“Sorry about that. Bunch of classist pricks,” Ryder huffed, voice filled with venom, and I soon realized that his hold was more of an anchor than consolation.

Putting up my best comforting smile, I shook my head. “It’s fine. Sounds like you guys had quite the brawl?”

His eyes fell to me, as if just noticing that I was there and then the anger in his face washed away slightly. “It’s nothing, I’ll handle it.”

I nodded. “Should I come back another time?”

His eyebrows furrowed. “Why?”

“Well, I’m guessing you might not be in a good mood for the most part of the evening and I would hate to make it about me.”

He managed a dry chuckle then. “It is about you, princess.”

“Huh?” I blurted, blinking rapidly.

Exhaling deeply, he stepped aside and I hesitated for a moment before walking inside, the whole time trying to piece together how any of this could be tied to me in any way.

He lingered by the door for a moment, watching the car drive off into the distance before closing it with a languid sigh. “Those were Brittany’s parents. They just flew in from the states and barged into my fucking house…” he trailed off, rubbing his temples.

“I don’t even know why I’m still involved with that girl for Christ’s sake,” he muttered, more to himself than me.

Finally, he looked up at me again, then headed past me to the living room. I followed him, suddenly more invested than I would’ve liked to be. “What were you thinking attacking Britt anyway? You should know it would only make her twice the bitch she already is,” he groaned, taking his usual seat in the stool.

I paused, the pieces slowly coming together, and suddenly my heart started to race.

“Wait- she said I attacked her?”

He shot me a glance. “You didn’t? please tell me she’s just full of shit.”

I shook my head, my mind running over al the possibilities. I couldn’t get involved in this, not now. Brittany’s parents would ruin me over a stupid matter that I had little to do with. It’ll be my like what happened at my last school all over again.

But I couldn’t throw Gigi under the bus either. She’d stood up for me, fought for me when I should’ve been fighting for herself. Even if she had more power to defend herself than I did, it would just be wrong.

“I mean- I… I-” I stuttered desperately, feeling weak in the knees as I stood there completely helpless.

Why does stupid shit like this always happen to me? I so badly wanted things to be different this time, I wanted to prove to myself and everyone that my sexuality wasn’t the blockade everyone made it out to be.

But maybe I was wrong, maybe I really am just a mistake. And nothing I do would keep me from arriving at that conclusion.

The tears came falling before I even realized, suddenly Ryder’s apartment came apart and I was back where it all began, in my father’s room, tears stinging my eyes as all hell came loose.

“Hey? Hey!” Ryder called out but I could barely hear him past my father’s words. My heart ached so bad that I thought it would tear open and it just made the tears fall faster.

Is this it? Is this how it ends? After everything I’ve done?

Will I never break away from this cycle of humiliation?

Suddenly, I heard the stool scrape against the tiles as Ryder hopped off his chair and in a blurry second, his grip tightened around my arm and he pulled me close, slamming his body against mine.

Before I could register what was happening enough to protest, his arms wrapped around me, pushing my head under his chin as the embrace warmed.

We remained there as I cried on the chest of the boy I hated most in this world.