Chapter 54: Chapter 54

Blake's POV

Life never seemed quite the same after my breakup with Rylie. Not only had I lost the one true love of my life, I'd also lost a best friend. I hadn't realized when we were together but with Rylie, I was free to be whoever I wanted to be. She never judged me and she really understood me, more than Kristen ever did.

So without her in my life, things seemed pretty bleak and winter break didn't seem any different, at least that was what I thought. I didn't realize it yet but I was in for one interesting winter.

***

My break started off just like everyday since I broke up with Rylie had been: bleak. My football friends slash teammates had invited to hang out with them but I'd declined. The offer didn't excite me, especially considering that most, if not all of them, would be bringing their girlfriends along. The last thing I wanted was to be the single guy among couples.

So what did I do instead? Nothing. Well, not exactly nothing. I just laid on my bed all day with Rylie's cover of ‘Love Yourself’ and ‘Fight Song’ playing on repeat on my phone while reliving the past. So yeah, nothing.

The day slipped by and just as the sun set, my mom walked in my room and told me to get ready.

"Ready for what?" I asked, moving my headphones down to my neck.

"We're going over to the Myers's for dinner and game night," she declared, walking out of the room without giving me a chance to reply. I stared out the door, wordlessly.

The Myers? That would mean getting to see Rylie again. I hadn't seen for a while now and just thinking about setting my eyes on her caused my stomach to tingle in anticipation.

I'd better get ready.

Unfortunately, on reaching the Myers's abode, I discovered that Rylie wasn't home. "She went out this morning," her mom had said.

I hadn't asked any more questions but just thinking about Rylie with You-know-who caused my blood to run hot. I tried to push thoughts of Rylie and Sky together, somewhere making out, out of my mind but it kept coming back against my will.

We'd just sat down to dinner when Rylie walked in. She'd obviously not been expecting what she saw and looked like she was set to turn tail and run when her mom sighted her and asked her to join us at the table. As the only available seat was by my side, Rylie trudged over to the table and with clear reluctance took the seat beside me.

I tried to ignore her presence but it was virtually impossible. Her scent was overwhelming and though I tried to look like she didn't affect me, she did in ways I didn't think possible. I tried to put her out of my head but I was aware of every move she made, every sigh, exhale, turn of her head or body, every flutter of her eyelashes, every time she blinked... I know. I know. You probably think I'm a weirdo but I couldn't help that she affected me so much.

After dinner was done and the table had been cleared, we moved to the living room for game night. Once again, I kept up the cool expression that made it look like the events happening didn't bother me but I was overjoyed when Rylie and I were paired as partners. She might have not seemed happy about it and I certainly didn't show it but the prospect of working together with Rylie again excited me.

As we played together, I was able to get closer to Rylie without any of us even realising it. When we played Jenga and I held her hand to stop her from removing a block I know would make us lose, for a moment it was just like before. Her hand was even softer than I remembered and I could have stayed there holding her but I didn't so I withdrew my hand.

We went on to win game night after playing Guess The Word which was quite easy since I could easily tell what Rylie was going to say before she did. In the moment I guess, we did a high five and just like that, Rylie was putting her arms around me. It was over barely lasted longer than a second but in that second, a feeling of peace and contentment descended on me and I felt complete.

It was over much too soon and that was when things went downhill. When my mom started going on and on about just how perfect Rylie and I were, I could tell that something was going on. I was eventually able to put two and two together and I realised that it'd all been set up to drive Rylie and I together.

Rylie figured it out soon enough but much to my surprise, she blamed me.

"Rylie, come on. Do you actually think I would so something like this?"

I felt hurt that she would think that I would set her up like that.

"I don't know what to think, Blake! I have no idea what to think at this point when it comes to you!" she yelled, her tone accusing.

"In any case, I didn't set this up. I have no reason to," I shrugged, hiding my hurt with a blank expression.

"Oh right. I forgot. You've moved on. Say Blake, how's Talia? Why didn't you bring your little girlfriend to game night? Ashamed of your little fuck buddy now?" she sneered.

I had no idea why but her bringing up Talia in a time like this angered me just a bit so I decided to strike back.

"You're one to talk. Immediately we broke up, didn't you start acting all buddy buddy with Sky? Don't think I didn't see you guys the night of the talent show," I accused.

"For the last time, Blake, Sky is just a friend! Do you hear that? A friend! And even if I do decide to date him, it'll be because I want to. At least, he's not an inconsiderate asshole who goes around sticking it in every available whore!" she spat angrily in his face.

Now that, that hit me. Her words both saddened and angered me and before I knew it, I'd pushed her against the wall, trapping her so she couldn't get away.

"Get the fuck off me, Blake!" she tried pushing me off but I wasn't letting go until she heard what I had to say.

"No Rylie. Now you're going to listen. Nothing happened between Talia and I…" I started but she cut me off.

"Yeah right," she scoffed.

"Would you listen? Nothing happened between us and that's the truth. She wanted to ask me out but I said no. When you came out, she used the opportunity to pull me away and I would have said something but your ‘friend’ pulled you away before I could," I surmised.

"So what's your point then? That Sky is to blame for your being a d*ck? Because Sky didn't ask you to break up with me, did he? That was all you Blake! All you!"

I blinked, suddenly not knowing what to say anymore. She was right about that. Sky didn't make me break up with her. That was just me, dumb stupid me.

"Rylie–" I was saying, hoping to rectify this but Myles cut in, suddenly reminding me where we were. Rylie pushed me away and left the house. From the looks of it, I could tell she was going to cry somewhere.

"Blake honey? Are you okay?" my mom's concerned voice broke through my thoughts. "Honey, I'm so sorry for interfering. You've just been so down lately and with your Grandma's death and all, well I just wanted to help."

I looked at her and didn't feel any anger.

"Mom, it's okay. You don't have to apologise. I get it. It's just- it isn't that easy. I messed up. Real bad. I hurt her and I don't know how to fix it," I mumbled, under my breath.

"Well, you can start by going to meet her."

"Yeah, you're right," I grabbed my jacket and walked out into the cold night.

I had no idea where she went to so after searching the backyard, I was walking around when I heard sounds coming from the garage. It sounded like somebody was crying so I hurried there.

The garage door was halfway open so I crawled in and turned on the light. As I did, I saw Rylie jump to her feet while a black haired guy lay sprawled on the floor beside her. My first thought was that it was Sky but on a closer look, I saw that it wasn't.

"I thought I heard crying in here. Who is he?"

The guy on the floor jumped to his feet and wrapped his arm around her shoulder. "I think the question should be, Who are you? I'm her boyfriend."

I was able to easily figure out who he was now.

"Boyfr... Wait, you're Asher?" I asked to confirm, resisting the urge to match over there and pull Rylie away from him.

Thankfully, just after he spoke, Rylie pulled away of Asher's arm.

"Boyfriend? Since when, Asher?" I yelled, struggling to keep my voice even. I smirked inwardly. Take that, Asher.

"Look Rylie baby, I'm sorry about all that happened and I'd like to explain if you'd let me," he moved towards her, possibly to take her in his arms again. I couldn't let that happen so I walked over to her and pulled her towards me instead.

"Don't bother with an explanation. She's taken. She's my girlfriend," I fought the urge to glare at him.

"What is wrong with the both of you? Neither of you is my boyfriend so what the heck is going on? You know what? I can't handle this right now!" Rylie pushed me off her and walked away, leaving Asher and I alone.

At first, none of us spoke, obviously taking the time to study each other. He was tall just like I was, was equally built, had dark green eyes, black hair which he had slicked back... I could why Rylie or any other girl would like him. In fact, in a way we weren't much different from each other.

"So... when did she dump you?" his words came out a bit mocking but I ignored it.

"I dumped her. Stupid mistake, I know."

"Yeah. I guess we have something in common. We're both stupid," he chuckled softly.

"I guess. At least I told her to her face. You didn't."

"I know. That's why I'm here. To make amends and to get her back," he stated matter-of-factly.

I didn't say anything at first as I studied his face for any sign that there was more to his statement.

"I guess that means we have something else in common. We both want the same girl."

"I guess so. The only question is, who will get her?"

"I guess we'll have to wait and see," I turned and headed back into the house.

I stepped in, closely followed by Asher. As soon as Rylie set her eyes on us, the shock, pain and hurt was visible in her eyes and I wanted nothing more than to comfort her but I couldn't. She ran up the stairs just as her dad ordered Asher to leave.

He didn't want to but he had no choice. After he was gone, I had nothing else to do but go home. I left with my family but didn't go to my room. Instead, I climbed up to the roof to have some alone time.

The next morning, I decided to pay a visit to Rylie after finding out that she wasn't feeling too good. It took some convincing but eventually, her mom allowed me to watch her just until she stirred, then I had to leave. I agreed.

Watching Rylie sleep gave me the opportunity to be alone with her, something I hadn't had the opportunity to do since our breakup and with Asher back, I had a feeling times like this were going to be harder to have.

When I came back to the room to find out that she was awake, I knew I should've left. That was the arrangement though but I couldn't bring myself to go. I hadn't been there for her when she needed me after Grandma's death but I had done the opposite. At least now, I could be there for her.

Still, I hadn't expected her to ask me to stay after feeding her but she did and I was extremely overjoyed. As I watched her drift off to sleep, I couldn't help myself. I held her hand, leaned in and pressed my lips to her forehead.

"Sweet dreams, lovely."

It wasn't long before I gave into the urge and laid my head to rest on her pillow where I drifted off to a content sleep.

I awoke to find Rylie's beautiful face so close to mine, her breath was fanning my face. It reminded me of the day I'd confessed my feelings to her.

"You look beautiful," I remarked, deciding to say something to fill the silence.

She didn't believe me and told me so but I repeated my statement because it was the truth.

"Thanks for staying with me, Blake. I really appreciate it but it's time for you to leave. Now," that brought it to an end.

I didn't want to leave but I knew that my time was up.

"I'm glad you feel better. I guess I'll see you around then..." I wanted to go on and possibly bring up Asher but I decided to just let her get some rest so I left.

Later that night, I was up on the roof again — since it had kinda become my place for alone time — when I noticed Rylie walking down the street, past my house.

I watched her walk, resisting the urge to go after her. Perhaps it was wise for me to give her space for now... Eventually, I found myself trailing behind her. She seemed to not be aware of her surroundings and so didn't notice me.

When Asher fell in step beside her, I wanted to walk up to them and separate him from her but on seeing the look on his face, I could see just how much she needed this. So I left them alone, deciding it was best to give them their privacy.

Back home, I got ready for bed but found myself standing by my window, staring out at Rylie's room. I couldn't go to bed when all I could think of was Rylie and Asher together.

Right there and then, I made a vow to myself. I had made the mistake of letting go of Rylie once, now I was going to stop at nothing until she was mine again, Asher or no Asher.