Chapter 59: Chapter 59

Blake's POV

I was in a slightly upbeat mood when I woke up that morning. The incident last night with Asher had told me that it was long overdue to get Rylie back and I was prepared to do whatever it took just to have her back in my life.

At breakfast that morning, my family seemed to notice the change in my mood and they mentioned it.

"You're in a good mood," my little sister, Ava noted as we sat down to breakfast.

"Yeah, it's quite unlike the grump you've been for the last few weeks. It's a nice change though," my mom added. "Did anything notable happen, honey?"

"It's nothing at all, Mom. Can't I be happy again?" I arched an eyebrow.

"No, no. It's not that at all, Blake. It's just- you've been in kind of a slump for a while now. You know, since your breakup with–" she trailed off.

I took a moment before placing my hand on hers, "Mom, it's okay to say Rylie's name around me and you are right about me being in a slump. I guess I just decided it's a new day and it's time to move on."

"Well, I'm glad to hear that, son," those were my dad's first words. I looked up at him and smiled. "Thanks, Dad."

Breakfast commenced in an upbeat manner and afterwards, my parents left for work, leaving Ava and I. Since she had somewhere to be with her friends, I allowed her to leave and agreed to handle the chores.

"Really? Thanks Blake. You're surprisingly cool today– and I like it," she gave me a brief hug before leaving the house.

I handled all the chores and had just stepped outside to throw out the trash when I had the pleasure of running into her. Rylie Myers, the girl of my dreams.

Coincidentally, she was also throwing out trash and looked like she was on her way back in. On sighting her about the same time she saw me, time seemed to stand still as our eyes met. I had a lot of things I wanted to say to her and a lot of questions as well but I didn't even know how to start nor was it the time for that as well.

So I decided to start with the basics. "Morning," I raised a hand in acknowledgement. Afterall, though we may not be boyfriend or girlfriend anymore but we were still neighbors.

In response, she nodded, the look on her face showing that she was lost for words...

After dumping the trash in the trashcan in front of our house for the trash truck to pick up, I decided to take a chance and talk to Rylie. So instead of heading back inside, I walked towards her.

She looked surprised by my action and spoke up, "W-What are you doing? Shouldn't you be heading inside?" she pointed at my house, being careful not to make eye contact with me.

"I just wanted to hear you speak first. Your voice still sounds as angelic as ever," I couldn't resist making a remark.

Slowly, she looked up and our eyes met. At first sight of her familiar warm brown eyes, for a moment, it was just like the old days. We were still together, Asher wasn't around and it was just us.

Standing there, I was suddenly overcome by an intense urge to kiss her. I knew I couldn't act on it but it didn't stop me from thinking it.

Why had I ever let her go? Why hadn't I held on to her? This was one mistake that I was going to regret for the rest of my life.

All too soon, our moment was over and the invisible wall she'd built around herself was back up, blocking me out entirely.

"Whatever you say, Blake. I should get going."

It was clear that she wanted to be away from me and the realization hurt. It hurt too much.

As she turned to leave, without thinking, my hand shot out to stop her. I didn't want her to go just yet. Immediately, her head swiveled back and she glanced between the hold I had on her hand and my face, looking quite shocked.

"I'm sorry," I quickly withdrew my hand so she didn't leave. "I just wanted to ask about your health. Are you feeling any better today?" I felt a bit awkward as I asked the question.

"Oh yeah. Yeah. I'm doing much better, thanks to you." I felt a little proud at having her acknowledge me the way she did.

"It was– it was nothing," I muttered, feeling my face redden a bit. I was blushing, all because of a compliment. Who would have thought? Then again, it wasn't any compliment. It was a compliment from Rylie.

Because of this, I decided to try my luck. "So... I know this might sound a bit sudden especially considering all that has happened but maybe- probably, you'd like to get a milkshake with me? My treat, of course," I added quickly.

The expression on her face told me that she was not expecting my request but I had a lot of high hopes. I wanted to take things slow and then win her back and this was one of the ways I could do it; by rebuilding our friendship and doing things we used to do before.

While I was still awaiting her response and hoping that she said yes, the sudden rev of a motorcycle attracted my attention. I glanced behind me just as the figure riding it, climbed off. Realising who it was, I scowled.

Just my luck. Asher's here.

Making his way towards Rylie, our eyes met for a brief second before he looked towards Rylie with a "Hey you. How's your morning been?"

"Oh yeah. It's been good. It's been good," Rylie answered. "So why are you here? It's so early."

"I just wanted to see you is all. That's not a crime, is it?"

I fought the urge to snort. It was too a crime, especially since they were no longer dating. Then again, neither were we and I hated it.

"Oh no. Not at all," Rylie shook her head. "So uh, I haven't introduced you guys yet. Blake, this is Asher. Asher, Blake."

"We've met," I threw a glance at him, a stony expression on my face. My intention was clear; to tell him that he wasn't wanted. He stared back with a straight face, his eyes challenging me. I regretted my actions more even then.

If Rylie was still mine, I would have the right to take her away from him but because we weren't, I couldn't do anything about it.

"Okay? In that case, I should probably get going," Rylie announced all of a sudden, her tone indicating her desperation to leave.

But I didn't want her to leave just yet so I reached out to grab and unfortunately, I wasn't the only one who had the same idea. The same time I reached out to stop Rylie, Asher did same and we both ended up holding on to Rylie. Rylie looked back at both of us with wide eyes, her eyes flitting between both our hands.

Tired of it all, I let go first and looked down at the floor, clenching my fists by my side. Unable to take the silence that suddenly descended, I looked up and called Rylie but just like the last time, Asher had the same idea and we ended up calling out her name at the same time.

We glared at each other for a few seconds and now aware that I needed to leave before I did something drastic, I looked away from Asher and shrugged, "I guess I'll see you later then."

Then I turned and left, making my way into the house, unable to bring myself to look back for fear of what I would do.

Once in my room, I buried my face in my pillow and screamed until I couldn't anymore. Had I really lost her this time? Was she really destined to be Asher's and not mine?

I stayed still in the same position, doing nothing but reliving all the time I spent with Rylie, until a call on my phone brought me back to the present.

I sluggishly crawled over to where my phone was and checked the caller ID. I was taken aback just a bit by the name I saw there. It'd been a while since I'd been in contact with this particular person. I could only wonder why she was calling me now.

After a moment of contemplation, I decided to pick the call.

"Hey," I sniffled, placing the phone against my ear.

"Wow! You'd think after knowing someone for years and literally being their best friend, you'd receive more than a 'Hey' after calling for the first time in months?" came the snarky response.

I chuckled softly, feeling all my anguish melt away. "Sorry about that, Alyssa. You're right. How've you been? What about Troy, Melissa and the others?" Alyssa was my manager when I was still a model.

"They're all fine and I've been doing quite well since you abandoned me," she accused pointedly. "What about you? You sound sad," she perceived.

I chuckled again, leaning back against the wall. Trust Alyssa to pick up anything.

"I'm not sad, Alyssa. I'm heartbroken but not sad. Anyway, why are you calling me?" I quickly diverted the conversation.

"Well, I'm actually calling in to cash a favour."

"Really Alyssa? Three months and that's why you're calling me because you need something? And you claim I'm the bad friend! Oh well, what is it?" I demanded with a sigh.

"Okay, I'll just dive right into it. I know you're kind of on a indefinite break from modeling but I was hoping you could help me out with your other talent: Acting."

"Acting? Alyssa-" I started to object but she jumped in. "I know you're not particularly into acting right now but you do have a knack for it. There's a movie currently shooting close to you in LA and I was kinda hoping you would agree to be the main lead. The director's an old friend and he needs a fresh but popular face like yours in his movie to attract people so what do you say? For an old friend?" she pleaded.

"I don't know, Lyssa. A movie? You know how I feel about acting and actors as a whole?" I grunted.

"Yeah yeah. Because of the one-who-shall-not-be-named. I get it and I really wouldn't ask this of you if it wasn't entirely necessary. So please! The main lead is practically yours if you agree," she added to sweeten the offer I guess.

I sighed heavily as I thought about it. I didn't particularly like acting and I preferred modeling but I did have a gift for it like Alyssa said so I guess it wouldn't hurt to give it a try. Besides, I needed something to do this winter break so what better to do than a movie?

"Okay Alyssa. I'll do it," I agreed.

"Really? Oh my gosh! Thank you Blake. You're an absolute lifesaver! I'll send you the address of the set so you can go meet him this afternoon and finalize stuff. Oh and Blake?"

"What is it this time, Alyssa?" I heaved a sigh.

"I heard about your grandma. How you holding up?" she inquired.

"I'm doing just fine, Alyssa. Thanks for asking. Later," I hung up and dropped my phone by my side. Minutes later, a message came from Alyssa containing the name of the director and address of the set where the movie was being shot. I would receive the script and get to know about the movie when I met the director.

Turns out, it wasn't so far from where I lived.

As I stared at the message on my phone, I found myself taking a little trip down memory lane.

Though modeling had been my main focus, I'd always enjoyed acting and I'd acted in some pretty big movies. Before I moved and decided to let those things take the back burner, I'd actually been planning to become a full time actor like my then girlfriend, Kristen.

I'd met Kristen on the set of one of the first movies I'd appeared in and we instantly hit it off. The main reason I'd been planning to shift from modeling to acting was because of her. And after she cheated on me, acting just became something I couldn't bring myself to do again. In a way, it reminded me of her.

I don't even know why I agreed to even do this particular movie. If I'd said no, Alyssa would have found somebody else. So why?

I couldn't think of any reason so I pushed the thought aside and headed outside to my car. Once in the car, I drove out of the driveway and onto the road in the direction of the movie set.

About forty five minutes later, I pulled up in front of a large building. The words Rayna Film Institute were written at the top in bold. After locking the car door, I slowly made my way into the building.

On stepping in, there were a lot of people walking about and a lot of activity going on. From the looks of it, they were holding auditions.

Eventually I was able to get directions to the stage where the director, Mr. Wells along with a few other people were judging performances. Tentatively, I approached him and told him who I was.

Almost immediately, his eyes lit up with excitement and recognition.

"It's so nice to meet you, young man. Alyssa had told me so much about you and I must say, you are quite the actor. You'll be perfect for the role. My assistant here will help you out with your script and shooting schedule," he signaled a young lady who approached us. He told her what to do and I was already walking away with her when the director called me back all of a sudden.

"Blake, if you don't mind, perhaps you'd like to meet the female lead. She's a pretty popular actress and it'd help to familiarize yourselves."

I groaned and turned back, intending to just introduce myself and walk away but I was not ready for the shock I received.

Turning back, my eyes fell on someone I never thought I'd see again, someone who's presence was so unexpected, I had to grab onto a chair so I didn't fall.

My eyes widened and my mouth opened with no words coming out. What. The. Hell?!