~My Teacher Hits Me~ (Book 1) [Rewritten]

Chapter 12: The Bonds of Friendship

Tuck stares at her, dissatisfaction coloring his expression.

"That's my advice to you as your friend." Rylan explains.

"Just tell me one thing." He pleads. Rylan nods.

"Is this about our relationship?"

"Relationship?" Ryan echoes. "You like her, don't you."

Tuck hesitates, but then admits, "I do."

"It's not about that."

He seems to relax at this news.

"Just give her some time. This whole thing with Blake has sent us all reeling."

"You're right. I know you're right. I just hate not knowing what's on her mind." Tuck says.

Rylan shrugs it off. "I understand."

They both focus on their work. Rylan feels relief and guilt after the conversation. She tells herself that how she handled it was best, but she isn't so sure. She still thinks Tuck shouldn't be kept out of the loop, but that decision isn't up to her. Rylan considers what she will say to Cas and before she knows it, the bell rings. She and Tuck put their stuff away.

"I'll see you tomorrow." Rylan calls as she leaves. Tuck waves.

Rylan takes the bus as close as she can get to Cas's house and then walks the rest of the way. She slows and bites her lip nervously as she approaches the faded blue house. This whole time she'd been mad about the secrets he wouldn't reveal... but now she is scared to hear them. Rylan almost turns around, but Dani's insistence that they obtain help sticks her feet in place.

"Ok, Rylan. Nothing ventured, nothing gained." She says out loud to herself.

Rylan walks up to the door and hesitates before knocking. She wonders if his parents are home and glances at the driveway to check. There are no cars, but it isn't like she can see into the garage. It doesn't matter much really. Forcing herself to forget everything else, Rylan knocks two short raps.

She waits.

Rylan knocks again. Five minutes pass with no indication that anyone is home. Rylan purses her lips and spins on her heel. She digs in her pocket for her phone.

The door opens behind her and Cas calls, "Rylan?" He sounds tired.

Rylan turns back when she hears his voice. He looks just as horrible as he sounds. Rylan feels wrong bothering him.

"Uh...Is this a bad time? Should I come back later?" Rylan asks.

Cas studies her, his face impassive, but considerate.

"No." He says after another moment. "What do you need?"

Rylan opens her mouth to speak, but nothing comes out. She scratches the back of her neck nervously. Cas raises his eyebrows questioningly.

"It's not important. I'm just gonna go home."

"Rylan."

So much for that pathetic attempt at escape. She can't bring herself to look him in the eye. Cas surprises Rylan by walking to her side and pulling her into a hug. She stiffens; her arms hang at her sides while his wrap around her shoulders.

"What is it?" He whispers.

Slowly, Rylan loosens up and wraps her arms around his torso. She rests her head against Cas's chest and lets the tears flow. His touch comforts her and gives her the confidence to say, "I need you. I've always needed you."

Cas's hold tightens. "Come on." He directs, shifting so his arm rests around Rylan's shoulders as they walk inside.

Cas sits Rylan at the bar table in the kitchen and disappears around the corner. He returns with a box of tissues and takes a seat on the stool beside Rylan.