The Side Character ☑

Chapter 8 - Would be happier if I smacked your girlfriend with a bat instead?

In one picture, a young Carla is standing with a man whom I assume is Ryder's dad. His arm is draped around her waist and they're both grinning widely. Their smile is so real and contagious that even I cannot help but let out a small smile.

I'm so engrossed in admiring the photos that I almost don't notice Carla as she materializes beside me.

"That picture was taken a few years after we were married. Ah, every time I see this I become so jealous of the past me it's insane."

In the next one, Carla is standing with Ryder. His arm is over her shoulder and they're both smiling at the camera.

"This one was taken a few months ago. I thought teenagers like you would hate to take pictures with their old guys. But Ryder's such a good kid that he didn't even frown once."

I smile, "That's because he loves you very much."

She chuckles, "Should I say the same about you?"

I cough, "W-what? I-I don't understand!"

"Too soon?" She smirks.

"Too impossible," I say trying to hide my blush.

My eyes drift towards the next picture. Two boys who are probably around the age of 15 to 16 are sticking their tongue at the camera. One of them is posing like superman.

A wave of shock passes me as I recognise the guy as Ryder.

So carefree. So...so happy.

"That one was taken in his freshman year."

I grown in confusion at the second boy, "Who's he?"

"Aaron. Ryder's older brother."

Something in her voice makes me compel to look at her. She's not looking at me though. She's staring at the picture with a faraway look in her eyes.

My jaw falls open in surprise.

He had a older brother? I thought he was an only child.

That just proves how less I know about him.

Before I can ask anything else she turns away, "The food is getting cold dear. Will you please get Ryder while I set up the table?"

There lies an unasked question in the air.

Will you please give me a moment alone?

I don't know why she needed a moment but I don't probe further. I have a feeling its something I shouldn't ask.

I've always been good at reading people.

Instead I nod, "Yeah, sure."

I trudge towards Ryder's room contemplating how I should behave. I mean we're friends right? I won't let some puny little crush destroy our friendship. Specially since Carla indicated that he didn't have many friends.

I didn't have many friends like him either.

I hesitantly knock on the door, "Um...Ryder?"

"Come in."

I turn the knob and step in, "Your mom sent me to tell you-"

I stop as take in the heavenly sight. Every ounce of breath gets knocked out of me as my jaw falls down on the floor.

Ryder is standing with his back turned to me while rubbing a towel on his head. But that's not what gets me breathless. Its that he's wearing nothing but a jeans which means his whole upper body is open for sight seeing.

And my oh my is it a sight to see.

You know those burly guys in WWF? The guys than stun you?

But not in a good way?

Yeah, but Ryder is nothing like that.

Don't get me wrong. He has some delicious abs. But they aren't so much that you'd mistake him for The Thing nor are they so less as if to resemble a skeleton.

Strong muscles adorn his back, his arms and no doubt his chest too which unfortunately isn't in my view. His arms flex as he rubs a towel on his hair. Few droplets of water are glistening on his back as if beckoning me to come and lick them off.

WHAT?

I'm turning into such a pervert!

As if you weren't a pervert before.

"Yeah?" Ryder calls out turning to face me.

Holy mother of all the little things I can't seem to remember.

A chiseled chest stares at me. His dark hair which undoubtedly is wet because he took a shower covers the upper part of his forehead. And his eyes.

Oh God his eyes.

"Allie?"

Fuck it's that name again.

"Allie?" He asks me confused.

"Y-yeah?" With a hulk like strength I tear my eyes away from his chest, "Huh?"

He smirks, "Were you just checking me out?"

I gulp, "W-what? Check you out? Who? Me? Ha! Fat chance!"

I try to focus my eyes on anywhere but him.

He chuckles, "Yeah right. You resemble a ripe tomato right now, you know."

Damn you pale skin.

I scoff, "That's bullshit."

He cocks an eyebrow, "Sure. Whatever helps you sleep at night. Anyway, what were you saying?"

"What?" I tear my eyes which again drifted towards his chest (Traitors!) And look at him, "Oh right. Your pancakes told me to tell your mom you'll get cold if I don't eat you."

He blinks at me, "What?"

What?

What the HELL did you just say?

I gape at him not knowing what to do. Too afraid to say anything in case my stupid mouth blurts out something even more stupid.

Which I doubt is possible.

"Pancakes. Carla. Eat."

Before he can say anything else, I turn and run out of the room like it's on fire. All the while cursing my stupid mouth and stupid fate.

But not before I heard a mumble which suspiciously sounded like
'She so was drooling on me'

Someone kill me.

Please.

A/N

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-Z