—
Ryder had said she was fine, swore it, in fact, but that didn't mean she didn't need help getting to where she needed to be. Unfortunately, the accident had resulted in her needing a bit of help walking and/or carrying things.
The poor girl was rightfully stressed out and annoyed.
Lydia had ran away, her parents were badgering her, and she was getting agitated with Austin's kindness, and every little thing set her off.
While she had been suggested to stay a few days longer, her doctor said she could leave when she felt that she was ready. After hearing that, the Miller girl wasted zero time in changing out of her hospital clothes, with her mothers help, and leaving the building.
Austin's arm was wrapped around her waist while the walked out to the parking lot, Josie putting Ryder's stuff in the car, while her parents checked her out.
The tatted girl grew oddly uncomfortable with the feeling of anyone else touching her, practically forcing Austin to help, which didn't take much as he was by her side in a split second.
Her head snapped to her right in aggravation, the action catching Austin's attention.
"What's wrong?"
"They're really loud." She whispered back, tilting her head down, hoping to avoid hearing anymore of their conversation.
Austin looks up, gently squeezing her side, silently letting her know that she was fine, his blue eyes squint once he was practically blinded by Stiles' headlights.
"Stiles?"
"And McCall and Allison." She listed, "You would think they would keep their mouths shut about the supernatural when they're in public, and not go shouting it for anyone who cares to listen."
Knowing how upset she's been getting, Austin didn't bother to point out that the group of three were most definitely whispering the entirety of their conversation. Instead, helping her into the car, and later sharing a look with her mother who had caught what she had said.
•••
Ryder wanted to cry in frustration when she walked into school the next morning and saw the flowers and pictures surrounding her locker.
Her fist clenched to her sides as she stormed forward and ripped every little detail off. She could hear the murmurs of her fellow students and feel their eyes burning into her skin. She knew their eyes were on the bandage that covered her neck, but her attention focused solely on getting this disgusting art off of her locker.
"Woah!" She heard, not turning around at her voice, "Ryder, what's going on?"
"Get this shit off of here!"
"Okay, okay." Allison whispered, moving ahead to help the girl, "Calm down. It's just paper."
"And flowers, and bullshit—"
"Look, people just wanted to do something nice for you—"
"These losers didn't give a crap about me before! Even then, a simple 'i'm glad you're okay' would suffice, i'm not freaking dead, they didn't have to decorate my locker in this God awful art." She rambled, snatching a red heart off in anger.
"Third period art class did this." The Argent pointed with a wince, the girls head turning in the direction with a glare.
Ryder grumbled, "I don't even like those assholes."
"I caught that much." Allison giggled, picking up any discarded paper and flower petals off the floor, "Are you feeling okay? I didn't get the chance to check on you while you were in the hospital."
"I'm fine, thanks." As she said this, she pulled her locker open, almost ripping the metal door off the hinges.
Allison gasped, looking around, praying no one noticed. What she did catch, were the warm tears filling the other girls eyes.
"Oh, hey, don't cry." She soothed, blocking her enough so no one could see her. "It was just a small accident. I'm sure they could get it fixed."
Allison knew it was more than that, but what was she to say with the lingering eyes of other students watching their every move.
She wouldn't have to say much, a new voice caught her attention,
"You guys are only making it worse. It would probably be best if you didn't stare at her."
And with that, only a few subtle —and unnoticeable—glances were being sent their way.
"Hey, Ry." Austin spoke gently, rubbing his hand against her jacket covered shoulder, "Why don't we grab the rest of your stuff so you won't have to come back, yeah?"
"Okay." Her voice was muffled but they heard her.
"You think you could help?" Austin asked Allison, the sweet girl wasting no time in grabbing anything the others couldn't.
•••
"What's your next class?" Austin leaned down to question Ryder, Allison on the other side of the girl while they walked.
"Math."
"Math." He repeated softly to himself, before speaking up, "Okay, Do you have anyone that could help you get to gym after?"
"Mmm." Allison hummed, discreetly shaking her head, signifying that maybe that wasn't the best idea, "I can come get her."
"I can walk by myself." Ryder cut in, not in the mood to argue with either of them.
"Okay." Austin nods, "That's fine too, but uhm- one of use will come meet you, okay?"
He was cautious with his words. Not wanting to set the girl off, but he knew he needed to keep a close eye on her. Per her parents instructions, Austin had absolutely no problem with helping Ryder. The girl was stubborn but he had the patience of a saint, especially when it came to her.
She lets out a huff, muttering a soft, "Whatever."
She had reluctantly thanked Allison for helping her before sending the girl off, leaving her with Austin.
A warm hand gripped her chin softly, "How are you feeling?"
"Like I want to die."
The teen boy snorts, "Don't say that."
Ryder didn't laugh, simply nodding her head at his words. She softly brushed his hand away from her face, reaching for her notebook that he held firmly in his grasp.
"You'll text me if you need anything, right?"
"Probably not." She bluntly responded, she could hear him sigh in exhaustion.
She didn't want to make things harder for him, or anyone that went out of their way to help her, but that didn't mean she was going to willingly allow them to take care of her.
She didn't care what the doctors said, she was willing and able to take care of herself, even if that meant limping to every class and getting there a few minutes late.
"Ryder."
"Austin."
"I mean it." He took hold of her ring covered hand, nervously fiddling with the jewelry. "I can't be around you every second like I want to be, so i need you to work with me here, okay?"
She looked into her favorite colored eyes, staring back into them, her right brow raising as she silently dared him to break eye contact.
Without breaking her stare, she nodded, "fine."
"I'll see you later." He smile sweetly, adjusting his backpack straps as he turned around.
Just as the girl was about to enter the classroom, she could feel a hand grip her own before turning her around.
Austin presses his lips against hers securely, taking in her gasp as his own before parting.
"Now i'll see you later."