*RRINGGGGGG
He was so thoughtful, and I was the luckiest girl on the planet. We were sitting in central park, having a picnic, and of course, I was being horribly awkward. That is until I finally leaned into kiss him, my Jace. Our lips were so close and I could feel my heart beating in anticipation. But then his mouth did the strangest thing - it opened wide - like the letter O , as if he was surprised or something. The kind of shape that people in movies warn will catch flies. And before I could warn Jace of anything, his throat produced the most painful sound.
Wait, what the hell!
The siren like sounds coming out of his mouth only got louder, making my head pound as the world around me slowly crumbled.
That, ladies and gents, was exactly why I believed alarm clocks were originally created as torture devices. The damn things were dream killers! It was the slap in the face realization that I would never actually get to kiss Jace Pearson; Zack's friend from college. The man had a six pack, and he was smart. And anyways, it's hard to have the same wonderful dream twice. So, damn you alarm clock, damn you to the moon and back.
I somehow managed to move my hand around beside me, trying to destroy it so I could go the fuck back to sleep. I never used to go through this torture, but Liam insisted I get one.
The sound of something crashing to the ground and knocking random stuff off my side table was not enough to wake me. I tucked my hand back under my pillow and fell into a senseless, dreamless sleep.
( ten minutes later )
I heard someone aggressively knocking on my door and I ignored it, mentally begging them to leave me be. Of course, this monster would not so easily give in; the door slammed open.
"Ryann!" The voice shouted, roughly shaking my shoulders.
"Mhm" I groaned, trying to move away from my tormentor.
"Ryann, get up." The blankets were ripped from my tight grip. And almost immediately, I could smell Colton's disgusting cologne.
I groaned again, shivering and trying to find warmth, my eyes still shut tightly.
"Fine" He hissed, storming out.
For an innocent moment, I held hope that this was just a dream, and that nothing else would disturb me. However, not even seconds later, enough time to cover up with my blanket again, the door swung open, making me flinch.
Because it was suspiciously silent, I painfully opened one eye, squinting at the light that consumed my room. And that's when I saw one angry looking Liam staring right at me. His arms were crossed, his eyebrows raised, a look I knew all too well. I stretched tiredly, still addicted to the feeling of warmth in my bed.
"You've got it wrong, it's still night time. Hurry up! Go back to bed while you still can." I horsley said, my lungs aching from the sudden inspiration. I fluttered my limp hand towards the door as if to 'shoo' him from my room. I smiled to myself, my eyes closing of their own accord. I heard him sigh, and then he coughed warningly.
"No, Ryann, you have it wrong. Get your ass out of bed or I am going to drag you out myself." He commanded sternly. I didn't budge as sleep slowly overcame my senses again. But the minute I felt a big hand on my arm, I sat up and put my hands up in surrender. He hesitantly let go of my weak arm, eyebrow raised. Phew.
"Alright, alright, I'm up" I added when he continued to stare at me. But my words were not doing much to fix the scowl on his face.
The Taylors were not morning people.
"I would like to know if we are gonna keep doing this every morning? It's getting really old. This is why I got you an alarm clock. Did it go off?" He asked, exasperated. I tended to have issues much like this more often than not.
"Uhm - I think? Sorry Liam. I just really really love sleeping." I grumbled, my eyes still half closed. I wondered what he would do if he knew that that fucking nightmare of an invention is in pieces right by his feet. Mwahaha.
His arms uncrossed and I gave him a shrug until, finally, his lips twitched into an amused smile. I yawned and he kissed my hair, looking at his watch on the way out of my room.
"Don't fall back asleep - you only have like twenty minutes to get down and eat some breakfast before Colton leaves without you." He said, waiting for my response. And after I pretty much fell back asleep he very sternly said my name which was enough to shock me out of bed.
I slapped back down into my bed, whimpering. Colton and his obsession with being on time for school. Liam laughed, making noise to hurry me up before shutting the door lightly. It was an annoying Wednesday in March, which meant I had soccer practice after school and an annoying long day of classes. After washing my face, brushing my teeth, throwing my hair into a messy bun, I threw on black leggings, a white athletic long sleeve, and my favorite puffy vest. I put my backpack over my shoulder while tying my timberlands. We lived in Minnesota, so, still cold outside.
I heard someone yelling my name and knew I had definitely run out of time. I ran down the stairs, hardly even looking up before I grabbed an apple and tried to bolt for the door, fearing my brother may have actually left me behind. It has happened before. Before I turned the handle, Jax called me to a stop.
"Ryann, please tell me you are having more than an apple for breakfast." He scolded with concern. I didn't turn around.
"I will have a big lunch! I have to go before Colton leaves."
Jax nodded, disapproving my lack of breakfast. And I was out the door, barreling towards his car which had begun to slowly move down the block. He made me run for a while before I finally made it into the passenger seat. I sighed, leaning back.
"Really? Every morning?" He asked, annoyed. I rolled my eyes, resting my head against the headrest.
"Really Colton? Every morning you have to put up the same fit about being on time. We all thought you would grow out of it, but my god, your obsession with school has got to end." He ignored me, pretending not to be the deranged human he was.
"Whatever Ryann" He scoffed eventually. My guess was he wanted to have the last word. Fine by me. Poor kid was so insecure.
And the rest of the ride was a nice silent tune.
I entered the school with Colton in front of me, like every morning here. He met with his friends by the fountain and I had to wait there with him before the bell rang. Usually, I met up with my friends too though so I didn't mind too much. I was sitting waiting for Audrey, my best friend and soccer teammate to meet me when Colton began watching me. I sighed and gave him a look.
"What now?" I asked quietly.
"Why do you have to wear those pants? They are practically see through. I mean who let you buy those?" I wasn't surprised by his irritation so I just ignored him and shrugged, getting up when I saw Audrey. Colton was all bark and no bite, the kids pretty harmless honestly. He has no real power over me.
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Third Hour was not as perfect as I would have liked... I don't know why, but trouble just always seems to find me.
My teacher, for chemistry class, was a world class, all around jerkwad. He was a know it all, he was ignorant and he just adored Colton. So of course, he was less than amused when I showed up in his footsteps. I swear he eggs me on but of course no one ever believes that.
I sat down next to my lab partner, Jeff Davis, who was doing what he always does, eating a banana in a very weird way. I hid my disgust and began doodling in my notebook. Mr. Miller walks in, all chemistry like, with a stupid pair of lab glasses on and a lab coat, eyeing me immediately. Apparently, he had been talking and I just usually zone him out and let Jeff do the work as he is too afraid to talk to me, but this time, Miller caught me.
"Miss. Taylor, can you explain to the class why we would only put two drops of sodium chloride into the solution and not four?" I cleared my throat hearing my name and had to swallow back the immediate anger I felt forming at his clear disdain for me.
"Um... Four is too much." I said slowly. The class laughed and I just smiled at him, trying to prove how little I care. He narrows his eyes at me, his bushy eyebrows consuming his eyelids. My own eyes went wide with confusion. What the heck was this man's issue?
"Miss. Taylor, did you not do the homework or read any of the pre-lab? The answer was clearly found there. Why don't you come up to the board and work the problem out?" If I wasn't red before, I was now. He was clearly trying to embarrass me in front of the class and I wouldn't give him the satisfaction.
"No, I don't think I did the homework or the reading of the pre-lab Mr. Miller. I would like to work something out on the board though." I smiled at him, and grabbed a marker, impulsively writing Moody Miller on the board with a drawn-out face under it. I stepped away from my handy work and let the class roar out laughing as he fumed, looking at me. He walked closer, staring me in the eyes. I wouldn't back down.
"Detention." He stated clearly. I swallowed and groaned, sitting back down into my seat without another word. I was mad at myself for doing it, and there was no way to take it back. Soccer was at 4, detention was at 3. Hopefully, I can make it out to soccer in time, so that no one, cough cough, Jax, won't notice.
I spent the rest of the day sulking in my own annoyance. I told Audrey and my other friends, Garrett, and Bella about what happened and they simply couldn't stop laughing, obviously proud of what I did. And although I was a bit proud of myself, I knew I went too far. I didn't think about the consequences, a moment of weakness when I saw his motives. Stupid Mr. Miller. I mentally wanted to egg his precious car. By the time the day was over, I was practically running from my locker, hoping Colton wouldn't see me. I saw him though... Talking with Angela Becker. The world's wickedest teenager. I rolled my eyes and found detention, taking a seat and tapping my feet.
Detention was extremely boring. The unfamiliar delinquents and I, sat there, listened to a boring man speak about his life, and then made get well soon cards for those sick in jail. Didn't know I would be used as free labor for this school but oh well. I looked at the clock, my leg was tapping in anticipation. It was 3:50, we were out there now, warming up. Putting our things on, Jax may be parking his car. I had to leave. I tried to check my phone but this man had eyes like a hawk and I didn't want to risk any more trouble. I hoped at least Audrey could come up with some lie to back me up... But she was never a good lier. Especially to my brother.
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Once he dismissed us from detention, it was 3:58. I jumped up, grabbed my things, ran to the locker room, threw on my practice jersey and shorts, and sprinted to the field. By the time I got there, it was 4:05 and they had already begun sprints. I threw my stuff down near the bleachers and put my cleats and shin guards on, trying not to fall as I balanced on one foot. Once I was ready to go, I felt a shadow looming over me. I decided to pretend I didn't see it. I tried to run towards the others but he grabbed my upper arm to stop me. I panicked, rambling off in a high pitched voice.
"I gotta go, coach, I don't want to miss out on those sprints." I tried to run off again but his grip tightened until I just lowered my head and remained standing. He put his hands on his hips, his shirt blowing in the wind, but his hat remaining tight on his head.
"Well? Are you going to explain why you are late? With the way your acting, it can't be good." He asked me. I bit my lip. Curse my inability to pretend. To lie.
"Umm... I have... can I just go run?" I pleaded, scared of his dominating eyes that demanded truth. He put his hand up.
"Ryann, since when do you want to run? Tell me why you were late or I am benching you next game and your phone is gone for a week." He stated, his face not wavering.
"Jax, I... I am sorry. I tried to be here on time, I really did. I ran and ran to make sure I wasn't missing much and I really didn't mean to do what I did but you know me, I went ahead and made it all worse and he just hates me. Mr. Miller hates me and it's all because of Colton and so I may have done something and got detention." I rambled on and Jax stood trying to puzzle it together. Then his face grew angry and I stepped back.
"You got detention?" He almost yelled but I begged him to quiet down with my hands.
"Jax, please. It wasn't all my fault, I swear. I will explain it all later." I said trying to sound as calm and mature as I could. He sighed, more like growled.
"I swear to god, Ryann, I don't know how many times we can have this conversation. We will talk later. All of us. And you are going to tell everyone what happened when we get home." I tried to talk but he shut me down.
"No, you don't get to talk. You don't speak until we are home, do you understand me? Not one peep. Now, get out there and don't stop running until I say."
I sighed, sprinting out to my team, not speaking and trying my best to run until he said stop.
By the time practice was over, I felt uncomfortable. I knew I had to tell everyone what happened, but I couldn't imagine facing all of them at once. Jax and I walked to his car and I put my stuff in the back of his SUV, sitting in the front next to him and looking out the window. He hopped in and started driving. It was silent until he said firmly.
"You are going straight upstairs, taking a shower, and then you will tell everyone what happened today at dinner. No buts, no excuses, and you can spend the rest of the night in your room, without a phone or laptop while we figure out what to do." I sighed.
"Yes, sir" I said quietly.
How I hated being caught. I always felt so little and timid when this happened, because I had no defense. The rest of the ride was silent but I felt myself wanting to sob the minute we pulled up to my house. They all knew the best punishment was making me admit what I did. I felt myself wanting to flee the scene and Jax knew. He grabbed his stuff and pulled my arm roughly into the house, making a scene in front of everyone. Liam was sitting at the table on the computer, Zack was making dinner and Colton was playing video games in the living room. The minute they all saw Jax on my arm, they narrowed their eyes. I gulped at all of the anger in the room and quickly fled upstairs, showering as I was asked.
I gained some strength back in the shower but nothing prepared me for this dinner. I had a big tee shirt on and baggy sweatpants, my hair wet and hanging down my back. I sat on the top step, pouting. Wanting so badly to feel sick, or faint or something to help me avoid all of this. The dinner table was set, and I began to slowly slump down each step on my butt, sliding down like an infant. My face was a complete pout and I wanted to throw a temper tantrum knowing what was waiting for me. How unfair it all felt. Liam saw me and gave me a look.
"Ryann. Stop pouting." I slumped down the next step as he sat at the table. Zack came into the kitchen, saw me and laughed a little.
"Let's go, little weirdo, get down here." He said lightly. But I knew he was tricking me with his carefree attitude. I just slumped down the next step until I was two away from the ground. Finally, Jax walked in, took one look at me and just wasn't having it.
"Get up." He growled.
I didn't move quick enough. He tried again, scarier this time. And my pout continued.
"Stand up, right now... Don't give me that look sweetheart, if you want to act this way then it's how we are going to treat you."
At that, he lifted me up by my armpits and set me down in my chair. I groaned at how young it made me feel. Being put at the table like an infant. I just made it worse of course. They all tried to look like they were eating, just making casual conversation about work. And I sat there, playing with my food, trying to dream up some alternate reality... Colton kept looking at me, sitting there, pouting and he smirked a little. Ugh, the smug asshole. I rolled my eyes and kept playing. Then Liam spoke to me and I knew everyone was looking at me now.
"So, how was school, Ryann?" He asked, eating a piece of bread. I drank some water, chugged it, really. Set it down. Wiped my mouth with a napkin and then spoke.
"School was rather boring today Liam. Tell me about work though, how is everything going at the firm? You win anything?" Liam didn't speak yet so I continued on.
"Zack? Everything go alright for you today? Everything swell? Just fine and dandy? Good. Great." Everyone was looking at me and knew I was rambling to avoid saying something. It was how I always operated.
"Colton. Tell us about you. I want to know about Colton's day. Doesn't everyone?" I looked around and saw no heads moving so I just continued to chug my water. Colton laughed out loud and I shot him a look as sweat dripped down my back.
"Jesus Ryann, you are so obvious." He kept chuckling, shaking his head. I bit my lip.
"Alright, what is it? What did you do, now?" Liam asked irritated. I took a mental note to be less obvious next time this happens, as much as I hate Colton right now, he was right. Liam just knew... How embarrassing.
This was it. "So, have you guys ever heard of Cain and Abel?" I asked trying to lighten the mood with a little story. Jax interrupted immediately, groaning at my attempt to avoid defeat.
"Ryann." He scolded, his hands clasped together pushed over his mouth, eyebrows raised. I gulped and sighed, this was it.
"Okay, okay. Sorry. Today, I may have gotten in some slight trouble in my chemistry class and had to go to detention after school." I finished the sentence with strange ease and felt a burden lift. Wow. The hard part was done phew. My eyes stayed shut, hard shut, scared to see their reactions. But, it was routine, I waited for yelling... Didn't have to wait long.
"Detention? Again?" Liam roared. My eyes shot open as Colton was giggling a little but also trying to stay serious like the rest of his brothers. I glared at my stupid ape of a brother.
"My god Ryann, how does this happen three times in one semester? What could you have possibly done in a chemistry class?" Zack asked trying to stay calm. I swallowed. Oh god, no, I didn't want to say this. Jax was a bit too silent for my liking.
"Is anyone thirsty? Wow, I am seriously parched." I asked timidly, trying to once again avoid the anger. Jax pointed at me to shut it and Liam's face grew angrier.
"Answer him right now, little girl. What did you do?" Liam scolded. I blanched and spilled the contents of my conscience.
"Okay! Mr. Miller hates me, he always tries to get me into trouble, I swear I didn't want anything to happen. I didn't ask for it. He just came in and saw me and wanted to try and embarrass me. Stupid Colton made him hate me because of how perfect he is and so when he made me go to the front of the class I wrote, moody miller. That's it. No biggie. I even drew his face below it. I wasn't thinking and I regretted it the minute it happened." I didn't intend to get mad but I hated Mr. Miller and it started to feel like less my fault the more I explained.
"Moody Miller?!" Colton urged, laughing. He got a kick out of it at least but was quickly shut down by a look from Jax. Ha, coward.
I almost smiled too, almost felt proud of what I had done. Until my smug face had to look at Liam. His eyes said, 'I would take that fucking smirk off your face right now or I will not be held accountable for anyone's actions. I quickly sobered up, my face becoming a mix of shame (for getting caught), self-pity (for being yelled at and caught), annoyance and a hint of guilt. Liam took a breath, calming himself down and sitting back in his chair.
"Ryann... " Liam stated, thinking of what to say...
"I don't even know what to say right now. You know better obviously, and I am glad you at least regret it. But you can't blame Colton for being asked something in class, that's normal... You can't just retaliate. These are teachers. You have to respect them." Liam said with this gentle tone that gave me actual goosebumps. I sighed.
"This man is different Liam. I know he is. He truly hates me. Always has."
"Why would he hate you?" Jax asked, his eyes screaming disbelief. I noticed they all had that look. Like I was crazy and just spewing things like a child.
"I don't know, maybe he is jealous that I live with Colton. Maybe he is truly in love with him and is taking out his frustration on me. Maybe, just maybe, I look like Colton and he gets mad that I am not him." Colton gave me a grim look of irritation.
"Shut up Ryann." He said mad. I shrugged. Jax spoke up.
"Be serious. This is a big deal. You disrespected a teacher, bottom line, it doesn't matter what you think he feels about you. I don't care if he is dating Colton, it does not give you a reason to retaliate against him. He is a teacher Ryann. It has nothing to do with your brother if he asks you a question in class... If you didn't know the answer, that's on you, it doesn't give you the right to act like that. You went too far." Jax said, using his low voice to scare me a little. I bowed my head and nodded... But I hated how little they believed me about Mr. Miller, I suddenly felt very ganged up on and alone at the table... Ugh, this was the part where I truly want to cry. I just wanted one person to at least try and understand. I calmed down and tried to bring it up again.
"I know what you are all saying... But if you think about it, I wouldn't have even done it if--." Liam put his hand up. My heart sunk further. I didn't even have another chance to try and prove it to them. I had stories, multiple. I had witnesses.
"Ryann, we have all heard enough about Mr. Miller for tonight. Go upstairs, do your homework and leave your phone on my desk, please. Do not leave your room until we say, understand?" I sniffled. Fearing tears would spill, a natural reaction to being the center of all the anger in this house. I let my eyes water and then slowly walked up the stairs, trying to remain strong.