Wait, I didn't EVER giggle. What was going on with me?
“Glad to see my abuse is good enough for your entertainment,” Ryder grumbled with a scowl on his pretty face.
“Apologize dick.” Grayson’s voice did the growl/yell thing again, I had no idea what that was about. But I think I liked it.
“I’m sorry Malia. I didn’t mean to pry. It’s just that this is a small town and everyone pretty much knows everyone here.” Ryder explained.
“Grayson, what is with the whole growling thing you have going on?” I asked, trying to change the subject. For some reason, his face flashed a look of surprise as if he couldn’t believe that I had talked to him. However, that look was gone in an instant.
“Yeah, that’s just Grayson. It is something that happens when he gets mad, sad, or happy.” Asher answered, before Grayson could get a word in.
That earned Asher a smack on the head from Grayson. It seemed to be his thing. “Ouch! What the fuck was that for?” Asher grumbled, while rubbing his head, as if it actually hurt. Grayson just rolled his eyes, while I giggled again.
“I think you might’ve hurt your head more than you thought, considering you’re giggling at our abuse again,” Ryder smirked while crossing his arms.
“You may be onto something because I don’t giggle.” I tried explaining.
Thankfully, Asher changed the subject, “So I take it, you’re going to be the new girl in school?”
Stunned, I fidgeted with my hoodie as I answered. “Looks like it, since I’ve never been there before. Why? Is there something I should know?” Hopefully, I didn’t sound as nervous as I was. I’m not even sure why I was nervous considering this wasn’t the first school I’ve relocated to.
“Not at all. We were just thinking, if you wanted, we could help you out navigating classes and shit.” Ryder offered.
I gave them all a dumbfounded look, I couldn’t believe they wanted to help me. Usually, people just passed me by without a second glance. If they did stop and notice me, they sneered as none of my clothes were in the greatest shape.
Kind of like right now, I have on a black tank top with my hoodie zipped up. My pants have holes in them from being worn so much. My shoes were black Converse but those were old and worn as well. Since I had to put all my money towards bills and food, I couldn’t exactly buy myself anything.
“Why are you looking at us like that?” Grayson hesitantly asked me, bringing me out of my thoughts.
Clearing my throat, I muttered, “Like what?”
“You have this look on your face that would make someone think we just kicked your puppy,” Grayson spoke softly, as if he didn’t want to spook me.
Unbidden tears sprang to my eyes, I quickly found my shoes very interesting, trying to will them away. I couldn’t help but mumble, “I ah… I guess I’m just not used to getting help, from the goodness of your heart.”
Suddenly another pair of black converse filled my vision. Ryder put his finger under my chin and lifted my face until I was looking up at him. We were close enough that I could smell him and the only way I could describe his scent was like, the ocean and sand all wrapped in one.
“What’s wrong, pretty girl?” he pleaded, looking at me like he wanted to solve all of my problems.
2.
Strange Guys
Ryder
Malia looked at me, her eyes shining with tears. I wanted to make her smile and laugh. The way she carried herself, it was like the weight of the world was on her shoulders. A weight I wanted to help carry.
She looked so vulnerable as she whispered, “You were serious about helping me? All three of you?” At this point, I just wanted to wrap her up in my arms and hold her. Asher spoke up behind me, “Why don’t we swap numbers? This way we can meet up with you tomorrow in the morning, before class. Unless you need a ride?” It came out sounding like a question he was hoping to get a yes out of.
Malia went to pull out her phone and I dropped my hand. We were still standing close and I didn’t want to move away. She was this petite little thing, with flowing chestnut brown hair, and her eyes were a clear blue. Like the sky on a cloudless sunny day, my favorite kind of day. It seemed that her clothes were a little big on her but not by much. I had a feeling she was skinnier than she should be.
“Here. Just put your numbers in and I will text you all in a group message.” Malia said, as she handed me her phone.
“You know if you need anything, you can just text or call any one of us,” I told her, as Asher nodded his head, and Grayson grunted in agreement.
“Thanks, guys. I need to get back,” she muttered, as I handed her phone back to her.
She waved goodbye and started walking back the way she came. I turned around and found that Asher and Grayson were both watching her figure disappear. Seems as though, I was not the only one that had found her intriguing. Clearing my throat, they both blinked and looked at me. Smirking, I walked back to the field and picked up the football.
“Ryder!” Asher yelled for me.
Turning around to look at them I asked, “What Asher?”
“What’s going on in that head of yours?” he wondered, as if the most gorgeous girl didn’t just walk away without giving us her number. I just shook my head as I walked back over to the guys.
“Do you think she’s going to take us up on our offer?” Asher asked with hope lacing in his voice.
“Not sure. I get the feeling she is going through a
