- See you Friday? - Ash asks smiling at me. I return the smile by settling down. - Taylor!
By nodding, Ash walks away from the library. I look at Ryder who snorts without explanation.
- What's the matter with you? - I ask in an angry tone. Ryder frowned, without understanding and keeping his frown. - Why are you so cool at one time and act like an asshole the next?
- I wasn't being an asshole, I just wanted to make sure no asshole came in here and took advantage of you, just because you're fragile.
The administrator of the library asks for silence, because Ryder was speaking too loudly.
- Fuck you! - ...he's flirting with her. - You wouldn't happen to be paid to do shii all the time?
I open my eyes and then I get red because of the shame I feel.
- Ryder! - ...I'll scream and slap him on the head. - Excuse me, Mrs. Montgomery! He needs to be trained more often and I forgot to give him his tranquilizer today. I promise it won't happen again.
The lady sighs, making a frown in the direction of Ryder and smiles, settling down for me. She goes back to her chores on the counter. I look at Ryder and snitch picking up my stuff. He frown when I start walking out of the library.
- Hey? Where are you going? - he asks with a mixture of confusion on his face as he tries to reach me. - I thought we were going to study?
- I study with adults, Ryder! Not with little children! - ...I hereby declare that I will continue to walk... - My kindergarten phase is over.
- Now I'm a child because I want to protect you? - Ryder asks by folding his arms in front of his chest, when he can reach me and stop in front of me. - Hey, come here! Did I get that right? You're going out with that little Ash Salvatore ironer on Friday night?
I cast a disapproving glance in Ryder's direction.
- Hey, Brooke! How are you, Brooke? Did you sleep well? I mean imitating Ryder's voice. - Yeah, Ry, I'm fine! I slept very well, thank God without any more nightmares.
Ryder frowned without understanding as I walked behind him again.
- That's what you should have said when we woke up. - I explain in an ironic way. - That would have been a gesture of concern.
Snarling, he closes his fists and passes his hands over his face. Just after a few seconds, he realizes I made a ridiculous imitation of him.
- Hey! I don't talk like that! - he says indignantly. I direct a severe look when he stops once more in front of me, preventing me from continuing to walk. - All right! I'm sorry I'm an ogre sometimes.
- Just sometimes?
- Okay. Okay. Always! - he smiles, taking a break. - You're not going out with Ash, are you?
I turn my eyes to Ryder.
- Yes, Ryder! I'm going out with Ash!
- But that guy's an asshole! I won't let you go out with him anyway.
- What's it like? - I say outraged. - Who do you think you are, to tell me who to go out with or not? Do I get involved in your conquests, saying whether or not you should climb? Rebecca, for instance?
Ryder holds his breath and takes a defensive stance.
- What do you know about Rebecca?
- What she told me when she walked past me. That you had sex before the game. Was that the reason you were late?
- I didn't fuck Rebecca, I kicked her out of my apartment. - he says stunned. - In fact, I don't even know how she got my address. I was late because I picked up Viola.
He takes a break, taking a deep breath and trying to control his nervousness.
- I would have killed myself if I had been delayed by a meaningless sex while you were being attacked by those imbeciles. If I'd arrived earlier, none of that would have happened.
Soothing my posture, I smile by passing my hand through Ryder's hair.
- It wasn't your fault! - I say. - I know you're just trying to protect me, but I know Ash and he's really cool. Besides, I have my own coast guard and if he gets funny, I promise he'll be the first to know.
- Pinkie swear?
I'll drop a laugh.
- I swear to God, I'll shout your name like crazy in case you need help.
Ryder settles down and then extends his arm to accompany me to class. We sat next to each other. Ryder watched the class very carefully and stopped only to discuss something with the teacher. Everyone was amazed at his posture. As the class went smoothly, we took the opportunity to insert notes in the thesis. I had patience, so I did the research, while Ryder inserted the notes and mounted the slides.
It was Thursday night, show day. I get to my dorm after helping Leon a little at the club, and I start getting ready. She sighed while I hold her hair sideways, after taking a hot, invigorating bath. I do a light makeup, putting a dark lipstick on my lips to give prominence. Putting on the dress I had bought and the huge heels, I sigh with satisfaction looking at myself in the mirror.
- You look fabulous! - I say without modesty. - Beautiful and fabulous!
I stop in the courtyard at the entrance to
