Rivalry

chapter 9

"I'm OK, Mom! You can go first. I'll take a bus!" I shouted in my room. Mom wanted to drive me off to school, but I insisted on not doing so. I don't know, lately I've been complaining about them not driving me off to school, but today I just want to ride a bus and have some time alone. 

"You sure, honey?" I heard her say it from the living room. I quickly put my sneakers on and wore my red jacket with a white t-shirt inside and baggy black pants. I fixed my long hair by putting a little gel on both sides. 

"You need to practice driving again, Ryan. You're already a college boy." Dad said. I head towards the kitchen to find something to eat.

"I know how to drive, Dad." I said as I ate a sandwich made by my mother this morning.

"Oh yes, of course, Ryan. You know how to drive through a TV screen? " 

"Trust me. I know, ok? I just need some time to practice more and have the confidence to drive off on the road." Geez, I know how a car works. I just get nervous when I'm driving, especially on highways. 

"Just when, Ryan? You're getting older by now, and one thing that you need to know, especially if you're an adult now, is how to drive a car."

"Give me some time, Dad. I said with an assuring smile. You better get going now. You're getting late."

"Ok, OK. You can take the car anytime you want. After all, it's yours. " Dad gave me a tight hug with a tap on my back.

"Soon, dad." I said as we both got out of the kitchen. 

"Lock the doors before you leave. Don't forget to plug out all the switches here up to your room." Mom said as she combed her hair. She gave me a kiss on the cheek.

"Yes, mom. Drive safely, OK." I said, escorting them outside.

"You too." We bid each other goodbye. I go back inside, check all the switches, and pack some food. I even washed my dishes since they had already done theirs. I wish I had my own time and space on the bus later. You know, just like in those movies where people are sitting on the back seat alone, or sometimes there are no people, and then they'll just listen to their favorite song with headphones on their ears. I don't know why I'm being weird today. Maybe because of my dream last night? Yes, that dream was weird. I'm not going to tell you though, because I want you to overthink it with me, but I'll give you a clue. I was at the party. I don't know what kind of party it was, but hell, I saw some of my classmates there, even the basketball team. So, I'm in the pool alone, drinking, and then someone sits beside me. I didn't remember what happened next, but the last thing I remember is that we kissed. Yes, we actually kissed! Could it be some chicks in the school? I didn't see the face and body. It's such a shame. Well, if that happens in real life, I'm going to take the opportunity, and you know what will happen next after the kiss.

I took the bus, obviously because I don't drive a car. Unfortunately, the inside was crammed.I prepared so much for this, but it ended up like this. Darren and Reggie were already at the school. I knew it because I spent my whole ride tapping my phone and having a conversation with the two idiots. I'm still invested in what Darren said last night about Reggie and Oliver, so I'm going to ask Reggie for you guys, because you know, I love you all. The whole ride was nothing. Just random people coming out and coming in. There were also students from the same university as me. Maybe next time I'll bring the car to avoid the hassle and conserve money, but not energy. And maybe, who knows? I might use this to attract girls. Who would be the lucky one to be with me on my first drive?

"Are you, Ryan?" As I stepped onto the school grounds, a girl asked me, twirling her hair and staring at me as if I were prey.I scratched my neck as I nodded.

"Good. There's someone who wants to talk to you." She said.

"I'm sorry, but I'm in a hurry." I typically force a fake smile. I can smell the trouble from here. One thing you should not do when a stranger wants you to go somewhere else is: if you don't have any idea of where it could be, don't go. It might be a trap and this girl in front of me, I know she's up to something.

"No, this is important. It's about Sebastian. The day after the fight with Cinco, his friends want to avenge him." Why does everything about Sebastian always involve me?

"I don't have time for this. Hell, I don't even understand why you came to me and not the principal's office. I'm trying to stay away from him, so please don't give a fuck about his life and whatever is going on." I said, irritably. Can people leave me alone? Why are they trying to bring me into that problem that isn't my fault? She was taken aback by what I said, but I won't take it back. 

"Please? I can't go to the principal's office without solid proof. I.. you know what, just forget it. " The girl said as she walked away with a disappointment on her face. 

"Geez, what's wrong with her? She even used Sebastian as a bait." I shook my head and continued walking towards my department, shaking my thoughts about what she said. I bet this is Sebastian's show. That guy is on another level of getting on my nerves. Remember my classmate who stood up for him because I disrespected him? Damn, I bet he ordered that idiot to do that to me. There might be an ambush waiting for me if I did go with her. You see, I swear to the moon goddess, I'm going to take the upper hand this time no matter what happens. It's time to fight back if ever Sebastian tries anything to wreck my nerves.