But Why Not

Chapter Twenty-Six

"You ready to go back to school tomorrow?" Ryder asked over the phone. It was the only way we could really talk. Someone was always with me at the house around the clock.

"Eh I guess so." I was laying on my bed with my leg propped up on pillows.

"Erin, baby!" my mom called from the kitchen. "Who are you talking to?"

"Natalie!" I called back.

"Ooh Erin. Isn't Ryder just sooooo hot!" Ryder squealed in his girliest voice.

I laughed. "Oh my gosh! Yes! He is freaking gorgeous!"

Ryder laughed. "Aw thanks. I'm flattered." he chucked a little bit and then went silent. "So to get a little serious here, what are we going to do tomorrow? You know Zach isn't going to let you come near me but you are my girlfriend." My heart fluttered when he called me his girlfriend.

"I think we're going to take it as it comes. Zach is taking me to school tomorrow but I have more classes with you than I do with him so we'll see each other."

Before he could answer, my mom pushed my bedroom door open. "I have dinner ready. Do you want to eat it in here or come to the kitchen?"

"I'll come to the kitchen."

My mom nodded. "Tell Natalie I say hello." I knew she wouldn't leave until I told "Natalie."

"My mother says hello, Nat." I heard Ryder chuckle. "Well I'm gonna eat some dinner. I'll see you tomorrow, Natalie."

"Good night, Erin. I love you." I could hear the smile in Ryder's voice.

Following Day

Zach pulled open the passenger side door. "You ready to do this?"

I nodded. I had been gone from school for three weeks. The doctors moved me up to crutches since I got some strength in my good leg. Bruises, scratches, and stitches were still present all over my body.

Zach handed me crutches and shouldered my backpack. "Let's do it then." He helped me out of the car.

Everyone in the parking lot had their eyes on me but the only ones I noticed were bright blue. Ryder turned away and left.

Zach placed a light but protective hand on the small of my back. He must have seen Ryder too. We made our way into school. My soccer team came running up to me squealing. "I'll catch you later." Zach mumbled in my ear before walking away.

"Oh my god I'm so glad you're okay!" Natalie gushed hugging me gently.

"We heard about the accident." Another one of teammates clamored.

"When will you be able to play again?!" Someone else squealed.

"Ladies. Ladies." My heart fluttered and my stomach flipped. Hands came to rest on my shoulders. "Let's not overwhelm Erin."

The girls got all giggly. "Yeah sure, of course, Ryder." Natalie cooed before shooing all the girls away.

Ryder moved to stand in front of me. "Hey, beautiful." He said as he a tucked a stray piece of hair behind my ear.

I couldn't help but smile. "Hey you." He leaned in and pressed our lips together. I heard a gasp and pulled away from Ryder quickly.

Zach stood a little bit down the hall looking shocked and hurt.

"Get away from her."

Yay! New update!

It summer! Hallelujah!

So there are only a few chapters left in this book! I hope you guys are enjoying it!

Avery