Love is a Fight

Chapter 10

Ryder's P.O.V.

I woke up and did my normal morning routine. After I got dressed, I quietly crept downstairs, only to find my dad already sitting at the kitchen table.

"Hey dad" I said preparing for the worst.

"Ryder." He greeted me curtly.  I know it may sound harsh, but it took me by surprise. No name calling, no morning beating, just a greeting. I sat down at the table across from him, and poured myself a glass of water.

"Did you have anything to eat? I could make you something" I smiled. For once, I was excited that my father was not aggressive nor drunk.

"I already ate, thank you" he said not looking up from the newspaper he was reading. I choked on my water. He just said thank you. Thank. You. Something is going on here. I don't understand what but something's up.

I decided to leave before his sudden good mood disappeared. I left and hopped in my car to drive to school.

Once I arrived at school, I stepped out of the car only to meet the fresh gates of hell. But for once, I actually had a smile on my face.

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I went through the day without any problems or fighting with anyone. But it just so happened that the one day that I'm finally in a good mood, Grayson is throwing a piss fit. I heard that he got into two fights today. One because a kid bumped into him in the hallway. The other because a kid asked him if he had a pencil. Both fights were separated before any teachers could see, or before either student could get in trouble.

As I walked into class I prepared for the worst. When I sat down next to Grayson his head shot up, quicker than I could react, his gray eyes burning into mine. I was shocked at first but then I gave him a smile which caused him to now be confused. I laughed a bit at his expression, and looked down at my books.

"You're happy." he said simply. I shook my head smiling.

"Yeah, I am" I responded.

"Why?" he narrowed his eyes at me.

"It's just been a good day I guess" I shrugged. I gave him another big smile. God, it feels good not being beaten or abused for once. He looked into my eyes and I could have sworn I saw him smile slightly. I saw him looking at me through the corner of my eye. I finally turned to face him.

"What?" I asked curiously. He awkwardly coughed and scratched the back of his neck.

"Nothing, um you just look nice today" he finally spit out. My eyes widened. I thought it was a surprise that we weren't ripping each other's heads off but a compliment? Towards me? This has to be fake.

"Seriously?" I asked, finally taking my own appearance in. I was wearing ripped jeans, and an old 'Nirvana' band tee. My hair was just thrown in a messy bun considering I didn't feel like brushing it out this morning. I look nice? Ha, I looked like I just woke up in the middle of a hurricane.

Grayson gave me a deadpan look causing me to smile sheepishly at him.

"You look nice Ryder, take a compliment" he said coldly.

"Somethings up but because I'm in a good mood, I'm just gonna say thank you" I smiled. I know I could have just said thank you. But think about it. Grayson and I have never gotten along since we've known each other. I don't think we've ever said a nice thing about each other besides when we flirting in the beginning. For Grayson to compliment me is like the world just blew up.

"You're welcome" he mumbled before turning back to his work. I rose an eyebrow considering Grayson rarely even does his work, and the fact that he got into 2 fights today.