WANNA BET
The next day I went to school and caught a glimpse of Ryder with his friends Dylan and Jacob. He came early. That’s weird. I walked over to my table and didn’t make a move to talk with him. Even if he called, I don’t want to discuss anything that happened yesterday.
I took a seat and waited for Pearl. Whatever happened whether it’s good or bad, I will share it with Pearl. I can’t keep something about my life out of her knowledge.
” Riley, can you come here a minute?” I heard someone’s voice. To be exact, a boy. There’s no Riley in our class. Who cares? I stared outside the class and trying to get lost in some random thoughts.
” Are you angry at Ryder, Riley? That’s why you are not turning back.” I heard the same voice again. Okay, this is not some other student from my class but me. Dylan’s the only guy who calls me Riley to annoy me. I turned back and glared at him. He can’t really shout like this.
” I have a name and it’s not Riley,” I said once I walked over to their table.
” But I like that and I prefer to use it. Anyways, sit here for a minute.” Dylan said pointing an empty seat next to Ryder. Once I sat next to him, Jacob and Dylan stayed silent.
” If you are angry at me still now, tell me how should I made it up to you?” Ryder started.
” No. I’m not angry at all. I’m feeling guilty that I’m the root cause of everything. So, what’s the point in getting angry at you?”
” It’s not yours. I was the one who overreacted and made a scene right at the place. I was just waiting for you inside the bar but you took more time which made me wonder about it. The first thing I saw outside is that nerd is kissing you. I never knew that I could get fucking angry and hurt at that moment. But I got no right to harm him while he’s one of your friend.” Ryder explained.
Now I’m in remorse. I let Jason kiss me while it’s only been a day since Ryder told me that he likes me. But I can’t avoid one of them and go with it.
” Can I ask you a favour, Ryder?”
” Yeah. Tell me anything. I will do.” he replied like I’m going to ask something big but it isn’t true.
” I still feel like it’s all my fault. So, please don’t apologize. I’m not angry at you or Jason. But can I know what happened after I left?”
” Nothing important. I went back to the bar and stayed a little longer. Then I don’t want to talk bad about this, but that nerd’s relationship with his girlfriend feels pretty shit. She was getting the waiter phone number and flirting with him once Jason’s gone while Jason got you alone to kiss you. What type of relationship is this? I feel that my opinion is always right about any relationships. Fake people are around everywhere.” Ryder complained. I never got angry at him but I’m really getting mad.
” You may be right about Crystal but don’t say anything wrong about Jason. I regret that I can’t say the reason but he’s not doing this in a purpose. Plus, true relationship always exists. Don’t judge them seeing from outside. We know nothing about anyone’s life and what they are going through.” I told him and the anger I had inside is clearly visible.
” Why are you taking it serious, Emily? I just told my opinion about it and if I’m wrong why can’t you explain it to me?” Ryder asked and I can’t let any word about Jason. He shared it cause he trusted me.
” I’m sorry. I promised I won’t tell anyone. Jason didn’t get me alone to kiss me but to share his personal problems. I hope you would understand.”
Ryder doesn’t respond but has a serious expression on his face. I wish I can read his thoughts. I stayed silent as there’s tension between. It’s better to stop arguing about this.
” You know what, sister? We called you to put an end to this argument not to increase it. Just forget about it. Both of you.” Jacob told, looking at me.
” I’m okay. There’s no problem between us. In fact, she’s coming to my house from today onwards. Even there’s some misunderstanding, it won’t last long.” Ryder said optimistically.
” I totally forgot that I’m your tutor. Are we gonna start from today?” I asked him and I’m feeling better after changing the topic.
” Of, course. Maybe you can come home every day instead of two or three days. Remember that you promised my mom that you will help me pass the semester. ” Ryder remained.
” Are you kidding me, Ryder? You are going to start studying. There’s no possibility for it.” Jacob laughed at him like it’s the funniest thing ever.
” Of, course. He will study. Watch it. I will make him pass the semester. There are still two months for it. That’s enough for me to do it.” I told Jacob in a challenging voice.
” Will you bet on it? I can give you two hundred dollars if you can do it. Is it a deal?” Dylan told without having second thoughts on it.
” Are you betting on two hundred dollars? Are you serious? Don’t regret it if you lose.” I told him and looked back at Ryder. He didn’t comment anything.
” What? You will study, right? I’m trusting you, Ryder.” I told him.
” Ohh, yeah. I think so.” he gave an uncertain answer. Then Dylan snapped his finger and caught my attention.
” What will you do if you lose? We need to think about that too.”
” Um… I don’t know. You decide.” I gave the choices in their hands.
” What can we do? Emily’s gonna lose in this bet and I have a 100 percent guarantee on it.” Jacob asked Dylan. They both had their hand on their chin while thinking something.
” I’m counting on you, Ryder,” I told him again.
” I didn’t give you any guarantee, Emily. I just want to in my room all alone. There may be a chance for me to study. I guess it won’t cross ten minutes.” he cracked a smile when he tried not to.
” What? I promised your mom, idiot…” I scolded him while Jacob called me.
” We decided it. It’s kinda simple job. Look.” he said, pointing his finger at my table. Pearl is sitting on the bench with a book in her hand. I didn’t even notice her presence.
” What’s with her?”
” She’s is the task. I want her to be my girlfriend if you lose the bet. I’m being single for a very long time and I always had an eye on her. But I never talked with her. So, I guess it’s my only chance. What do you say, sister?” Dylan asked. He’s not kidding right now.
” She’s my best friend. This is not fair.” I refused.
” The deal is on. You can’t step back. The most important thing is don’t you have trust on Ryder? You said you will make him study. Are you only good at words, Emily?” Jacob questioned me. After what Ryder said, I clearly don’t trust him? I just want to in my room all alone. His words rang in my ears again. How am I gonna do this? Nothing wrong in giving it a try.
” Fine. There are still two months for it. Keep the two hundred dollars ready for me. I will win this bet.” I said with a lot of truth. Of course, Dylan is a good guy but I won’t let you down, Pearl. Urgh… Pearl’s gonna chase me to the other side of the world if I told her this. I thought to myself.