Page 114 of I Don't Need Your Love

“Thanks,” Ryder and I say.

We eat and discuss other topics, my parents updating us on what’s been happening around town. Blake tells us about what the kids here are up to, he also talks about his and Ryder’s friends. And of course he talks about his girlfriend, Ximena.

“Are you blushing?” I tease.

“Shut up.” He throws his napkin at me.

“It’s cute! I’m not making fun.”

Mom looks from me to Ryder. “So are you kids going to the school dance together?”

My boyfriend and I smile at each other. “We sure are,” Ryder says.

Mom and Dad look so happy for us. When I was younger, I used to complain to my parents that I’d never have a boyfriend because none of the guys at school were interested in me. Turns out I was just waiting for the right boy.

The conversation shifts to other topics as we finish eating. After we help my parents clean up, Ryder and I go up to my room and sit down on my bed.

I run my hand through his hair. “It’s almost time to talk to your parents. How are you feeling?”

He puffs out his cheeks. “Nervous, but I’m ready.”

I nod as I gaze into his eyes. “I know we have to get back to school in a few hours, but take your time. Go when you’re ready.”

He takes another breath before giving me a soft kiss. “The more I sit here, the more I’ll go insane. I’d better go.”

I search his eyes. “Are you sure you don’t want me to go with you?”

After giving me another kiss, he says, “Thanks, but this is something I need to do on my own.”

I nod in understanding. “If you need me, just call or text and I’ll be over in seconds.”

He thanks me another time, gives me a deeper kiss, then gets to his feet. Our hands are clutched as I escort him downstairs and out the front door.

“Good luck,” I wish. “It’ll be okay.”

He nods, pushing a confident smile on his face. “I’ll see you soon, my beautiful and amazing girlfriend.”

I fold my arms around his waist, pressing my face to his chest. Then I reluctantly let go and drop down on the first step leading up to my house.

Ryder looks at me for a bit, holding that smile. Then he waves and makes his way next door to his house.

Chapter Thirty-Six

Ryder

My knees practically bang into each other as I stand before the house that holds many, many difficult memories. This might be one of the hardest things I’ll ever do in my life.

After taking a deep breath, I climb the stairs to the front door and knock. I have a key, but I don’t want to just barge in.

No one answers and I wonder if maybe my parents aren’t home. But then I hear footsteps approaching before the door opens a crack to reveal brown eyes that are the same shade as mine.

Mom freezes, her eyes growing large. “Ryder.”

I give her the widest smile I can. “Hi, Mom. Can I come in, please?”

She opens the door, giving me more than enough room to slip past her and enter the house. It looks exactly the same as it did when I left it. Furniture that’s old and worn out. Wallpaper that hasn’t been changed in years. It’s a home that isn’t really homey at all.

Dad, like usual, is sitting in front of the TV. He bounces from job to job, which is how we’ve kept afloat over the years. We had enough to survive and that was it.