by J. L. Wyer
“What did she say about Liz?” I literally growl out, because no one, not even her friends, should dare speak badly about my girlfriend if they know what's good for them.
“Nothing I’m going to repeat to you ‘cause I know you’ll just fly off the handle.”
All three of our phones go off with a notification.
“Of course I’m going to fly off the handle when it comes to anyone hurting my girl.”
“I didn’t want things to be weird between Elizabeth and Maria, so I tried to end things as amicably as I could.”
“I think that would be an epic fail then,” Julien exclaims, looking at his phone.
“What?” Ryder and I both say.
“Check your phones. We need to go.”
A video has been posted on one of the student's social media sites and shared with all of us with the hashtags #nolongerfriends #theotherwoman #sayitisntso. Ryder and I must have hit play at the same time on our phones because we hear Maria’s voice in stereo. When we get to the end we hear Maria say, “That’s fine with me. We’re no longer friends Liz," and see Liz crying.
I call Liz.
“Hey.” She sounds broken.
“Are you at school right now?”
“Yeah.”
“I’m with the guys at Ruby’s. You’re on speaker. Please tell me what we just saw did not happen.”
Hailey’s voice comes on. “Yes, it did. Ryder, what are you going to do about it?”
“I’ll deal with it,” Ryder tells her. He looks pissed.
“We’re on our way, Liz. Hales, take her back out to the car and wait for us.”
“On it.”
“I love you, baby. Everything is going to be okay. Be there soon.”
“Okay.”
“Jules, let’s go. Ryder, fix this mess,” I demand of him. “If you don’t reign in your ex, I will. Maria is not going to mess with Liz because you broke up with her.”
Ryder says nothing and jumps in his car and drives off.
Julien takes the coffee and scone from me so I can drive. “Liz must be devastated. What has gotten into Maria? How could she say those things to Liz?”
“Who are you texting?” I ask him when his fingers start flying over his phone.
“Elijah. He and Liz are close. I’m rallying the troops. She’s going to need us.”
“Good idea. See if he can come over tonight. I’ll pick up Liz from work and bring her to the house. We can order pizza or something and watch a movie. All of us.”
“E says yes, he’ll be there. I told him to drop by at seven.”
We arrive at school and park next to Liz and Hailey’s car. Liz is sitting in the passenger seat, eyes closed. Ryder’s car is already there but he’s nowhere in sight. Hopefully that means he’s gone inside to talk to Maria.
I run around the car and open Liz’s door. “Hey, baby doll.” I reach out and caress her face. Her eyes are a bit puffy and red from crying but she’s still the most beautiful girl in the world.
“I’m glad you’re here,” she says with relief and turns her face into my hand.
“Come here, princess. It’s going to be alright.”
I pick her up and sit down with her on the parking lot gravel. I cup her neck and wrap my other arm around her back and hold her. I whisper how much I love her over and over again into her ear as I kiss the side of her face. Once I feel her relax and her breathing even out, I pull back to assess her. “Better?”
“Yes, much better. Thank you.”
“My pleasure.” This time I bring her in for a real kiss, a slow kiss, one that is gentle and soothing.
“I’m so sorry she yelled at you. Ryder is taking care of things now. She shouldn’t have said what she did.”
“I just feel like it’s my fault. Perhaps I wasn't as a good a friend as I should've been to her.”
“No baby. You were a great friend. She should be ashamed of herself. I hope for your sake she apologizes. My first concern right now is taking care of you. If she wasn’t a girl, I would've already found her and punched the crap out of her.”
Liz gives a slight chuckle. “What is it with boys thinking everything can be solved with their fists?”
“They can’t? News to me.” I tighten my grip under her thighs. “Hold on, baby. This ride’s about to get bumpy.” I stand up with Liz still wrapped around me and start walking toward school.
“What are you doing? Jayson, put me down before someone sees us.” Julien and Hailey are following behind us, Hailey’s carrying Liz’s shoulder bag.
“Would you prefer caveman style?”
“Absolutely not. I think one video with me in the starring role is enough for today.”
“Oh, you ain’t seen nothing yet.” I start kissing her as I walk us into the school building. There are catcalls and whistles going up all around us. Liz giggles and smiles against my mouth but doesn’t protest me carrying her anymore. I’m glad I could put a smile on her face. Julien hands her the coffee we brought from Ruby’s.
“You can put me down now. Caffeine comes before kisses.”
I kiss her again, hard. “Keep telling yourself that, princess.”
I thank Hailey for watching out for Liz and we head to our first period class, still no Ryder in sight. He rushes in at the last second before the tardy bell, so I don’t get to ask him what happened with Maria. I shoot off a quick text to him and Julien.
Me: We’re rallying the troops for Liz. Our house tonight at 7.
Ryder: Will be there.
Julien: E’s coming too. Let’s get Hailey and Brea in on it.
Ryder: Will text Brea later.
Me: Don’t want Liz upset anymore so no talking about Maria in front of her. R, did you talk to her?
Ryder: Yeah. Didn't go well. Will tell u about it later when Elizabeth isn’t around.
Julien: I have soccer practice after until 5. Meet at bleachers then?
Me: I don’t have to get Liz until 6. Sounds good to me.
Ryder: Got it.
Ryder
I should have known Maria would act out against Elizabeth. I lied to Jayson when he asked me about our breakup. Yes, I did try to end things amicably, wanting to try and save Elizabeth’s friendship with her. I should have known that to Maria, there was nothing left to salvage. Asking Maria out was another one of those stupid mistakes I tend to make when not being able to have Elizabeth becomes too much for me.
I thought Maria was funny, she made me laugh, provided me short reprieves from my thoughts of Elizabeth. I knew Maria wanted more from me and I figured, what the hell, so asked her out. Almost immediately after our first date, Maria started talking dropping subtle comments about Elizabeth. It was like she wanted me to turn on Elizabeth, to hate her. I never said anything about it, not even to Julien, and especially not to Jayson or Elizabeth. Maria also kept pushing for sex. Was I tempted? Yes. Did I love Maria? No. And I made a promise to myself after Elizabeth saw me with Jacinda at the bonfire party that I would never be that guy again, the one who uses a girl like that.
So I kept my hands to myself, which only made things worse with Maria. I’m an idiot for not ending our relationship sooner. Now I have to fix the mess I created. To say I'm upset with Maria after watching the video is an understatement.
I know exactly where Maria is when I get to school, but we’re not having an audience for what I need to say to her, so I call her when I get to the front office doors.
“What?” she answers tersely.
“Come outside,” my tone letting her know that it’s not a request. She looks over and sees me through the window. Her eyes narrow.
“Now, Maria.”
“Fine.”
As soon as she walks out the doors, I grab her elbow and pull her down the hallway and into the empty A/V storage room. Once inside, she jerks her arm out of my grasp.
“What is wrong with you, Maria?”
“What? Did Liz come running to you all damsel in distress? Figures.”
&nbs
p; “No. Your little tirade was posted online.”
“Good.”
“That’s it? That’s all you’re going to say?”
Maria stares at me, unblinking.
“That was a horrible thing to do to your best friend.”
“She’s not my best friend.”
“Yes, she is. She’s been your friend since the third grade.”
“No. I hate her.”
My head jerks back like she just slapped me. “Maria, what is going on with you? How can you say you hate her? You two have been inseparable for years. She’s your best friend.”
Maria scoffs at that. “You are so dumb. You know nothing.”
“Well, then, explain it to me.” She’s starting to really tick me off and I don’t know how much longer I’ll be able to keep my temper in check.
“I only started hanging out with her to get close to you.” Maria must see the confused look on my face. ELizabeth and I have both known Maria since the third grade, but it wasn't until the seventh grade that they started hanging out and became friends.
“You really think I wanted to waste my time being friends with her? She had the monopoly on what I wanted, so I used her as my in with you.” She folds her arms across her chest. “All the good it did me,” she mumbles.
“That’s the biggest pile of crap you have said to me. You’re going to stand there and tell me that all the years you and Elizabeth were friends, it was because you wanted me to, what, notice you?”
Maria comes closer, invading my space. “I want you, Ryder. I have wanted you for a long time. You want me, too. I know you do. You wouldn't have asked me out if you didn’t feel something for me. For me, not her. Don’t throw away what we have for her.” She slides her hands up my chest. “I’m better than she is. I can make you feel so good if you’ll let me. Please let me.”
I watch as Maria begins to slide her hands down to my belt and I grab her wrists. “Maria, what the hell? Stop.”
“No,” she says and tries to unbuckle my pants.
Disgusted with what she’s trying to do, I shove her away from me.
“Maria, I said stop.”
“Why can’t you love me like I love you? It’s all her fault! She doesn’t care about you! She takes and takes and takes. She has Jayson. It’s not fair! She shouldn’t get you too.”
I take another step back wanting as much distance between us as possible. How could I not have seen this about her? How could I not see her hatred for Elizabeth?
“You know what? I’m done. We're through, Maria. Over. No longer together. I’m not your boyfriend anymore. And you’re right. I don’t love you. I never did love you. I’m sorry if I ever led you on. That’s on me and I apologize. But what you said to Elizabeth, what you just said to me now, that’s all sorts of messed up.”
Maria pulls her shoulders back, hate and venom radiating from her eyes. “Screw you, Ryder. And screw Elizabeth.”
“Stay away from Elizabeth. I’m warning you, Maria.”
“Like you said. We’re no longer together. You don’t get to tell me what to do anymore.”
With that, she flings open the door and leaves. I clasp my hands around the back of my head and stare up at the ceiling. If what Maria said is true — that this entire time she just used Elizabeth to get to me — Elizabeth isn’t going to understand.
Chapter 19
Julien
“Today could have been better,” I tell Elijah when he arrives at my house. Knowing Jayson had to pick up Liz from work, I texted Elijah and told him to come over at six instead of seven. I wanted some alone time with him before everyone showed up.
We’re in my room, the one Jay and I share. Jay and I told Mom what happened to Liz today and what we were planning to do for her tonight to help cheer her up. Mom said she would make homemade pizza for us and Liz’s favorite oatmeal cookies she makes with almond milk and plant-based butter since Liz is allergic to dairy. Our mom is the best.
Elijah wraps me in a tight hug. “Unfortunately, everyone at Highland saw the video too. I’m so sorry J. Liz didn’t deserve what Maria said to her, and she definitely didn’t deserve to have it aired publicly like it was.” He leans back and grabs my face to kiss me.
“That’s not the worst of it. Ryder tried to talk to Maria. Maria says she hates Liz and was only her friend so she could get access to Ryder.”
“You’re kidding right?”
“Wish I was.”
“It’s amazing what jealousy does to people. Take us for example.”
I sit back on my bed and give him a quizzical look. “What about us?”
Elijah laughs and sits back next to me. “Sorry, I’m not explaining it well. What I’m trying to say is that Maria’s jealousy of Liz is making her lash out. But that’s completely on her and it’s wrong for her to do it. I could be jealous of Liz.”
“What would you be jealous of Liz?”
“Because you love her.”
“Well, of course I love her. I always have. What does that have to do with us?”
“You’re bi, I’m not,” he explains. “I love you and I know you love me back. But you also love Liz. Do I worry that one day you’ll decide to act on that love for Liz and leave me to be with her? No, I don’t. Because we trust each other. I care about Liz, too. She’s a good person, and the way she loves you just makes me like her even more. Does that make sense?”
“A little, I guess.” I reach for his hand.
“I could let my insecurities and jealousy control me, but I don’t. I trust what we have together. I trust you. Maria can’t do that with Ryder. She’s been swimming in her own pit of jealousy for so long, it taints everything in her life. She’ll realize one day that Liz was a true friend to her, and that her incorrect assumptions lost her a true friend.”
I think about what he’s saying. Yes, I’m bisexual, and yes, if I wanted to have a relationship right now with a girl, I would definitely want it to be with Liz. Like Ryder, I loved Liz enough to step aside and allow her to find happiness with Jayson. However, I;m lucky to have found Elijah and am even luckier that he loves me. I’m happy. My life is good. I have so much to look forward to.
“Let’s go down and help Mom with the pizzas. Everybody should be getting here soon.” I stop at my doorway. “Thanks E, for listening and for understanding.”
“Always.”
Elizabeth
“That was the most godawful bestest movie I have ever seen.” I am laughing so hard, tears are streaming down my cheeks. We’re all a mess, clutching our bellies and falling over each other on the sofa and floor.
Brea, like me, is wiping tears off her face. “Whose idea was it again to watch Velocipastor?” Jayson raises his hand. “You’re the best Jayson!”
Jayson is next to me on the sofa and pulls me to him, kissing my temple. I lay my head on his chest and listen to his heartbeat. So strong.
After the horrible day at school, I was surprised and very appreciative when Jayson brought me to his house after he picked me up from the library, and I saw all my favorite people waiting for us in the living room. It got even better when Freda gave me a “mom” hug and handed me a plate full of her homemade oatmeal cookies.
I look around me at each and every laughing face and feel so blessed. This is what friendship should be. This is family. I think about Maria and my heart stings like tiny little paper cuts. Maria should be here enjoying this with us. I sigh against Jayson’s chest.
“You okay, babe?”
“I will be,” I promise. “Just wishing things were different.”
“I know, sweetheart. I wish they were too.”
“Who wants more pizza?” Freda calls from the kitchen.
You would think that after we devoured the four large ones she already made and two dozen cookies, we would be full. But of course, Ryder, Julien, Hailey, and Elijah all cheer as a meat lover’s is placed on the coffee table before them.
“Thanks, Mom,” Julien tells her.
“Y
ou know, we should do this more often,” Brea says munching on a cookie. “I mean, I know you guys have your breakfast thing every morning now that we aren’t invited to,” — she sticks her tongue out at Ryder — “and you guys will be off to college after next year leaving me and Hailey here to fend for ourselves. It would be nice to do stuff like this together before you guys leave to become adults and all.”
“I second that,” Hailey agrees.
“I don’t see why not. Maybe a once a month thing since we’re all so busy,” Ryder suggests as he takes a slice of pizza and blows on it to cool it down, the gooey mozzarella creating strings that stretch from the pan to his hand.
Julien rolls over on the floor to his stomach. “I got one for you guys. It’s called this or that. You have to pick your favorite from a choice of two things. Like beach or mountains?”
“Mountains,” Ryder, Elijah, and Brea say.
“Beach,” from me and Hailey.
“Black sand beach.” Jayson smirks down at me, wiggling his eyebrows and I giggle. Jayson told me that was one of the places on our Hawaii bucket list when we go this summer where he wants to have sex.
“Are we missing something?” Brea asks.
“I am a vault,” is Jayson’s remark.
“My turn,” Hailey says. “This one’s for the boys. Boxers or briefs?”
“Boxers,” Elijah and Ryder say.
“He’s definitely a briefs man,” I tell everyone as I poke Jayson in his side.
“Okay, smart-mouth,” Jayson replies. “Thong or underwear?” he asks, challenging me to answer truthfully in front of everyone even though he knows the answer.
The girls all say “underwear.”
“Neither,” is my answer.
“You have to choose, Liz. Which is it?” Julien says.
“Neither.”
The girls burst out laughing when the meaning of my answer finally clicks. Ryder, however, sucks in a sharp breath, and Jayson stands up and tosses me over his shoulder.
“Not this again! Jayson, put me down!”
He heads for the stairs. “Be right back, guys. I have to see if she’s telling the truth.”
I start to kick and wiggle as Jayson lugs me up the stairs. I push up from his back. “Someone please help me!” Hailey and Brea grin and wave. “Traitors!”