Chapter 3
David Stone dropped me off at my place.
I didn't expect to run into Ryan at my door.
Ryan was on the phone with Jessica, his voice gentle and a soft smile on his face.
He said, "Sweetie, I'll bring you your favorite cupcake.
"Alright, I'll get you some candy, too.
"But you can't have too much, and no acting cute. Want a kiss? I might consider it."
When Ryan saw me, his smile disappeared, and he looked over at David standing next to me.
He hung up the phone, a mocking smile tugging at his lips.
"Julia, if you're trying to make me jealous, at least pick a side guy who's at least decent," he said.
David wasn't some spare guy I kept around.
He was just a friendly cop who dropped me off at home.
I ignored Ryan, turned to David, and said, "Don't mind him. Sorry for what he said; just ignore it.
"Thanks for dropping me off. I can take it from here."
David didn't seem fazed by Ryan's mocking. He gave Ryan a quick glance and asked, "Do you know him?"
I nodded.
David looked like he was about to say something, probably wanting to fill Ryan in about my situation.
I quickly stopped him, shaking my head.
Ryan's eyes were fixated on our intertwined hands.
David let out a sigh and said, "I'm heading out. If you need anything, just give me a call."
"Alright, sorry for the trouble. Bye," I replied.
I watched David walk away.
Ryan moved in, blocking my view.
Ryan sneered and said, "You called me just to stage this whole act? Julia, you're really starting to make me sick."
God, I was hopeless.
Even now, when he threw those insults at me, it still stung.
I made sure not to look at him.
"Do you need something?" I asked.
"I do," Ryan said flatly.
Ryan's voice dropped, slow and heavy, as if he wanted every word to hurt.
He said, "I'm here to take something back from you.
"Something you never deserved to have."
He was talking about the jade bracelet his mother gave me.
It was meant to be a Bennett family heirloom for whoever married into the family.
I just couldn't bring myself to wear it.
After a long hesitation, I finally took out the bracelet and managed to ask, "Are you two getting married?"
"Yeah," Ryan said simply.
He handed me a wedding invitation and asked, "You'll come, won't you? Sister?"
It hurt so bad I couldn't even describe it.
Fighting back tears, I forced a smile. "Of course," I said. "Guess it's just going back to its rightful owner.
"Ryan, I really do wish you both happiness, seriously."
Ryan stared into my tear-stained eyes, his expression icy, searching for any hint that I was lying.
After a moment, he said, "You better not be faking it.
"Julia, if you pull any stunts this time, I'm not going to let you get away with it."
I wouldn't, because soon, I would forget all about them.
All of the past, the memories, would never be part of my life again.
Before the engagement party, I had another episode.
This time, I got hassled by a bunch of punks.
I was totally freaking out.
I bolted to the end of the alley.
I curled up in the corner, without thinking, I dialed Ryan's number.
"Ryan, they're back again. Where are you? I'm really scared," I said, my voice shaking with fear.
Ryan sounded icy and fed up. He said, "Julia, can you just stop bothering me already?"
A cold sweat broke out all over me.
Was this really Ryan?
Just a few days ago, I got targeted by some punks hanging around outside school.
Ryan had held me close, saying, "No matter what happens, wherever we are, I'll never let go of your hand."
And only days later, it was like he was a completely different person.
Ryan's voice grew even more impatient.
He said, "Is there anything else?
"I'm hanging up.
"And don't call me again. Jessica will get upset if she sees your name on my phone."
All I heard was the busy tone beeping in my ear.
I just stood there, frozen.
I even forgot to hide.
Those punks caught up to me fast.
"What are you running for?" one of them asked.
"Hey, is this yours? We messed it up for you," another said.
They shoved the wallet at me. The truth was I had totally gotten it wrong. They weren't punks at all.
I quickly said, "Sorry, I got it all wrong; thank you."
They scratched their heads, exchanged confused glances, and looked totally lost.
"What's her deal?" one of them muttered.
"No clue. She's probably got a screw loose," another said.
They gestured at their heads and turned to walk away.
I didn't bother with them.
I stared at the wallet, lost in thought.
This wallet was the birthday present I gave Ryan, the first thing I ever bought for him with money I earned myself.
When he got it, he was so touched he teared up, pulled me into his arms, and swore he would give me a good life forever.
Now, somehow, it ended up back with me.
Did he just not want it anymore?
And who was Jessica?
Did we break up?
No, that was impossible.
There was no way we would ever break up.
I found myself reaching for my phone, ready to call Ryan one more time.
Suddenly, I heard someone call out to me.
"Julia, what are you doing here? Lost again, huh?" David said.
I looked up and saw a tall guy heading my way. He had short hair, was seriously good-looking, and just gave off that straight-arrow vibe.
"Do I know you?" I asked, a little confused.
He sighed, sounding a bit exasperated. He said, "Of course.
"Looks like you forgot about me again."
He walked me to the end of the alley and grabbed my hand.
"Get in the car. I'll drive you home," he said.
I jerked my hand away, on guard. I said, "I don't know you."
He flashed his police badge from his pocket.
He asked, "Does this help you trust me now?
"Julia, we're old friends."
I still didn't believe him. I shook my head and said, "Don't lie to me; these days, even kidnappers use that trick."
And with that, I tried to run, but he caught me in one quick move and pulled me straight into his arms.
I screamed my head off.
We caused such a commotion that people whipped out their phones, filmed the whole thing, and posted it online in no time.
By the time the police arrived, everything came rushing back to me.
"I'm sorry, David, I," I said.
David just shook his head, interrupting me. He replied, "Come on, I'll take you home."