Chapter Six.

Ayla.

It was an hour before noon and I had just woken up, I had to get ready and go to Bri's by half twelve since we were going out. I was excited, regardless of how Ryder felt. I have no idea why he felt the need to restrict me from going out, as if he has any authority over me. Also when I told Bri all hell broke loose, she was furious, going on about how he couldnt control me and all that. She wasnt wrong, she rarely is ever wrong.

I went downstairs and made myself a small cup of coffee. Glancing out the window I see my dads car absent from the driveway. I figured he had gone to work and mum was either sleeping or doing an afternoon shift at the daycare center. Mum was a enigmatic woman, she could literally do it all, and even though she had the means to be provided for she never allowed herself to stay at home, well as long as I was eight. Mum loved working, she's done it all, receptionist, PA, barista, waitress, retail and her personal favourite- childcare.

I whipped up some pancakes and enjoyed them with nutella, it wasn't until my growing food baby rumbled loud enough for my neighbours to hear that I realised I should get ready instead of gorging on sugar. Going to my parents room to check if mum was home I see her fast asleep, not wanting to wake her I quietly went to my room. Opening the door to my closet I walked in and looked for something to wear. Settling on a oversized jumper and some baggy jeans I pair it with some rings and put the ensemble on. Today would be chilly and I did not want to risk being cold, the feeling alone made me shiver. Going to the bathroom I wash my face and do my skincare and my morning routine. 

It was just over eleven thirty and I rushed to start my makeup. Brushing out my brows I set them with some form of gel and quickly do my eyeliner. They were not even which made me agitated but hey sisters are better than third cousins at this point. Coating my lips with a faint pink lip oil I comb my hair out watching it settle onto my sweater. Getting out my small black side bag I put my wallet, keys, gum, lip gloss and travel card in. I slip into some wooly socks and am startled by my phone blaring its ringtone. I pick up hastily to not wake mum.

"Hello." 

"Hey, girl why you sound so out of breath." It was Bri.

"Its because I'm going crazy trying to find my trainers." I say and after what felt like an eternity I found my shoes.

"Found it." I said and heard her laugh. "So what time are you coming? James is going to meet us there." She said and I took the phone off of my ear to see the time.

"I should be there just after twelve." I said and put my trainers on.

"Okay see you." She says.

"Bye." I replied and ended the call.

I go to mums room and gently tap mum, her eyes flutter open and she smiles. "Mama I'm going shopping with Bri and a new friend, it almost twelve, I'll be back in the evening." I say and she nods, sitting up she looks at me. "I slept in? Blame your father me and him celebrated a bit too much for quite a long time. Anyway do you need money?" I cringed and wanted to teleport back to five minutes ago when I didn't hear that. As thankful as I am for having parents who very much love each other, I did not need to hear details.

"Not really and mum please keep you shenanigans to yourself." She laughed and got up she went to her bag and got out three fifty pound notes.

"Here princess." She says and yawns.

"Mum I don't need that much!" I said shocked and she waved her hands dismissively. She always gave me way too much when I didn't even need it, I always spent my money wisely so I had a lot in my spending account, not to mention that dad always puts at least a grand every one or two months since I turned sixteen. I was grateful because I could use it for University even if dad said he would pay, he's done enough and I need to be more independant. I wasn't always handed money, I actually worked for it, doing shifts at the restaurant, admin tasks and what not. My parents always taught me the value of hard work and earning money. I was extremely grateful for being in a postion where I had water, heating and a roof over my head. 

"Treat yourself baby. Before you go can you make me some tea." I nodded and kissed her cheek. Going downstairs I got a mug out and made her some fresh mint tea, placing a few of her favourite biscuits on a plate and going back up to give it to her. 

I looked at the time and thought it would be best to take an Uber if I wanted to make it on time. As usual I was runninglate but Bri wouldnt mind.As expected Bri was a little behind in time, when I got to hers she was still decidng what to wear. FInally we set off to Oxford Street and waited to meet up with James. James texted telling us he was near Selfridges, aftewr fidning him we made our way to different stores and I picked out some gifts for my parents. I bought dad a chain, the deal with Costello Airlines went so well and he really deserved this, it was a huge deal! I ended up scoping around and bought mum a Celine bag that I knew she had been wanting for a while.

Us girls dragged James to Bershka and we bought some clothes, Bri had gotten this beautiful dress for her date with Myles and I had gotten some odd bits and bobs.

"I'm pretty sure I am the only guy in here. Can we go because you guys are taking forever." James whined making me and Bri giggle.

"When you come shopping with us expect us to take long. But I'm quite hungry sooooo?" Bri says peering over to me. "Lets go to that new cafe that opened up in Bond Sreet." We nod and walk to the cafe, once we were sat down and had ordered I took in the smell of coffee, caramel and hot pastries. Oh how cosy the scent was, it made all the walking worth it. 

As we eat James tells us more about his life in Spain and we inform him about school, the year, who to avoid and whatnot. It was by far one of the more amusing conversations I've had. All of a sudden my phone starts buzzing and I looked to see who it is. Low and behold Ryder Costello was blowing up my phone, I had given him my phone number last night whilst we were working considering we are doing a project together. I can say in indsight I rpobably shouldn't have. 

I chose to ignore his call and send it to voicemail.

"Who was it?" James asked. "Ryder." I answered.

"Why is he calling, doesn't he know that you're with us?" Bri asks.

I smiled sheepishly.

"I kind of- well I didn't tell him that I was going out with you guys so he thinks I'm still coming to his." Bri choked on her drink and coughed.

"Girl he is going to be mad. That boy cannot keep his cool for shit." She said and I already knew that but I really wanted to go out and he wasn't my dad or anything to be telling me where to not go.

"I know but who is he to order me around." I said and pushed my plate away the feeling of nausea abrupbtly flushing through me. I changed the subject by talking about Bri's upcoming date and eventually we left the cafe to start shopping again. I bought more sweaters and hoodies for the winter season, excited to create comfy outfits.

Around five in the evening we came to a halt and decided it was enough for today. James was going to lose his legs and Bri was whinging about her feet. Jame parted ways with us and I dropped Bri off to hers.

Once alone  finally gained the courage and took my phone out, It had been buzzing all day. I had set a buzzing ringtone for Ryder because by the time it was four I had thirteen calls from him and countless messages. On the train home I was happy I had no service so I could get away frtom the buzz, it fwelt like a bee was in my ear at this point. I walked home at a swift pace, enjoying the pretty autumn cololurs the leafs adorned above me. Entering my house my body leaned into the warmth and the sweet smell of cinnamon sugar cookies. Mum had baked them and they were my absolute favourite, especially the taste of the toasted cinnamon and the crunch of the brown sugar. I was practically drooling before I could get my shoes off.  After I had one too many cookies I dragged myself to up the stairs and to my room putting my phone on charge. I took my time taking off my clothes, makeup etc. I even washed my face for ten minutes knwoing that after this perfect day I'd have to call him. My delayed skincare wasnt long enough and once in my pajamas and settled in bed I called him. The phone must've not even rang for longer than three seconds, he picked up straightaway.

"Where the fuck have you been didn't I tell you to come at three." He says, I let out a deep breath, he was beyong pissed.

"I told you I was going out with James and Bri-" I try to explain.

"Fuck them, if I tell you to come, then you come." I rolled my eyes, what a prestige human being. As iof he thought I would come running the second he called,

"Who are you to me that I have to listen." I hang up before he can reply and a feeling of anxiety settles in my stomach.

I was dreading Monday.

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amara<3