Chapter 309: Confessions and Celebrations (Ryder's POV)

(Ryder’s POV)

"Should we tell your dad?" Kate asked, sounding nervous and excited all at once. "Do you think he'll be upset that we skipped out on the whole celebration thing?"

I was doubtful, considering the circumstances and Tyler responded, confirming exactly what I was thinking.

"I doubt it," he replied. "He'll probably just be relieved we got it done before The Elders arrived."

She was smiling. She looked so happy. I couldn't understand why I didn't feel the same...

"Are we going to celebrate?" Tyler asked as we stepped into the house. "Maybe we could go get a fancy dinner somewhere or something?" he suggested, looking just as happy as she did.

I plastered on my best fake smile, trying to fit in but dreading the idea of having to go anywhere or do anything that involved people. I was barely keeping it together as it is, now pile 'attempting to look normal in front of strangers' on top of that and it was too much for me to deal with.

Tyler was looking over at me, waiting for a res