Ride on, Ryder

 I just really miss Ryder. He's the only one that understands me apart from Ivy and Scott. He sympathizes with me when I'm sad, cheers me up and loves me even with my issues.

There's also someone who loved me the way he does.

"Wow, you've got your own gym. You're really surprising me."

Luke remarked as he walked backwards into the gym with the friendship manual.

I activated the treadmill and started running.

He sat down on a rocking chair that grandma left in there and started reading the manual.

I really didn't expect him to be serious about that stuff. After running for a bit, I sprawled out on the floor and drank hurriedly from the bottle of water.

I sniffed my hair and it smelt really bad. Shower time, Tess. Tatiana Manaois' Helplessly blared out of the speakers of my phone.

I brought my phone out and Ryder was on the screen. I smiled to myself as I swiped the screen.

"Sup?" I said and he chuckled from the other end.

"What's up is that I'm in front of your door, pressing that doorbell but you're not answering. Where are you girl?"

"You're at my door?" I stood up abruptly.

"No, I'm in Japan." He replied with a sarcastic tone.

"Oh my God, I'm on my way!" I ran out of the gym with Luke hot on my heels.

"Ry!" I slowed down and took in his appearance. He was dressed in a blue shirt over dark blue trousers with a black long overall coat.

His brown hair was messy as it was tossed around by the wind. He had a suitcase with him and a backpack.

"Tessa!" He yelled at me with a smile. I ran and threw my arms around him, taking in his perfume.

"I feel suffocated," he whispered softly.

"Shut up," I tightened my arms around his neck.

"Stop making out with me!" He pushed me away gently.

"You wish," I rolled my eyes at him and opened the door.

"This house hasn't changed a bit," he dragged his suitcase along with him.

''Do you mind introducing me?" Luke stepped in front of me.

"Who's the guy?" Ryder asked raising an eyebrow at me. His eyes widened immediately.

"Did you break up with Mendes?"

"Yeah, but I'm not with this..." I pointed at Luke in a scornful manner.

"Why? I like him,he looks good to me," he hung his coat by the door. "I'm Ryder, her cousin," he extended his hand to Luke.

"Luke." He shook it with a firm grip.

"I see you've got the friendship manual," he winked at him.

"I gave him today and he's gonna hand it in tomorrow."

I took his backpack from his arm and walked upstairs.

I brought out my phone and dialed Scott's number.

"Ryder's here."

"Really? I'm on my way."

I walked downstairs and saw Luke sitting on the couch cross-legged.

"Where's Ry?"

"Ry's in the kitchen," he said in a high-pitched voice.

"You know I don't sound like that."

I stepped into the kitchen and saw Ryder by the fridge. He was holding a cup to his lips and he seemed deeply in thought.

"Scott's coming over in a few," I said and he was startled.

"Oh..."

I walked up to him and he seemed uncomfortable.

"What's wrong?" I asked.

He was avoiding my eyes.

Something was clearly bothering him.

"I..I just heard that Mendes is not straight."

"And?"

"You knew already?" He placed the cup on the kitchen counter.

"Yeah, I told you we broke up last week. He sent me a text saying that he was gay and we ended things."

He placed a hand on his chest and breathed out.

"I was actually worried about how I was gonna break the news to you. So, have you met up since then?"

"Tomorrow."

"Huh?"

"We're meeting tomorrow."

"Ryder my man!" Scott sauntered into the kitchen, more like ran.

"Scott! Sup?" They hugged each other tightly until I forcefully separated them.

"You complained when I hugged you."

"Someone's jealous."

"So you came cause of a party?" I took a swig from my Coke. We were all in the living room on the floor.

Even Luke. I don't know why he hasn't left yet but he's not sleeping here again. I've had enough of testosterone in one day.

"Yeah, we're going together."

"Why? Who's party is it?"

Curiosity filled me.

"It's actually a wedding."

I practically jumped up.

Weddings are my favorite. They seemed like something natural but surprising. You wouldn't understand.

"Who's getting married?"

"Your aunt, Tiffany."

"What!" Scott screamed. "Again?"

"Yeah, what!" I yelled. "Did she get divorced again?"

"Yes, about a year ago. I'm surprised you didn't hear about it. She's getting married next week. Aunt Zoey didn't tell you?"

Tiffany was my mother's younger sister. She got divorced every two years. This is her third marriage I'll be invited to. Ryder's mom, Annalise,is the eldest among the sisters.

"Does she ever tell me anything? Someone who hasn't seen me in years, how will she be able to communicate with me?"

Ryder sighed.

"Your life is complicated."

"Yours too."

"I'm done," Luke stood up throwing the manual at me.

"So?"

"I've decided. I wanna be your friend."

"You gave him the manual? You're unbelievable." Scott said as he stood up and dusted his clothes.

"Anyways," he extended his hand to Luke," congratulations on being the second person to receive that manual."

"The second person?" he slapped his hand away.

"Yeah, Ivy was the first."

"What about you?"

"They've been friends ever since they were in their diapers." Ryder stuffed a chip in his mouth.

"Don't say diaper," I swatted his chest.

"It's so gross," Scott did the same.

"What? It's true." He replied.

"So, you've been friends since birth?" Luke asked.

"Yeah. You could say that."

"I'm leaving guys,I have to get home." Scott announced and walked to the door.

"Bye!"I yelled as he slammed the door.

"I feel sleepy," Ryder yawned.

"Me too." I yawned in agreement.

"Me three." Luke waved his hand.

"Aren't you going home?" I stood up placing a hand on my hip.

"My home's right here." He retorted.

"Where?"

"In my RV, outside."

"Now that I think about it, you haven't had anything to eat since you arrived." I turned to Ryder.

"Wow, thanks for noticing." He said sarcastically. "I already ate on my way here but a snack wouldn't hurt."

"I already ordered pizza," Luke raised his phone.

"Pizzeria?" Ryder and I chorused.

"Yeah?" He looked at us awkwardly.

"Yeah." We did it again.

"Stop guys, you're freaking me out."

Ryder pulled his shirt over his head and I stared. You couldn't even see his abs. Everywhere was covered in tattoos.

"Whoa," Luke opened his mouth in awe.

"What? You're surprised?" He asked him. He nodded dumbly.

"I thought he was a badass," Ryder turned to me.

"He's not. He's just a player."

"Nu-uh," Luke shook his head. "I prefer the term ' independent man'."

"Independent my foot," I said as he glared at me." Just saying. I still have to test you on being my friend."

"Test me? When?"

"Whenever,"I smirked.

The doorbell rang.

"I'll get it. It's probably our pizza."

I grabbed my wallet from the table and opened the door.

"You?"

I looked up to see the guy from the beach party.

"Greg?"

A smile made it's way to his face.

"You remembered."

"Yeah," I handed him the money and collected the box.

"So, this was your house." He looked around. "Nice."

"So, you work part-time?" I asked.

"Yeah, more of a hobby than a job."

"Woman, we're hungry!" Luke screamed from inside.

"Shut up!" I yelled back.

"Is that your brother?" He asked.

"Nah, just Luke, the guy you met with me earlier."

"Luke Henderson?"

"Yeah, you know him?"

"Not very well, it nice was meeting you."

"Bye!"

I waved and got inside.

Then my phone beeped.

It was a message from Ivy.