Fated To Save You- By: Tina Marie

Chapter 77 - Back to School

Last Updated on 2024-10-10 20:00:42

Wren felt a mix of excitement and nerves as she sprinted out of her apartment and jumped into the backseat of Riley’s car. The familiar smell of his car and the sight of Stormi sitting up front brought a wave of comfort.

Stormi turned around, her face lighting up with a wide grin. “Hey, I missed you so much!”

Wren leaned forward, wrapping her arms around Stormi in a big hug. “I missed you a whole bunch too.”

Riley glanced at them through the rearview mirror, feigning offense. “Hey, don’t forget me! I missed you too, you know.”

Wren laughed, playfully hitting his arm. “I missed you too, Riley.”

The banter was just what Wren needed to ease her nerves. The three of them soon arrived at school, and as Stormi and Riley hopped out of the car, Wren hesitated, lingering in the backseat.

Stormi turned to her, concern etched on her face. “Are you okay?”

Wren nodded slowly. “Yeah, I just need a few minutes.”

Riley leaned back against the car, his usual playful demeanor softening. “Take your time. We’re here for you.”

Wren’s heart swelled with gratitude for her cousin and best friend. Without them, she wasn’t sure she’d have the strength to face the day. “I should treasure you guys more,” she said as she looked at the two with gratefulness, the realization hitting her hard.

Riley, ever the joker, smirked. “You just realized that?”

Stormi smacked Riley’s arm, scolding him. “Hey, don’t say that to her!”

Riley raised his hands in mock surrender. “I’m just joking. Take it easy.”

Wren laughed at their antics, feeling a little lighter. “Come on, you two. I’m ready.”

Riley slung his arm around her shoulders as they headed toward the school entrance. “I’ve got class with you, so come with me.”

Stormi nodded, giving Wren a reassuring smile. “I’ll meet up with you guys at lunch.”

“Okay. See you later,” Wren said, feeling a bit more at ease.

As Wren and Riley walked into the classroom, she braced herself for the stares, the whispers, the judgment she feared might come her way. But to her surprise, no one even glanced her way. It was as if she hadn’t been gone at all.

That’s weird. No one noticed me at all, it seems, Wren thought, a mix of relief and confusion washing over her.

Riley noticed her hesitation and nudged her playfully. “What’s wrong?”

“Nothing,” Wren replied, still puzzled. “I just thought people would stare when I came back.”

Riley grinned, teasing her. “Do you think you’re a celebrity or something?”

Wren blinked, taken aback. “What?”

“You’re just a normal student, Wren. No one cares,” Riley said with a chuckle.

Wren couldn’t help but smile at his lightheartedness. “I guess you’re right. Come on, let’s sit down.”

Time Skip: Lunchtime

By the time lunch rolled around, Wren felt more at ease. She and Riley met back up with Stormi in the bustling cafeteria, where the usual chatter and laughter filled the air. But as they walked toward their usual spot, Wren noticed someone following closely behind Stormi.

“Hey, guys,” Rex greeted as he caught up with them.

Wren smiled at him. “Hi, Rex. How have you been?”

“Not bad,” Rex replied, his expression genuine as he looked at her. “You feeling better?”

“Yeah, I am,” Wren said, appreciating his concern.

“That’s good. I’m glad,” Rex said, his eyes kind and sincere.

But Riley, who had been silent until now, suddenly looked irritated. “Umm…so why are you with Stormi?”

Rex raised an eyebrow, clearly caught off guard. “Oh, we bumped into each other after class.”

Stormi nodded in agreement. “He wanted to come say hi to Wren.”

Riley’s tone remained clipped as he responded, “Oh…well, you said hi, and we need to get going. See ya later.”

Stormi shot Riley a sharp look, clearly annoyed. “Riley, why are you being so rude?”

“I’m not,” Riley muttered, his expression darkening.

Wren, sensing the tension, tried to defuse the situation. “You kind of are.”

Riley huffed, his irritation barely contained. “Whatever,” he grumbled before storming off, leaving the three of them standing there in awkward silence.

Stormi watched him go, exasperated. “What’s wrong with him?”

Wren shook her head, just as confused. “No clue.”

As they watched Riley disappear into the crowd, Wren couldn’t help but wonder what had triggered his sudden mood shift. The easygoing, protective Riley she knew seemed different today, and it left her feeling uneasy. But as Stormi and Rex began chatting again, Wren pushed the thoughts aside, focusing instead on the fact that she had made it through her first day back. It wasn’t perfect, but with her friends by her side, she felt like she could handle whatever challenges lay ahead.

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Dramazen

Fated To Save You- By: Tina Marie

Chapter 77 - Back to School

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