Hi guys! Man oh man, I am so mad at Jake! I was totally for Team Jake, and then he went and did the thing. So I'm totally Team Ryder now, so hey, this is for him. It's a one-shot for now, but I may continue it if I get some inspiration. I hope you like it. A bit angsty and dramatic, but that's how I like it! Enjoy.
How could he have done that to her?
He'd told her he loved her, but then what?
She wouldn't sleep with him, so he goes and sleeps with Bree?
After they'd performed in Glee, Jake hadn't come after her, and she didn't even know what to think about that. She just kept asking herself questions.
Didn't he care?
Didn't he love her?
Was he just another douschebag?
Marley didn't want to believe it. She couldn't.
Did she mean so little to him?
"Marley."
What was he even doing right now?
"Marley?"
Marley's eyes started to tear up, for the thousandth time that day, and she was so frustrated with herself for letting it get to her.
"Hey."
Marley felt the warm touch of an arm wrap around her shoulders and she didn't even realize that it was Ryder until they'd reached the cafeteria. She looked at him; he'd been looking at her the whole time.
"Do you wanna talk about it?"
"Not even a little."
"I think it's time to blow this popsicle stand," and when she shook her head no, he looked at her with concern for a moment, released her, and then disappeared. She was depressed by this, because really, how bad must she have been feeling to drive away the sweetest guy she knew?
But then he reappeared, and a little bit of sunshine came with him, and she felt a little bit better.
"You are all set." She looked at Ryder quizzically, but he just gestured to the cafeteria where she met her mom's gaze. Her mom gave her a thumbs up and a look of concern, and it wouldn't be the last one she'd get.
She was so touched by Ryder's thoughtfulness that she smiled at him. A small one, but it was the best she could give at the moment.
"Thank you."
And Marley's heart began to heal that very afternoon.