"You never really stop loving someone. You just learn to live without them."
Stephanie turned around to find Paul staring at her. The dim street lights shining on him. She didn't really know why he was here or what conversation they would have. Stephanie's heart was racing. She was nervous because the last time they had talked he had left her with her heart ripped apart.
"Hey" said Stephanie.
"So you were hanging out with Ryder?" Questioned Paul.
"Yeah we hung out for a little while" replied Stephanie.
"When did that start happening?"
"It actually started today" replied Stephanie frustrated that the conversation was not really going anywhere. "So what did you want to talk about?"
"I know what I did was a really dick move. I'm sorry. I never meant to hurt you Steph. I love you" explained Paul as Stephanie's heart skipped a beat. "You're my best friend, I was supposed to protect you from being hurt, not hurt you."
Stephanie quickly realized that when Paul told her he loved her it wasn't the way she wanted. She felt her mood completely drop.
"I miss you though. I miss my best friend and I don't want to be replaced" confessed Paul.
"Then what are you going to do Paul?" Asked Stephanie with hurt in her eyes. "You can't really be my best friend anymore. We hardly talk anymore."
"I know and I feel really bad about it, I just don't know what to do" said Paul frustrated.
"I can't tell you what to do Paul. All I can do is tell you to do whatever makes you happy. I love you, you're my best friend and all I want is for you to be happy."
"I know. Damn growing up sucks" joked Paul trying to lighten the mood.
"It really does" sighed Stephanie as she sat down on the stairs in front of her porch. Paul made his way over to her and sat down on the steps beside of her. He wrapped his arm around her shoulder and pulled her head to his chest.
"I'm really sorry Steph, I hope you can forgive me" apologized Paul.
"Of course. We are best friends, best friend fight but it isn't ever going to stop us from talking to each other again eventually" replied Stephanie even though she was still hurting. She couldn't help but want to be next to him and talk to him even though she knew later it would hurt her even more.
"I'm glad you're not completely pissed off at me" replied Paul with a small smile.
"You better be glad of that" laughed Stephanie.
"Well I have to go. I was on my way to Nikki's and I wanted to stop by and talk for a little while" said Paul standing up.
"So I will see you soon?" Asked Stephanie hopeful.
"Yeah I will see you soon" answered Paul as Stephanie stood up and he wrapped his arms around her and hugged her.
Stephanie then watched as he walked away to his car. She had a feeling that things were going to be get more complicated then what they already are.
"Stephanie" called Linda from the door of their house.
"Yeah, it's me" answered Stephanie as she headed inside to her house.
"Where have you been?" Asked Linda.
"Oh I was helping a friend study" answered Stephanie as she walked in past her mom and closed the door.
"Okay. Next time will you call? I was worried. You are never out this late."
"I will. I'm going to go to bed. I love you" said Stephanie as she kissed Linda on the cheek.
"I love you too" replied Linda as Stephanie walked up stairs to her bedroom. Stephanie smiled a little at her mom. Stephanie realized how lucky she was to have a good mother who was healthy and she would have around for a long time. Seeing Ryder and his situation had really made Stephanie realize how fortunate she was. It also gave her insight to Ryder and who he was and what he was about. Stephanie was also a little excited for the party her and Ryder were going to tomorrow night. She hated parties but for some reason this one seemed like it was going to be different.
The Next Morning…..
Stephanie was eating a bowl of cereal for breakfast when her parents came into the kitchen carrying suitcases and she heard her Brother Shane complaining to them.
"It's only for the weekend Shane" said Vince.
"What is only for the weekend?" Stephanie asked confused.
"Your mother and I are going on a little getaway for the weekend. Your brother is complaining because he wants to go" explained Vince.
"The only place I get to go is school. That's all I ever do anymore and it's stressful and I would like to get away for the weekend. I'm practically an adult now" said Shane as Vince and Stephanie laughed.
"Son it can't be that bad. You don't even take that many classes" replied Vince.
"He just wants to go in hopes for finding a girl who might actually want him. Don't dilute his dream daddy" laughed Stephanie as Vince chuckled too.
"That is not funny or true. I have a lot of girls who like me" replied Shane.
"Shane we will all take a vacation together this summer. For now I need you to stay here and keep your sister company."
"In other words babysit her?" Shane asked.
"No if anyone would be babysitting anyone it would be the other way around. Your sister is more mature than you" Vince joked as Stephanie smiled. It was glad for her to know that her parent's trusted her more than Shane but it also made her realize how lame she was. She was actually glad she was going to a party tonight, if she could sneak past Shane.
"She is little miss perfect" said Shane as he rolled his eyes.
"Vince are you ready?" Linda asked.
"Yes honey. Shane, no parties. Stephanie make sure your brother doesn't have any parties or burn the house down by trying to cook. I left money for takeout" Vince explained.
"Okay daddy" replied Stephanie with a smile as Vince and Linda left.
"Are you going to snitch if I ask three of my guy friends over to watch the game tonight?" Shane asked as Stephanie smiled. She now knew how she was going to be able to go to the party.
"I'll make you a deal. I won't snitch if you don't snitch on me for going out tonight" replied Stephanie.
"Deal" replied Shane. Shane didn't care where she was going, he was too self absorbed and excited for the football game. It was almost too easy.
Later That Evening…
It was almost time for the party and Stephanie was now looking at her reflection in her mirror. She had decided to wear a black spaghetti strapped dress that came just above her knees. It wasn't anything spectacular but she normally didn't wear anything but jeans and a t-shirt. She had also decided to do her makeup; she had decided to wear a brown Smokey eye shadow with black eyeliner and a little bit of peach blush. Stephanie looked in the mirror one last time when her cell phone rang.
"Hello" answered Stephanie.
"Are you ready?" Ryder asked.
"Yeah. Wait how did you get my number?" Stephanie asked.
"I have my ways but anyways I just pulled into your driveway" replied Ryder.
"I will be right there" said Stephanie as she hung up.
Stephanie made her way down the stairs hearing the tv full blast with the football game going on and Shane and his friends yelling at the tv. Shane didn't even notice her leave. She probably didn't even need to let him know that she was going out of the night, but then again he would have probably noticed after awhile.
"Damn McMahon you clean up nice" said Ryder as Stephanie got into the car.
"Thanks" replied Stephanie with a blush. She wasn't used to anyone telling her she looked nice.
"Let's go shall we?" Ryder asked as they pulled out of the driveway and headed to the party.
The party was in full swing when Stephanie and Ryder arrived. The word had got out about the small party and it was now a house full of people.
"Typical" Ryder mumbled.
"What?" Asked Stephanie confused.
"People couldn't keep their mouths shut and it looks like the small party has turned into your usual drunk stupid teenagers" Ryder explained irritated.
"Shit" muttered Stephanie.
"We can go somewhere else if you want" suggested Ryder.
"No it's fine. I've managed through these parties before" replied Stephanie. She didn't feel like going home and moping. Tonight for once she just wanted to act the way a teenager should.
"Let's go then McMahon" said Ryder as he shut off the engine of the car.
Stephanie took a deep breath as she exited the car.
"You act like you're about to go into battle" laughed Ryder as they walked to the house.
"Who knows, we might just be" joked Stephanie.
"Damn. I forgot to bring my gun" replied Ryder as Stephanie looked at him. "It was a joke."
"I knew that" said Stephanie as they walked into the house. The music was blaring and of course half drunk teenagers groping each other and dancing. Ryder grabbed Stephanie's hand which shocked her but then she realized it was to lead her through the mess so they wouldn't get lost from each other. Ryder led her to the kitchen and let go of her hand.
"Do you want something to drink?" Asked Ryder as he picked up a Bud light from the refrigerator.
"You're going to drink?" Stephanie asked.
"It's just one McMahon. Is this how it's going to be all night?" Ryder asked arching his eyebrow at her.
"I'll have one of the strawberry daiquiris" answered Stephanie pointing to the mixed drink on the counter.
"They probably put a lot of alcohol in that. You do know that right?" Ryder asked.
"Yeah" replied Stephanie.
"Are you sure you can handle it?" Ryder asked as he laughed and got a plastic cup.
"I'm sure" answered Stephanie as Ryder handed her the plastic cup. Stephanie took a sip of the alcoholic beverage and cringed a little on the inside. Who ever had made it had definitely put a lot of alcohol in it.
"You okay McMahon?" Ryder asked laughing a little at the look on her face.
"It's great" replied Stephanie taking another drink. She wasn't sure if she just lied to Ryder or not. She didn't really know how to judge it. At first she hated it but the more she drank it she could taste the drink mix more. It was definitely growing on her.
"Hey guys" greeted Paul walking into the kitchen. "I didn't know you guys were going to be here."
"What a coincidence. We didn't know you would be here either" answered Ryder as Paul looked over at Stephanie.
"Are you letting her drink?" Paul asked with irritation in his voice.
"She's a big girl Paul. She can make her own decisions. Besides she picked it, I didn't" Ryder replied.
"Really?" Paul asked sarcastically.
"It's fine Paul. He didn't force me to take the drink. I asked for it" Stephanie answered a little irritated at how he was treating Ryder. She had never seen Paul treat Ryder the way he was, she didn't understand why Paul was acting this way.
"Just don't drink too much okay?"
"I won't" Stephanie answered.
"I don't know how long you guys have been here but have you seen Nikki?" Paul asked.
"As a matter of fact I did" said Ryder.
"Where?" Paul asked.
"She was walking the corner not too long ago….."
"I don't have time for jokes or your insults against my girlfriend right now" Paul interrupted.
"We haven't see her Paul" answered Stephanie as Ryder was about to say something else sarcastic.
"Then I will talk to you guys later" replied Paul walking off. Stephanie knew he was pissed.
"What was that about?" Stephanie asked looking over at Ryder.
"He was looking for his girlfriend…"
"Not that" interrupted Stephanie "Why are two down each other's throats?"
"Isn't it obvious?" Ryder asked as Stephanie stood there looking confused.
"No" answered Stephanie.
"Don't worry, you will figure it out" replied Ryder taking a drink of his beer. "Do you want another glass of that?" Stephanie looked down in her cup and realized it was empty.
"Sure" answered Stephanie dropping the earlier subject because it didn't look like Ryder was going to talk anymore about it. Ryder poured her another cup and handed it to her.
"Do you want go upstairs?" Ryder asked as Stephanie took a drink.
"Why?" Stephanie asked unsure of his intentions.
"Don't worry McMahon" replied Ryder knowing what she was thinking "I just want to get away from all the people who are heading this way." Stephanie looked to the kitchen archway and seen almost a crowd of people heading their way.
"Yeah let's go" answered Stephanie as Ryder grabbed her hand again. Ryder led her through the crowd once again and they started heading up the stairs as Stephanie stumbled a little.
"Woah McMahon, looks like the alcohol is starting to hit you" laughed Ryder as he steadied her. As they were heading up the stairs Ryder caught a glimpse of Paul from the corner of his eye. He was staring at them as Ryder looked over at Paul and smirked. When they reached the top of the stairs Ryder found an empty room. Stephanie followed him in and sat down on the bed as he flipped the light on.
"You okay?" Ryder asked.
"Yeah I'm just feeling a little tipsy" giggled Stephanie as Ryder laughed at her.
"I can tell" said Ryder as he sat down in a chair that was in front of a computer.
"I don't get it" slurred Stephanie.
"What don't you get?" Ryder asked confused.
"Why Paul likes her so much. I don't see anything so great about her" explained Stephanie.
"Ah so you blurt out your feelings when you're tipsy" Ryder joked with a smile.
"I'm being serious" whined Stephanie.
"There isn't anything great about her. The only reason why guy's drool over her is because she is popular and she is easy. I've heard this girl's conversation's before and trust me she isn't making it to college" laughed Ryder.
"Then why does Paul want her?"
"He's a seventeen year old male with raging hormones. I know you probably don't want to believe that he is just with her for that. You hold him up on a pedestal and I really don't understand why" explained Ryder.
"I love him" admitted Stephanie. She wasn't sure why she was telling Ryder this; it was probably the alcohol talking. Besides she knew Ryder knew anyways but this was the first time she was admitting it. "It's a long story but I guess love is blind."
"That it is" replied Ryder.
"It sounds like you have been in my position" said Stephanie.
"Yeah I have. I wasn't always the asshole I am now" replied Ryder with a laugh.
"I'm sorry" Stephanie apologized.
"Don't be. It's not your fault" replied Ryder. Ryder stared into space as Stephanie sat on the bed not knowing what else to say. She realized this happened a lot around Ryder and it was because she never expected Ryder to open up to her the way he had been.
"Nikki isn't what Paul wants" said Ryder breaking Stephanie out of her thoughts. "He thinks she is but I think he's slowly starting to figure out what he really wants."
"What do you mean?" Stephanie asked.
Ryder was about to say something when the door opened.
"Oh there you guys are" said Paul walking into the room.
"I thought you were looking for your girlfriend, not us" said Ryder annoyed.
"I can't find her. I don't know where she went. I think she might have gone home" replied Paul.
"So you think" mumbled Ryder.
"I have to pee" announced Stephanie out of the blue as Ryder chuckled.
"Do you need help getting there?" Ryder asked.
"No I think I can do it" replied Stephanie standing up and feeling a little dizzy.
"Bathroom is down the hall. The very last door on the right" said Ryder as Stephanie exited the room.
"What the hell is this all about?" Paul asked angrily.
"Why you so worried and worked up about it?" Ryder asked.
"She is my best friend…"
"I thought I was too" interrupted Ryder.
"You are. Difference is that Stephanie is an innocent girl and she doesn't need your bad influence" Paul replied.
"I'm not being a bad influence. I'm being her friend."
"Really? Are you sure that is all your trying to be?" Paul asked as Ryder understood what he was trying to indicate.
"So what if I do like her? What's that any of your business? Why do you care?" Ryder asked smirking.
"It is my business. What do you want with her? Just sex? Stephanie isn't that kind of girl" replied Paul.
"I know she isn't. She is different from all the girls. I find Stephanie very intelligent, beautiful, funny and sweet. Is it that hard to believe for you? Do you think that there wouldn't be anyone else that would end up liking her?" Ryder argued. Paul and Ryder were heated and if it came down to a fight it didn't look like either one of them was going to back down.
Stephanie was in the bathroom unaware of what was taking place between Ryder and Paul. Stephanie checked her makeup in the mirror one last time before exited the bathroom. Stephanie walked into the hallway about to head back to the room Ryder and Paul was in until she heard a small familiar giggle in the room across the bathroom. The door was slightly cracked open so Stephanie quietly peeked into the room and found Nikki having sex with someone that wasn't Paul.
