Today was a day much like any other. Tyson and Hilary were bickering, Kenny was doing more research on his laptop, Max and Ray were joking with each other in the livingroom, Kai was doing his usual – avoiding me and working on his beyblade – and me, well, I didn't really know what I was doing. I didn't know what to do.
I slid the back door closed behind me, and for all intents and purposes, I was going to find something to do. The pond was nearby, so it couldn't hurt to head that way. But then again, the day was dreadfully hot and I'd still never gotten my ice cream.
Decision made, I headed to the road. After all, the ice cream shop was only a few blocks away.
The sky was beautiful and clear, and honestly, it made me feel good to be able to get out of the house. Unfortunately, I left my phone on the kitchen counter, which probably wouldn't be a big deal, considering no one really calls me. Ever.
After purchasing my ice cream, I took a seat at one of the tables outside, not necessarily ready to head home just yet. It gave me time to think to myself.
It wasn't long before I heard the all-too familiar voices of the team. "There she is! Brianna!"
My head turned at the sound of my name, my heart thumping in my chest. It had been a while since I'd heard Ray say my name aloud, and it made me smile.
He rushed up, pulling me into his arms. His broad, warm chest was comforting against me, and his strong arms were wrapped securely around me. Before I had a chance to embrace him back, he pulled away and stared into my own green eyes.
"You can't just walk off like that. You had me- us worried. We were afraid something bad happened to you," he chastised me.
Instead of feeling guilty or embarrassed, tears invaded my eyes in pure happiness. He was worried about me. He cared about me. A quick glance around told me that of all the people that were worried for me, Kai hadn't been one of them. No doubt he was still stuck in his stupid room. That's the only place he ever was.
Without responding, I slowly wrapped my arms around Ray's back, not really feeling the need for words. Tentatively, he wrapped his arms back around me, and let me cry into his shoulder.
The rest of the team stayed silent, not really sure of how to act. But that was okay.
I cried for many reasons. I cried because I missed my boyfriend. I cried because I was so happy that the team cared about me – that someone actually cared about me. I cried because I was confused. My heart no longer beats the way it should for Kai, and instead, it thrums for another. I cried, and it felt good. "I'm sorry," I whispered.
Ray didn't speak, he only held me tighter, burying his face in my tangled hair. His own black hair fell over his shoulder – I hadn't noticed before – released from its usual hair tie. His scent was of musk and pine, and I thought to myself – I really could get used to this.