Hey guys. I know that most (if not all) of you hate me now for putting Jarley back together. I'm sorry, but that's just how I'd planned the story in my mind all along. So I'm sorry for the disappointment, but that's how I thought this story should go. To all of you who said you were done with the story, I still thank you for reading up until now. I hope you will not judge my further fanfictions on this one story. Every story has different circumstances, conditions, and different plots/problems. So I hope you won't prejudice my future stories (in which I have no other Ryley fanfic planned) based on this story.
To RyderFan and one Guest: I did want to put Jake into the tag as well, but if I did, Ryder's name would not be included (I don't know what's wrong with my tagging system), so I did not put his name in there. Same goes for my previous story, Who You Are. This story does focus on Ryder and Marley and their relationship. A main part of this story does revolve around their relationship, and though in the end I decided not to put them together, they are still considered the "central" characters of this story. So I'm sorry that you're disappointed, but I don't think I will change the tag. This story is about Ryder too, after all.
So the last chapter is finally here. A little confusing, maybe, but it reflects on Ryder's (possible) feelings.
CHAPTER TWENTY FIVE
"Hi," Gina waves at everyone on Glee club, who obviously is still mad at her. "I'm here to make a seriously sincere apology to all of you, so, please, no insults for the first three minutes, okay?"
"No promises," Kitty mutters under her breath.
"I know I've been quite a pain in the ass these last few days," Gina begins. "And, if you're not already aware, I have very nearly put all of you in danger of being disqualified for Regionals." She grimaces. "All in the chivalrous name of love."
"You know what could have happened if the Warblers' plan worked?" Tina snaps at her. "We would lose, twice this year. Principal Figgins probably won't even let us compete next year. Oh, wait, that's right – I won't be here next year!"
"I know, I know," Gina mumbles. "I guess I deserve all your anger and disappointment and all that comes with them. Which is why I'm giving you all free passes to any kind of insults, torture, and slushie attacks at me for the next two weeks. Just… try not to resort to cannibalism and kill me, okay?" She fixes her gaze on Mr. Schuester. "And I owe you an apology, Mr. Schue. I'm sorry for putting all your hard work in danger. I promise I'll be careful next time."
"I'm still in shock of what happened, but thank you, Gina," Mr. Schue says. Gina feels grateful to have such a wise and kindhearted teacher for Glee club. "I think you've learned your lesson, and apology accepted. And yes, you should definitely be more careful next time."
"Listening to us would be a good start," Artie chimes in.
"And, as part of my apologetic gesture to all of you, Ryder and I decided that we wouldn't be singing solos at Regionals," she says. She grins at the brown-haired jock, who is sitting beside her, giving her his famous thumbs-up. "Tina was right. It's only fair that we audition for solos like everyone else."
"Now that's good news," Tina says, her face brightening considerably.
"But, we are getting our solos." She glances at Ryder. "Ready?"
He nods.
"Here's to lying scumbags and heartbreakers." Gina announces as she takes the seat next to her best friend.
Ryder suppresses a smile as he sings the first verse.
Let me hold you for the last time,
It's the last chance to feel again
But you broke me, now I can't feel anything
Ryder's eyes wander towards Marley. He can't help it. She is smiling at him, with Jake's arm wrapped around her shoulders. Ryder feels a tiny sting in his heart as he watches the two of them snuggle closer to each other. When he and Gina chose this song, all he could think of was his feelings for Marley. He wondered if he had actually made a mistake of letting her go. He had a chance to take her for himself, but somehow he had willingly returned her to Jake.
Oh, it tears me up,
I tried to hold on but it hurts too much
I tried to forgive but it's not enough
To make it all okay…
Maybe next time, when the opportunity arises, he should take Marley back. He should tell her how much he loves her, how much he needs her and how he always wants her for himself. Sometimes, seeing her happy is not enough. Sometimes, he just wants to see her happy with him.
You can't play our broken strings
You can't feel anything
That your heart don't want to feel
I can't tell you something that ain't real
But what does the song tell him? You can't feel anything that your heart don't want to feel. It applies to Marley's heart as well. No matter how hard he tries, if she doesn't feel the same way about him, then it's pointless. How many times have he tried? Three times, as far as he remembers. All those time throughout Grease. Superhero week and the cancelled date. Valentine's Day and the kiss. Not to mention the small flirting gestures, the compliments, and the occasional kind deeds he gives her. The messages, the phone calls, the multiple mentions on twitter, the instant messages… How many times has she implied that they are "just friends"? How many times have he tried to pull her towards him, and how many times has she gone bouncing back to Jake?
Too many.
Oh the truth hurts, and lies worse
How can I give anymore
When I love you a little less than before?
But, Ryder reminds himself, it's been a little easier to get over Marley these last few weeks. He has to admit, it doesn't hurt as much as it used to anymore. Sure, he still wants her, and sure, he's still jealous whenever she's with Jake, but it's been easier. There are even periods of time when he can even put her completely out of his mind. He doesn't feel like a complete loser anymore whenever he sees them holding hands. He has stopped texting and messaging Marley every night. He's been feeling a whole lot better, actually.
But we're running through the fire, when there's nothing left to say
It's like chasing the very last train,
When we both know it's too late, too late…
What really has happened to him? What finally gives him the push he needs to get over Marley?
You can't play our broken strings,
You can't feel anything
That your heart don't want to feel
I can't tell you something that ain't real
Ryder glances sideways at Gina, who is still too absorbed in the song to return his gaze. He looks at her curiously, as if he was seeing her for the first time. He's never realized how magical she sounds when she sings.
Let me hold you for the last time
It's the last chance to feel again…
Gina's cheeks are flushed as she reaches her hand out to him. There are stars in her eyes.
Ryder squeezes her hand, and smiles.
I think, he tells himself, I'll be okay for now.
NB: The song is Broken Strings by James Morrison and Nelly Furtado.
Well, this is the last chapter of the story! I hope you didn't find Ryder's thoughts to be confusing. And I know that he's supposed to have Katie and all that at the time this story is set, but I just want to put her in the background and let's pretend he has forgotten about Katie for just a teenie tiny weenie bit, okay?
Anyways… I hope you enjoyed this story as much as you enjoyed "Who You Are", and still like Gina as a character, though she can be quite annoying in this particular story. And I know that I disappointed you all with Jarley's comeback. Special thank you to:
KlaineForeverLover07
Gleeotch13
Astrita15
CrestofGlee
savannah. ramirez. 35
This guest (or guests) that have loyally followed and reviewed my story. I don't know who you are, and I know you've given up on the story, but thank you!
Thank you to everyone who have reviewed, followed, and favorited my story. I really do appreciate each and every single one of your reviews. Thanks for staying with me so far, and those who have given up, still, thank you. "Broken Strings" is my last Glee fanfiction with Gina and Ryder. Maybe the last Ryley fanfic too, but I don't know. I want to focus on my Santana, Finchel, and Kitty fanfics for now.
I'm sorry for any disappointments or mistakes in this story. I hope you enjoyed it. Thank you again for giving this story a chance!