It had been two days since I've seen him that day, I'd be lying if I didn't say, I wish I never ran home and instead to Ryder. My mom found me crying and comforted me as I told her what happened, before my dad walked in and seen. I'm not sure if my mom told my dad why I was crying but, I hoped she didn't.

I had told Jake and Maya what happened that day and they felt bad once again. I was just tired of people feeling bad, it wasn't there fault. It was my father's.

Now since I seen Ryder around that part of town I tried to avoid it but, today it seemed inevitable. It was Jeremy's birthday, he wanted to have a little dinner at the Chinese restaurant I seen Ryder at that day. So who was I to deny the birthday boy of his favorite food.

Even though I knew deep down I was hoping I'd see Ryder again. I was happy my dad wasn't going to be there since it was a friend thing. Jeremy invited his girlfriend, Jake, Maya, Liam and two of his other friends I haven't met before.

I was actually excited, I just hoped Jeremy wouldn't say sorry to me. Ever since he moved out while I was sad about Ryder he felt guilty. Until I told him it was okay over a million times then he finally believed me.

Are you ready?" Maya asked me as I looked myself over in the body length mirror.

I decided to wear a simple red dress that flowed mid thigh, taking one last look and breathing in deeply I replied, "Yes I am."

•••

It had been a couple of hours and it was going great so far, the food was nice and Jeremy was happy. No sign of Ryder which sucked. Even though I was disappointed about that I was still having a great time. One of Jeremy's friends was really sweet to me but, I soon found myself comparing him to Ryder.

Ryder won every single time.

Before I knew it everybody was walking out until Emmet, Jeremy's friend stopped me, "So what do you think about that Octavia?" he asked.

I have to stop zoning out, "What was that sorry." I replied warily, I didn't even know he was talking to me.

This earned a light chuckle from him until he grabbed my hands in his.

"I wanted to know what you thought about having dinner with just me?" he asked again caressing my hands and I looked up to see no one paying attention to us.

Everyone was heading to there cars while Maya and Jake just made out, just great.

"Oh I actually well I-" I panicked until I felt a hand touch my waist and I instantly looked up.

Ryder, I was more than shocked but, as always I relaxed at his touch and stopped my pathetic babbling.

"Sorry mate she's mine." he spoke with that authority voice as Emmet let go of my hands.

"I didn't know she had a boyfriend sorry." then he left just like that and I melted.

I turned to face Ryder and his hand fell from my waist. We just looked at each other until I just couldn't help myself. I forgot everything and wrapped my arms around his torso hugging him. I felt him tense at first then not a second a later he wrapped his arms around me.

"Ryder." I breathed out almost breathlessly, as I felt tears well in my eyes.

This didn't feel real, I couldn't believe I was touching him again. Wait, wasn't that girl his girlfriend? I didn't know but, I forgot about that and just let myself get lost in the moment. It was refreshing being this close with him again. It felt like the hole in my chest was being filled as I was touching him.

After what felt like forever though he lifted his hands to my cheeks and cupped my face.

"Hi my love." he said softly and this made more tears come out. I also mentally laughed after all this time he still had an effect on me.

I guess the girl wasn't his girlfriend but, I know what I saw. Maybe he had an explanation, I just hoped I was right.

"Awe don't cry princess." he said while wiping the tears away.

I sighed and grabbed one of his hands that was cupping my cheek. I closed my eyes as I leant into his palm savoring his touch.

"Octavia?" Jake gently said, "You um have ten minutes." he informed me of my time limit.

Even though it was my brothers birthday dinner I still had a limit. I nodded in return but, didn't say anything more.

"What? What does that mean?" Ryder spoke.

"I have a time limit, if I don't get back in time he'll come looking for me." I said opening my eyes as I took his hands off of my cheeks.

"What I-you can't go-I just-" he stuttered and trailed off, "I just got you back."

I smiled, a real smile, "You can't get me back if you never lost me."

Ryder smiled and brought me to him then all to quick his lips were on mine. It was slow and passionate, like we've both been waiting for this. My heart beat quickened and my face flushed just as it did the first time he kissed me.

"Six minutes." Jake spoke.

At this Ryder brought me closer and kissed me deeper, he really missed me. Then we broke apart while he gave me a light kiss on the cheek.

"We need to meet here again tell me you'll meet me here tomorrow at twelve." he spoke with that authority voice.

"I will." I nodded having no time to protest then he grabbed my face kissing me one last time in a fast motion.

Then I was pulled away by Maya, our hands didn't leave each other until it was merely the tips of our fingers.

I couldn't believe what just happened. Ryder didn't forget about me, he still had feelings for me. All I wanted to know now was who that girl was the other day.

Even after that I was still just so happy, like a new weight had been lifted from my shoulders.

I had Ryder back and I was going to keep him no matter the risks.