Goddard's Home for Troubled Teens

Ryder

I toss the second cigarette and let the night pass without a wink of sleep.

Val

I wake, standing, and yawn before skipping breakfast and plopping on the living room couch, sprawling out.

Ryder

I wake back in the loft, curled up in what appears to be a nest. I don't bother to move, staying where I am.

Val

I yawn and just stare at the ceilings.

Ryder

As I stare ahead of me, I hear the scolding and reprimanding voice of my past. I don't flinch at the memory like I used to, just allowing it to happen.

Val

Actually wishing he was here, I yawn and sigh, "I messed up...big time."

Ryder

As it passes, I turn on my back and look up at the ceiling. A horse whinnies from below and I release a sigh, "Yeah. Tell me about it."

Val

I stand to just wonder around.

Ryder

Hesitantly, I get up and head for my room.

Val

I keep wondering around, not sure where I'm going.

Ryder

I change and head out into the house, nearly bumping into Val.

Val

I freeze when I almost bump into Ryder, not sure what to say, and pull him into a kiss instead.

Ryder

Before either of us can say anything, she pulls me into a kiss. I close my eyes and take her face in my hands, forgetting whatever it was I had intended to do before.

Val

I set a hand on the side of his face and wrap my other arm around his neck, going on my tiptoes.

Ryder

I move one arm around her waist and pull her closer, my insides melting.