Through Lies and Heartache

by WB Amore

  Ryan

  It’s been a month since school started and a month since Gracie has said anything to me outside of class. I’m headed to the gym to talk with Coach about me being able to run with her a couple of days a week. I really need to work on my cardio more, so I may be here three days a week. I had a fight this last Saturday, I didn’t talk about it or running with Gracie because it was a fight for my dad and these fights are… well they aren’t televised and if you don’t know the right people, you don’t know about them. This last fight my cardio wasn’t where it needed to be it almost cost me the fight, so my coaches decided it would be good to start with three days a week and train in the ring after running here.

  I see Gracie talking with Coach, walking up to them I greet them,

  “Hey Coach, hey Gracie.”

  Gracie steps away with a wave. I watch her walk away wondering why she won’t talk to me.

  “Hey Ryan, so Gracie was just saying that you were wanting to run with her here during track practice?”

  “Yeah she helped me a lot over the summer getting my cardio up and I still need more work and she’s the best. Her training methods seem to work better than what my coaches have been trying this last month. So if it’s ok with you I’d like to run with her here, I promise not to interfere with your training I just need all the help I can get.”

  “I don’t mind, she usually runs on her own and I know she already agreed so what days were you thinking?”

  “Well this month I was thinking Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Would that be ok? I may need less some months and more in others.”

  “That’s fine. You want to start today? Gracie will be running on her own, I’ll be working the other kids a little differently today.”

  “Yeah that’s great I’ll go get changed.”

  I head to the locker room to change. I know how this will go, she never talks during running not ever. I head out to the field and spot her sitting in the grass away from everyone else. Sitting down next to her I tell her

  “So I’ll be here Monday, Wednesday and Friday’s that ok with you?”

  “Yeah you know the drill, you need to pace then push.” With that she continues to stretch so I do the same. After running I head to the gym to practice in the ring. I feel like I’m dead on my feet, Gracie wouldn’t let me quit until I hit five miles.

  Chapter Twelve

  Gracie

  It’s been three weeks that Ryan’s been training with me, he said this week he needs to be here every day, for some reason he’s not cutting it. I’ve been thinking of a way to help him. He seemed to do better over the summer. We usually ran trails, never ran on a track, so I asked coach if this week I could run the trails with Ryan, he said he didn’t mind but I needed to use my mile counter on my phone because it tracks everything, so I’ll need to set it to trails instead of track.

  Sense its Monday I see Ryan at lunch, that’s we’ve been working on our project. I tell him that were going to run trails this week instead of the track. He doesn’t think it’ll help and worried about his fight this Saturday and not being ready, I’m pretty sure this is what he needs but he also has to believe in himself... I guess we can talk about it while we stretch it’s not something I really want to get into.

  I head to the bathroom before class. I’m in the stall when I hear the door open. When I hear Jessica, “I can’t stand that he doesn’t even bother to give me the time of day,” and Ashley start’s in,

  “Well maybe you should do something to get him to turn his back on his oh so precious Gracie.”

  There’s so much hate with them and I have no clue why other than I wouldn’t tell Ryan to date her, it started years ago. I’m not sure if they know I’m in here or not, this could get ugly, I think as I flush the toilet, with a sigh I open the door. I can’t help the nasty smile that comes to my face,

  “Oh yes Jessica. We better get sweet Ryan to turn his back on Gracie, how are we going to do it? What do you think Ashley? Maybe I whored around? Mmmm, no that’s more you two now isn’t it?”

  The look of shock on their faces is epic. I let out a bark of laughter.

  “Wow this is awesome. Have a good day girls.”

  Just as I grab the door when Ashley snaps “Whore” at me. Whipping around I look at her and give her a little smile and lean against the door. “Oh Ashley is that all you have?” when I look at Jessica the shock has drained from her face and is now covered with a look of contempt.

  “What’s wrong Jess, he won’t let you get in his pants? Even better. Maybe he does have standards for how low into the whore pool that he likes to swim in.” With a smirk I push off the door and get closer looking at them “Try me, I have no problems standing up for myself and if Ryan does believe any of the shit that starts to pop up after this, he still won’t sleep with you. You know that, I know that, shit even he knows that and he’s not even here for this but think about it, how long have you been trying to get all up on him? I know this hasn’t just started. So think it through because I will strike back and I won’t fight with kid gloves either.” I say with a smirk and head out. Well this year just got loads more fun letting out a sigh I head to class to finish this shit of a day.

  ~*~

  I pull into the lot where we like to run and see Ryan sitting in the grass. I get out and head to him tossing him a water while I sit next to him.

  “You been here long?”

  “No I just got here, thanks for this but I already have one.”

  I just shake my head as I start to stretch.

  “What Gracie? You look like you’re disappointed.”

  “Ry, when was the last time you ran trails? Least of all this one?”

  He just looks at me, shaking my head.

  “This one is one of the hardest we ran this summer and we sure didn’t start with it. You feel like your lacking and can’t seem to pick it up right? So here’s the deal you’re running my way this week, no ifs and or buts about it, but you need to remember one thing.”

  “What’s that Farfalla?” My breath catches as my brain catches up.

  “Why?” is all I can say and it comes as a whisper. I clear my throat

  “You know what? No were not doing this not now maybe not ever. Ryan you need to get your shit together. You have to believe in yourself.”

  “Fine, get up lets go.” He snaps at me and heads towards the trail.

  ~*~

  It’s been a month since Ryan’s last fight we’re back to running two days a week. He also told me he wants to run the trails once a week but he’ll do that on his own. I haven’t heard a peep out of Jessica or Ashley but honestly I don’t care. It’s Halloween and I keep hearing about a party but I don’t pay much attention to parties, I don’t enjoy going and watching Ryan hang all over girls or leave with girls. Though I’ve thought about going tonight. I need to let off some steam, track and all these projects have me a little more than stressed.

  With a sigh, I sit between Rori and Liam and notice Ryan on the other side of the table. “Ok where’s the party tonight?” everyone looks away and a little uncomfortable “Ok, what gives?” I snap and Ryan yelps and shoots a glare at Rori. Clearing his throat he looks at me “My house.” I don’t let the hurt seep in as I realize they were all going to go and not invite me. I know why Rori wouldn’t tell me, she knows that can’t stand to watch that train wreck of women. Clearing my throat I look at Rori

  “Come over at seven to help me get ready?” I see a look of shock on her face which is quickly replaced with complete elation as she squeals and hugs me. She’s talking a mile a minute about our outfits when all the sudden Ryan all but dives across the table a Liam.

  Chapter Thirteen

  Liam

  Oh man the look on Ryan’s face is priceless I can’t help but smile looking over at Gracie and Rori I shake my head, this night is going to get interesting. The way Rori and Gracie seem to be planning it’s almost as if they’re plotting something, I almost let out a laugh at the thought
my smile is getting bigger, so big it’s almost a cheesy smile. When I look back at Ryan he’s pissed off, letting a little chuckle out which causes him to dive across the table at me. I was sitting far enough back that he couldn’t grab me so I scoot back a little further I hear Gracie snap “What the hell is wrong with you?” Keeping my locked on Ryan’s I wait for him to make the next move I don’t dare tell Gracie what I think’s going on Gracie looks at me when he doesn’t answer. I run my hand through my hair slowly standing up which causes Ryan to stand.

  “Guys what the hell is going on?” Gracie snaps at us shaking my head again,

  “Nothing Farfalla, nothing at all. I’ll see you later.” Walking off before anyone can say anything.

  Ryan

  Watching that fuck smile at my misery just pisses me off, he doesn’t get to enjoy watching me in this situation, not anymore.

  “What the fuck was that Ryan?” Gracie snaps I refuse to answer that so I just shake my head. One day she’s going to understand.

  “You know what Ryan?” she just stairs at me while I stair back as I fight to keep my shit together so that I don’t snap at her. When I don’t answer “I’m done.” she walks away shaking her head. Letting out a sigh, I head to my locker grabbing -w my books and head to my car. I can’t stand this I’m writing her that letter tonight and I’ll have to find a way to give it to her, she can’t have it at school. I’m taking a huge risk with even writing it. As I pull up to my house I shoot Gracie a text,

  Ryan - Won’t be at the track tonight.

  Gracie - WTF why not?

  Ryan - Well I have some shit to take care of before tonight.

  Gracie - Speaking of tonight, is there a reason you didn’t tell me yourself?

  Ryan - Well you don’t talk to me other than our projects and track…

  Gracie - Whatever Ryan I’ll see you tonight…

  Ryan - It’s a costume party… Halloween and all…

  Gracie - Later.

  Ryan - Later.

  With a sigh, I get out and head into the house. Dads at his office and mom isn’t home. I’m not sure what she does during the day but I know she’s home in time to get dinner ready for me after training but dad has a trip to take this weekend and mom always goes with him so she’s probably doing last minute shopping. Walking into the kitchen I put my backpack on the table and head to the fridge. Mom left me a note.

  Figlio,

  Had some shopping to do won’t be home until next week your father has some business to do.

  Money in the drawer for you if you need anything. Be safe

  Love

  Mama

  Gabbing my soda I head up to my room. I can’t stand this anymore pulling out a paper I start to write.

  Gracie,

  We’ve known each other our whole lives, when we were young it was always you, me and Liam, almost as if it was us against the world. When we were 15 things started to change. Most of it you didn’t see I think the only thing you did see was that Liam left that summer and when he came back he was different. Has been ever sense but there are other things you need to know and I think this will help you understand many other things…

  Chapter Fourteen

  Gracie

  Finishing classes I head to the locker room to change for running, not that I really want to but I need it. After I’ve run for track showered and changed I head home to find Rori on my porch shaking my head maybe this was a bad idea…

  “Rori ok I’ve been thinking and well I don’t have a costume and there’s no time to get one and well I’m thinking this may be a really bad idea.” Holding my breath waiting for her to answer back she is going to be pissed. I didn’t realize I shut my eyes but when I do I slowly open one and when I see a smile cross her face I open both eyes,

  “What’s with that smile Rori? It’s never good when you get that look. Oh god what did you do?” Her smile is getting bigger I let out a sigh “Ok what’s your plan?”

  “Well are you ready for this? You don’t get to tell me no. So if you want to wait and see the finished product you can or I can tell you now.”

  “You know what, I don’t wanna know what twisted idea you came up with so let’s get started.” We head into my house and grab a snack before going up to my room to do some homework. After 3 hours of homework I feel like there are holes burning in to the back of my head. I know Rori is about to explode when I turn in my chair to look at her eyebrow raised, I can’t help the giggle that slips out. Rolling my eyes at her “Ok Rori what’s you plan?” When I see the almost devilish smirk that crosses her face, letting out a curse under my breath.

  “How about this I’m going to go and shower, you lay out whatever that crazy ass brain has planned and I can just put it on and well go from there.”

  “Oh yeah you shower but take the undies and a button up you don’t get to see it until your all done.”

  She has to be crazy. Maybe one day she can work for the CIA or some shit. I grab the things I plan to wear and my towel and head into the shower. When I get out I noticed that this is so not what I grabbed!

  “What the fuck Rori!” All I hear is her laughter “Come on Ro. I don’t want to wear these. I never even wanted them! You made me buy them!”

  “Yep, you’re right and I made you get them for a moment like this.”

  With a sigh I throw on the black lace booty shorts, that feel almost non-existent and the black lace push up bra. When I look in the mirror I’m shocked at what I see. I shake my head, throwing the shirt on and head back into my room. I start towards my vanity when Ro stops me, “Nope. Sit at your desk, you didn’t want to know.” That’s when I see she has moved all my stuff from my vanity to my desk.

  “Ro why the hell did you move all this? I could have sat there just the same.”

  “Yes and seen what was happening. I want you to see the end result, nothing in between. You may freak before, well no. You’ll freak either way.” She seems almost too excited with all this.

  “You know I want to look hot, not like a hooker right?’

  “Oh shut it like I’d ever do that to you.”

  For the next hour she works on my makeup and hair. When I’m done, all she says is “Put the dress on.” Doing as I was told, she walks over with a pair of black heals that have hot pink that run the seams and the band that straps around the ankle is hot pink.

  “Can I look in the mirror all mighty master?” I ask with a smirk. She doesn’t say anything she just leads me over to the mirror I have hanging on my wall behind my door.

  Ryan

  People started showing up about two hours ago, the music is loud the bass pumping through the walls. I’m really starting to second guess this party, not because my parents will care but Gracie said she was coming. She doesn’t go to parties often, if she does she’s not there long, I’ve never been able to figure out why either.

  I’ve had to peel off two girls already, I’m really not in the mood to deal with this. I decide to go up to my room. Heading up the stairs I feel like someone is staring at me, turning around at the top of the stairs and glance around the room full of people. I finally land on the eyes that have been burning a hole in my back.

  She’s beautiful long blond hair in waves down her back her eyes are a mix of blue and yellow they stand out like a mix of the ocean and sun light. It looks like the mask painted on her face is part of her skin the dark color of her eyes, lifting my cup back to my lips to hide the smile.

  I almost choke when it finally sinks in, I’m staring at Gracie. Holy shit that black dress hugs her curves nicely. As she turns to head into the kitchen I see she now has hot pink streaks in her hair all I can do is stair. I have no clue where this side of Gracie came from. It all clicks when I see her walk up to Aurora with a smirk on her face and fire in her eyes.

  Taking a deep breath and closing my eyes slowly letting out a breath as I count to ten. When I open them I watch at Gracie takes a shot, I know I’ve had too much to drink when I follow it as I was
watch it flows down her throat and my eyes slip down to her chest and I watch as she takes a deep breath. Swallowing hard I head back down the stairs to the kitchen, when I walk up I see its Beni pouring her shots when he sees me walk up he adds one for me I take the shot and throw it back, without even looking at Gracie setting the shot glass down he adds more Tequila, as I grab it I look over at her trying to suppress the desire that is flowing throw my veins.

  There is no way I can ever have her the way I want, her dad would skin me alive. Raising my glass to her and throw it back hoping the cool fluids will help cool the burn that’s flowing through my body. I set the glass down for Beni to fill again as Gracie does the same we both throw them back, this is not helping. Kissing her on the cheek “I’ll be back gotta go check on some things.” Turing before she can even answer walking through the house making sure everything is fine. I’m about to head outside to the pool when I feel a hand on my arm taking a slow breath and turning to see who it is. I’m more than a little shocked.

  “What the hell do you want Jessica?”

  “Come on Ryan, you know I want to spend a little time with you.”

  “Jess give up, it’s never going to happen.” Clenching my teeth as I turn to walk away.