But it’s not a problem I have to solve today. Instead, I turn my attention to my assignment for English class. I pull up the prompt again:Write about a time when you were surprised.
I laugh out loud. Oh, do I have a story I can write now. Andconsidering the fact that the instructor is the only person reading this, I don’t worry about writing the truth. Actually, he encouraged us to write anything, even fiction.
What seems more fictional than the life I’m living?
Believe me, I wish it were a fairytale.
I pull up a blank document and start typing away about Ryder climbing the tower and surprising me. As I write, I find more vivid descriptions than usual about his physique, his gray eyes, my surprise at seeing him, and his surprise at finding me, as well. I get those butterflies in my stomach, kicking my feet with the fuzzy slippers dangling from my toes.
My phone buzzes next to me—a phone call from Luna, my brother Henry’s fiancée. I answer the call. “Hey, Luna.”
“Hey, Lily. How’s it going?”
“Good. Just solving the eternal problem of world peace.”
“Ah, yes, of course.” Luna knows how to humor me. Isabelle, my other brother’s fiancée, does too. It’s a good thing I like them both. “I wanted to see if you’re up for a visit tomorrow.”
“Tomorrow? Sure! I’d love to see you!” A big grin lights my face, just like it usually does at the thought of entertaining anyone in my small space.
“Great. Henry wants to come, too. We’ll be there around eleven.”
“Can you bring me some of Madeleine’s macarons?” I ask.
“Already planning on it.” I can hear the grin in her words, and I’m thankful she knows me so well. “We’ll see you tomorrow.”
“See you.” I hang up the phone, grateful I have my brother and Luna to come visit.
But then again, if Bethany is right, I might be able to leave this tower soon. Which would mean no need for visitors, because I’d be able to see them whenever I want.
The ambivalence fills my stomach again, and I push it away, focusing back on writing.
About Ryder.
Cue the heart-eyes.
CHAPTER 7
Ryder
FRÉDÉRIC CHOPIN — WALTZ IN C-SHARP MINOR
After going back down the tower, which was admittedly easier than climbing up, I head back to the fountain. Most of the kids have dispersed, but Gwen is still there with John and Michael.
“Did you slay the troll?” Michael asks, wide-eyed.
“I did!” I say, bending down to meet him at eye level. “You’re safe now.”
Big fib. Lily was nothing like a troll, and she doesn’t need slaying. She needs to be saved.
I wish I could have been the prince she needs and rescued her from whatever’s keeping her up there.
What’s wrong with me? I never care this much about other people, especially not women. Gwen and Peter are the only people I really care about. But something about Lily makes me want to slay a dragon.
“Yay, Ryder!” Michael pumps his fist in the air and does a little dance in a circle.
Gwen smiles down at him, then looks back at me. “Really, what was up there?” she asks quietly, curiosity in her expression.
“I’ll tell you later,” I reply.
