Chapter Seven
Ryker, Three Years Ago
Today is the day.
She can’t say no this time; I made sure to plan everything she likes.
She can’t say no this time.
I have been trying to get Liv to go out with me for a year, but she always said no.At first, I thought it was because I was not as popular as she was.I joined the football team, changed the way I dressed, and got a better car.
She still refused me.
She whispered to her friends that I was too skinny, so I started going to the gym.She joked that my hair was too long, so I cut it off.She said I was too nice, so I tried ignoring her.
It was impossible.
I can’t ignore her.She captivates my existence, the air I breathe, the ground I walk on.She is everywhere.
Today is the day.
She won’t refuse me this time.
She can’t refuse me this time.
I did everything to change, everything to mold myself into what she wanted.She keeps flirting with me when no one is around.Then she goes back to rejecting me again.And I am changing everything she uses as an excuse when others are around.I need her to know I am serious about her.I need her to know.I tried giving her gifts.I tried making things for her,but I am not that good with my hands.
She will pick me up this time.
I arrive at the area close to the trailer park; she never lets me come closer to her home than this.I respect it.I would never disrespect her wishes.I am waiting for her to arrive, looking at my phone.I have already texted her to let her know I am here;she didn’t respond.Another text.No response.
It is getting dark.
She won’t come.
She rejected me once again.
My phone vibrates, and I see the text flashing across the screen.It is a screenshot from Kayden of one of her posts.She is out withhim.The one who openly cheats on her.The one who ignores her.The one she prefers.Now I only see red.
I get out of my car, carrying the gasoline I keep in my car.I could argue about the reasons I have it, but they are not important.I am walking to where I know her usual parking spot is.He probably picked her up anyway.It is a short walk before I see the old silver car.Pathetic, like her.She doesn’t deserve any of this.She doesn’t deserve everything I did for her.Fucking bitch!
I start pouring the liquid all over her car.She rejected me again.I get the matches out of my pocket.Stupid slut.I light the first one, but the wind blows it out before it reaches the car.Another match, and it is instantly blown out like the one before it.Another one, and the flame goes out in the blink of an eye.
Fuck it.
I walk back to my car, disappointed in my failed attempt, tears staining my cheeks, and resentment creeping into my heart.My eyes fall on the red rose I got for her.It sits on the passenger seat, where I wanted her to be instead.I take the fragile flower in my hands, observing it for a moment before I exit my car and walk back to hers.
This time I bring the rose with me, trying to find the almost-empty bottle of gasoline.When I locate it on the ground next to her car, I pick it up and shake it on top of the rose.Just a drop manages to fall on it, but that’s all I need.I light it on fire with my lighter and drop it on her car.Taking a couple of steps back, I watch the car as it is wrapped in flames.The light of it is mesmerizing; I have always had a fascination with fire.But this time, it is personal.I get no satisfaction from this, although I will admit it is beautiful.
I stay here, frozen in place, as I watch her car burn, turning into a bunch of metal and ash.But even this doesn’t feel like enough.She fucking chose him over me AGAIN.
