I was on my best behavior in my next shift. Quite gloomy but you couldn't figure out that some guy quoted me slut and I didn't slap him and got the swollen hand as a result.

I dried my tears before stepping  through the door and kept my head and served the tables as usual. While I got vague looks for Luke now and then, I didn't bother.

"I am sorry", Luke emerged behind me. The night sky was stunning and the stars were bright and somehow welcoming.

I breathed out a sigh.

"You didn't know, Luke. That's fine"

Nothing was fine but again I couldn't go around blaming people for that. Atleast we found Thomas, though not the one we had expected to be.

"I miss home", this guy's telepathy was astonishing. He uttered the exact words running in my mind.

"And you said it"

We both hopped into the car and the ride was quiet until we reached home. I realized it was one of the side effects of this stupid dates. Luke wasn't talking much and I assume he was thinking which he normally didn't prefer and Matt wouldn't shut up.

I preferred the old way because I hate to admit but Luke was funny.

I saw myself seat at the living room with my friends. We were laughing at something when out of nowhere I was running on a deserted road. The adrenaline was pumping and the fact that I couldn't see the person chasing me was horrifying.

The loud sound from my phone woke me up from that spine chilling dream. It was 11 at night and I had a missed call and a message, both from Ryder.

Devil: Sorry

And the end. I couldn't see any hint of sincerity in that short word. Why did he even bother to send me a text when he actually don't want to?

Simple. To annoy me more.

I dropped my phone when it started the blare in my hands.
"Damn", I picked up and contemplated to answer the phone.

Then a thought stroke me. What did I do wrong? There wasn't much on the wrong side . In fact, he was so there wasn't reason for me to hesitate.

Okay that was enough self speech as I put my phone to my ears.

When I shut down all the voice and concentrated on his voice I could hear his shallow and rapid breathes.

"Ryder?", I spoke skeptically into the phone. The breathing pattern changed. It was now slow and deep. I couldn't explain but I felt obliged to stay home on the call.

"I am sorry", his words was heart wrenching. It was broke and weak. It took a great deal of time to realize that he was having a panic attack or had because I wasn't sure.

"Ryder?", I tended my voice to his level.

"I am sorry. I didn't mean when I said those words. I..I didn't mean to hurt you. I..I..I just got angry and stuff. I really don't know. Something just took over me and really wish I can take it all back. "

Why did it hurt? Because he gave me apology that Tyler didn't or was it because I couldn't bear Ryder being so weak?

"Just a sorry won't make any difference, Ryder. You hurt me and you can't just take it all back .And the slap.."

"It's fine. You don't have to feel sorry", he cut me in before I could continue. I scoffed at his stupidity.

"You deserved it, Ryder. If you are waiting for an apology then don't. I'll do it twice happily"

As I was expecting a stride remark he took me off gaurd with a laugh.

"I don't think I can take it again considering my left cheek looks like a ripe tomato"

I couldn't control it anymore when I imagined his face like a tomato.

"I am really sorry. I didn't mean anything I said. Lets say those were my fantasies and we are quite opposite in that. I am sure I will be the one begging for you. You know I can see my self"

Its quite strange to get accustomed to the talkative Ryder. Like he talks in spurts. Just one emotional balloon at a time, leaving me speechless.

"What do you see yourself begging for ?", I knew I was trudging the dangerous waters but hey it wasn't a smooth ride until now.

"Anything you can give me?"

"Why do you want anything from me?"

"Because I realized you can give anything I want", Again the riddle games. It was getting out of my hands. All I wanted was a simple and clear answer but no he had to make everything obscure.

"All the girls weren't enough? Did you bet that you will sleep with me before the ten dates?", I kept my voice stern.

"You are different and I don't know how to explain. And no I would never do something like a sex bet. That's so cheap"

"Yet you never fail to surprise", I said rolling my eyes.

"What should I do to make you trust me?", His voice raised by a band and I could tell he was eager but why was there a nagging in my mind? Because trusting someone takes a big deal especially they make it a point to break it. 

"I'll plan the next date. You are accepting it no matter what", I put the ball in the court. It was always intriguing to know what went on in his mind. Yeah, I've seen in him many times, in many distances and many situations but still he kept the element of mystery to himself.

"Okay", the affirmed voice replied.