Love Unscripted

Reyna jolted awake, nightmare's darkness dissipating. Panting, she rubbed damp palms against her scarred cheek. Memories resurfaced: mocking laughter, abandoned friendships. Her gaze locked onto the ceiling, steeling herself for another daunting day.

Her chest heaved, grasping for air, as fragmented memories lingered. Sweat-drenched sheets clung to her trembling frame.

The nightmare's grip loosened, replaced by haunting reality. Her scar, the constant reminder, throbbed painfully.

The alarm she had set had just suddenly beeped so she knew it was time for her to head to school.

Reyna tossed aside tangled sheets, escaping the nightmare's lingering grasp. She shed sleeps remnants, steeling herself. She swung her legs over the bed, feet dangling in uncertainty. With a deep breath, she stood, shaking off residual fear. Her slender frame stretched, accentuating the crescent-shaped scar below her left eye. Reyna's raven-chocolate brown hair cascaded down her back like a dark waterfall.

She shuffled to the bathroom, flipping the switch. Harsh light illuminated her pale complexion. Emerald eyes, still haunted, stared back. Reyna dressed methodically: crisp white shirt, navy blue skirt, black blazer. Polished shoes clicked against the floor, signaling determination. Her Emerald eyes, though haunted, burned brighter.

She was done dressing up so she took out her pair of glasses, placed it on and then stared at her reflection in the mirror. She used her fingers to trace her scar on her cheek almost close to her eyes.

Though it wasn't big or caused bigger damage physically, but till it's a scar that ruined her life and made her this miserable.

She had always hated herself for this and then after some few minutes she took her cell phone and bag and then went down stairs.

Reyna descended the stairs, her footsteps echoing through the hallway. Her father, impeccably dressed in his cops uniform, stood before the mirror, adjusting his tie. His warm eyes met hers, softening his determined expression.

"Good morning, sweetie," he said gently.

Reyna's reserved face hinted at a subtle smile. "Morning, Daddy."

Their breakfast together was serene, conversation sparse. Yet, affection flowed beneath her stoic surface. She cherished these moments, witnessing his steadfast dedication. Love shone in her eyes, betraying her tough exterior.

Reyna's father sipped his coffee, observing her quietly. "Big day ahead?"

She nodded, pushing scrambled eggs around her plate. "Math test."

He offered reassurance. "You'll excel, Reyna. You're brilliant."

His unwavering faith warmed her, momentarily easing her nightmares' residual chill.

"I am leaving now, might be back late, so make sure you stay safe." Her dad kised her forehead and then went out of the house.

She couldn't have any more meal, so she headed to school anyways. She went to the bustop and waited for a long time as it seems today that the bus was already late.

Reyna settled into her morning bus ride, reviewing math notes. After being on the road for a while, that was strange because the drive was just 20 to 25 minutes.

The bus began jerking and then abruptly, the engine sputtered, silencing. The driver announced, "Breakdown." Reyna joined disembarking passengers, gazing at the stranded vehicle.

Defeated, she trudged home beneath gray skies. Entering, she shed her blazer and school clothes.Her gaze fell upon the gown, it's black silk shimmering, sleeveless short flowing chiffon, it hugged her curves gracefully. Her dark hair, freed from its ponytail, cascaded down.

She took off her glasses, straps whispered against her skin, framing her radiant smile. Perfect for sunny afternoons.

She skimmed through her notes and after some hours, being growled her by her stomach, she needed to go out and get something tangible to eat.

She took her phone and then dash through the doors taking her keys with her.

Reyna stepped out into the vibrant city, joining the lunchtime bustle on Main Street. The sun cast a warm glow over the bustling thoroughfare, lined with an array of eateries and convenience stores. Neon signs beckoned passersby: "Pizza Palace," "Burger Blast," and "Subway Sandwiches." Reyna's stomach growled, anticipating her lunch.

She walked past a 7-Eleven, its sliding glass doors opening to reveal rows of snacks and drinks. Next door, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee wafted from "The Daily Grind" cafe. Reyna continued on, her eyes scanning the options.

Reyna's eyes locked onto Ryder, her crush, sitting inside Burger Blast with his crew. His striking white hair stood out amidst the bustling restaurant. She hadn't expected to run into him here. Two girls flanked him, laughing and chatting with his friends. Reyna remained unnoticed, observing from outside.

She pushed open the door, her heart skipping a beat. Ryder didn't look up. Reyna joined the line, trying to appear nonchalant.

At the counter, she ordered, "Blazin' BBQ Bacon Burger (a juicy beef patty topped with crispy bacon, cheddar cheese, and tangy BBQ sauce), and also a sweet crispy fries with Coca-cola Classic, pls."

As she waited for her order, Reyna discreetly glanced over at Ryder's table. He was laughing, his piercing red eyes crinkling at the corners. Her cheeks flushed.

The cashier called out her order, breaking the spell. Reyna collected her food and drink, considering where to sit.

Reyna opted for the quiet corner, seeking refuge from the possibility of Ryder noticing her. She settled into a cozy booth, facing away from his table.

As she unwrapped her Blazin' BBQ Bacon Burger and dug into the crispy Sweet & Spicy Fries, Reyna's anxiety eased. The flavors distracted her from Ryder's presence.

Just as she took her first bite, her gaze drifted out the window beside her.

She witnessed a shady figure swiping something from the adjacent electronics store.

"Hey, isn't that...?" Reyna muttered to herself, eyes widening.

The thief quickly exited the store, glancing around nervously.

Reyna's instincts kicked in. "I need to tell someone," she thought.

She hastily grabbed her phone and purse, leaving her meal behind.

"Ryder," she whispered, forgetting about him momentarily.

Reyna rushed out of Burger Blast, following the thief from a safe distance.

The suspect led her through winding alleys and side streets.

Reyna quickened her pace, phone at the ready to call the police.

As she turned a corner, the thief vanished into a nearby parking garage.

Reyna hesitated, wondering if she should proceed.

Reyna cautiously entered the parking garage, eyes scanning for the thief. She spotted him near a stairwell, fumbling with his loot.

As she approached, the thief sensed her presence and spun around.

"Hey, what are you doing?" Reyna demanded, trying to sound braver than she felt.

The thief's eyes narrowed. "Mind your own business," he growled.

Reyna stood firm, grabbing the thief's hoodie and yanking it off. A mess of dark hair was revealed, but his face remained hidden behind a black mask.

The thief struggled free, shoving Reyna against the wall.

As she regained balance, Reyna saw the stolen goods: cartons of cigarettes.

The thief took advantage of the distraction to make a run for it.

"Stop!" Reyna shouted, chasing after him.

He vanished into the crowded streets.

Reyna returned to the parking garage, panting.

She pulled out her phone and dialed the police.

"Hello, I'd like to report a theft...yes, cigarettes...near Burger Blast... suspect wore a black mask and dark hair...fled toward Main Street."

As Reyna waited for the police to arrive, she realized her meal was still in the cafe. She quickly rushed to finish up her meal but it was already trashed and Ryder was gone.

How upset she felt!!

She quickly dashed home and went to the convenience store near her home which she realized she should have done earlier.

She bought a bag of potato chips and hot chocolate drink. Soon she slept and then woke up only to realize it was past 10. She quickly went to take her bath and put on her pyjamas.

She took her phone and went on social media. As usual, she is always at Ryder page just to watch what he was up to. He released a video of him at the hotel with the both girls he saw with him earlier. He was smacking their @ss with joy and they moan and scream with joy.

Though she felt irritated by all being done, she just wanted to gaze at his face. When the video started getting somewhere she really felt uncomfortable with she switched off her phone threw it and scream with disgust.

She turned to the picture poster of him, she had printed out and pasted it on her bed wall. She had even used him as her phone wallpaper and always change it whenever she heads to school.

She opened her phone and then saw a girl page online whom she felt with. She zoomed on the picture. Selfie picture of the girl alongside two other girls in a restaurant. They seem to get a lot of likes and views too.

She knew who they was and that made her very unsettled. She had her mind beclouded by past events and soon she slept off.

I'm

It was morning and she was heading to school. Got ready and was about to leave, when her dad offered her coffee before she heads out.

"Dad, you know I hate coffee, I would have preferred tea," She spoke with unrevealing concern in her tone. She kissed her Dad on the cheeks, "I suggest you get more rest, you are working a lot."

They exchanged glances and then he smiled and she left for school after saying her good-bye.