Apologies?

I couldn't wipe the grin off my face as I rode my motorcycle through the streets, Mia clinging to my back. The sun was setting, casting a warm glow over the world, and I couldn't think of a better way to end the day than with a ride on my bike with the girl I was falling for.

As we pulled up to Mia's house, I helped her off the bike and walked her to her front door. "Thanks for a great day, Ray," Mia said, giving me a hug.

"Anytime," I replied, hugging her back and breathing in the sweet scent of her hair. "We'll see in school tomorrow."

I watched as Mia went inside and then climbed back onto my bike, revving the engine and feeling the power beneath me. I loved the freedom and exhilaration of riding my motorcycle, and I usually enjoy it more than in a car.

As I walked into my house, the familiar scent of my mom's cooking filled the air, making my stomach growl. I found her in the living room, seated on the couch with a book in hand. "Hey, Mom," I said, walking over and sinking onto the couch next to her.

"Hi, sweetie," she replied, setting aside her book and giving me a hug. "How was your day?"

"It was great," I said, feeling my heart swell with happiness as I thought about Mia. "I and Mia went out on a long date. It was such a beautiful day, and I enjoyed every bit of the day."

"Oh, that sounds like fun," my mom said, smiling. "How's school going? Any big projects coming up?"

"It's going well," I replied, my thoughts turning to the upcoming football game. "We have a big game coming up next week. I'm hoping you'll be able to come watch."

"I'll try my best to make it," my mom said, patting my hand. "Now, tell me about this Mia. You haven't mentioned her before."

I grinned, feeling a warmth spread through me at the mention of Mia's name. "She's amazing, Mom. She's smart, kind, and beautiful, and I really like her. We've been hanging out a lot lately, and I can't wait to see where this goes."

"Well, I'd love to meet her sometime," my mom said, her eyes softening with happiness. "I'm glad you've found someone who makes you happy."

I nodded, feeling a surge of gratitude towards my mom. She had been through so much since my dad had died, and I was glad to see her finding happiness again.

"Thanks, Mom," I said. "I appreciate it. Hey, speaking of happiness, I noticed you've been going on a lot of dates lately. Is there someone special in your life?"

My mom's face lit up with a smile, and she nodded. "Yes, there is," she said. "His name is Alex, and he's a really great guy. We met at while working a case and then, he asked me out to dinner. Since then, we've been hanging out more anytime I'm chanced. I think you'll like him."

"I'm happy for you, Mom," I said, giving her a hug. "I'm glad you're not alone anymore."

"Thank you, sweetie," my mom said, hugging me back. "I made dinner, or are you filled already?"

" Yeah, mom. I've had enough to eat today, thanks."

" Oh, I'll just go tidy up the kitchen then. Now, go get some rest. You have a big game coming up, and you need to be well rested."

I nodded headed for my bedroom while my mom followed diverting into the kitchen. My mind racing with excitement for the game next week. I knew it would be a tough match, but I was determined to give it his my and come out on top.

As I strutted through the crowded hallway the next day, my confidence sky-high, I was greeted by several of my classmates who wished me good luck on the upcoming match.

I grinned, feeling a surge of pride as the captain of the football team. My teammates, the school, they're all counting on me to lead them to victory, and I was determined to make them proud.

But as I approached my locker, I was startled to see Lily waiting there for me. Her clique of friends not too far away, and I braced myself for another one of her snippy comments.

"Hey, Ray," Lily said, her fake smile grating on my nerves. "How are you doing?"

"I'm fine," I said tersely, my tone making it clear I didn't want to talk to her. I began rearranging my locker, trying to ignore her presence.

"What are you doing here?" I asked gritting my teeth.

"That's not how to speak to a lady." she replied.

"I shouldn't even be speaking to you after the last stunt you pulled." I looked at her speaking with suppressed anger.

" Well, about that. It wasn't intentional. I'm sorry." she replied sounding apologetic. "Moreover , Mia was the one who put me up to it." she said returning to her usual tone.

I slammed my locker shut, my patience wearing thin. I started on way to class.

Lily, however, seemed oblivious to my disinterest. She tagged along, continuing the annoying conversation.

"I can't help but notice you and Mia these past few days," she said, her voice dripping with jealousy. "Are you guys, like, a thing now? Or a couple?"

"I'm not discussing my relationship with Mia with you, plus I don't see how it's any of your business" I said, turning on my heel to walk away.

But Lily wasn't ready to give up yet. She scurried alongside me, her high heels clicking on the linoleum floor.

"It's my business Ray and you know it. You know I'll do anything to get you back." she said.

I scoffed. "Goodluck with that." I told her, not reducing my pace.

"Come on, Ray," she said, her voice laced with pleading. "We used to be friends. Can't you just talk to me?"

I sighed, feeling a twinge of guilt. I knew I should be the bigger person and try to make amends. We didn't really have a fight. I just decided to stop hanging out with her.

I should probably apologize and be friends with her, maybe not as close as we used to be, but I just couldn't bring myself to do it. Not with someone as manipulative and two-faced as Lily.

"I have to go to class, Lily," I said, my voice cold. "I don't have time for this."

Still, she kept following me.

As Lily continued to follow me down the crowded hallway, her persistent presence grating on my nerves, I heard someone call from behind.

It was Jason, one of the new basketball players, his voice urgent and desperate. He caught up with us, panting slightly from running, a bouquet of pink roses clutched in his hand.

"Hey, Ray," Jason said, his eyes pleading.

"Hey, Lily. I was hoping I could talk to you for a minute."

I rolled my eyes, my patience wearing thin. It was no secret that Jason had a little crush on Lily, and he had been trying to get on her good side for weeks now.

But Lily was not one to be won over easily, and I knew this was likely to be another futile attempt.

"I got this for you, Lily. please consider my request." he said

Lily wasn't interested in what Jason was saying. However, she seemed more interested in the flowers. She collected them from Jason, her eyes lighting up as she sniffed in the aroma.

But then, to my surprise, well, I wasn't really surprised though, she tossed them back at him with a scowl.

She hit him with the flowers, scattering them all over the place.

"Incase you don't know Jason, I don't like pink roses" she said, her voice dripping with disdain. "I only like red roses." she continued, each syllable corresponding with each hit she gave Jason with the flowers.

Jason's face fell, and I couldn't help but feel a twinge of pity for him. He had clearly put a lot of thought into this gesture, and it was clear he was trying his best to win Lily over. I've heard him asking someone about what Lily like or does not like.

But Lily was having none of it. She turned her back on him, her nose turned up in the air as she walked away. I was grateful though, that little scene had made her forget about me.

I continued on my way, feeling a mix of frustration and amusement. It was times like these that I couldn't help but wonder what it was about Lily that made it difficult for her to accept someone's love.

'Was it her stubbornness or her pride? Her refusal to see things from anyone else's perspective?'

Whatever it was, it seemed to repel people rather than attract them.

Yet Jason ignored all these and tried to see if he could win her. I hope he finds someone who deserves him though.

As I continued alone in the hallway, my mind focused on the game ahead. As I walked, I was greeted by more of my schoolmates, who wished me luck on the upcoming match. Their encouragement only fueled my determination to lead the team to victory.

I was startled by a tap on my shoulder. I turned to see Sam, standing there with a grin on his face.

He stood there in his tall and lean figure, with dark hair and piercing green eyes that always seemed to see right through me. He was holding his books in one hand, his bag on the other.

"Hey, Ray," Sam said, falling into step beside me. "How's it going? How was your weekend?"

"It was good," I said, my thoughts drifting back to the ride on my motorcycle with Mia.

The wind had whipped through our hair as we rode through the streets, the setting sun casting a warm glow over the world. I couldn't think of a better way to end the day than with Mia clinging to my back, her arms wrapped tightly around me.

"I saw you and Lily just now, what's it about?" Sam asked concerned.

"Well, you know her. She actually apologized for the gym incident." I replied.

"And you believed her? She's probably planning her next move against you and Mia." Sam answered his voice rising a bit.

I thought about it and though I want to agree with Sam but I couldn't ignore the gesture Lily made.

Knowing her, she rarely apologizes for anything she does. Even though what she did not quite long wasn't really an apology, but it was something.