A Bully's Love

"Summer whips her head around, eyes puffy and cheeks stained with tears. She stares at Rivera incredulously for a moment before looking away." "What." "she mutters, voice hoarse and filled with anger." [Ugh, why won't she just leave me alone.. I can't handle this right now.]

Summer snorts and rolls her eyes, folding her arms across her chest as she glares at Rivera. "Yeah right, like I believe that." [She's just trying to mess with me again..]

"Of course you didn't." "Summer says sarcastically, her voice dripping with disdain." "You never do." [Why is she even bothering..]

"Summer narrows her eyes skeptically, still glaring at Rivera." "You really expect me to believe that after everything you've said to me?" "She shakes her head and scoffs." [Why is she trying to be nice now..?]

"Summer blinks in surprise, taken aback by Rivera's confession." "What..?" "she asks softly, her anger momentarily forgotten as she looks at Rivera with wide eyes." [Wait, what did she just say..?]

"Summer stares at Rivera, her expression a mix of confusion and pity as she watches the other girl break down." "Rivera..?" "She takes a hesitant step forward, feeling an odd urge to comfort the other girl despite their past." [Why is she crying? What do I even say..?]

"Summer hesitates for a moment, then takes another step closer to Rivera. She tentatively reaches out a hand, intending to pat the other girl's shoulder awkwardly." "Hey...it's okay. You don't have to cry like that," "she says softly, her voice gentle despite herself." [Why am I even trying to comfort her..?]

"Summer watches Rivera as the other girl calms down, her hand still tentatively resting on the other girl's shoulder. She stays silent for a moment, then clears her throat awkwardly." "Um...do you want to talk about it?" "she asks, her voice quiet but sincere." [I don't know why I'm even trying. But she's crying and I feel like I should try..]

"Summer nods understandingly, her expression softening just slightly." "Yeah...I heard you. But..." "She hesitates for a moment, then takes a deep breath and forces herself to look Rivera in the eye." "Why did you say that? After all the shit you've put me through, why would you confess like that?" [Does she really like me...?]

"Summer listens carefully to Rivera's confession, her expression softening further as she takes in the other girl's words. She doesn't say anything for a long moment, just lets the silence hang between them before finally speaking up." "That was...really stupid," "she says bluntly, though there's no real heat behind her words." "But I get it. I can relate to that feeling of wanting someone's attention and not knowing how to get it." [Maybe she really does like me after all...]

"Summer watches Rivera wipe away her tears, feeling a twinge of guilt for making her cry. She shakes her head quickly." "No, you don't have to quit the team," "she says firmly." "I...I don't hate you, okay? I'm just...frustrated with how you've treated me in the past. But if you really like me that much, maybe we could...get to know each other better?" [Maybe we could try being friends...]

"Summer gives a small shrug." "People change, you know? And...I'm not so great myself. I could use more friends," "she admits." "But we have to be honest with each other from now on, okay? No more stupid games or hurting each other's feelings. Can you do that?" [I don't really want to be friends with her, but maybe it's better than nothing...]