*
I woke up the next morning with a loud yawn and gave a full body stretch out before my eyes darted out to the floor when I remembered the event from last night only to realize, Ryder was already gone.
It was just 6:30am by the way and still too early to be out and going without making a sound.
The blanket and the clothes I lend him were neatly folded and placed on the arm chair in front of my desk, right here I would see them.
I took a deep sigh and lay back in bed for another minute or two before getting up to go brush my teeth and shower and get ready for school.
Pulling out a pair of dark Jean and  white shirt from the wardrobe, I lined them carefully on the bed beside my sport Jersey before strolling into the bathroom to shower up. I bet Jasmine was still coiled up in bed no doubt. I thought about going over to wake her up but decided against it. I mean, if her alarm can't do it successfully then I doubt I could.
Slipping out of my pajamas and throwing them into the hamper by the corner, I stepped under the shower head after heating it up to the temperature I wanted which was pretty high and suitable for my muscles. I need the early massage for later drill at practice. Coach Mike already promised it's going to be tough.
Ten minutes in the shower and another five getting my clothes on. I was ready with my bag swung across one shoulder and making my way out of the room and heading down the stairs to grab breakfast.
I stopped in my tracks and even glanced at my watch with a curious frown when I heard giggles erupting from the kitchen. I mean, it can't be Jasmine up and fixing breakfast right? Because my sister that I know would still be up in her room struggling with one outfit choice or the next hard decision that involves the numerous color shades on her face.
Well, turns out I was wrong and it was indeed her, all ready for school and seating across from Ryder in the kitchen counter while he flips pancake into her plate like a fucking pro while she giggle and bat her lashes at him like a fan girl.
I scoffed loudly at the scene before me, causing both their heads to turn and stared back at my direction.
"Look who finally decide to join the breakfast party" Ryder had announced happily with a wide grin on his face.
I couldn't help but rolled my eyes at his enthusiasm before settling down on the empty stool across from Jasmine, my eyes narrowing back at Ryder cautiously.
I mean, this guy's ability to feel just at home is fucking incredible if not questionable. I had no idea we have ingredient for pancake or I wouldn't be eating cereals like every fucking damn day of my life for breakfast since my mom passed. All he had to do is snoop around a few times and figure it all out.
Damn.
The aroma from the pan hit my nose momentarily and my stomach grumbled in reply.
Gosh.
As if he could read my thought, Ryder grabbed an empty plate from the upper shelf and proceeded to flipping two hot cupcakes into it and slide it towards me.
"There you go. Have a bite and let me know  what you think about my cooking" he told me expectedly and I gave a small nod in reply.
Pulling my plate closer, i took a little bite and chewed on it slightly and allowing the taste to melt in mouth like hot chocolate before swallowing.
I took another bite, this time, a bit more and began to more than chewed on it. I was chewing with my mouth ful without minding how hot it was in my mouth and could actually burn me.
You won't believe this but it taste so freaking good. Like where the heck did he even learn to cook this good.
The last time I had pancake this good was made by my mom and this is just a crazy reminder.
Dear Lord.
I stopped chewing for a moment and looked up from my plate with my mouthful because I just realized both Jasmine and Ryder are no longer talking but staring widely at me.
Now what?, do I have something on my face?
"What?" I questioned, my brow slightly raised at them.
Inching closer until his face was at the same level with mine, he cocked a brow at me. "So, what do you think?"
I looked back at the half piece of cake in my hand and then back at him, "it's okay?" I said simply with a shrug.
"Just Okay?" Jasmine had asked me, her eyes shooting daggers at my face and I gave another careless shrug not sure what she expected me to say exactly.
"There are other words like delicious and tasty" she told me matter of fact and I snorted at her, not understanding her stress one tiny bit.
"Well, I still think it's okay Jasmine so get off my case and focus on your nails or something. No one made you the diction judge here"
Ryder's phone began to ring on repeat before she could probably think of something smart to say to me. He quickly turned off the gas before swiping his thump across the screen and attached it to his left ear.
"Hey man, what's up"
He nodded after a while, "Of course dude, I will be there" He quickly assured whoever was at the other end of the receiver.
He listened to some more and then glance at his wrist watch., "I'll meet you there in ten minutes. Don't fucking start without me alright?"
After what seemed like another minute of arguing, the call finally came to an end and he quickly took off the apron from his body and grabbed his jacket and helmet on the floor and began to head towards the door but halted when Jasmine called at him.
"Hold on Ryder. Where are you going?, you didn't eat your pancake"
"Well, I got to run or I will be late for band practice. See you later"
"Okay"
"See you later Jaden" He called at me half way out the door and I nodded at his retreating steps.
I turned around to find Jasmine giving me a sideways glare. "What?"
She narrowed her eyes into slit, "I know you don't like Ryder very much but you should know I intend to date him because he is my dream guy. He is cute and adorable and nothing will make me happier if he and I can be more than just friends and that's why am asking you nicely to try and be nice to him even if it kills you to do it. Just try and do it for me"
"Well, news flash dear sister, I just hate to break it to you but you will have to look for a new love interest because you are not his type"
She jerked backward, her eyes narrowing suspiciously at my comment.
"What? Are you saying am not fashionable or good looking enough?"
I couldn't help but groaned out in frustration. I mean, how do I tell her the hard truth right now? Is she really that dumb or pretending to be so fucking blind as not to see the obvious. But On a second thought, maybe I don't have to spell it to her because, if She is not smart enough to figure it all out by now then she is totally on her own.
"Say something Jaden"
"What do you want me to say?"
"I don't know but you should have a reason which am certain you do so out with it"
I took a deep breath and tried to explain it as calmly as possible, "Look Jasmine, you are my little sister and I love you with all my heart and that's why am telling you this, Ryder is not the guy for you. So get whatever illusion or fantasy you have going on in your head about dating him out of your head because you might just be prepping yourself for a major heart break"
There! I just said it but did she believe me? Absolutely not. She is already hell bent on having her heart broken and that's okay. that's her choice to make.
"If I didn't know you better, I'd say you are jealous but whatever. Just have it at the back of your mind that,  Ryder will be mine if I want him to, whether you think I can or not" she told me determinedly and I simply shook my head at just how stubborn and clueless she really is.
Damn.
"Suit yourself sister but don't come crying to me when you fall back on your face alright? Because am gonna look you in those pretty little eyes of yours and tell you, I fucking told you so" I deadpan with a tight grin and pushed my remaining breakfast aside and grabbed my bag and began to head out as well with a new plan up my sleeve.
If she won't listen to any of my advice then I will have to make sure Ryder stays the fuck away from her.