Enter Player Name: Noah

The hall stretched endlessly ahead as I turned from Riley. The trace of sadness staining her smile clawed deep into my chest. Longing lingered behind those hazel orbs like an un-fully formed shadow, drowning out the brightness.

I was torn. There was nothing more I wanted than to turn and take her in my arms, but I knew there was unfinished business with Cynthia. And I could not move forward until I settled my past.

My guts twisted with nauseating guilt at Cynthia's shocked face. Betrayal dripped from her eyes like bloody tears, drawn from pain and loneliness. Our breakup came out of nowhere just months before our wedding, and then I was gone the next day. It wrecked the comfortable foundation we stood on, and that wasn't fair to her. I wasn't fair to her. At that time, I was selfish and only thought about the path I wanted to take.

I could never do that with Riley... be selfish with her. If Riley were mine, I would treasure her like the rare gem she is. I would be better than I was.

I turned the corner, and the vibrations of my mother's study door snapping shut pushed on the soles of my feet. My palm turned ice-cold as I held the cold-metal handle and took a deep breath. I owed Cynthia this much, I told myself, I'll search for Riley afterward.

The sturdy dark wood door creaked open as I entered.

A soft yellow ceiling light shone down on the bricked-seized books stacked like a jar of sardines into the wall-fitted bookshelves. It lit my mother as she stood behind her handcrafted modern wooden desk, commissioned by a small-local artist. Unaware of my entrance, she scoured through a pile of paperwork stacked waist high at the center.

There was no doubt that she was the mastermind behind this. Why else would Cynthia be here if not by my mother's own doing? I threw the door shut behind me.

The sound smacked through my mother. She snapped her neck up, eyes wide. "Noah! You scared me! Be careful how you close the door." Her shoulder slacked, and she let out a sigh of relief. Her slender fingers rubbed her temple as her eyes scanned all the open drawers. "Baby, have you seen my business cards? I can't seem to remember where I placed them and I need to make sure I can be reached back with business proposals."

"Jane," I grumbled, not hearing her question.

Her name crawled up my mother's neck like a venomous spider. Her face hardened, losing all trace of that motherly tenderness. "Yes, Noah?"

I crossed my arms over my chest. "May I ask what in the seven hells possessed you to invite Cynthia tonight?"

"Watch your mouth, Noah." Her soft blue eyes turn to hardened lava, scorching hot stone. "You may be older now, but I am still your mother."

I bit down the need to apologize. "Can you answer the question?"

"I hoped you would see her and reconcile." My mother placed her arms on her waist, making 5'4'' frame look as tall as a mountain. "Clearly" — her nose flared — "I didn't expect you to waltz in here with a new conquest."

Her words staked me to the cross. "Riley, is not a conquest," I nearly growled.

I choked down the words threatening to spill, remembering the respect I owed my mother. The thought of anyone referring to Riley like an afterthought boiled my blood. She was far too amazing. Too compassionate. Too breathtaking...

My mother pointed her nose up, branding my action beneath her. "So, you're telling me you have not reverted back to your whorish ways?"

My past tightened around my throat like a rope, making it harder to speak. "Those are harsh words to use for your son."

"Perhaps, but they are truthful." My mother's hands shook by her side, wanting to reach out and soothe the effect of her own words. But experience chained them down. To her, life was harsh, and that was a lesson that needed to be taught. "It's only been 3 months," she continued, "and you are already sleeping with someone new? I thought you had grown up, Noah."

The rope around my neck snapped. Was I not allowed to learn from my past? I screamed, "Can you stop for five god damn seconds trying to control my life?"

She stumbled back, stunned by my outburst. "Control your life?" Hurt flashed across her eyes. "I have done everything in my power to make sure you have a good life and don't struggle like I did. I could have used someone that gave half as much a damn."

Every angry statement shattered into smoldering pieces. "Mom, do you know why I was with Cynthia?" My voice was low and calm this time.

Her entire body shook as she tried to maintain her cold demeanor, but there was fear underneath. Fear that she had failed to teach me right and at the same time protected me too much and too little. She forced her back to straighten, yet her voice wavered. "You loved her. Why else?"

"Because you wanted me too. Because she was convenient. Because with her, everything would have worked out picture-perfect." My tone lowered, and I wore every painful and embarrassing thought for my mother to see. "At some point, I think I equated that with love. Then... something happened, and it shattered the frame, and I finally saw how hollow the image inside was. I could never be happy with something so unlike what I saw from you and Dad."

My mother closed the distance and held my face in her palms. "Noah," she said softly. "What happened to make you drop everything? Please, just help me understand."

"I don't want to talk about it. Not now."

"Can you at least promise me you will tell me soon?" She combed a loose strand behind my ear, seeming to fall into the past. "I worry about you."

"I promise." I should not make promises that are hard to keep. My tongue still twisted into knots when I thought of confronting my mother about why I left everything behind. I did not want to sound ungrateful or have her see me as a failure.

"Good," she whispered, arms wrapping tight around my waist. Once she pulled away, her eyebrows furrowed. "Why do you still look so conflicted?"

I rubbed the back of my neck and averted my gaze. "Cynthia kind of ran into Riley and me. She probably thinks I cheated. I just kind of wanted to clear things up and rushed after her. But in doing so, I may have made Riley feel uncomfortable."

"Ahh, I see." She smirked. "Looks like your mom got you into a tough one."

I pinched her slightly wrinkled cheeks. "To say the least."

She slapped my hands away, and we both chuckled.

"Well," she said, "I saw Cynthia run into your old room. Why don't you clear things up with her first, and I can go and find your new girlfriend. Riley, right? I'll keep her company until you are done and calm her nerves. "

"Thanks, mom." I let out a sigh and kissed her forehead before walking out. I rushed up the familiar route, up the stairs, and through the dark wood door.

Cynthia stood next to my king-sized bed, jaw quivering as he bit into her long nails. Tears pooled at the corner of her eyes, glistening from the moonlight shining through the wood-framed, wall-length window. Her eyes cut through the air when my shows clacked against the ceramic floor.

"What are you doing here?" She bit out, spitting venom into the air.

I treaded closer until I was a few feet away. "I wanted to talk. I know things didn't end on a good note last time we spoke."

"Now, I see why."

"It's not what you think. Riley was not the reason I decided to end things. I didn't know her back then."

Her lips twitched into a scowl and her nose wrinkled like she smelled lies. "I find that difficult to believe."

"Have I ever lied to you?"

She paused. Her eyes traversed my face as memory fogged her gaze. Her lip quivered. She growled a reluctant, "No."

I took a step closer and wiped the tear threatening to spill. Despite the anger staining her gaze, she was still the woman I once thought I would spend my life with. I spoke with regret. "I don't know what the right thing to say is. But... I am sorry for wasting your time. I did care for you. I do care for you." My hand dropped. "I just realized it is not in the way that I thought."

"If you cared for me, you wouldn't have ended things." Her fists slammed into my chest. "After three years" — she pushed back again, hand landing flat in defeat — "we were about to get married."

"I am sorry." I lowered her hand, giving it one final apologetic squish. "But getting married would have been a mistake."

Cynthia's eyes were glued to the window, and her jaw clenched. Her eyes narrowed into a slit as she cut around and stomped forward. Heels stabbing into the floor, she gripped my head and yanked. Her lips rammed against mine. I froze, heart heavy as a stone as Riley's face flashed in my mind.

I gripped her shoulders and, as gently as I could, I pushed her back.

Cynthia cursed as she stumbled back. She dug her nails deep into her arm and held herself. Anger and sadness collided into a storm in her blue eyes, spilling into streams of tears. "It can't end like this," she mumbled.

"I'm sorry, Cynthia. This is not good for either of us." I tilted my head and softened my gaze. "I want to end things on a good note."

"No." Her expression pleaded. "I won't let this end like this. I can't."

I cleaned her face of salt streams one more time and placed a kiss on her forehead. "I have already made my choice. I hope you can accept it and one day we may be friends. Goodbye Cynthia, I am sure you will find someone that can love you like you deserve."

SMACK

Her hand collided against my cheek. Vibration ripped across my chin in a wave of stabbing pain.

I stared in shock, holding my bruising cheek.

Cynthia's gaze was tainted with spite. "You will regret this Noah, I'll make sure of it!" She rammed her hands into my chest, sending me stumbling back. She combed her blond hair to one side and, back straight as a board, walked the tip of her nose held high.

The door slammed shut, snapping me out of my daze. I rubbed my sore jaw and soothed the redness away. This was not how I expected tonight to turn out. It was supposed to be a simple night for Riley to meet my father... Riley! I rushed out the doors and jogged downstairs.

A sea of different greying hair scattered throughout the main living room. I scanned for the milky brown curls that had become a fixture in my life. But nothing. My attention zeroes in at the center of the room. Within the crowd, my mom mingled with her many business associates trying to peck away some of her success.

I pushed through the idle bodies and tugged at her elbow. "Mom, what happened? I thought you were going to find Riley?"

She turned, champagne in hand. "Well, she was talking to someone, so I didn't want to interrupt." The liquid bubbled as she pointed to the side door. "Last I saw, she was by the pool."

"Thank you," I mumbled and quick-stepped away.

"Wait!" My mother's call gripped my arm.

I grumbled, "What?"

"I meant to tell you, but you have been running around since you got here. Your father called earlier and wanted me to pass on that he won't make it. Apparently, one of his buddies broke his leg. He apologizes and will call soon to reschedule."

"What the hell, mom! You should have told me earlier?!" My voice thundered through the large hall, drawing the chatter to a stop. They watched, waiting for a chance to cozy up to my mom.

"What did I just say about your language?" She growled each word, and despite the radiant smile on her face, each intertwined with a scolding tone. "I have more important things to attend to than serve as a messenger."

I retreated, knowing all the watching eyes and how a ruckus would displease my mother. "We will talk later. I need to go find Riley."

I cursed internally at the thought of having to tell Riley the news. It was the entire reason she came here, for damn's sake. At this point, a bulldozer on my head would feel less painful than this massive headache.

I exited into the garden and pool area. The trimmed bushes scraped against my shoulder as I turned the corner. I froze. My jaw tensed, and my hand fisted tight. Just beyond the hardened edge, bathed by the pool light, Daniel stood. His hand snaked intimately around Riley's waist.

I stepped into the shadows cast by the looming and flowering trees. I tilted my ear, honing into their words.

"I knew it wouldn't last long, you and that guy," Daniel grumbled out in spiteful joy.

Riley's face went as hard as a stone. "It's not like he means anything to me."

Nothing? Riley's words plunged into my chest like a knife. I didn't expect any declarations but not oven a friend? Just... nothing?

"I can tell you are hurt." Daniel leered over her, pushing his body tight against her. "Want to give him a taste of his own medicine?"

Riley pressed her palm against his shoulder and leaned back. "Not interested, Daniel," she growled, twisting in his arms. "I'm not a cheating bastard like you."

"Come on, Riley. We used to have fun."

My blood seethed. What gave that vermin to put his slimy hands on Riley. I saw red as I stormed forward, cracking my knuckles. I gripped Daniel's collar brutally and tore him away. He stumbled backward, and I forced him to his feet.

I got in his face and growled, "What the fuck do you think you are doing?" My nose flared, and I did not hide the urge that I had to break his nose.

Daniel smiled smugly. "Showing your girlfriend what she is missing."

My fingers twisted around his collar. I pulled on it, forcing his face higher and causing the shirt to tighten uncomfortably around his neck. "Look, you bastard," I spat, " You put your hands on my girlfriend ever again, and I'll fucking break your face."

Riley pulled on my wrist. "Let him go, Noah. I am handling this." Her eyes pierced my hold.

My mouth opened to protest. Her eyes narrowed, sealing it shut. I grunted as I shoved him away harsher than I needed to. I walked between him and Riley and stood as a barrier.

Daniel spat at the floor and cleared his throat. "Just remember, sweetheart, I'm here whenever you get tired of this chump."

My fist rammed into Daniel's chin. His head bounced back as he slammed face-first into the poolside table. He tumbled onto the floor, dragging the table with him. The vermin gagged, choking on the blood spilling from his busted lip.

"What the fuck, Noah?" Riley screamed, yanking me back.

"He deserved it," I rebutted.

"I asked you to let him go." She bit into her lip and edged back. "I told you before. I don't need you to dance in here and protect me. I can take care of myself."

Why was she so mad at me? Was supposed to let that asshole keep harassing her?

Mummers and whispers drew Riley's angry face to the entrance to the house. They all stood, cluttering the side entrance, gawking at the impending chaos. People shuffled as someone plowed through the crowds. My mother gasped, shocked, when she saw Daniel lying on the floor, blood staining the pristine floor.

She marched forward. "Noah, what is the meaning of this?" My mother's eyes fell on Riley, causing her to shrink into the background.

Riley bowed. "I'm so sorry, Ms. Jane." She turned to me, pleading with her hazel eyes. She mumbled, "Look, can we just talk to your dad. Like we planned."

My guts instantly twisted. "Actually" — I said — "about that. My mom just mentioned that he could not make it."

"Wait." She took a step back. "He is not here?"

"Yes. One of his buddies got hurt, so he had to stay."

Riley's jaw snapped shut, and she looked ready to erupt. She took a deep breath and stepped away. "In that case, I'm gonna head out," she said, grabbing her purse. She stopped in front of my mother and gave a quick bow. "I'm really sorry to have caused such a commotion, Ms. Jane. I hope it doesn't ruin your event."

Riley rushed off before the words finished entering my mother's ear.

My mother turned to the crowd, arms opened. "Okay, everyone, deepest apologies for the commotions. Excuse my son, you know how boys get. Now back inside." My mother herded the crowd back into the living room like a group of children.

She turned to me and her pleasant facade dropped. Her stare turned impatient and stern. "You really have a knack for making a scene."

I looked at the blood-stained floor. "Mom, I'm sorry, I..."

She raised her hand, halting my words. 'We will speak later. For now, I suggest you make sure your girlfriend is okay."

My eyes widened, but I squeezed her arms and said, "Thanks, mom."

"Yeah, yeah," she waved her hand as I rushed away.

I re-entered the house, and everyone was still sending the door and a bloodied Daniel the occasional glance. He was remarkably quiet while being hounded by his boss. I rushed out the main entrance and found Riley standing in the driveway, hands wrapped tight around her shoulders to keep the night air away.

"Riley!" — I rushed down the steps — "Why don't we stay and enjoy the night?"

The way the night turned out left a sour taste in my mouth. I was desperate to salvage it. I didn't want Riley to think of me as a brute that would just engage in any fight. I let jealousy get the best of me. "Riley, what do you say?" I tried again.

Riley remained silent, furiously digging her fingers into the screen of her phone.

"Riley?"

"Noah," she zapped around and took a deep breath, "if you don't mind, I want to go. You can stay and enjoy the night."

I was stunned by the harshness in her tone. Guilt pooled in my stomach that I acted in such a way to make her this angry. "Is everything okay? If you really want to go, I can just take you back."

"It's fine." She cut her eyes at me. "Just stay and enjoy the party. Someone is already picking me up."

I did not miss the double meaning behind her words, but my mind was elsewhere. "What do you mean someone is picking you up?"

She turned from me, and once again, encapsulated herself in her arms. "Just go back inside, Noah."

"What the fuck, Riley?" There was being angry, but she was being downright rude. "Is this because I hit your ex."

"No."

"Then what is it about?" I nudged her shoulder.

She refused to face me. "Doesn't matter."

I grunted in exasperation and turned her around, making her look me into my eyes. "Riley, just tell me what's wrong. You are not like this."

I searched her eyes for any answers, but all I saw was an indistinguishable mixture of hurt and resentment. Why was she looking at me like that? She opened her mouth, considering my words, but before she could say anything, a car drove next to us.

It honked and Riley jolted away from me, ripped away from that fleeting moment of honesty.

"Hey, Riley, ready to head to my place?" A man with light brown hair and green eyes said from the passenger seat. He looked to be about Riley's age and dressed in a plain black shirt and jeans. My heart dropped at how familiar his tone was with Riley.

"Yes, Chris, thanks for coming." She entered the car and snapped the door shut. Not even a single word to me.

I stood frozen as they drove off.