Semi-Edited!

Song above is...Insecurities by Jess Glynne (this actually fits Riley so well!)

Happy Reading! :)

Despite not having my car again the next morning, and the fact it was raining outside, I was still in a good mood. I got up on time and even spent more than five minutes on my hair and clothes.

Because of the rainy cold day I opted for a simple pair of black skinny jeans, a cute cream colored sweater I hadn't even realized I owned, and a pair of dark brown boots. And I even kept my hair down in soft waves today. It wasn't much but to me it was more than I normally do; especially for school.

(Third from the left, although I love all four :D)

Since I got up on time I even managed to make myself a quick Nutella and Banana sandwich for lunch. I was quite proud of myself for getting all that done before it was time to head to school.

I was even more surprised to open my door and find a familiar truck idling next to the curb. Just as I opened the door wider my phone started buzzing in my hand. Seeing Olivia's name on the screen I answered, still looking at the truck.

"Hey! Come get in!" Olivia didn't wait for me to answer before she hung up. Putting my umbrella under my arm I stepped out onto the porch and locked the front door. Taking a deep breath I clenched my backpack strap tightly before making a mad dash towards Derek's truck.

I basically threw myself into the backseat and slammed the door behind me. Olivia turned in her seat grinning widely at me as I wiped the few raindrops off my face.

"Hey." She greeted at the same time as Derek.

"Hey. What are you guys doing here?" I asked, moving to put my seatbelt on.

"Alex told us you don't have a car so I'm here to save the day." Derek grinned at me through the review mirror.

"You did save the day. I would have had to walk in the rain." At my words I swore I saw Derek puff his chest out. "Thank you."

"No problem." As he started driving away from my house Olivia immediately launched into questions.

"How was yesterday? Did you meet Harper? Was it fun? Was Alex nice, because if he was a dick I'll kick his ass." I laughed and shook my head.

"Yesterday was fun. Harper is super sweet and such a cutie. And no Alex wasn't a dick...surprisingly." I answered all her questions.

"Alex not a dick? Hm thats a first." Derek mused from the front seat.

"Aren't you his friend?"

"Yeah, so?" I looked over at Olivia who rolled her eyes and mouthed 'boys', to which I nodded.

"But anyways, it was fun." Last night on the walk home from Alex's house I had a permeant smile tattooed on my face. Even when I got home to an empty house I didn't feel that down about it.

I was surprised at myself for how fast I got comfortable around Alex and his sister. Ever since Mitch I've been shy, stand-offish but with Alex, hell even his friends too, I came out of my shell a bit more.

Before Mitch I wasn't so...rigid. Hard to believe that I was actually out going before everything. I wasn't necessarily 'the life of the party' type but I wasn't shy either. I was just your average 17 year old. But then along came Mitch Lingston.

I was put out of my comfort zone when I was with him. Going to parties every weekend, meeting new people all the time, having the 'spotlight' on me. I never liked it, which of course made Mitch angry. He never liked that I wasn't very social and would rather stay home than go out.

Then after it all ended and I had no one by my side I put my walls up and became a shell. It is the only way to get through school and everything else on top of it. Its just easier not feeling anything, yet I still feel everything.

But being around Alex and his friends the other day it felt good to be a bit more like myself. To not hide as much. Being around Rina, Layla, and Harper I was able to be myself and have a bit of fun. Something I definitely needed.

"Are you still free to hang out this afternoon?" Olivia asked, as we turned into the school parking lot.

"Sure! I don't have to work today." I watched as her eyes brightened and she grinned widely.

"Great! We can do whatever you want!" I found myself smiling along with her as she excitedly listed off the things we could do after school.

"Liv breathe." Derek placed a hand on her arm to try and settle her down.

"Sorry." She apologized but I just shook my head.

"No need to be sorry." I found her giddiness cute. At first Olivia seemed like the very social, popular girl but in reality she was pretty shy and only close to her friends.

Once Derek pulled in I noticed the rain had stopped but I knew it was for only a moment. Here in Astoria it rained about 75% of the time, so it wouldn't surprise me when it starts raining again at any moment.

Grabbing my bag and umbrella, I piled out the truck along with Derek and Olivia. As soon as I got out of the truck I found myself looking around for Alex. I needed to thank him for having Derek drive me to school.

"Do you guys know where Alex is?" The parking lot was pretty full but I couldn't see Alex's signature motorcycle or his camaro.

"He doesn't have classes until 8." Olivia answered.

"Wait really?" Now I thought about it I never saw Alex on campus when school started at 7. 

"Yeah he has to drop his sister off at school."

"Oh his parents can't do it?" I hadn't realized how loaded my question was until I noticed Derek and Olivia sharing a look. "You know what never mind." It wasn't my place to ask them questions about Alex and his life. The questions were for Alex to answer not anyone else. And from the looks of it there was more to Alex's life than anyone but his friends knew about.

I didn't miss the relieved looks on their faces as I dropped the subject. I knew what it was like having someone pry into my own life so I doubt Alex would like to hear that I was doing the same thing. So instead I stayed silent as Derek changed the subject as we headed into the building.

Like always the moment I stepped through the front doors of the school I was stared at. Normally I can hide within the crowd with my head down but since I was walking in with none other than Derek Coseman and Olivia Dante, I was gazed upon with wide eyes. It was the same reaction I got yesterday when Alex and I walked to Art class together.

No one could believe that I, Riley Carson, was associating with the likes of them. Or better yet, why they were associating themselves with someone like me. I could just hear it now....

School slut Riley Carson smooching up to Alex Kinley's friends to get into his pants.

Or at least something along those lines. By the end of the day I knew I would hear that being said about me.

"Please tell me you did Mr. Cannon's calculus homework." Olivia suddenly asked, her arm looping through mine. I quickly masked my surprise at her gesture and nodded.

"I did. Need help?"

"Yes please. Mr. Cannon is the worst I swear." She sighed dramatically. Beside her Derek rolled his eyes.

"He's not that bad."

"That's because you are good at math dork." She shot back at him.

"You are good at math?" I asked.

"I'm not horrible at it." Derek shrugged like it wasn't a big deal.

"I think we found ourselves a new math tutor." I grinned at Olivia who in response nodded.

After a quick stop at my locker we made our way towards Olivia's locker who shockingly enough had one right next to Derek. I couldn't help but smile as I watched Derek open her locker for her before doing his own.

I stood back watching them interact with each other. There friendship was really cute. I don't think either noticed the things they did. Like Derek opening Olivia's locker for her and holding her books while she put her own umbrella away.

Or how Olivia subconsciously moved into Derek when he leaned towards her. Or how she smiled up at him with an expression I've personally never experienced.

It was clear both were oblivious to their feelings about one another.

Looking away from the pair I reached into my bag and pulled out my Calc homework. Ignoring the cynical voice in my head that Olivia only wanted to use me for my homework, I handed it over to her.

"Here you go."

"You are a lifesaver!" She took it with a grateful smile. "I did most of it but the last two which I couldn't understand."

"No problem, although I can't guarantee that they are correct. I suck at math." I shrugged. Math was NOT my strong suit. I had to study hard to even understand what was going on most of the time.

With the first bell ringing overhead the three of us groaned. Thank god it was Thursday which meant only one more day. After a goodbye to Derek and Olivia I made my way to English. For the first time in a month I wasn't dragging my feet to class.

Its crazy how suddenly having a few people around can improve your mood. I knew it wasn't wise to get attached to anyone so soon. I knew that at any moment I can end up alone again, and if I got too attached it would only end with me getting hurt.

I was already iffy about people and their motives, not wanting to get hurt and humiliated like I have been. I didn't know if getting close to Olivia, Derek, or Alex was a good idea but that wasn't stopping the giddy feeling I was having.

Last night as I laid in bed my mind kept thinking about Alex and his friends. Wondering what it would be like being friends with them. I still had no clue how the others reacted to the things being said about me. For all I know the others believed it and made up their minds about me. Hell, I still didn't know what Olivia, Derek or Alex thought of the rumors.

All class period long my mind was in over drive. I barely heard a word the teacher said and I didn't even notice all the whispers and glances being sent my way. Before I knew it the bell rang and everyone was gathering their things.

Knowing I was over thinking everything I forced all those thoughts away for a moment. I was going to drive myself crazy with all the 'what if's' and worrying about things. What I needed to do was take it one day at a time, exactly what I've been doing for the last month.

One day at a time. I repeated in my head as I made my way to Calculus.

I barely sat down when Olivia came bouncing into the room. I watched her with raised eyebrows, wondering how she was so energetic this early. It was only 8:10 in the morning for crying out loud.

Once she took a seat next to me I turned to her.

"Why are you so happy this early?"

"How can I not be." I stared at her in confusion. "We are hanging out after school so of course I'm happy." All I could do was shake my head at her.

"So I was thinking me, you and Lexi can go shopping or something." At the mention of Lexi, Alex's other friend that went to Crescent High, I froze.

"Uh Lexi is coming along?"

"Of course!"

It wasn't that I didn't like Lexi, it was I don't think she liked me. Whenever I looked at her last weekend she was giving me death glares. As far as I know I didn't do a single thing to her. I mean we went to separate schools for crying out loud and I've never seen her before until Friday night.

Olivia must have seen the look on my face for her smile faded.

"What's wrong?"

"Nothing." I quickly shook my head.

"Riley."

"I just...I don't think Lexi likes me very much." I mumbled the last part.

"Don't worry about Lexi, she's always like that." Olivia waved me off. "It takes awhile for her open up and like people. Hell, it took her like three months to stop glaring at me."

Great I had at least three more months of glaring ahead of me. Wonderful.

"Once you get through her hard exterior she's a good person." Doubtful. I mentally replied but then scolded myself. I knew nothing about Lexi to make assumptions like that.

So as class started I told myself I was going to give Lexi a chance. If Olivia can give me another chance than I can do the same.

* * * * * * *

The next two class periods went by fairly quickly. I only briefly talked to Derek in Government before we were hit with a pop quiz that took the entire class to complete. I was glad both classes went by fast for my stomach was grumbling from hunger. Just the thought of my Nutella sandwich made my mouth water.

"You still sitting with us?" Derek asked as we walked out of class.

"Yeah, I just need to drop these off." I lifted my heavy textbooks. "I'll meet you there." Derek nodded and headed down the hallway.

As I made my way to my locker the giddy feeling was growing inside of me again. I was once again having lunch with Olivia, Derek and Alex, instead of sitting alone in the library. It was a nice feeling knowing I had someone to sit with at lunch.

The hallway was pretty much empty after I dropped my textbooks off, grabbed my umbrella incase it was raining, and headed in the direction Derek took me in yesterday.

I was only halfway down the hallway when a hand suddenly snaked out and grabbed my wrist. I was yanked roughly to the side before being slammed against a wall. I grunt at the pain that went through my back.

I barely had time to notice I was in an empty classroom before a face appeared in my line of vision. I gulped nervously as the person stepped towards me.

"You have some balls you know that." Mitch sneered down at me. His blue eyes were hard and his jaw clenched as if he was trying to hold back his anger. I knew better than to say anything so instead I pressed myself further into the wall.

"Going after Alex Kinley like some slut." I flinched at the insult. It sounded even worse coming from his lips.

"I-" Mitch didn't let me continue as he cut me off.

"The only reason he is letting you near him is because of me. He only wants to get into your pants. Wants my sloppy seconds." Nothing could stop the tears from forming in my eyes. At the sight of them Mitch smirked, knowing he was getting to me.

His hand lashed out and grabbed my wrist tightly. He applied enough pressure to make me whimper. I tried yanking my hand free but his grip was unrelenting.

"Once he realizes how much of a whore you are he will drop your ass. Just like every other guy. Because Riley, you're not worth the hassle." With each word his grip tightened. Pain lashed up arm and brought more tears to my eyes.

"Let me go." I whimpered, my voice small. "Mitch stop." I tried pulling my hand free once more.

"Just remember this Riley." With the grip on my arm Mitch yanked me forward, making me hit his chest. My head craned up to see his face. "I made you known in this school." Yeah, as a slut. I mentally replied, not brave enough to say it out loud. "And I will continue on making your life hell until I am satisfied."

With another harsh squeeze on my wrist Mitch let me go. With a smirk he turned and left the classroom. The moment his figure disappeared from few I sagged against the wall, tears silently flowing down my face.

I gripped my aching wrist to my chest, trying to calm my racing heart. That was the most Mitch has said to me since he 'broke up' with me a month ago. I could have gone forever without talking to him again.

My breathing came out shaky and my wrist burned. I knew it was going to bruise by the end of the day. I could feel my whole body shaking as my mind replayed what just happened. Mitch had never been so physical before.

On the night he tried to sleep with me and I said no he was physical. Gripping my upper arms and leaving bruises. Two days later he announced the bet he made. But other than that he's never laid a hand on me. Yes, his grip on my hand would tighten whenever I did something he didn't like or he'd glare/yell at me sometimes but that was it.

It took a good ten minutes for my body to stop shaking and the tears to dry up. Mitch's words kept replaying in my head though, and I knew they would for a while.

I knew lunch was almost over and I had to fix my appearance before the bell rang. So with weak legs I slowly made my way to the nearest bathroom. I sent a silent thank you when I found the bathroom completely empty.

Looking in the mirror I found red eyes staring back at me. The little makeup I had on was slightly smeared from where the tears ran down. I grimaced at my reflection and quickly looked away. Glancing down I finally looked at my wrist.

I wasn't surprised to find a bright red ring around my entire wrist. If you looked close enough you could see it was in the shape of a hand print. I could already see some bruises appearing around the edges of the red as well.

I couldn't help but want to yell at myself. I was angry that I let Mitch corner me like that. Let him grab and hurt me. I was suppose to be strong not some whimpering, crying mess.

With a loud sigh I pulled the sleeve of my sweater down and over my hand. As long as I kept it covered until later it will be fine. Using my fingers I wiped away the tear stains on my face until it looked like nothing had happened. The only thing I couldn't change was the redness of my eyes but hopefully no one would notice that.

Clenching my jaw against the pain in my wrist I lifted my backpack higher on my other shoulder before leaving the bathroom. A few people dotted the hallway but I ignored them as I went back to my locker. The bell was going to ring at any moment and I wanted to be in the classroom when it did.

As soon as the bell rang I threw my umbrella inside my locker and headed for Biology. Keeping my head down I weaved past the kids making their way through the hallway. Thankfully I made it to Biology without being ran into or shoved.

I was the first one in class as I took my seat in the back. After taking out my notebook I stared blankly down at the empty sheet; my mind still stuck on what just happened. I was so stuck in my head I didn't realize the class had filled up until the chair next to mine scrapped backwards and a large body sat down.

I couldn't bring myself to look away from my notebook as Alex placed his things on the desk. I felt his gaze on me as he did so.

"You weren't at lunch." He spoke a moment later. I didn't answer. Wants my sloppy seconds. Those words kept replaying in my head; amongst others.

Mr. Roden started talking making Alex turn his attention away from me. I needed another minute to gather myself before I could talk to him. Mitch's words were bouncing around my head which did not help. I knew he only said those things about Alex to get to me but it didn't make them not true.

We were a good fifteen minutes into class when Mr. Roden handed out coloring sheets for us to complete. I was internally grateful because they were the easiest things to do. All we had to do was color in each bone a different color to help memorize them.

Before I could get up and grab the color pencils from the closet behind me, Alex was already up and doing it.

The room was filled with quiet chatter as Alex sat back down beside me, sliding some pencils in my direction. Reaching for the pack my sweater sleeve inched its way up my arm.

"What the fuck." Alex cursed, drawing my attention to my arm but it was too late. Alex grabbed above my wrist, inspecting it. "What the hell happened." His voice was quiet, his tone laced with anger.

"N-nothing." I stammered, pulling my arm back. Alex's grip on my arm tightened only slightly to keep me in place but it wasn't enough to hurt.

"Riley this isn't nothing." When he looked up at me his grey eyes were swimming with anger. I ducked my head not able to handle his gaze. "What happened?"

"I fell down the stairs." I lied.

"Riley we don't have stairs." Damn it. I knew that. "Who did this?"

The feel of his calloused fingers gently running across my wrist distracted me. I couldn't stop the shiver that went up my spine at the feel of his hands on me. His touch was so gentle and in a weird way made my wrist feel better. It was such a difference from Mitch's touch a few minutes ago. 

"Riley." Alex's voice was soft, his fingers still softly stroking my wrist. It was odd hearing him say my name instead of freckles, but I liked how he said it.

"No one important." I replied softly. If I told him it was Mitch who's to say what would happen. It was best that it just stuck with me. Alex didn't need to get involved in my stuff anyways.

I heard him sigh a minute later, realizing I wasn't going to fully answer.

"You need to ice this when you get home."

"Okay." I mumbled. "I will after I hang out with Olivia." He made a noise at the back of his throat.

Neither of us said a word as we sat there. Alex still softly held my wrist, his thumb rubbing across the bruise as if he was trying to make the pain go away. With the tingles that erupted across my skin with each pass of his thumb I almost didn't notice the pain.

A few more minutes passed before Alex finally dropped my hand. Instantly I missed his touch but I kept my face neutral, turning back to my worksheet.

The two of us were silent as we worked on the sheet. Each pass of the color pencil made my wrist ache but I ignored the pain.

"Liv was asking where you were at lunch." Alex spoke a few minutes later. "She thought you ditched us again."

I knew what he was doing. He was going to try and get me to accidentally spill where I was and what happened. I wasn't going to fall for it though. Mitch was my problem, not his.

"Thank you for yesterday by the way." I quickly changed the subject. "I had fun." Alex was quiet for a moment before he replied.

"Harper really likes you." He let the other conversation go and for that I was grateful. "She kept asking when you'd come by again." Judging from his tone she had asked him enough times to drive him nuts.

"Well I like her to. She's probably the sweetest kid I've ever met." I replied truthfully. "And you lied by the way."

"Lied about what?"

"That the girls would be crazy yesterday, and they weren't. I think you just can't handle three girls." I smirked at the look on his face. Alex looked almost appalled at my comment

"Oh I can handle three girls freckles." His tone changed and became lower and huskier. I tried my hardest not to picture him with three girls at once but the image that popped in my head made my cringe. I had not meant for it sound like that.

Alex must have seen the look on my face for he chuckled.

"Normally Layla and Rina are a handful but they were good when you were there." He changed the subject back to the three little girls we babysat yesterday. I said a silent thank you, not in the mood to talk about Alex's sexual activities.

"I may just have you babysit them from now on."

"They did seem to like me more."

"Uh huh keep telling yourself that."

"Actually that is wrong. Layla and Harper like me more. Rina loves you." I dragged out the word love as I thought about Rina's crush on Alex.

"Why did you say it like that?"

"Cause she has a crush on you." I shrugged.

"You're telling me, Rina who is 6 by the way, has a crush on me?" Why was he so shocked? Everyone has a crush on Alex.

"Yeah. Did you fail to notice that she would only sit by you?"

"I..." He trailed off, clearly replaying yesterday in his mind. The little 6 year old was smitten with Alex; which I found really cute. "Damn I just get all the girls don't I?" He boasted, making me roll my eyes as I continued on coloring the bones.

"Big ego strikes again." I muttered under my breath.

"What was that?"

"Nothing." I faked grin at him to which he raised an eyebrow at.

"That's what I thought."

"Class you have twenty minutes left of class. Hurry and finish your worksheets and have them on my desk by time the bell rings." Mr. Roden yelled from the front of the class. Quick glance at the sheet in front of me I knew I had to hurry up, I didn't even have half of it done; thanks to a certain grey eyed boy sitting next to me.

"If I don't finish I'm blaming you freckles."

"Me?" I exclaimed looking over at me. It was him annoying me! Not the other way around!

"Yeah talking to me all period long. Shame on you." Alex shook his head at me, looking down at his paper.

"I...you..." I stared but stopped glaring at the side of his head. Judging from the twitching at the corner of his lip he was goading me on purpose. With a huff I turned back to my own work.

The next twenty minutes we worked in silence. Every once in a while I could feel Alex's gaze on me but I ignored him. I knew he was just messing around but I knew if I played along I wouldn't get my work done. And there is no way I wasn't going to not complete this simple work because of him.

Every stroke of the colored pencils made my wrist ache but by time I was done I was numb to it. By time the bell rang I barely finished the last bone. (I actually had to do these in my Anatomy class, and lets just say it was the easiest thing ever)

While Alex put the pencils away I grabbed both of our sheets and turned them in. Turning around and heading back to our desk I froze misstep along with almost every other girl. Alex stood there stretching his arms up, the bottom of his shirt rising and displaying the band of his boxers.

I noticed a tan strip of skin showing and the slight V-Line he had. Every girl around me was swooning at the sight before us. Even I had to admit the guy was stupidly attractive.

I wasn't quite sure if he was doing that on purpose, knowing all the girls would freak out or if he was just that blind. I was going with the former. I quickly ducked my head as Alex brought his arms back down and the strip of skin disappeared.

All around me girls whispered amongst each other. I caught what the girl next to me whispered to her friend.

"Damn, he could have his way with me any time he wants."

"I heard from Mina that he really knows how to use his tongue." As the two walked off whispering about the sexual rumors of Alex I cringed and my cheeks grow hot. I didn't know if those rumors were true about Alex but hearing it was enough to make me cringe.

Avoiding eye contact I went over to the table and grabbed my bag. The two of us headed for the door and as we passed by a group of girls standing off to the side I felt their eyes on us. At a quick glance I saw them gawking at Alex and running their eyes up and down his body. They almost looked at him like he was a piece of meat.

"I'll be right back." Alex said suddenly as soon as we left the classroom. Without another word he turned right and headed down the hallway. I stared after him severely confused as to where he was going. Art was in the other direction.

When he faded into the crowd I made myself move towards Art. I sat in my seat as the warning bell rang, my eyes drifting to the door every few seconds. I don't know why I was so concerned about where he went, but when I saw him walk through the door just as the bell rang I felt relieve settle over me.

I didn't notice he had something in his hand until he sat down beside me and held his hand out, an ice pack with paper towels wrapped around it in his grasp. At my questioning look he explained.

"You need to ice that wrist before it gets worse. Here." With such gentleness I wasn't use to he grabbed my forearm and brought it closer to him. I watched silently as he moved my sweater up and placed the ice pack on my bruised wrist. I inhaled sharply at the cold.

"Keep that on there for ten minutes than you can take it off."

"Thanks." I whispered, touched he went all the way to the nurse to get me ice. His fingers caressed my inner wrist for another moment before he pulled away. He sent me a small smile as Mrs. Benell started talking.

I didn't hear a word Mrs. Benell said, to busy glancing at Alex every couple of minutes. I was so touched he went and got ice for me. It was honestly the sweetest thing anyone's done for me in such a long time.

Class went by fairly quickly for which I was internally grateful. My feelings were all over the place the entire class period. Part of me was ecstatic about Alex being so kind to me, but then Mitch's words came slamming back into my head reminding me I wasn't worth it.

Sitting so close to Alex was messing with my head and I was glad I was going to spend the rest of the day away from him. It didn't help matters that every few minutes Alex would look at my wrist to make sure I was putting the ice on it, and when I took it off for a second he immediately grabbed it and put it back on. Just that little thing made hope flare in my chest. And hope can be a very bad thing.

The two of us walked down the hallway side by side, kids around us moving out of the way of Alex. I found it comical how everyone moved out of the way for him, like they didn't want to face the wrath if they bumped into him. I had yet to see the scary Alex. He's always been nice around me. Guarded but nice.

"By the way, your car will take a few more days to fix." Alex said as we reached my locker. At that news I groaned.

"Seriously?"

"The part didn't come in."

"Great." I muttered. It wasn't like I had anything to do after hanging out with Olivia but having no car felt weird. And having to walk to school tomorrow so early is not fun.

"It should come later tomorrow."

"Thanks." I did appreciate Alex having it towed and checking up on it.

"I'll make sure its fixed by Saturday morning for you to pick up."

"It's okay you don't have to. I can call on it."

"Freckles I don't mind." He instantly waved me off. Knowing he wasn't going to budge I let it go.

After dropping off my books and grabbing my umbrella I followed Alex to his own locker. When we came to a stop a few rows down from mine I looked at him in surprise. I had absolutely no clue his locker was so close to me. Just like I didn't know he lived only a few streets away from me too. There really were a lot of things I didn't know about Alex Kinley.

I opened my mouth to break the silence between us but found Alex already speaking.

"You need to ice that wrist after you get back with Olivia."

"I'll be fine." I started to wave him off. It was just a little bruise.

"Keep the ice on for a minimum of ten minutes. Do that two times before going to bed and that should be it." As Alex kept talking he moved down the hallway. I had no other choice than to trot along side him.

His long legs were equal to two of my steps making me a panting mess beside him trying to keep up. God I hated super tall people and their long legs.

Alex only stopped walking when we reached the back of the parking lot next to Derek's truck. Derek and Olivia were already there waiting for us. I tried to hide the fact that I was panting. Damn I was so out of shape!

"You okay there Riley?" Derek asked, an amused look on his face.

"Yeah I'm good." I nodded controlling my breathing.

"So are you girls going to go shopping." Derek said the last part in a high pitch voice which made Olivia roll her eyes.

"You know girls do more than just shop right?"

"So you aren't going to go shopping?"

"I didn't say that." I coughed trying to cover up my laughter. Derek sent Olivia a look that literally translated to "what the fuck".

"We are going to go get something to eat, than shop, and hang out." Olivia looked at me as she went over the plan. She sounded so excited that it made me smile.

"Is Derek going to drop us off?" I glanced at Derek who was leaning against his truck.

"We'll take his truck and he'll get a ride with Alex." At that I raised an eyebrow. Derek letting Olivia drive his car? I always thought guys were so weird about anyone else driving their vehicles.

"Which reminds me." Derek pushed off his truck and stood in front of his Olivia, his keys hanging in his hand. "Don't do anything to my baby. If you have food or drinks, don't you dare spill it. Don't sit there and romp on the gas like that time." Olivia rolled her eyes and reached out for the keys but Derek yanked them back. "I'm serious Liv."

"Fine I'll drive your truck as if my grandma is in it. Happy?"

"Very." He dropped the keys in her open palm. "If you lie to me I'll just ask Riley." I put my hands up. How was I suddenly now involved?

"You'll understand once you get in a car with her." Alex whispered beside me. "There's a reason Derek drives her."

I glanced over at Olivia with raised eyebrows. She was that bad of a driver?

"Good luck." Alex smirked before walking off, leaving me standing there confused. She can't be that bad...can she?

"Ready to go Riley?" Olivia brought my attention back to her. I nodded and headed towards the passenger side.

"Liv be careful." Derek spoke behind me. I didn't have to turn around to know Olivia was rolling her eyes at him.

"I always am."

"Let me know when your done so you can drop the truck off at my house." I didn't hear her response as I heaved myself into the truck and shut the door behind me. A second later Olivia hopped in. Derek's truck had quite a lift on it that the two of us had to basically jump inside.

"Ready to shop until our legs drop?" She didn't wait for my reply before sending me a wild grin, then turned the truck on and quickly backed out of the parking lot. When she pressed down on the gas it threw my back into my seat and I was instantly glad I was wearing a seatbelt.

I stared at her with wide eyes as she high tailed it out of the school parking lot. I suddenly understood what Alex meant when he said good luck. What did I just sign up for?

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HAPPY NEW YEARS!!! It is still New Years Eve where live so I thought why not update and give you guys something to read tonight...or day? I'm sorry I haven't really been on this week. With the holiday and then my parents went on vacation for four days. I told myself I was going to get so much writing done and...I ended up watching "Chilling Adventures of Sabrina" in two days so I got nothing done :D 

I know I'm horrible! But as luck would have it I now want to write when my parents are home and my mom wants all of our christmas stuff down, etc. But I am now uploading! Hallelujah! 

Anyways, I hope you guys liked this chapter! We get to see Mitch again....who here already hates him!? Because I hate him and I'm writing him! But there will be more of him as we go (of course) but just a little peek into him. 

I hope you all have had a good holiday break and 2018! 2018 has been a pretty good year for me, especially Wattpad wise. I finished "The Hidden Shadow", reached 70k followers, started this book, met tons of new friends on here, and almost reached 1k on twitter!

I have you all to thank for a great year! You guys are incredible and I wouldn't be here without you. So thank you from the bottom of my heart! <3 <3 <3

Love you guys so much! Happy New Year! <3 <3

-Ken