(P.S In case you have noticed I have changed the time line of the story. It is now October and school started August 19th. Mitch and Riley dated over the summer and broke up a few days into the new school year. I only now realized the time line didn't add up so I changed it :) Just a heads up)

Song above is....Cruel Summer by Taylor Swift (this doesn't really fit but I AM IN LOVE WITH THIS SONG and ALBUM!) 

PLEASE PLEASE read the authors note at the end!!! 

Happy Reading! :)

"You are coming over after school right?"

"Yeah."

"How about you two?" Liv asked the two boys who were currently on the other side of the table whispering about something secretive.

"Huh?" Derek asked, popping his head up.

"Are you coming over after school?" I watched as Derek looked at Alex who briefly shook his head.

"Uh no. We got...some manly stuff to do." Olivia narrowed her eyes at him.

"Manly? I don't see any men here. Do you Riley?"

"Nope." I grinned as Alex's head turned to look at me. He just shook his head at me, to which I stuck my tongue out at.

Things between Alex and I were fine now. After he came over two days ago things have gone back to normal...or semi normal. It was hard for things to go back to normal when I was suddenly catching feelings for the so called bad boy. It wasn't until after he left that it hit me. Now I was just trying not to let my feelings grow towards Alex.

Now was not the time for that and who knew if he would even think of me in the same way. We only been friends for a month, if you can even call us friends. Hell I wasn't even sure what our relationship was. We were even friends? I would think we are but I've been wrong in things like this before.

Things at school have been okay. Rebecca and her crones haven't bugged me since that day with my hand but that didn't stop me from being on guard whenever I walked the halls.

"Fine. Riley and I are fine without you guys anyways." Olivia flipped her hair over her shoulder, looking at me. "Lexi will met us there later."

The other day at lunch Olivia out of no where declared I was coming over to her house on Friday, so she can film a Youtube video with me. I fully planned on coming up with an excuse but when Helen heard that a friend wanted me to hang out on a Friday, she practically forced me out of the bookstore yesterday stating-'I don't want to see you until Monday'. So that didn't work. Now I was stuck having to film a youtube video. For what, I had no idea.

"Sounds good to me."

With that the bell rang for the end of lunch. Only two more classes and we were free for the weekend. For the first time in I don't know how long, I was excited for the weekend. I finally had people to hang out with, instead of just working and staying home. Even if it meant doing something out of my comfort zone.

Olivia and Derek branched off from Alex and I, heading to their classes on the other side of the building.

Walking beside's Alex was still taking some time to get use to. People still stared at us, or more like him. Every single day we passed by the same girls that would lean against their lockers trying to get his attention. I guess I never noticed how many girls here at Central High wanted a piece of Alex.

I had to force myself not to think about all the girls he has probably been with. I wasn't an idiot who thought he hasn't slept with anyone. This is Alex we are talking about.

I never noticed how much of a bubble I was in the past few years. I apparently never noticed anything going on around me. If I had I would have noticed Alex sooner or seen/heard more about him. In a way though it was nice not having heard so much about Alex. I was going to be able to get to know him without too much outside influence.

"Seems like you got stuck being in a video." Alex teased as we walked to Anatomy.

"I'm not really sure what we are doing either."

"Her channel is all beauty so I'm going to take a wild guess and say makeup."

"Great." I muttered. Beauty was not my forte. "Have you been in a video yet?" The grimace that appeared on his face intrigued me.

"Yeah."

Taking our seats I turned in my chair to look at him.

"What did you have to do?" He mumbled something, keeping his head down. "What?" He did it again, his voice only going a little louder. "Huh?"

"She put makeup on me, okay!" Alex hissed, our enough for me to finally hear.

It only took a second for me to break out in laughter. I tried to stay quiet with a classroom full of people but the image of Alex in makeup had me rolling. I have to find that video as soon as I can.

"Yeah, yeah. Laugh all you want but I still looked hot."

"How did you even get roped into doing that?" I made myself calm down so I wouldn't make a scene in the middle of class.

"You've met Olivia. She somehow gets you to do whatever she wants." I nodded along knowing exactly what he meant. "She's gotten everyone but Lexi."

"Even Nico?" I choked. Now that I didn't see coming. Big bad Nico let Olivia put makeup on him...interesting. Looks like I have some interesting videos to watch tonight.

"The only way she got him was Halloween makeup last year."

"Still surprising."

"Now you have fallen into her trap." The look that passed over his face made me grin.

"It won't be that bad." Dramatic much?

"Do you not know Olivia?" Before I could respond the teacher started talking. I wasn't quite sure I liked the tone of Alex's voice.

* * * * * * *

"Freckles."

"Freckles."

The annoying whisper of Alex was starting to get on my nerves. Just ignore him. Focus on your drawing. I silently chanted to myself. The mantra hasn't worked for the last 10 minutes though.

"Freckles." I was an idiot to think after 10 minutes of no response Alex would give up, but no. I guess I could give him props for dedication.

"Fre-"

"If you say freckles one more time I will take this drawing board and smash it over your head." I hissed, keeping my eyes down on my work.

"She speaks!"

"Alex." I groaned. "I"m trying to finish this before the bell rings."

"I want to show you mine." If I had been looking I would have seen the look on his face.

"Fine." With a sigh I turned in my seat to face Alex. He made a huge show of bringing his drawing to his chest to hide it from view. I had been so engrossed in my own world I hadn't even paid attention to Alex next to me.

"You ready?" I just nodded, twirling my pencil between my fingers. "Ta Da!"

Dramatically turning the paper around I choked. Coughing, my eyes stayed glued on the paper.

"Ms. Carson, you okay back there?" Mrs. Benell asked from the front of the classroom.

"F-fine. Just a hair." I coughed out, waving her off. As I tried to stop coughing, Alex lounged there with a smug look on his face.

"What the..." I had no words. "You can't draw that in class." I hissed, looking around to make sure Mrs. Benell didn't show up all the sudden.

"She said draw from the heart."

"And in your heart is a penis?" I raised an eyebrow at him, my cheeks slightly pink.

"When inspiration kicks in you can't let it go." The smirk on his face let me know he was extremely proud of his drawing of a penis. An extreme detailed drawing of a penis. Yes, a penis.

"Alex, she didn't say draw that. You can't turn it in."

"Why not? I think its quite good and...accurate." My head snapped back up at his comment. My mouth fell open at his comment, surprised he would even say that.

"Put that away." I reached out, trying to pull the drawing down and out of view. I didn't need to keep seeing that detailed picture.

"But its a work of art." He moved out of reach so I couldn't rip it from his hands.

"It is not."

"Yes it is."

"You do know if you turn that in you will probably get detention."

"So? It would be worth it."

"You'd be okay getting detention for drawing a penis?"

"Seeing your reaction made it worth it." Alex leaned back in his seat, kicking his feet on the table.

Rolling my eyes I turned back to my own drawing. We only had ten minutes left of class and I still needed to shade. Forty minutes wasn't enough to draw something amazing so mine would have to do. And it didn't help my hurt hand was making me take longer to do just a simple movement.

"What are you drawing?"

"Not a penis." I answered, using my middle finger to add in some shading. Holding back a wince at the pain lacing through my hand. Didn't realize just how bad a cut would hurt on the back of your dominant hand.

"You should have." I resisted the urge to roll my eyes again.

"Sorry I'm not obsessed with dick like you." I shot back with a smile.

"Wow someone's become ballsy." Alex remarked. "What happened to the timid girl I met in the parking lot?"

"You're rubbing off on me." I fake gasped. "Oh god, does this mean my head is going to be too big to fit through the door?" At my response the smirk on his face dropped.

"Funny." He deadpanned.

"I thought so." I grinned. From the corner of my eye I noticed Alex take his feet off the desk and move closer to me.

I could feel his gaze on me as I added some finishing touches to my art work. The longer he looked the more nervous I got.

"It's bad isn't it." I've always been self-conscious of my artwork, never showing anyone but Mrs. Benell.

"That came from the heart?" I punched his arm at his little comment. "Ow!" He rubbed his arm, glaring at me. "I meant it nicely!"

"Sure you did."

"It looks good though, Freckles." I glanced over at him as he gazed down at my drawing. "Why the eye?"

"Not sure." I mumbled.  I tilted my head to the side as I criticized my art work. "Probably should have done something else."

"Freckles, it looks amazing. Not as good as mine but it will do." His attempt to lighten the mood worked.

"It should be put in a museum." I joked.

"It really should. It deserves to be seen by millions."

"Millions?" I raised an eyebrow at him.

"Okay maybe not millions...more like trillions."

"You are such an idiot." But I found myself grinning none-the-less. The bell rang overhead followed by Mrs. Benell telling us to turn in our artwork.

As the two of us headed up front I put my hand on Alex's arm.

"You aren't seriously turning that in are you?"

"Why not?"

"Alex."

"Don't worry." I sighed letting it go. If he was determined to turn in the penis picture than I can't stop him. Putting my drawing down first I moved out of the way of everyone else.

"You worry too much." Alex said as soon as he came back to my side.

"I'm not worried. I'm just trying to save you from getting detention." I shrugged as the two of us walked down the hallway.

"You do realize detention is no big deal right? It's 30 minutes of just sitting there while the teacher either sleeps or playing on the computer."

"Still a no from me."

"Have you ever been in detention?" His tone curious.

"No and I'd like to keep it that way. I want my record clean, thank you very much."

Alex went quiet as we walked. If I wasn't trying not to run into anyone I would have noticed the growing smirk on his face. A smirk that no doubt lead to trouble.

As we continued towards my locker to put my books away I didn't see a teacher come out of the classroom up ahead, nor did I see the look Alex sent me. If only I had I would have predicted what was about to happen.

One second I was walking innocently down the hallway and the next I was tripping over something, sending me flying forward. I had no time to react or even stop myself before I was slamming into the unseeing teacher.

Of course as luck would have it, or more my luck, the teacher I ran into was none other than Mr. Cannon, my Calculus teacher. Also known as one of the grumpiest teachers at Central High.

Somehow I managed to keep myself upright but he however did not. All I could do was watch helplessly as Mr. Cannon fell on his butt in the middle of the hallway. As soon as it hit what happened Mr. Cannon looked up at his, his face bright red. I knew I was fucked.

"You...you." I leaned down trying to help him up only to have my hand swatted away, making me hiss in pain at the contact.

"I'm sorry." I squeaked. The longer Mr. Cannon stood there the more he looked ready to explode. I shrunk back from his gaze, my back hitting Alex's chest.

"You two. Detention. Now." He seethed. I stood there gaping at him, surprised yet not.

"But school isn't over yet." I found myself lamely saying. Mr. Cannon didn't say a word as he turned on his heel and stalked back into his classroom. A hand on my back urged me forward.

Walking into Mr. Cannon's empty room that I was in just a few hours ago.

"You two will sit here until last period is over AND when the other detention kids get here."

I awkwardly slid into a desk, my eyes stuck to Mr. Cannon trying to decide if this was real or not.

"I will be right back. If you have moved when I get back you will be here even longer." As soon as Mr. Cannon left the temperature in the room went down a few degrees.

A second passed before Alex suddenly broke out into laughter beside me. My head snapped in his direction, watching as he hit the table with his fist. I didn't even have to ask to know this was all his fault. No one else was around us to trip me.

"Why?" I demanded once he settled down a little. When he didn't answer I felt my anger grow. "Alex."

"I'm sorry I didn't think you'd knock him on his ass." He chuckled, leaning back in his seat.

"I told you I didn't want to ever get detention." I snapped.

"Freckles."

"No Alex! I just told you that I don't ever want to go to detention and yet you got me here. For what? To put it on my record? To humiliate me?" I was beyond pissed. I literally two seconds before hand told him no and yet here we are. Stuck in this damn class room for an hour, when I should already be heading to Olivia's.

"Riley I didn't-"

"Olivia is probably waiting for me in the parking lot but I'm stuck in this hellhole for another hour."

"Riley."

"Whatever." I turned away from him, looking straight ahead. Before Mr. Cannon could come back I took my phone out and sent a quick text to Olivia explaining why I would be late. Just as I slide it back into my bag the teacher walked back in.

"Mr. Cannon it is my fault." I quickly looked over at Alex as he spoke. "I can stay while Riley goes home."

"I don't care who's fault it is. You both are staying here until I say so."

I heard a sigh escape Alex as Mr. Cannon turned towards his desk. I continued on staring at Alex, inwardly shaking my head. He made it so hard to stay mad at him. While he is the reason I am here, he did try to take the blame for it. Damn you Alex.

Knowing Mr. Cannon probably wouldn't let us talk, I fished through my bag for a blank piece of paper. Quickly scribbling on it, I folded and tossed it on Alex's desk. He raised an eyebrow at me but opened it.

Even though we are now stuck here...thank you.

Seeing that we were going to be here awhile I pulled out my Calculus homework, the irony not lost on me. The note landed back on my desk a moment later. Opening it I was met with surprisingly nice handwriting. Of course Alex has to have prettier handwriting than me.

Just think of this as your trail to be apart of the 'bad boy gang'.

My lips curled up at that.

Oh you calling yourselves that now?

Noah's been calling us that.

Glancing up I found Alex looking at me before rolling his eyes playfully. I found it severely amusing Noah has taken the name to heart. He was anything but a 'bad boy'. Honestly the only 'bad boy' in the group was Nico. Then maybe Alex, but definitely not Noah or Derek. Hell I'd probably put Lexi right behind Nico.

Alex and I passed the note back and forth for a bit. Mr. Cannon not seemingly caring, too busy looking at his computer. My calculus homework was long forgotten on my desk.

This is boring. I wrote, tossing the filled note onto Alex's desk.

Wanna sneak out? My eyes widened at his note. I cut my gaze to him and found Alex with a raised eyebrow, waiting for my response.

I quickly shook my head and scribbled something on the note.

You are crazy! We'll get in even more trouble.

When I tossed it on his desk I frowned at him. We couldn't sneak out even if we wanted to. If Mr. Cannon wasn't in the room it would be a different story but he was literally only a few feet in front of us.

When the note landed next to my hand I almost didn't want to open it. Afraid of what Alex would say to try and convince me to sneak out.

Not if we are quiet.

Yeah right.

Turning in my seat to look directly at Alex I met his gaze.

No.

I mouthed. I was not going to get into anymore trouble than I already was. This was probably going on my record for crying out loud! My poor innocent record now tainted.

Yes.

Alex mouthed back.

No.

We went back and forth like that for a good two minutes before the scraping of a chair got our attention. My head snapped forward afraid Mr. Cannon caught us and would make us stay here even longer.

"Stay here." Mr. Cannon barked before leaving the room once more. What a lovely man. I stared after him confused.

"Where is he going?" I asked out loud.

"To have a drink from his flask." Turning around I found Alex leaning back, feet up on the desk and hands behind his head.

"Wait, what?"

"He goes to the janitor closet down the hall to drink." He said it so casually as if this was an everyday occurrence.

"You serious? He drinks on school grounds?"

"He's starting a bit early today. Give him twenty minutes and he'll let us go." Alex closed his eyes.

"How do you even know this?"

"I pay attention." He opened one eye to look at me. "Ever wonder why he's always grumpy?"

"He hates kids?" I supplied.

"His wife is a bitch. Whenever he can he drinks so he can tolerate going home to her."

"Then why doesn't he just leave her?"

"Sorry Freckles, I'm not his psychologist."

"Isn't that against the law though?"

"And?" Alex shrugged. "He's the only one who knows Calculus on this side of town."

This boy knew everything. Apart from being good in all subjects, he knew things about people no one else knows. Maybe people knew about Mr. Cannon but I sure didn't.

"You baffle me sometimes."

Alex flashed his teeth at me.

"I'll take that as a compliment." Alex winked at me.

Ignoring the way Alex's wink sent my heart into motion, I turned back around in my seat. Hopefully I can get a little bit of this math homework done, but the odds were not in my favor. And by odds I mean the boy seated next to me.

I only got two problems solved when Mr. Cannon walked back into the room. Thinking of what Alex just told me I studied him as he headed for his desk. If you didn't look close enough you wouldn't be able to see that he did in fact drink.

He was now walking a bit more sluggish and the tension in his shoulders seemed to ease a bit. When he sat turn and faced us I didn't miss the ring of red that was slowly starting to appear. The same sign that came with drinking a quick amount of hard alcohol. I knew that from experience with Mitch.

If Alex hadn't said anything though I wouldn't have even noticed. That thought made me pause. Could there be a lot I didn't notice but Alex did? And exactly what has he noticed?

True to Alex's word, ten minutes later Mr. Cannon stood up.

"You are free to go."

I sat there not fully comprehending what he said. The final bell still had ten minutes before it would ring.

"But-"

"Thank you, Sir." Alex interrupted me, standing up and gripping my arm. Before I could say another word Alex was pulling me up and out of my seat. I barely had any time to gather my homework and bag before being whisked away.

"Rule One Freckles, don't ever argue about getting out of detention early."

"But why would he let us out early?"

"He only gave us detention cause his ego was hurt from falling on his ass. You technically didn't do anything wrong. And he probably wanted to go drink some more before real detention starts." Alex explained.

"Talk about unethical." I muttered, stuffing my homework sheet into my math book. "Wait!" I stopped in the middle of the hallway. "Does that mean this won't go on my record?" Hope filled my eyes at the prospect of my still perfect record.

"Freckles." Alex sighed, stopping beside me. "Detention's will never show up on your record; unless you go every single day for a year. I wouldn't have done it if it did."

"So this entire time I've been stressed for nothing." My voice was deadly calm. I've been so worried about my record only to know it was for nothing. I probably have grey hair now because of it.

"Uh." He must have caught onto my expression for he took a step back. "See you later!" With that Alex turned and took off down the hallway. I didn't hesitate in taking off after him, my bag banging against my back.

"Alex!"

* * * * * * * *

"And then the jerk left me in the parking lot!" I huffed.

Above me Olivia chuckled and through the mirror I could see Lexi shaking her head.

"Guys its not funny." I whined.

"I'm still stuck on the fact you've never been to detention." Lexi spoke.

"I for one found it funny that you knocked Mr. Cannon on his ass." Olivia grinned at me through the mirror, before around me to set up her camera.

"Didn't you guys listen to the story?"

"I think it's cute."

"Cute?" I was slightly taken back by Olivia's answer. "He tripped me on purpose!"

"And? You need to loosen up more." Lexi said it nonchalantly.

"I am loose."

"And I am Beyonce." She rolled her eyes. "You are no where near the word loose."

"It's not a bad thing Ri." I inwardly smiled at the nickname Olivia has given me. Been so long since I've had a nickname. My brother being the only one who has. "We all can't be like Lexi." Liv sent her a look through the mirror.

"Of course not. I'm one of a kind." Lexi flashed her teeth at us.

"Just think of it as a...learning experiment. Now you know what detention is like and don't have to go again." Liv shrugged.

"Or you can loosen up and not be such a good girl." Lexi butted in.

"Lexi don't be a bad influence on her!" Liv hissed.

"What? It can't hurt to be a little bad once in a while." Lexi leaned back on her hands, staring at Olivia. "You should know."

The way she said that made me look at Olivia with a raised eyebrow. Was Olivia not the goody toe shoes I thought she was?

"That only happens when you make me." She rolled her eyes. "Or when I'm drunk."

"Then lets get Riley drunk." Lexi shrugged as if it was no big deal.

"I don't want to get drunk." I've never been drunk before but I've seen enough people that have been, to know better. I've had to deal with Mitch drunk on several occasions, along with his friends, and it was never a good experience.

"You don't have to get drunk but maybe a few drinks would be fun." Olivia said, surprising me.

"I don't know." I wasn't quite sure.

"We won't pressure you if you don't want to Riley. It's all up to you." Liv squeezed my shoulder. Through the mirror Lexi met my gaze and gave me a nod, the expression on her face softening for a second.

"You know what we should do tonight." Olivia suddenly said excitedly.

"What?"

"We should have a sleepover! Just us three. We can play games, eat a bunch of junk food, watch movies, talk about boys! And if you wanted maybe some alcohol."

The idea of a sleepover instantly made me excited. I don't remember the last time I've been to a sleepover, if I ever have.

"I'm game!" Olivia and I shared a grin at each other. We both looked over at Lexi who sighed dramatically.

"Fine. But only because Nico ditched me to hang with the guys tonight."

"Yay!" Liv cheered. Through the mirror I noticed a ghost of a smile on Lexi's face. She didn't like to admit it but she clearly enjoyed being here and being invited to a girls night. I was 100% sure her 'bad girl' persona was only a front to the real Lexi Ogden.

"Now lets film this video!"

** * * * * * * 

What felt like twenty years later Olivia was done giving me a make over. It was severely awkward sitting in front of a camera, but thankfully I didn't have to say much. It was mainly Olivia explaining what she was doing.

She was an absolute pro in front of a camera. It didn't once feel forced either. I felt bad that she had me as her canvas. As someone who wasn't use to wearing anything other than foundation and a bit of mascara, I wasn't use to the prodding and poking of brushes.

There were a few times we had to pause as my eyes watered from putting on eyeshadow. But by time we were finished I looked good and only hoped I didn't ruin Liv's video.

I was currently now home, tidying things up for Olivia and Lexi to come over for our sleepover. It was going to be nice filling my house with someone other than me.

It was almost 7 pm so I knew Olivia and Lexi would be here at any moment. I already changed into a pair of sweatpants and an old baggy t-shirt. There was no use wearing uncomfortable clothing if all we were going to do was sit around. And there was no way I was wearing only a t-shirt as my PJ's with people here.

I was surprisingly nervous about this sleepover. Sure I slept over at Olivia's house a week ago but that was only because we were out late that night. This was an actual sleepover, and at my house none the less.

I decided the last time I had a sleepover was when I was maybe 5 or 6. Sleepovers at that age are nothing like sleepovers when your older. Before they only invited me because they were inviting all these other girls. But with this Olivia and Lexi were coming on their own free will.

I was kind of expecting them to ditch at the last moment. It was horrible for me to think so negatively about them but I couldn't help it. I'm afraid to put myself in that position again only to get hurt once more. I've dealt with that pain enough to not want to go through it again.

All those thoughts disappeared as soon as the doorbell rang. Excitement filled its place when I opened the door to Lexi and Olivia.

"SLEEPOVER!" Olivia yelled, brushing past me into the house. My eyes widened at the huge bag she carried over her shoulder.

"What's in that bag?" I whispered to Lexi and she walked inside.

"The souls of preppy cheerleaders." Lexi said it with such a straight face.

"Is that why she's so happy all the time?" I made my eyes go wide and lowered my voice.

"Possible."

"I can hear you two."

"Good, now you know we are onto you." I shut the door behind Lexi, fighting off a grin.

"Watch out you may be my next victim." Liv shot over her shoulder.

"Oh god. Is that why you want to be a doctor? To suck the souls out of people?" I gasped dramatically.

"Damn you caught me." I lost it then, laughing at the seriousness of her tone. Liv followed after me. Others will say I was hallucinating but I saw a smile on Lexi's face.

"I brought the goods." Olivia said after our little laughing fit. "Brought some of my favorite movies just in case you didn't have them. I have face masks for later. My camera if we wanna film later as well. And some snacks!"

Judging from her bag she brought quite a bit of snacks on top of the ones I picked up on my way home. We were pretty much set in that department.

"And I brought the alcohol." Lexi stated almost proudly.

"We can put it in the kitchen and then either go to my room or the living room."

It felt kind of odd leading through the empty house. The only other person that has been here with me in a long time is Alex. I've become accustomed to the silence but with Liv and Lexi walking behind me I noticed how quiet it really was in here. Maybe I should have turned the tv on or something.

"Where are your parents?" Liv asked, the question not meant to hit as hard as it did.

"At work. So we have the house to ourselves." I tried tho sound a bit more upbeat about it. I almost wished my parents were here and making stupid, embarrassing comments; like other parents would at sleepovers. But no, just me here. Like always.

"Well then lets get this party started!" Liv yelled.

Leading Lexi and Liv to my bedroom to put their stuff down, Liv spun around my room while Lexi took a seat on my bed.

"What should we do first? It's already after 7." Both turned to me as if I'd know the answer.

"Don't look at me." I put my hands out. "I've only ever been to one sleepover." Which I ended up coming home early from. I mentally added at the end, but they didn't need to know that.

"Wait you serious?" This time it was Lexi.

"Uh yeah..."

"You've never had one with your friends?"

"Um..." I hesitated not sure how to tell them I had no friends without sounding pathetic. "The two friends I had weren't really my friends. We just hung out at school."

I let my gaze wander around my room, avoiding Liv and Lexi's eyes on me. I waited for the pity remarks or something of that nature; yet none came.

"Then I say junk food first." Liv spoke first.

"Second that." Lexi added in, jumping up from the bed. With a thankful smile I found myself lacing my arm through Liv's, tugging her out of my room followed my Lexi. I knew if I did that to Lexi I'd receive a punch to the face, so I settled with a smile in her direction.

I didn't even realize until we got our snacks that Liv and Lexi were already in their PJ's. Lexi wearing the same thing as me, sweats with a t-shirt, but Liv was in a matching pink silk pair that had little donuts on them.

"Next time we definitely need matching onesies or something." Liv made a comment, loading her arms up with chips, licorice, gummy bears, and a few candy bars.

"We aren't five."

"Imagine the guys in onesies." Liv ignored Lexi's comment.

"Like you could get Nico in one." I snorted taking a seat on the couch. Just the thought of Nico in one was hilarious. Hell even thinking of Alex in one was just as funny.

"True, he would need some incentive from Lexi. But Noah and Derek would totally wear them." Liv tapped her chin as if she was seriously thinking about it.

"Yeah not happening." Lexi sat down in the recliner to our right. "Now can we watch a movie?"

"Fine." Liv sighed. "What should we watch?" I opened my mouth to say I didn't care when Lexi answered.

"Dear John." Her answer surprised me. I looked at her with a raised eyebrow, totally not expecting her to say a chick flick.

"Dear John it is." I grabbed the dvd from the stack Liv brought over, even though I owned almost every Nicholas Sparks movie. While I got the movie ready Olivia made herself comfortable on the other end of the couch.

Sitting back on the couch I wrapped myself in a blanket, grabbing a pack of peach rings, and settled in for the love fest that was about to begin.

An hour and forty minutes later all three of us, even Lexi, were sniffling as the last scene ended. You know a movie is sad when you it gets even the 'cold-hearted' person to cry.

"I love the movie ending so much better than the book." Liv sniffed. I nodded, wiping at my eyes. At least with the movie they have the possibility to end up together, in the book they don't.

"That's not even these saddest ending." I added, thinking of all of his movies.

"Hands down the saddest is The Notebook." Lexi added in.

"Has to be A Walk To Remember." Liv shook her head.

"The Last Song is pretty sad." I supplied.

The three of us went back and forth about sad movies for a few minutes. Each of us trying to up one another on which one was the saddest.

"I need something not sad." Lexi finally said, stuffing a candy bar in her mouth.

"How about Bride Wars?" I suggested getting up.

"Bride Wars?" Liv asked in confusion. I playfully gasped look at the pair, who stared up at me in confusion.

"Only one of the best movies!" I quickly found the disk and put it in, mumbling under my breath about them not ever seeing it.

Falling back into my spot I hit play.

"You'll thank me later."

(P.S I CUT THE LAST OF THIS CHAPTER AND ADDED IT TO THE NEXT ONE! Just in case you noticed that is is now missing. It is now the START of Chapter 23 :) ) 

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Hey guys. So...I want to be completely honest with you guys. You deserve it for being such loyal readers and how much you guys support me. 

This past month or so I haven't felt like myself. I'm not even sure why. I've just been in this slump where I've hated on myself. Hated on everything from how I looked to how I wrote. I hadn't really noticed until I my attitude started to change and I was just grumpy all the time. I almost felt like I was drowning in a way, but with no clue why.

Because I haven't been feeling like myself my writing has slacked...a lot. I didn't want to write and when I did I hated what I wrote down. That's been the most annoying part because I love to write. I love to come on here and write stuff that you guys will enjoy reading. It's even the reason I haven't written for "Inception" because I haven't been motivated to do so. 

But these past two weeks I have FINALLY started to feel better. I am in a better head space and I'm feeling more like myself. (Maybe it was eating junk food there for awhile that was messing with my head) I am now getting back to writing which feels great! I stayed up until midnight last night writing this which I haven't done in months!

I guess I just felt like I owed you guys an explanation for why it has taken me so long to write and kind of why I haven't been around as much either. 

You can probably see in this chapter the stages I went through while writing it. Some of it is choppy and literally just filler words. For that I am sorry but I didn't want to delete all 9k words of this just because I hate a small section. 

ANYWAYS...Long story short, I am back. I am feeling much better and definitely more motivated. I want to thank you guys for being so patient with me! I know I have been taking a long to update and I am hoping to shorten the time now that I am feeling better. I love you guys so much and you always push me to keep writing and producing stuff you will enjoy. So thank you!

I hope you guys enjoyed this chapter! While some of it is a filler at least we get to see more Riley and Alex moments! Who can be mad at that?! The next upcoming chapters are going to be...a lot to prepare! 

I love you guys and thank you so much!!! 

<3 <3 <3 

VOTE, COMMENT

P.S my parents are leaving on a vacation next week so I need Netflix recommendations!!! 

-Ken