Semi-Edited

**WARNING: Some sensitive...information (?) ahead. It isn't really graphic or anything but I do want to put a warning for the last half of this chapter. 

Song above is... Don't Hold Me by Dean Lewis. (This song is so beautiful) 

Happy Reading! 

Alex

Something tickling my nose woke me up the next morning. I went to move as I opened my eyes but something on my chest stopped me. Still half asleep it took a moment for me to realize a head was on my chest. And not just any head...Riley's.

Her brown hair escaping her bun and tickling my face. She was out like a light, snoring slightly. I was slightly surprised that she hadn't gotten up in the middle of the night to throw up. No doubt she was going to have a hangover from hell today.

It was...surreal waking up with Riley next to me, or well on me. Somehow in the middle of the night we got tangled in one another. My legs were laced through hers, her head on my chest with her arm draped across my stomach. My own arm was wrapped around her waist, holding her to me.

God she fits perfectly against me.

I laid there watching as she slept. She looked so peaceful and comfortable that I didn't want to move. I was content just laying there until she woke up, even if my legs were slightly numb from staying in one position for so long.

As I traced her face with my eyes, her words echoed through my mind. I never realized how alone Riley is or rather was. I guess I always assumed her parents were around, but they aren't. She's never once complained about it either.

From what I've learned about Riley this past few months, she doesn't deserve any of this. Sure as hell doesn't deserve what Lingston did to her. It only gave me slight satisfaction breaking his nose. He deserves a lot worse.

Just the thought of Mitch Lingston made my hands tighten around Riley. One day Karma was going to come back around whether it be from me or someone else. But what he did to Riley will not go unpunished, that I will be sure of.

"Alex?" A voice croaked. My head snapped down at Riley's voice. She was still laying her head on my chest, blinking her eyes as she tried to wake up. "What...what are you doing here?"

"You and the girls thought it would be fun to get drunk and then call us to come over." She groaned as if she suddenly now remembered what happened last night.

"I don't feel too good." I couldn't help but chuckle.

"That's what drinking an entire bottle of vodka will do to you."

"Don't laugh at me." Riley whined which just made me grin wider.

"I'll go get you some Advil and you can shower. You'll probably feel better afterwards." I suggested. I know from past experiences that showering and getting something to eat afterwards made a world of a difference with a hangover.

Riley was silent for a moment before she suddenly snapped her head up towards me. Her eyes went wide as if she was just now noticing she was laying on top of me and that I was in her bed.

I laid there as she jumped up but clearly under estimated where the bed ended. Riley ended up getting tangled in the sheets and falling of the side with a loud 'thud'. A groan soon followed as I moved to peer over the side.

"You okay?" I was trying my hardest not to laugh out loud. She just nodded making me chuckle under my breath. Since she took all the blankets with her, I made my way off the bed. I was still dressed in my clothes from last night.

Finding a flustered and red faced Riley only made my grin grow. I extended a hand out to which she took. Her hand was so small in mine and so soft. I gently eased her up to her feet, knowing her head must be whirling. Her first time drinking and she gets drunk, she is really going to hate herself in a bit; the hangover not kicking in quite yet.

"I'll go get you some Advil and check on the others, okay?" She just nods, keeping her eyes down. Knowing she was probably embarrassed I backed up slowly towards the door. Seeing that she wasn't going to fall or something I opened the door and stepped out, closing it behind me.

With a sigh I leaned against it, closing my eyes. I wasn't sure what Riley was doing to me. Just a simple touch and I felt like I was on fire. The need to kiss her so strong I almost gave in and grabbed her face. The amount of self-control I had was insane.

Not wanting to stand there incase she came out I pushed off the door and headed downstairs. I had no clue what time it was but I doubted anyone else was up. The girls probably exhausted from their night of fun, while Derek and Nico were probably exhausted from wrangling them into bed.

As soon as my foot hit the last stair I heard a loud snore which no doubt came from Noah. The dude's snore could wake the entire neighborhood sometimes and he slept like the dead.

Walking into the living room I found Noah sprawled sideways on the pull out couch, one arm hanging over the side and one leg hooked over the arm rest. His head bent at an odd angle, mouth wide open.

Remembering I still had my pants on which meant my phone was in it, I quickly pulled it out before snapping a picture of my best friend. Blackmail for later if need be.

Seeing as it was almost nine in the morning I decided it was time to get him up. Plus it would probably take him 20 minutes to even wake up. Grinning to myself I stood above Noah. Raising an arm a little I brought it down on Noah's face. Slapping his cheek somewhat softly.

"What the F-" It wasn't hard enough to hurt but enough to wake up with a start.

"Good morning sunshine." I grinned down at my best friend.

"What's wrong with waking someone up nicely?" He groaned.

"Where's the fun in that?" I smirked. "I'm going to see about making breakfast, come in and help in a bit."

"Yeah, yeah." Noah waved me off, his eyes still closed. I shook my head as I headed for the kitchen. I knew Noah would come help in a few minutes. The dude loved to cook even though he rarely told anyone that. He liked to make a big deal about having to cook but he enjoys it and it is good at it.

Moving through Riley's kitchen and going through her cabinets I almost felt like I was invading her privacy, even though it was just the kitchen. Every time I've been in here she's been with me so I felt a bit out of place.

I knew the girls would need something as soon as they wake up. The best cure for a hangover was some food even if it sounds gross. I've had my fair share of hangovers to know what works.

After spotting some eggs an bacon in the fridge, along with toast, I hunted down some pans before getting started on breakfast. A few minutes into putting some bacon in a pan, Noah came stumbling in.

"Last night was interesting." He mumbled, rubbing his eyes. Just like me he was still in his clothes from yesterday. T-shirt all rumpled up from how crazy he sleeps.

"Wonder if the girls will remember what happened." I mused, going over to a cabinet I remember Riley getting coffee out of.

"With how much they drank, not likely." Noah chuckled. This morning it seemed Riley remembered something about last night.

What she remembered, I'm not sure. I was inwardly at war with myself. I wanted Riley to remember last night, the things she did and said to me. But then at the same time I wasn't sure if remembering would be good. The way Riley acted wasn't like her usual self and she'd more than likely be embarrassed as hell.

"I've never seen Riley so...carefree." Noah spoke, cracking eggs into a bowl with one hand like a professional.

"Yeah she was having fun last night." I found myself smiling thinking of Riley dancing and singing around the living room, without a care in the world.

"You two were hitting it off last night." Noah turned to me with a smirk. I rolled my eyes.

"No we weren't."

"Oh yes you were. The tension between you two is insane." I shook my head at him. He's delusional. "Don't shake your head at me Kinley." I paused at the tone of his voice.

"We all know you like Riley so don't even try and pretend." Noah scolded.

"I don't like her." I lied straight through my teeth.

"Dude, you've liked her since you were what ten? And don't get started on the fact that you punching Lingston to defend her."

"First off, I haven't liked her since I was ten. And second, I would have punched Lingston no matter what. He deserved it." I crossed my arms over my chest, my hands curling into fists just thinking of Mitch Lingston.

"He did deserve it but I'm pretty sure one punch would have been enough, not seven and a broken nose." I smirked at that. Not my fault I got carried away.

"And yes you have liked her since then. I remember you coming home one day and talking non-stop about some girl named Riley in your school. And how you were going to marry her one day."

"I did not say that!"

"Yes you did. Photographic memory, remember." He tapped his head. Damn him and his photographic memory. "Guess what I am trying to say is, why don't you ask her out?"

"I can't." I sighed, turning my back on him to take the bacon out of the pan, some pieces really crispy.

"Why not? It's been eight years."

"She doesn't know the truth."

"That you really aren't this 'bad boy' and is actually a complete loser and geek?" I turned and shot him a glare.

"No. She doesn't know the truth." I stressed to which he finally realized what I meant.

"You haven't told her." It didn't come out as a question. Looking away from him I nodded. "Why?"

"I wasn't sure she would stick around as long as she has. And I thought she knew already."

"Think she is going to react badly?" Noah asked, still managing to cook the eggs and toast without burning it and talking to me. I could tell by his shoulders he was trying to tread lightly.

"I don't know." I replied truthfully. You never know how people will react. I think a part of me was afraid she would run off.

"Riley doesn't seem like the type to run." Noah somehow managed to read my thoughts, or it was clear on my face. Noah knows me better than anyone and pretty much knows what I think most of the time.

"Tell her before she finds out another way. And give her chance before thinking she will run away."

"But a part isn't my story to tell." I spoke softly but I knew Noah heard me.

"Alex." We looked at each other and I knew what he was going to say. "It is your story as well. You should be the one to tell her. It's okay." With that Noah turned his back on me and focused on making breakfast. A sign saying that part of the conversation was done. 

I let his words sink in as we finished up breakfast. I knew Noah was right about all of it. My own fear messing with my mind a little. I had to tell her today but I had no clue how.

"Why is it so damn bright?" A voice croaked. Turning my head to the side I watched as Olivia stumbled into the kitchen, Derek trailing behind her.

Liv was still dressed in her PJ's from last night. Her blonde hair was everywhere, and by everywhere I mean it looked like a bird made a nest in it. It looked like she had makeup on and it was now smeared. Her eyes smudged black.

She took a seat at the bar, groaning as she laid her head on my arms. Behind her Derek watched her like a hawk, almost like he thought she would fall or throw up at any moment.

"Morning to you too." I greeted to which she mumbled something back. Grabbing a water bottle from the fridge I threw it to Derek to give to Liv. I watched as he opened the bottle and careful nudged Liv to drink, staring at her the entire time she did so.

The guy was so in love with Olivia it was crazy. And she had absolutely no clue about it either. At times it was comical watching him trail after he like a puppy. She was never out of his sights for long and whenever we went to a party he stayed glued to her side the entire time.

"I'm never drinking again." Liv groaned once more.

"It smells like shit in here." A new voice commented. Right on time in walked Lexi with Nico behind her. She looked just like Liv which made me want to laugh but I knew better. An angry Lex is not someone you want to go up against.

It's funny how each girl looked like they got hit by a train the morning after drinking. I may be a bit bias but Riley did look the best out of the three.

"That's the thanks I get for making you food?" Noah placed a hand on his hip and held up his spatula. If he had an apron he'd looked like a housewife.

"I didn't tell you to cook." Lexi practically snapped, taking a seat beside Liv. Hungover Lex could be quite mean.

"Well your still going to eat it." None of us took her rude tone to heart. While she grumbled away Noah and I got to work on dishing out plates and putting food on them. Just as we put two plates in front of Liv and Lexi, a figure appeared through the doorway.

Immediately my eyes were drawn to Riley. She clearly took a shower as she looked much better than a bit ago. Her hair was put back into a bun at the top of her head. She still looked a bit pale and hungover but less than the other two girls sitting down. Riley even put on some leggings and a baggy sweatshirt.

"Come have some food." I gestured for her to take the last seat at he counter. Almost timidly she came further into the room and took a seat. I put a plate filled with eggs, bacon and a piece of toast in front of her, along with a cup of coffee.

"Sorry for going through your food." I apologized.

"It's okay." She sent me a small smile, making my heart beat a tad bit faster. We continued on staring at one another until someone coughed.

"Next time you girls decide to party try not to drink a whole bottle of vodka." Derek suggested while stuffing his mouth with bacon.

"Noted." Liv mumbled, forcing herself to eat something all the while her face turning green.

"How was your first ever drunk experience Riley?" Noah asked. I turned my gaze back to Riley who was pushing her eggs around her plate.

"I didn't throw up so that's a plus right?" She tried to joke. "But uh...I don't really remember much." Her green eyes darted to me as she said that. Something in her eyes made me think she remembered more than she was letting on.

"Don't worry you didn't do anything too stupid." Riley winced at Noah's words.

"Could have been worse." I supplied shrugging. Dancing and singing in the living was nothing compared to what the others have done drunk. What I have done drunk.

The next little bit we all ate in silence, every so often one of the boys making a comment but other than that it was quiet. The girls picked at their food but they looked a bit better than they did earlier. It was funny watching the regret take over their faces the more they ate.

As I ate my own food I barely paid any attention to the others. My mind trying to come up with a way to tell Riley. Should I take her somewhere to tell her? Do I just tell her here? My mind was going into overdrive and I knew I was over thinking it all.

I could put it off for another day so Riley could feel better but I knew putting it off would just make me more of a mess. The sooner I tell her the better.

I was so lost in my thoughts I didn't realize what was going on until I noticed everyone stand up. I watched everyone completely confused as to what was going on.

"Maybe we can hang out tonight and see a movie or something." I heard Liv say. Realizing that everyone was leaving and Noah was my ride, I had to make a decision.

While Liv and Lexi went to grab their stuff I made my way to Riley's side.

"Hey." I spoke softly. She tilted her head up to look at me and when those eyes hit me I felt my chest squeeze. Damn she was beautiful. She blinked up at me to continue. Shaking my head to clear my thoughts I took a deep breath. "There is somewhere I want to take you. Can I come pick you up in an hour?"

She stared at me for a full minute, almost like she was having an inner conversation with herself. But a moment later she nodded.

With a grin I took a step back as everyone else filed for the door. When she smiled back at me I had a good feeling about today.

I forced myself not to look back at Riley as I swung myself into Noah's car. But as we pulled away I glanced out the window one last time. Standing there dressed in an oversized sweatshirt and leggings, she still looked good. I had to force myself not to think about who's sweatshirt that was. Clearly a guy's but who's I don't know.

"So are you going to ask her out when you pick her up?" Noah suddenly asked.

"You are going to ask Riley out?" Lexi pipped in from the back. I had forgotten they were driving with us while Derek took Liv home in her car.

"No."

"Then why are you picking her up?"

"I need to talk to her about a few things." I vaguely responded.

"Alex you need to know that before you ask Riley out, she has been through a lot. The things Mitch did to her has left a mark and she's still learning to ignore what he said to her." The protective tone she had made me sit up straighter. I knew some of what Mitch did but by the sound of Lexi there was more to the story.

"You better not be messing with her." Lexi painfully jabbed my arm.

"Ow. I thought you didn't like her." I accused, turning to look at her.

"She's grown on me." She shrugged. "But I'm serious Alex. Do. Not. Play. Games. With. Her."

"I won't. She's not like that to me."

"Lex, the dude has been in love with her since 7th Grade. He won't hurt her." Noah came to my defense.

"You are serious about her." Nico spoke for the first time since getting in the car. It wasn't a question and the way he was looking at me was like he knew what I was thinking.

Sometimes Nico could be freaking as hell. He was quiet but really observant. Somehow seeing things others wouldn't. He may not talk much but when he did he was spot on.

"She's good for you." He sent me a nod as if in approval. Something I didn't take lightly. Nico was a good judge of character.

"Just don't mess it up Kinley." Lexi leaned back in the seat, crossing her arms.

After dropping Nico and Lexi off, Noah headed for my place. Harper was spending the day with his parents since they've been gone for a few weeks.

"You got this bro." Noah finally spoke as we pulled up to my house. "Call me after."

"Will do." Doing out little 'handshake' I got out of the car, needing to shower and get ready.

"Don't forget about tonight! We need to be there at 7!" Noah called out after me. Sending a salute over my shoulder I unlocked the front door.

Don't worry Alex. She'll understand.

I sighed. Then why do I feel like a pit is growing in my stomach?

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Riley

As soon as I shut the front door behind everyone I banged my head against it. The pain mixing with the pounding headache I already had. I groaned out loud as memories of last night flashed through my head.

Did I seriously dance and sing around the house, in front of Alex of all people. I didn't even want to think about the fact I sat on his lap when we went in the car, and I fed him. Fed Alex. God drunk Riley was a weirdo. I wasn't quite sure if it was a good thing or not to remember what happened while drunk. But I do know for sure I wasn't drinking anytime soon.

As I leaned against the door Alex's words came to mind. I want to take you somewhere. A part of me wanted to decline because of how bad my body and head hurt, but the look in his eyes when he asked me instantly blocked off that thought.

Alex could ask me to go anywhere with him and I'd instantly agree. That thought alone was scary. Being close to someone after only a month of knowing them is crazy, yet I feel that way about Alex.

The feeling I had this morning when I woke up with Alex next to me was...happiness? I wasn't even quite sure what the feeling was when I saw him looking down at me with a soft expression on his face. I can still feel his body pressed against mine. Fitting almost perfectly against mine.

I flushed as the image of us tangled together came to mind. I must have gravitated towards him in the middle of the night, because I remember falling asleep on my side of the bed. But the fact that Alex didn't move when he woke up was kind. I was pretty sure he was up before I was.

The thought of going somewhere with Alex, just the two of us, made my stomach erupt into butterflies. I don't think I can deny my feelings towards Alex anymore. Just the thought of him alone made me smile and hanging out with him made me feel like I was home.

My first 'relationship' was so different than I thought one would be. Mitch at first was loving and then he turned mean and then I found it was all fake. So how was I suppose to know if I liked someone or if they felt the same about me. It could all be fake. I didn't believe Alex would do that to me. But I couldn't stop the doubt creeping in.

But I did know one thing, I was nervous as hell to hang out with him today. And I only had an hour to get ready before he came back to pick me up.

Exactly an hour later the door bell rang. I managed to keep myself busy as I waited the hour for Alex to come. I cleaned up the kitchen, the living room, and the bed rooms. I didn't mind being left with the cleanup because it took my mind off of everything else.

But as I went to open the door I felt my hands get sweaty. Wiping them on my leggings I opened the door. The moment I opened the door my mouth went dry. Standing there looking even more attractive then earlier was Alex. Clad in a pair of jeans and a simple long sleeve blue t-shirt that made his grey eyes look even bluer. His dark hair was messily done and definitely needed to be trimmed.

Does he know how hot he is?

"Hey." He greeted with a soft smile, his perfect teeth flashing.

"Hi." I breathed. Standing in front of him still wearing my black leggings and sweatshirt I felt underdressed. "Uh do I need to change or is this okay?" My hands played with the edge of my sweatshirt nervously.

While I didn't change out of my clothes I did put on a bit of makeup to hide the bags under my eyes and to make me look less hungover. But I probably still looked homeless.

"It's perfect." The grin on his face was enough to calm my nerves instantly. "Ready to go?"

Nodding, I did a quick look around before grabbing my bag and following Alex out the door. After locking the door I started down the driveway, Alex's hand softly pressing on my lower back.

I was relieved to see he brought his car and not his motorcycle this time around. While I liked the bike with how I felt right now I was pretty sure I'd throw up being on the back of it.

With manners that most guys our age didn't possess, Alex opened the passenger door for me. My eyes were glued to Alex as he rounded the front of the car. What happened last night was once again flashing through my mind.

When Alex got in and started the car my eyes darted to his arms and hands. Those arms were wrapped around me last night as we danced in the living room and as I sat on his lap in the car.

I don't remember all of what happened, like the little details were blurry. But I remember enough to make me blush at my actions. I wonder if Alex has thought about last night. What he thought of me drunk.

"Where are we going?" I asked after Alex started driving.

"There is a place I want to show you." Alex vaguely answered.

"You aren't going to kill me are you? If you are I'm just letting you know I won't put up much of a fight."

"Why would I kill you?" Alex asked, turning to me with a raised eyebrow.

"I don't know. Who knows what goes through that head." I shrugged. I laughed at the offended look Alex had on his face which morphed into a smile.

We were quiet for a few minutes before I worked up the nerve to kind of bring up last night.

"I'm sorry if we took you guys away from whatever you were doing last night?" I apologized. I was too drunk last night to even care that we interrupted their night.

"It's fine. We were finished anyways, but we were surprised to get a call from three drunk girls." He smirked over at me as I blushed.

"I want to say it was Liv's idea but I'm not too sure."

"Are you feeling any better?"

"I am. Thank you for breakfast this morning."

"No problem. I only did the bacon, Noah did the rest."

"Well thank you to him too."

We lapsed into silence after that. Both content to just sit there. I stared out the window, watching as we drove through town and then up towards the mountains. The further we went the more confused I got.

"Okay are you really going to kill me?" I ask. Alex stayed silent. "I am too young to die! And you are too young to go to prison! I won't be worth it." I rattled off. I was joking but the further up we went the more I started to doubt

"I'm taking you to my secret spot."

"That sounds even more like you are going to kill me and bury me where no one will know!" Alex rolled his eyes at me.

"We are almost there." I opened my mouth to say something back but when Alex turned off the main road towards this back road of some sort, I shut my mouth. It only took a few minutes before we were suddenly surrounded by trees.

I had no clue where we were going but the red, orange and yellow trees were beautiful. I've always loved when the trees in town turned and here we are going right into a bunch.

The road got kind of bumpy as Alex kept on the empty road. As Alex drove the road got narrower an steeper, and for a split second I thought we would for sure get stuck, but Alex's Camaro kept going smoothly.

Alex clearly has been this way many times for he easy navigated through the bumpy road, missing the few holes along the way. It felt like ages of us climbing before Alex turned onto a path that I didn't even see.

Two minutes later the thick trees cleared and we came out to a large clearing. As soon as Alex parked the car I had my door open. Stepping out I gazed around us, surprised that this place even existed. It actually looked like the clearing in the movie Twilight, yet prettier with all the different colored trees.

The ground was filled with grass like weeds but most of it was pushed down from use. I wasn't sure how often Alex came up here but from the looks of the worn down weeds and path leading straight ahead, it was quite a bit.

"This way." Alex called from behind me. Curious to see what else there was I quickly followed after him, noticing what looked like a blanket in his arm.

Alex followed the worn path. It was slightly uphill but after a moment we made it to the top and what I saw took my breath away. 

(Not the exact picture I was thinking but it is the real town the story is based in)

Straight ahead you could see our little town and beyond that the ocean. We were up high enough to see it all and it was gorgeous. I've never seen anything like it since I moved here.

From up here everything seemed so small. Our town just buildings in the distance and the ocean stretching for miles.

"How did you find this place?" I breathed.

"I was out for a drive and just stumbled upon it." Beside me Alex shrugged.

"It's beautiful." My eyes were glued to the sight before me. While I stood there Alex placed the blanket in his arms on the ground, spreading it out.

The two of us took a seat side by side, staring straight ahead.

"I come here whenever I need to think or want some peace and quiet."

"I can see why. This would be the perfect spot." It was peaceful and quiet. The only sound came from the breeze blowing through the trees and on occasion a bird chirping. Being up this high the breeze was a little cold but it felt amazing. Closing my eyes I breathed it all in, the air clearing my head from the fog its been in all morning.

Next to me Alex was quiet, leaning back on his hands and his long legs out in front of him. I kept peaking at him from the corner of my eye, unable to look away for too long. When a little bit had passed and he still hadn't said a word I got concerned. Another peak at him I found him staring straight ahead with a serious expression. Almost like he was having an internal debate about something.

"Are you okay?" I asked softly, feeling like I had to whisper. Alex let out a loud sigh and sat up. For some reason that sigh made me sit up myself.

"Riley...." Alex seemed to gear himself for what he was about to say. "I haven't been all that truthful to you."

My whole body stilled at those words. Immediately thought after thought ran trough my mind. Of course all of them worse than the last. Was he only hanging out with me for pity? Was he like Mitch and playing with me the entire time? Did Mitch put him up to this?

The last one made my blood run cold. I knew I shouldn't immediately think such bad things but I couldn't help it. The tone he used not helping the situation at all.

"What is it?" I croaked, although I wasn't quite sure I wanted to know the answer. I don't think I could handle getting my heart broke again.

Hear him out Riley. It probably isn't what you think it is.

My inner self doing little to help my nerves at the moment.

"Where to start." Alex mumbled. I stayed silent not really trusting my voice. I wasn't sure what would come out if I talked.

"I don't...I don't like talking about it. I mean it won't change it so why hold on." Alex rambled. I wanted to reach out and touch him but my hands were frozen in my lap. "And I like pity. Don't want pity." He continued.

"Alex." I interrupted him, his rambling actually scaring me now.

"Last January..." Alex closed his eyes. "Last January my parents died in a car accident."

The words hung over me before they started to sink in. A part of me was shocked. That wasn't what I was expecting him to say at all. But there was another part of me that wasn't surprised. It was starting to make sense why Harper was always with Alex. Why Alex never came to school until later. Why his parents weren't home that day at his house. And it even made sense why Alex was closed off.

"I-"

"They were coming home from my soccer game in Portland. It was the championship game and they came to support me." Alex's eyes opened but he was staring at nothing. "My parents, Megan and Benjamin, always came to my games. It was nothing new but they had Harper in the car with them.

"I stayed behind to celebrate winning with the team while they went home. It was late and they should have stayed at a hotel. They should have stayed." His voice got thick as he kept talking. Almost like he couldn't stop.

"They were only a few miles away when a drunk driver swerved into their lane from the other side of the freeway. Hit the front of the car and causing the car to flip over."

Tears sprang to my eyes as he talked. The thought of Harper in that car made my stomach sick.

"My dad died on impact but my mom was unconscious and Harper...Harper was awake. She was stuck in her car seat upside down, her only injury was a cut on her head. I don't...I don't know how long it took for the ambulance to come. Could have been minutes, hours, but Harper had to lay there awake will my parents laid there." Tears ran down Alex's face, his shoulder hunched over.

"I was out eating with the team when I got the call to come to the hospital. By time I got there my mom had passed and my sister was taken to get scans for some reason. I didn't believe them when they told me the news. I had literally just seen my parents like an hour before and now they were dead. And to top it off the bastard that hit them was alive."

I couldn't stop the gasp that left my mouth. My arm on its own shot out to grip his arm.

"All he got was a concussion and a broken arm. He made it out but my parents didn't. Harper almost didn't." I couldn't tell if the shaking of his shoulders were from sobs or anger.

"Did he...is he..."

"He went to prison. Life sentence." I felt myself breathe a little at that. Wasn't fair at all.

"Alex." I didn't know what to say. I should have known though. I was so focused on myself and my problems to even notice Alex's. His parents are gone and he is taking care of his little sister all on his own. And I seriously have the guts to complain about my life.

"That isn't it." Alex spoke so soft I almost didn't catch it. My grip tightened on his arm as he continued. "My parents and Harper weren't the only ones in the car that night...Noah's sister was too."

I felt like I got hit by a train at his words. I stopped breathing as his words registered. Was. Past tense.

"Ava and Mason decided to go on a date night while my parents took Harper and Mia, Noah's sister, to my soccer game. Mia and Harper were the same age and were best friends. Always stuck to each like glue.

"When the car hit somehow the impact jolted Mia so bad that her little body couldn't take it. She died on impact."

Sobs escaped my lips at Alex's story. His own body was shaking with sobs. My body moved on it's own. Getting up on my knees I moved closer to him and wrapped my arms around his shoulders, pulling his body against mine.

Alex's body turned in my arms and then his own arms were wrapped around my waist, his head against my chest as he cried. He held onto me like I was his lifeline and I held him back just as tight.

Tears streamed down my face as I held him, my hand running through his hair to try and comfort him. Poor Noah. Poor Ava and Mason. They lost a daughter while Alex lost his parents.

The image of Ava and Mason smiling at Harper the other day hit me and it made me cry even harder. I couldn't even imagine the pain they've all gone through. Losing parents and a child.

Now knowing everything Alex does and the responsibility on his shoulders, it made my respect for him grow. How he managed to do it all I don't know. Add on the fact that I've been feeling bad about my life, when in fact I had a good one. I still had parents. I still had my brother. I felt like such a bitch for even complaining.

I tried to get a grip on myself as Alex cried into my chest. His grip still just as tight as before. Alex didn't need me crying on top of this. He's been strong for so long and now he needed someone else to be so he could be vulnerable.

So I did exactly that. I held onto Alex, my hand stroking his hair, while he cried. While he let out all the pain he's been holding inside. I would stay like this as long as he needed.

As he cried I felt myself grow at myself. At the fact that I didn't even realize what he was going through. That I practically made him tell me this when I should have already known. No doubt it having been in the paper and news. Hell the whole school probably knew and I didn't. And here I was making him re-live it all.

I wasn't sure how long we stayed like that. Even though my thighs were burning from sitting up and holding Alex's weight, I didn't care. I would push past it for Alex.

His cries did eventually die down and then stop all together. Yet he still didn't move. He still held onto me, his face still buried in my chest. Any other situation and I would be embarrassed about where his head is at. I couldn't imagine that it was comfortable considering I had nothing there to rest his head on.

A little bit after his cries stop did his body stop shaking. I still kept running my fingers through his hair. Now wasn't the time but I marveled at how soft it was. The silky ink strands running through my fingers. I wasn't going to deny I thought a lot about what it would be like to run my fingers through it, and here I was doing exactly that. Lets just say it didn't disappoint.

Another twenty minutes passed of us in that position. I almost couldn't take staying that like any longer but right as I was going to say something Alex pulled away. I sat back on my heels as he quickly wiped his face and cleared his throat.

"I'm sorry, I shouldn't-" I moved before I even could think. I grabbed his face between my hands, tilting it up towards me.

"Don't you ever be sorry Alex. Do you hear me?" I stared right into those grey eyes that were red ringed, my own probably matching. "I don't ever want to hear you say sorry." With each word my hands tighten on his cheeks.

"You are the strongest person I've ever met." My voice dropped to a whisper. My grip on his cheeks loosened. Using my thumbs I wiped at his wet cheeks. Despite having just cried Alex has never looked more attractive.

The fact that he cried in front of me made him more of a man than anyone I have ever met.

He was quiet as I wiped his face but as soon as I was done he brought his own hands up to cup mine.

"There is still more." I instantly stopped him.

"I know but we don't have to. Not today." I knew there was more to the story, more that he needed to tell me. But that can wait. He's already shared enough today. It was such a personal thing that I couldn't make him say anything more.

He opened his mouth to say something but I shook my head.

"Later." At my tone he slowly nodded. What looked like relief flashed across his eyes. I stroked his cheek as I shot him a wavering smile. "Thank you for telling me." He just nodded, no words needed.

Our eyes never once left each others as we sat there. My hands still on his cheeks while his held mine there. I wasn't sure who started it but slowly our heads moved towards one another.

The closer our faces got the more I wanted to kiss him. Wanted to kiss away the pain in his eyes. I just didn't want him to think I wanted to kiss him out of pity. Far from it.

My eyes closed on their own as our lips were inches apart. Just another second and I would finally know what those lips feel like against mine. But like every damn time, the sound of a phone ringing jerk us out of the moment.

Alex let out a loud groan making me open my eyes. His top lip grazed mine for a split second before he pulled away. The moment was ruined as the shrill sound of the phone kept going.

My hands dropped from his face as he reached for his phone. As I got my breathing under control Alex answered his phone.

"What?" He snapped. I didn't blame him for being angry at our kiss being interrupted....again. "Shit I forgot." Was his response to whoever was on the line. "I'll be there soon."

"Noah." He said, pocketing his phone. "We better get going." While I wanted to stay longer I knew we couldn't so instead I nodded, climbing to my feet.

I was peeved that we didn't kiss. Seems like every time we try we get interrupted. It almost seemed like we weren't meant to. Inwardly grumbling I headed for Alex's car, him behind me.

We didn't say a word as we climb inside and as Alex maneuvered us out of the clearing and back to the road. Glancing out of the window I made a silent promise that I would be back to that spot soon.

It was quiet in the car as we drove back. Both lost in our own thoughts. I went back and forth between what Alex told me and the kiss. And as bad as it sounded I kept coming back to the kiss. I was a horrible person.

I glanced at Alex wondering if he regretted it. Regretted telling me and then almost kissing me. The idea that he regretted the almost kiss made my chest ache even more. But as we turned onto the main street something touched my hand.

Looking down I found Alex's hand gently nudging mine as if he was silently asking permission to hold it. Fighting back a grin I opened my hand, his fingers instantly threading through mine.

A soft sigh came out of his mouth as our hands tightened; the same sigh coming out of mine too. We didn't say anything else for the rest of the ride but the squeeze of my hand told me everything was going to be okay. 

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Well.....did anyone see that coming?? I think a few of you may have but if you didn't....were you surprised?? But wait! There is still more to come! Alex still has a bit he needs to tell Riley that she doesn't know....but in due time I promise. 

I am sorry about the wait. As most of you know I got super sick like a week ago and I didn't even touch my lap the entire week. That and I hated everything I wrote. Still not  fan of the beginning of the chapter but oh well. 

I do hope the 7.8k words makes up for the long wait! PLEASE don't kill me for not having them kiss! I PROMISE IT IS SOON like VERY VERY VERY VERY SOON *hint* *hint* 

I don't know about anyone else but seeing a guy cry is literally heartbreaking. Like they don't usually cry so when they do you know it is serious. That is why I wanted to have Alex cry. So please don't go commenting that he is a baby for doing so. I've seen people commenting that on others books and I'm always like 'What?!'

Anyways, enough gabbing. I hope you guys enjoyed this chapter!!! We are now seeing more to Alex and we'll learn more about each character as we go. There is still a lot left of this story so don't worry about it being over quite yet. 

Thank you guys for being so understanding and patient with me. You guys really are the best readers in the world! I am so lucky to have you guys <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 

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-Ken