Semi-Edited!

Song above is...Without Me by Halsey (It doesn't really fit the chapter but I'm loving the song right now :D)

Happy Reading :)

The blaring sound of my alarm clock had me groaning and fumbling for the snooze button. Alarm clocks were the worst thing invented. Sure they were somewhat vital to getting up on time but that didn't mean they weren't the worst things in the world.

I was more then tempted to skip. It was Friday after all and I wasn't in the mood to deal with all the comments, but the inner 'good girl' in me was tell me to get up and get ready. As much as I didn't want to listen to that voice I did.

Groaning under my breath I stumbled out of bed and blindly moved towards my bathroom. Without looking at the clock I knew it was 6:15 am, my usual time. It gave me thirty minutes to slowly get up and dressed before getting to school before 7.

Washing my face I looked at my reflection. I didn't like the girl standing there staring back at me. It wasn't like I looked any different. On the outside I looked the same but I could practically see the weight on my shoulders and the lack of happiness in my eyes.

The whole situation with Mitch has taken more of a toll than I let on. It was hard not to listen to all the comments being made about me. Having no one to lean on or even talk to about it wasn't helping either.

If I could just go back I would. Go back and never talk to Mitch or let him near me. If I hadn't been so blind none of this would have happened. I would still be invisible Riley that had a pretty good life. I would have my two best friends still, I'd be going out, actually having fun instead of being stuck inside. I would definitely love a time machine right about now.

Going back into my room I went to get dressed, already dreading today. The sooner I get there the sooner I can come home.

Grabbing my usual pair of skinny jeans I started the little dance. No matter how many times I have put skinny jeans on I always have to wiggle and jump around to get them on. It was literally a work out in itself I tell you.

What I wore to school never really mattered to me. While other girls wear short skirts or skin tight jeans I was comfortable in my casual jeans and a t-shirt. Once in a while I'd wear a cute fancy top but that was a rarity.

Once I pulled on an old soccer jersey that belonged to my brother I went to cover my eye bags up. As beautiful as they were I wasn't going to go out in public with them. Just a bit of concealer was all I wore anyways.

Having spent too much time in the bathroom fixing my shoulder length hair I only had a few more minutes to grab something to eat and head out the door. With my backpack over my shoulder and my phone in hand I headed downstairs.

Making sure all the lights were off I snatched an apple off the counter before heading for the door. Just one more day. I repeated as I unlocked my car and slid behind the wheel. Just one day.

* * * * * * * * * 

"Everyone please turn to chapter 35 in your books." Mr. Wittwer instructed from the front of the classroom. All around me student groaned under their breath knowing what was coming.

Mr. Wittwer taught government, aka one of the most boring classes ever. It didn't help he spoke with such a monotone voice that it just lulled you to sleep. Everyone knew when he said to turn to a certain page he was going to read the entire chapter.

Because the school decided to get rid of the block system we have this class everyday which just makes it worse. We were literally only a few weeks into school and everyone is already over this class. No wonder my brother always complained about Mr. Wittwer.

"The government is made up of..." I tuned out the rest of what he started to say. Leaning my cheek on my hand I started doodling around the edges of my paper. Like my other notebooks this one was filled with little sketches on every page.

My mind drifted as my hand moved, Mr. Wittwer's voice barely reaching me. From my spot at the back of the classroom it was unlikely he would even notice I wasn't paying attention. The guy had horrible hearing as well, hence the hushed whispers around me.

The upside of sitting in the back near the window no one remembered you were there. No one payed me attention which was nice and it meant I can listen to everyone else's conversations without them knowing.

"Are you going?"

"Of course! Everyone is going!"

"I mean there's only been like three parties this school year already, they need to up the game I swear."

All I've heard today was about the stupid party happening tonight. I was thankful everyone was so focused on the party that they had forgotten all about me. Despite some glares in my direction as I headed to and from class, I was pretty much left alone.

"Maybe we should not go to the game and spend that time getting ready." One girl in front of me whispered loudly to her other friend.

"Lets do that. It's not like we are going to miss much anyways, with Mitch as our quarterback we always win." With my head tilted away from them they couldn't see me roll my eyes. Everyone around here thought Mitch was some football god.

"I want to look so hot that I make Mitch forget all about that cheating slut." And there it is. My name never seemed to leave anyone's mouth these days.

"Don't worry he will. Between the two of us he has too." I silently gagged. All the girls here didn't seem to care that he would treat them horribly. He would sleep with them and then go onto the next girl.

Mitch had the reputation of sleeping with girls so when he asked me to be his 'girlfriend' it threw everyone. No one thought he would be serious about one girl. They were right because he wasn't. No one cared about that though. In his eyes he was still Mitch Lingston, golden boy of Central High. It was disgusting really.

I tuned out the rest of their conversation not wanting to hear anymore about Mitch. If only I could go the rest of my life without hearing his stupid name again.

Ignoring everything else I turned my attention to my doodling. I let my mind wander as my hand moved. I thought about going home in a few hours and binge eating some cookie dough that I knew was in the fridge. My stomach growled softly as I thought about food.

I was so into my thoughts that I almost missed the bell ringing for lunch. All around me kids jumped up from their desks, grabbing their things and practically running out the door. I didn't bother rushing to put my stuff away, wasn't like the library was going to be busy.

When basically everyone was gone I stood up, putting my backpack over my shoulder. With a quick smile to Mr. Wittwer I left the class room. Knowing I only had two more classes then I was free made me slightly happier as I headed to the library.

Greeting Mrs. Anderson, the librarian, I headed for my regular spot. I had a cheesy romance novel that is calling my name. Thirty minutes of nothing but me and a book, what could get better.

Unfortunately the lunch hour went by quick. Before I knew it the bell was ringing making me groan. The book in my lap was just getting good and I would now have to wait two days to read it again. Knowing I only had two more class periods was the only thing that made me get up off my comfy chair.

I always hated going to class after lunch. The hallways were always busy with kids grabbing books before class and after spending thirty minutes around friends they were rowdier than normal. Which for me meant more comments and stares.

Wanting to avoid that I clenched tightly onto my bag strap, kept my head down and walked towards my next class. As I got closer to my classroom I thought I was home free but I was stupid for thinking that.

Not even a second after I thought it a foot shot out and hit my ankle. I could do nothing as my right leg gave out from underneath of me. I started to fall and I closed my eyes waiting for the impact. What I didn't expect was to feel something wet and cold land right on my head and run down my face before my knees and hands hit the ground.

My hands and knees vibrated with the impact as pain shot through me. The hallway instantly quieted and I could feel tons of eyes on me. Tears sprung to my eyes as I felt what I assumed was milk ran down my face to the floor.

"Oops my bad." A high pitch voice spoke, a giggle following. The sound of Rebecca Roberts voice made me clench my jaw. Of course it wasn't an accident. Nothing ever was with Rebecca.

As soon as Rebecca laughed everyone in the hallway followed suit. In a matter of seconds the entire hallway was laughing loudly at my expense. I could feel my tears threatening to fall but I forced them back, blinking rapidly.

It was beyond humiliating being tripped and having a thing of milk poured over my head with almost the entire student body watching. I could handle the rude comments but not this. I kept my head down so no one would see the tears I was trying so hard to hold back. If they saw them things would just be worse.

"Better watch out where you walk again...slut." With that I watched Rebecca's heels walk away from me. I could hear Rebecca's annoying laugh all the way down the hall until the minute bell rang, drowning it out. Thankfully the bell made everyone else scatter to their classes.

I was thankful that everyone was now hurrying to class and paid me no attention. I stayed on my hands and knees until I heard the final bell. I should have gotten up by now but I couldn't bring myself to.

Now that everyone was out of sight a two tears ran down my face. I bit my bottom lip to stop from crying even more. I was not going to be weak, not here in school. At home was a different story.

I forced myself to slowly get on my feet, the palms of my hands and my knees pulsed in pain. The pain was soon forgotten as milk dripped off my chin onto the floor. I cringed at the feeling and the smell that was now stuck to me. Why did it have to be milk?

My wet hair clung to my face, all the time I spent making it look semi nice now gone down the drain. Clenching my jaw I grabbed the front of my shirt and pulled it away from my skin. Great it was chocolate milk. The milk had soaked the upper half, a brown stain now forming. Guess not the smartest idea wearing a white jersey to school.

"And here I thought I'd make it through the whole day." I muttered to myself. Leaning down I grabbed my bag that fell on the floor. I just needed to get home and shower. I could care less about going to my last two classes now.

Shaking my head at my stupidity I turned around, heading for the front doors. I only took one step before freezing. Leaning against the wall staring at me was none other than Alex Kinley. Standing there drenched in milk I felt my cheeks heat up.

Could this day get any worse?

"Looks like you ran into some trouble."

"Where did you get that idea?" I replied sarcastically, rolling my eyes without even thinking. The second the words left my mouth my eyes widened.

"Could be from the chocolate milk running down your face." Alex smirked at me.

I didn't know what else to say. I was literally standing there in front of the 'bad boy' of school looking like a drowned rat. No doubt he saw all of that. If he planned on teasing me about it I wasn't going to stick around. I've had enough of that today.

When he didn't say anything else I gripped my backpack strap and walked past him. I was not sticking around this school any longer. I was almost to the doors when I heard footsteps behind me. I tried to ignore it, inwardly telling myself to just keep walking.

"I didn't know nerds skipped school." Alex spoke, coming up beside me. I choose not to reply and kept my gaze straight forward. Maybe if I don't speak he will get tired and leave me alone.

I continued on walking hoping Alex got the hint. The last thing I needed was to be seen with Alex Kinley. Imagine the rumors that would spread with that one. Getting closer to my car he had yet to leave I clenched my jaw trying my hardest not to say anything.

"Why are you following me?" My control finally snapped. I turned to face him as soon as we reached my car. "Shouldn't you be in class?" I raised an eyebrow at him. The anger I felt from having milk dumped on me was making me brave. If it wasn't for that I wouldn't be standing here talking back to Alex.

"Can't I be a concerned citizen?" He questioned, cocking his head to the side.

"A concerned citizen?" I snorted at that. "Yeah I'm not buying that."

"Why can't I be?" The way he was looking at me had me shifting on my feet. Why I was talking to him like this I have no clue. I've heard plenty of rumors about Alex's anger issues and how he put some guy in the hospital but I didn't believe a single word of it. I knew better than anyone that rumors were always false.

But knowing who he was and the kind of 'power' he held at school, I should know better than to be rude to him. He was right up there by Mitch and Rebecca. One word and I'd be bullied even more. I didn't need Alex to have a hold on me like Mitch does.

The longer he stared at me the quicker my anger subsided, along with my bravery. All at once my anger was gone, replaced with tiredness. I was ready to go home, shower and be by myself.

"Why can't I be concerned?" Alex asked again, bringing me out of my thoughts. With a sigh I shook my head.

"You just can't." My voice was quiet. Alex didn't say anything as I turned and headed for my car. I needed a shower. Unlocking my door and pushing my backpack in the passenger seat I dared another glance at him.

Alex stood there off to the side still staring at me. I wanted to know what was going through his mind. Wanted to know why he was talking to me. But instead of asking that I found myself saying something else. "Have fun at the party tonight."

With that I shut my car door and drove off, leaving Alex standing there watching after me.

* * * * * * * *

The moment I got home I went and took a shower. I felt disgusting with the milk dried on my skin and don't get me started on the smell. It took me washing my hair twice and my body to get rid of it. By time I got out of the shower my skin was red from rubbing and my hair was cleaner than its ever been.

When I got home all I wanted to do was cry to my mom about how stupid life was, to have her hug me and tell me it will all pass. But because she wasn't here, I ended up crying in the shower and was now heading for the cookie dough in the fridge.

It was only 1 o'clock but that wasn't going to stop me from lounging around in my sweats and eating junk. Why not start the weekend early? Thankfully I didn't have a shift at the bookstore today so I was free.

Carrying the tub of cookie dough and a spoon I made my way back to my room. My stomach was rumbling becoming impatient for the cookie dough I promised it this morning. There was no better way to drown your sorrows then with cookie dough or ice cream. You were bound to feel better afterwards. If not then you still got to eat something delicious.

Dressed in a tank top and my flannel PJ buttons I settled into my bed, placing my treat in my lap. I knew I was going to regret pigging out but at the moment I didn't care. With new found determination to eat all I can I dug into my cookie dough.

Two hours passed of me watching The Originals on Netflix and eating. The only times I got up was to use the bathroom and get more water. My mood increased with each episode and I wasn't feeling as bad anymore.

I had just scrapped the bottom of the cookie dough when the sound of my doorbell echoed through the house. I froze holding the spoon halfway to my mouth. I had no clue who could be here. It wasn't my parents, they would have texted me or used their key. And I was pretty sure it wasn't my brother because he would need a ride home from the airport.

Hearing the doorbell again I jumped. I was half tempted to stay in bed and ignore it but a part of my was curious as to who would be at my house. Standing up I quietly made my way downstairs. I tried to be quiet so the person standing outside wouldn't know I was in here.

For a split second I felt like a spy creeping down the stairs not wanting to be caught. My foot hit the bottom stairs when the person outside my door started banging on it loudly. Realizing that I was a teenage girl home alone I looked around for something to use as a weapon if I needed.

The banging stopped for a second before it started again, making my heart pound. I reached for a random umbrella, clenching it tight in my hand. I knew I was an idiot for opening the door unsure of who it was but by the sounds of it the person wasn't going to give up.

So with a deep breath, holding the umbrella by my head I reached for the door. Not wanting to hesitate I flipped the lock and swung the door open fast. I raised the umbrella higher ready to pounce. I opened my mouth ready to yell but my mouth just hung open.

You've got to be kidding me.

"What are you doing here?"

"Is that an umbrella?" Alex looked at me with a raised eyebrow. "You were going to hit me with an umbrella?"

"It can be a weapon." I defended my choice. It would hurt to get hit by one of these. The pointy ends would hurt like a bitch.

"Yeah I'm scared." Alex shoved passed me and walked into my house. I stared after him, my mouth opening and closing like a fish.

"W-what are you doing?" I demanded shutting the front door. "This isn't your house. You can't walk in like you own it."

"Nice place." He nodded looking around the living room.

"I didn't say you could come in." My eyes narrowed at him as he walked towards my kitchen. "Hey stop!" I hurried after him.

"I see you've showered." Alex looked at me over his shoulder as he went to the fridge and opened it. He was literally making himself at home. This was MY house not his.

"Alex get out." At the sound of his name he turned around.

"So you do know my name." He leaned against the counter staring at me. His grey eyes beyond intimidating. I rolled my eyes at him.

"Seriously, what are you doing here?" I placed the umbrella on the counter, keeping it close incase I needed it. I didn't know Alex so who knew what he was capable of.

"Where are you parents?" I clenched my jaw hating how he kept dodging my questions and asking me ones of his own.

"At work."

"Good. Get dressed we are leaving."

"What?" His words were slowly processing. Did Alex Kinley tell me we are leaving?

"Hurry and get dressed."

"And I am going to leave with you why?"

"Riley." My eyebrows raised at the fact that he knew my name. Riley you are the most talked about girl at school, of course he knows your name. My inner voice replied. "You can either get dressed or I will carry you out in your pajamas."

"You wouldn't." I narrowed at him. I tried to act like I wasn't freaking out but I was. Inwardly I was yelling at myself for even letting Alex into my house and telling me what to do. I didn't even know the guy yet here he is telling me to get dressed for god knows what.

"I would." The glint in his eyes made my stomach sink. He definitely would.

"B-but I..." I couldn't seem to find any words.

"By the looks of it you clearly aren't busy so don't even try with an excuse." Damn it.

"I don't know where we are going so how will I know what to wear?" Maybe if I got him to say where we were going I could get out of it.

"Wear whatever you want." He just shrugged.

"Wow that is so helpful." I rolled my eyes at him.

"Just dress comfortable."

I stared him trying to decide if he was being serious. I could not wrap my head around the fact that Alex was really here and wanting me to go somewhere with him. This had to be some joke or I was dreaming. Yeah, I probably fell asleep while watching Netflix.

"You know standing there killing time isn't going to make me leave. I can stand here all day if I have too." Well there went my other plan of waiting it out.

I was angry at myself for actually wanting to go with him. What if this was all some joke to get me out of the house and then humiliate me in front of the whole school? I was intrigued by Alex for some reason. He was this mysterious guy that no one really knew and here he was at my house. Me of all people.

I stood there debating if I should really go through with this. What could it hurt? You. Feeling Alex's eyes on me I felt my resolve slowly disappear. I wanted to go out on a Friday night. To act like a normal 17 year old, even if it was with Alex who I didn't even know.

"Fine. Give me five minutes." My response surprised the both of us. Before I could talk myself out of it I turned and hurried towards the stairs. "Don't take anything!" I yelled over my shoulders as I ran upstairs.

Why I was actually going out with Alex I have no idea. It was like the reasonable part of my brain was now shut off. This could honestly turn out to be the worst decision but I wasn't listening to that voice in my head.

For the first time in almost a month I was going to go out on a Friday. I had no clue what Alex had planned but I honestly didn't seem to mind.

Not wanting to keep Alex downstairs for long I quickly went to my closet. Knowing that he saw me in my PJ's made my cheeks burn. Shaking off my embarrassment I grabbed a pair of skinny jeans and wiggled my way into them. Knowing I couldn't just wear a regular t-shirt like I normally did, I searched for a 'fancier' top.

Finding a simple yet cute top that had slits that showed off my bare shoulders I pulled it on. Once I was dressed I practically ran into my bathroom to fix my hair. At least it was now clean after today's incident. I decided to just run a brush through my straight hair and keep it down.

Putting on a bit of mascara and slapping on some tinted gloss I called it good. There was no point in getting all dolled. When I was Mitch I felt like I had to wear eight pounds of makeup and skin tight outfits. None of it was me. I always dreaded going out with him and he rarely liked to stay in and watch movies.

Taking a deep breath I grabbed my purse and phone before heading downstairs. The faster we get out of the house the less likely I was to change my mind. Coming downstairs I glanced in the kitchen to tell Alex I was ready only not to see him.

"Uh Alex?" I called out moving towards the living room. I went to call his name again but paused seeing him standing in my living room staring at the pictures along the fireplace.

"You have a brother?" Alex asked, not bothering to turn around as I came up behind him.

"Yeah, he is two years older than me."

"Hmmm."

"Why do you want to know?"

"Want to know if I can take him if he comes home and sees me with his little sister." He finally turned to face me, a smirk on his face. I couldn't help but laugh at his words.

"Good luck with that." He raised an eyebrow as I laughed. "He's in the Marines." I watched as his smirk slowly diminished. "Ready to go?" He just nodded and headed for the door.

Grabbing my keys by the door I flipped on the front porch light before closing and locking the door behind us.

"Not going to leave a note for your parents or something?"

"It's a friday night they don't care." I waved him off lying. It wasn't really a lie, my parents could care less what I do and they just weren't around to care.

Walking down the driveway I was surprised at the sight of a car sitting by the curb instead of Alex's usual bike. I stared at the car feeling beyond jealous. Alex had my dream car, a 2017 Chevy Camaro in a dark charcoal. Damn, it was so beautiful.

"Are you coming?" The sound of his voice jerked me out of my staring. I was finally going to ride in my dream car! Feeling slightly giddy I quickly made my way towards the passenger seat.

When I got inside my jaw dropped a little. The dark leather seats underneath of me were beyond comfortable. I was pleasantly surprised that Alex didn't have any trash on the group and it smelt like guy cologne; it wasn't overly strong either. I found myself running my hands over the front console longingly.

"Why are you petting my car?" He questioned, sliding in the drivers seat and turning the car on. The engine purred softly making me smile.

"Because you have a Chevy Camaro. Four cylinder, V8 engine, with a horse power of 275." I rambled off mindlessly.

"You know cars." He said, clearly impressed. I blushed forcing my hands back into my lap.

"Kind of. I mean my brother use to work on them a bit and this is my dream car." I mumbled. Mitch always hated when I rambled about cars.

"A nerd that knows cars." Alex hummed.

"Don't call me that."

"What a nerd?"

"Yes." I hissed through clenched teeth.

"Why not?" He glanced at me for a second before turning back to the road.

"Because I hate it." I use to be referred to as the 'nerd' until certain nicknames came into the picture but I still hated it. I was far from a nerd.

"Fine I won't call you a nerd anymore...freckles." My head snapped in his direction.

"Freckles?"

"Yep, your new nickname."

"I don't want a nickname."

"I don't care freckles." Annoyed I turned and looked out the window. I was silent all but two minutes.

"Where are we doing?" I noticed we were heading towards the other side of town.

"We are going to see some friends." When he didn't elaborate I looked at him with a raised eyebrow.

"Not going to tell me anything else?"

"Nope." I was trying hard not to get pissed at him but it wasn't that easy. I was starting to regret agreeing coming with him. "Don't worry you'll like it."

I wanted to ask him how he knew I would but I refrained. Instead I continued on looking out the window as he drove us to our destination. When Alex turned down a really nice neighborhood I started to get curious. Where was he taking me?

"Uh Alex?" It seemed each passing house was bigger than the last. "Why are we in the nicest part of town?" Don't get me wrong I lived in a good neighborhood with a decent sized house but these were twice the size of mine.

"We are meeting a friend." He answered vaguely. I briefly remember seeing him with two friends but for the life of me I couldn't remember them right now. I knew nothing about Alex Kinley honestly. What I have heard is probably as accurate as my rumors. All I do know is girls throw themselves at him.

When he pulled in the driveway at the end of the street I felt my eyes widen. It was without a doubt the biggest house on the street. Who the hell lived here? I wondered silently.

I was too busy staring to notice Alex had stopped the car and was now heading towards the front door. Hissing under my breath I threw my door open and ran towards him.

"Could have waited for me you know." I spoke once I caught up with him.

"And ruin your gawking?"

"I was not gawking." I lied. Beside me he just snorted.

Alex grasped the door handle and pushed it open, walking inside the house like it was his.

"Alex." I hissed, still standing in the doorway. "You can't just walk in."

"Well I just did." I glanced behind me to see if anyone was coming. We couldn't just walk into some strangers house! Even though the alarm hadn't gone off doesn't mean anything.

Noticing Alex was now further in the house I cursed under my breath and hurried after him. My converse slapped loudly on the tile. The place was immaculate. Not a single speck of dirt or dust was seen, and with a place this size it would take a village to clean it.

"Noah." Alex called out, coming to a stop beneath some stairs. A second later a blonde head appeared at the top of the staircase.

"Be down in a second." The voice sounded vaguely familiar but before I could think more on it Alex was moved again. Not knowing anything about this 'Noah' person or this house I trailed after him silently.

I gawked at practically everything. There was a gorgeous chandelier that hung in the hallway, beautiful paintings on the walls, and the small things added around just made it even better and that was just the hallway. When I peeked into the living room it was the same thing.

Everything was put together so well that I wondered if the mom/wife was an interior decorator. I wanted to keep gawking but Alex was already in the kitchen helping himself to the fridge.

"You know it is rude to go through people's fridges." I commented, leaning against the marble counter top.

"Noah doesn't care." Alex spoke with his head in the fridge.

"Noah does care." Came the same voice from the top of the stairs. My head snapped in the direction of the voice and instantly my eyes widened. 

Walking into room was none other than the hot guy from the bookstore the other day.

You've got to be kidding me!

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Hello! I am sorry about the 'late' update. I was gone all weekend to LA and yesterday I spent a full day of catch up. But no worries I am back and with an update! :) 

I am so excited to see the support and love this book has been getting! We are already at 3.5k reads and over 400 votes! How insane is that!? THANK YOU guys so much for the love, even if we are only at 3 chapters. You guys are amazing and the best readers anyone can have. 

I hope you guys enjoy this chapter! I promise things will start getting better, especially since Alex is now coming into play as well as some other...friends ;) 

But anyways, let me know what you think as always! I love hearing from you guys!! If you guys ever want to talk I am here :) I always reply to messages, comments. I am on Twitter and Instagram as well so feel free to pop by! 
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Love you guys! 

<3 <3

-Ken