Crazy Stupid Love

Chapter 42: Double Almost Date

Marriya's PoV

Ryland stands at my front door in slightly ripped jeans and a red button-up shirt, the sleeves rolled up to his elbows. He gnaws on his bottom lip anxiously, the anticipation of the date growing in him every second leading up to it.
"Just chill, Dude," Rocky laughs.
"Can we please go?" Ryland requests impatiently.
"Your wish is my command," Rocky replies sarcastically, unlocking his car as we walk towards it.
The drive to the bowling alley is short, lucky for my nerves. Ryland is unable to sit still, his actions grating my nerves for the entire 15 minutes.
Rocky pulls into a parking space along the street, and we all file out.

The bowling alley is quite small, only 3 lanes lying parallel to each other, along with a concession and washrooms. The first two lanes are taken up by what seems to be a young boy's birthday party, leaving the final lane for us. A girl, looking to be about 16, sits on in a chair near our lane, tapping quickly at the keyboard on her phone.
"Hey, Alana!" Ryland calls out, walking over to her and pulling her into a tight hug.
Alana is a petite girl with long brown hair tucked into a beanie, bright eyes, and a warm smile. She is absolutely stunning.
"Nice job, dude!" Rocky laughs, giving his brother an overdramatic high five.
"I'm Marriya," I say, offering her my hand.
"Alana," she smiles, reaching out for me.
"Who's ready to get their ass kicked?" Rocky asks arrogantly, beginning to set up the game.
"I hope you are, because we both know I'm going to win," Ryland replies.
"Game on."

.

The cool air consumes the four of us as we walk out of the bowling alley a few hours later. Rocky wears his signature smirk, not allowing anyone to forget how badly he crushed all of us. Tonight was a prime example of why I don't bowl.
"I had fun tonight," Alana says.
"Let's do it again sometime," Ryland replies as he takes her hand; walking her towards her car. Pulling the handle, he gestures for her to enter.
After pressing a soft kiss to her cheek and murmuring something I am unable to comprehend in her ear, he presses the driver side door shut. Smiling widely, he comes to stand with Rocky and I as Alana drives away.
"Thank you, Marriya," Ryland whispers. "For everything."

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Walking into my house, I see Rydel sitting on Ellington's lap. A movie is playing softly, but it seems to have been long since forgotten as the two of them lay tangled in each other's embrace.
"You guys look cozy," I smirk, raising my eyes suggestively at my brother.
His eyes dance with amusement as he leans down, pressing his lips against Rydel's.
"When did this happen?" I ask. "And I mean officially. We all know it's been going on for years."
"About a week ago," Rydel replies.
"It's so great to see you home," I grin.
"It's great to be home," she agrees. "But I need you to call the others. Tell them to come now."
"Rydel, it's almost midnight..."
"Get them here," she demands.
I do as I'm told. 10 minutes later, the 7 of us are seated around my living room; waiting anxiously to see what Rydel and Ellington have planned.
"So, as I am sure you all are aware, it is our parents' 25 wedding anniversary in a week. Ratliff and I were thinking about throwing them a surprise party!" she squeals.
"That sounds epic!" Rocky exclaims.
"What if we sent them on a trip?" Ross asks. "That's what we will get them as a gift from all of us."
"Send Cheryl and George too," Ryland suggests.
"Sounds amazing," Riker agrees.
The plan slowly falls into place, the seven of us staying up long past the setting of the sun.
Rydel disappears upstairs with Ellington as soon as we finish, much to Rocky's amusement.
Ross follows me to my room; closing the door behind himself.
Changing quickly, I slip under the blankets beside him. His strong arms wrap protectively around my body; his fingers running through my hair.
He opens his mouth to say something, but the words are soon replaced with a wide smile.
"What?" I laugh.
"Nothing," he grins.
"Ross!" I whine, unable to fight the smile fighting it's way into my face.
"Before I met you, I never understood what it was like to look at someone and smile for no reason. I'm so glad I met you," he whispers.

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I just finished my exams, so that's why I've been gone for the past little while :/
So this was a boring chapter I know, but it was needed. Some big things are about to happen, and some characters will no longer be with us.
Anyway, if you guys enjoyed this chapter, please vote and leave me a comment. I am getting pretty close to 25K, and it would mean the world if you guys got me there.

I love each and every one of you, and your continuous support means everything to me
~ Hannah xxx