I never thought there'd be you

Part 4

After school the next day, I receive a text from my mother.

"Hi my sweetheart. Please can you stop on by the grocery store and pick up the already-made meal macaroni and cheese? Thanks Hun xx".

Rolling my eyes – looking directly at a stranger whose facial expression changes to confusion – I make my way to the grocery store. I apologize to the man and state my eye rolling was not aimed at him.

I grab the mac and cheese and decide to also grab a little treat for myself.

I walk down the sweet isle and contemplate if I really want the treat or not.

"Excuse me, but can you tell me where I can find the fruit section please?" I jump where I stand. The voice sounds familiar.

I reply. "Sure, it is down –". I look up and stop mid-sentence. It is Chris. He looks at me, puzzled. He then frowns.

He opens his mouth to, but I speak before he can say a word. "What are you doing here?" I narrow my eyes.

"Looking for the fruit section." He answers.

I roll my eyes. "I meant what are you doing in this town? Don't you have other concerts to attend?" My tone is bitter, but I don't care. He was rude to me last night.

"Are you going to tell me where the fruit section is or not?" He huffs.

"It is in Aisle 4." I answer coldly.

I need to leave, or else I am going to start shouting. I quickly turn on my heel, but I bump right into someone else. "Sorry I –"

"I am sorry. Are you alright?" Another familiar voice.

I look up. It's Riley.

Realizing who I am, he smiles. "Oh! Gaby! What a surprise to meet you here! Long time, no see huh?" He jokes as he picks me up and squeezes me.

I cannot help but snigger a little. "Yeah I am alright thanks, but can you put me down please?"

Riley puts me down.

"While you two are busy talking, I am going to Aisle 4." Chris says in an ugly-sarcastic tone.

"Well I have to go home now anyway." I walk past Riley, who grabs hold of my hand.

"Hold on." He lets go of my hand, "The guys and I are throwing a party for my younger sister. I was hoping that you can come with?"

I raise my brow. "As exciting as that sounds, I don't really know you guys so..."

"Oh like she'd come to a party. She doesn't even like us or our music." Chris states.

I glare at Chris. He makes my blood boil, and I have not even known him for a full 24 hours.

"You know what? I think I will attend your sister's birthday." I turn my attention to Riley.

Riley smiles and picks me up again to hug me. Great to hear! I do kinda sort of have a favor to ask you." He puts me down.

I do not respond.

"I was wondering if it be possible if you could help us with the decorations and all. We like, not that great at those kinda things."

I think about it for a moment, and then come to a conclusion. "Alright, but I'll need details about the party and what your sister likes."

"I'll let you know as soon as I can. What school do you go to?" He asks.

I tilt my head to the side. "How did you..." I look down and slap my forehead, "Of cause!"

"You appear to have your uniform on." Riley waves his hand up and down.

"Okay. I go to Eastwood High." I answer.

"Great! I will be there tomorrow." He smiles.

"Alone I hope." I say aloud so that Chris could hear me.

He rolls his eyes and looks away.

Riley and I bid each other goodbye. Chris crossed his arms. He mumbled under his breath and walked away.