UNCONDITIONALLY YOURS

Making a statement // 32

Riley

A month later...

Things were finally set, and my nerves were indescribable. I never used to have nerves because I never used to have anything to be nervous about. After all, when you have nothing, there is nothing to lose. But I had something to long for now, something to cherish and light at the end of a long and sickening dark tunnel. Feeling nervous was only a signal of how important what I was about to do was, it was motivation and all I needed to conquer what had restricted me for years.

Over that month, I had spent every moment I could by Parker's side, and I have realised more and more how much I loved him. I had always feared I would fall in love with Parker, right from the start, but I always figured I wouldn't quite know if I did. Somehow, I did know. And I continued to know with not a single doubt in my mind every time I looked at him. But I couldn't tell him, not then. It seemed too soon, and he was always open about his feelings. If he loved me, he would tell me, so he clearly didn't love me. That wasn't necessarily negative, and I didn't hold it against him, having someone care about me at all was new and all I could ask for.

It was a night I had been waiting for and anticipating, Parker had been too. We had everything planned finally, not just for that evening but looking into the future. Me and Parker dressed to impress and to match. Matching with him was just another string to pull to irritate and shock. And most importantly, to make a statement. I wore a bold red dress with a slit up the leg and Parker wore a matching tie. We drove there in silence because we were both thinking. I was nervous myself but seeing Parker silent in thought only made things worse. He was usually strong, reliable and level-headed, but the fact that he was nervous had an effect on me too.

Eventually, we took together to the side of a huge and fancy building. We watched from a corner as hundreds of rich and well-dressed people made their way to the door and into the building. I saw a few faces I recognised. I finally laid my eyes on one face in particular I recognised only too much. I quickly backed back around the corner.

"What's wrong?" Parker immediately questioned.

"Nothing." I breathed. "The Erikson's and Ben, they are here that's all. The last time I saw Ben it was... you know." He looked down at me with sympathetic eyes and wrapped his hands around my waist.

"I know, but we already knew they would be here, Thunder. Laura and James Erikson always come to these things. I can imagine it is hard to see him, but I am here so please just trust me and this will as me over soon."

I took a few deep breaths. This was just going to be something I would have to face, and I could only hope it would be worth it, in fact I was sure it would be. If everything went to plan, it would be worth it. I could face it knowing he was there for me. Over that month, Parker had been perfect and the only good thing going for me. He always supported me and cared for me unconditionally, and he took me out a few evenings and we always had the best time. I stood on my toes and gave Parker a quick kiss on the cheek.

"Let's go." The sooner I faced it the sooner it would be over.

I held on to Parker's hand and we stepped through the door. It was instantly full of a hustle of people. They all glanced over to check who the new entrances were. I scanned the room, there was no sight of my father or the Eriksons. They would recognise me the fastest so maybe that was for the best.

I forgot how normal it was for Parker to bring a date, because at first no one had a reaction to me. To think that they thought me as the kind of girl that would drop at Parker's knees for a chance to be his date was sickening, but soon enough someone would recognise me. We intentionally chose an even with cameras and reporters aloud, so our picture was instantly taken as we walked in. Rumour spread fast, but news spread faster. People began making a fuss over Parker and asking him if he needed a drink if he wanted to see anyone or if he needed anything blah blah blah.

I looked to my right and saw a group of girls around my age who were evidently drooling over Parker. Seriously? They could see I was right never to him, and they still act like that? It was gross, and irritating. Damn, it was so, so irritating. As I scanned their faces, I realised I recognised one of them and I quickly realised who it was.

Leah, my ex 'best friend' and the girl Ben cheated on me with. I stared at her because I hadn't seen her in years. She looked different. She used to be quite pretty, but she had clearly had work done on her face since I last saw her, and she just looked fake. Suddenly, she looked away from Parker, and her eyes drilled directly into mine. She instantly clasped a hand over her mouth, and I knew this was it.

"Riley?" She shouted over to me in an almost disgusted tone. Everyone stopped looking at Parker for a moment and they switched there gaze to me. "That's Riley Atkinson! That's David Atkinson's daughter with Parker Jones!" She continued to shout. There was an audible gasp and I gulped.

Everyone's eyes were on me and Parker, but I stood still. There was so much pressure and anticipation of when my father would inescapably walk through the door and see us. A reporter approached us through a room of silence, taking a picture on his way. He got his notepad out.

"So, is this just a date or are you guys... more." The reported questioned gingerly. I waited for Parker to answer because I feared I wouldn't be capable of getting my words out.

"She is my girlfriend." He stated profoundly and there was yet another gasp from the crowd that was seemingly becoming an audience.

"RILEY ATKINSON HOW DARE YOU!" Came the booming voice I had seen coming. Time to face my father.