Forces of Attraction: Book One

Rihannon

Elliot came up to me the next day and sobbed on my bed. I was just waking up and I was a bit confused by his state. But then he said he was sorry for being rude to me and I wrapped my arms around him.

"It's okay, honey," I softly said. "I know it's hard without them but we just have each other. And as long as we stick together, everything will be okay." He sniffled and smiled.

As I drop off my brother at school, I look down at the small ring from my phone. My heart flutters at Arden's text.

Good morning, beautiful. How was your night? Is Elliot still angry?

I start to text back but I stop at the sight of someone familiar. I look up and see Tomas jogging with earbuds in. I hesitate in waving hello, but he sees me and runs up to me with a smile.

"Hey, Rihannon!"

"Hey!" I say with a chuckle. "Getting in shape?"

"More like toning it up," he playfully says as he shows off his biceps. I do a small laugh and he then gently says, "No. I'm actually getting ready for a very important competition."

"Oh. Nice!"

"Yeah. Against Arden's school."

"I see."

"Yes." He then does a knowing smile as he says, "So...I was wondering if you wanted to go out to eat after work today?"

Oh. I forgot he was in the picture for a moment.

"Um...Well...there's something you should know..." Worry crosses his eyes, but I don't hesitate this time. "I'm...seeing someone."

And just like that, I can see that stab at his heart through his eyes. "Oh," he sadly says. He puts on a fake smile and nods. "I'm happy for you."

"I'm sorry, Tomas—"

"No! Please. It's your decision and I'm sure you're happy. I just...yeah. Uh. I'm happy for you."

"This...won't change anything between us, right? We'll still be friends?"

Sadness overwhelms him and I hate to be the one doing this to him. He's always so kind to me. He swallows down his hurt and says, "Yeah! We're still good friends. Don't worry. And for whatever you need...let me know. You can still count on me."

I take a gentle hold of his hand against my window and smile. "I'm so relieved about that, Tomas. Thank you, my friend."

This stabs him again but I don't know what to do. It's the truth. He is just a friend...

It was even more uncomfortable when I watched him leave with fallen shoulders. Why me? 

Though, a phone call from Arden distracts my thoughts on Tomas in the afternoon. I quickly answer as I wait for Elliot to come out of school. "Hello?"

"Hey, girl."

I chuckle. "Now I'm just a girl?"

"I mean...I'm not sure how you feel with affectionate nicknames."

"I don't know. I've never been called any affectionate nicknames by a man."

"Hm. Don't worry. We'll work on that. How's your day going?"

"Fine. I have to get to the Sports Shop soon once I pick up Elliot. You're still in school?"

"I am. We're on our small break and I wanted to hear your voice, Miss Harper."

I chuckle at this and smile when I see Elliot running up to my car. "Well, Mister Haynes, my brother is here so I must let you go."

"Oh hey! Before you go...I was wondering if you would like to go on a proper date with me? One that officially sets us as a couple. What do you think?"