Falling Up

15. Drive

"Where's Jason?" asked Riley as she sat down in the passenger seat of Noah's car. Normally Jason would be the one to pick her up after classes but occasionally Noah would chip in if Jason was busy.

"He's on a date," said Noah. "You win."

"Ha!" exclaimed Riley. "I knew he couldn't last longer than three days. It only took him...lets see.." Riley glanced over at Noah's watch. "...42 hours give or take. So I believe you just lost the bet."

"I admit defeat," sighed Noah, putting the car into drive as they set forth.

"And..." coaxed Riley.

"I'll do the dishes for the week, as agreed."

Riley smirked, the glorious feeling of winning seeping into her body. She rested her head on the back head rest and looked out at the passing trees as the smile stayed attached to her face. It wasn't often she won against her brother but when she did, she made sure to milk it for all it was worth.

"So you've got your party tonight I hear," asked Noah.

"Yeah, Kendra said she would pick me up at 7pm."

"Are you sure you don't want me to take you? I can drop you off and pick you up?" asked Noah. 

She could pick up on the nervous undertone in his voice but she refused to back down from this one. She was determined to go to a party like a normal girl, and that meant carpooling with her friend.

"No it's fine. Kendra said she would drop me home," replied Riley.

"Okay, just make sure you're home by midnight. Jason's rules."

"Will he even notice if he's hanging out with Tyrus? I'm pretty sure his mind is going to be elsewhere anyway."

"Don't even think about it Riley. Jason isn't the only one who wants you home on time. Don't keep me waiting," said Noah, running a hand through his hair.

"Yeah, yeah," said Riley dismissively waving her hand in the air.

Noah looked over to Riley, raising his eyebrows at her attitude.

"I'll be home on time, I promise."

***

Riley had no idea what to wear to the party that evening. She didn't even know what to do at a party. What did people do besides drink and chat? Was she expected to dance? She shook her head at that eerie thought. She had no skills whatsoever in dancing. In fact, she had very minimal skills in social interaction in general.

Grabbing her phone from her side table she took one last look in the mirror at her black jeans and grey long sleeve top. It wasn't the greatest choice in outfit but it would do. Just at the moment her phone buzzed, letting her know that Kendra was waiting for her out front.

She rushed out of her room, heading towards the door. "Bye Noah, see you later," she shouted out behind her. Just as she opened the front door an arm reached overhead and shut the door in front of her, blocking her entrance.

"Don't be late," said Noah. "Don't do drugs, don't drink, don't talk to guys. And if anything happens for the love of god please call me. Even if you just want me to pick you up."

Riley turned around to see her brother looking exceptionally worried as he kept his hand on the door behind her. "I'll be fine Noah. You don't need to worry."

He grabbed her in a massive hug, wrapping his protective arms around her as he rested his chin on her head. "I can't not worry. Just please be safe."

"I will," Riley replied, shuffling herself out of Noah's grip as a honking of a car echoed through the house. "I have to go. Kendra is waiting for me."