RafexKiara Tangled Up in All Your Pieces // Riara

Chapter 12

4 Days left ; The Party

The sound of blaring music entered my ears as I focused on who appeared to be gullible enough to buy my drugs. I explained my situation to Barry and promised to help him by selling at this party, earning some money for him and some for myself.

When school resumed, Topper hosted these parties every Friday. Topper was known for throwing parties, so you'd see college Kooks and even some high schoolers from Charleston here.

At these parties, Barry's business was a household name, so I took advantage of the opportunity to come across as an ambassador, being a girl, and selling it for a higher price than Barry usually offers.

I came here to make some extra money because I was only 85 percent of the way to paying Hart. I could have spent the weekend in Charleston, but I needed to get my mind off things, so I stayed closer to home. I didn't want to make a mistake in Charleston and risk losing all of my money.

I walk around in my skintight dress, uncomfortably aware of how quickly I will make sales tonight. I wish women were regarded as human beings rather than objects. But here I was, wearing a skimpy dress and a bit of makeup, hoping to attract the right customers' attention.

I could be having a good time at this party right now. But instead, I'm here to pay off my father's debts.

I had a fight tonight that was much more valuable than the ones I usually win. The best fighter in Charleston was rumored to be my opponent. I was nervous because I'd never fought anyone outside of Kildare Island.

It was nice to see a new face, but I didn't want more people watching me and scouting the place. When Kelce arrived at the ring, I became more cautious. I'd be out in a heartbeat if I slipped up.

I knew that getting into the boxing business was critical in and of itself, but it was something I had to deal with. It took me away from the outside world on occasion, allowing me to be someone else behind a mask.

It allowed me to see the world in a different light, without anyone to judge and label me as a kook or a pogue.

I considered telling the boys about it at times. But, being selfish, a part of me wanted to have it all to myself. I know I advocate for acceptance and new beginnings in our community, but there were times when I felt like nothing would ever change.

I knew I had to try to change something, but it's difficult when everyone is against you. If people want peace, as I know they do deep down, then let go of your pride and step out to make a difference.

I'm not saying it's easy; it isn't, and it never will be. But there has to be a point in one's life when one takes initiative.

I've hit rock bottom. I've been at the bottom of the pit that I've dug for myself with all my anxieties. I've looked up into the light, hoping that someone would come along and help me out. I realized that in order to improve, we had to take that step ourselves.

There will be times when no one will be there for you. No one is going to tell you that you need to do better. To tell you to get off the couch, to be nice to your enemies, and to obey your parents when necessary. No one. That's when my entire world flipped upside down.

It was at that point that I realized everything. Money, cars, fame—whatever you want to call it—mean nothing if you don't have the right people in your life. Without the ones who are there for you through thick and thin, no matter how much money you have, those moments with each other are what matter the most.

And, yes, I know I said no one would be there for you. You just need to find the right people who will support you. It's just those times in life when you're so low that you know what you need but refuse to accept help from those who truly care about you.