Believable (r.a.l.)

Chapter Twenty One

Riker's POV

After Liane and I finish our coffees, we go take a walk in the park. We talked and laughed while messing around. It was like we've been best friends for forever. There is now no tension or secrets between the two of us. It feels nice. It feels really nice.

I cannot explain how relieved I am that Liane forgave me about lying to her. And I'm so relieved that she doesn't mind not being my girlfriend and would still like to continue being friends.

"I think I should be getting home now," Liane says.

"But we are having so much fun," I whine, turning to my friend.

"I know. But it's getting dark and my parents will be wondering where I am."

We stayed out longer than planned. I just thought we were going to get coffee and that's it. But we went for a walk and lost track of time.

"Okay fine," I give in. "But I'm bringing you home."

She gives me a smile, showing me she agrees. I smile back, taking her hand again and we make our way back to my car.

"So what are you going to do about Justine?" Liane inquires while on our way to her house.

"I'm not sure yet. I just know I'm going to fix this mess between us," I answer with a sigh looking a her.

"Well, if your efforts don't work, you know where I am," she flashes me a smirk.

"I know I do," I chuckle at her flirting. I park in her driveway and look at her. "I had fun today."

"Me too, Riker," she smiles, leaning over and kissing me on the cheek. I blush. "Thank you for clearing things up."

"I'm glad I did. Goodbye," I wave as she exits my car and heads inside.

When I get back home, everyone is sitting at the dinner table. The door closes loudly which catches their attention. All of their heads turn towards me.

"Where have you been? We've been calling you on your phone asking you where you were," my mother informs standing from her seat in the dining room and making her way over to me at the door.

"Sorry, Mom. I guess my phone died and I didn't know it. Otherwise I would've answered your calls," I apologize to her, dumping my backpack on the couch.

"Oh okay then. Well did you have dinner yet?" she asks as she leads me to the table where the rest of my family is. And Justine.

"Uh, no I didn't. All I had was a coffee after school. So I haven't eaten anything since lunch," I reply. I finally take my eyes off Justine who stares back at me and look at my mom.

"Okay, I will get you your dinner. Just take a seat." She shuffles off into the kitchen after I thank her. I take my seat between Ross and my father and across from Justine who sits next to Rocky. Ratliff is also here who occupies the seat aside Rydel and Ryland. We've got a crowded table tonight.

"So, Riker. Where have you been all day?" Mom asks after handing me my dinner and sitting back down next to Dad.

"I was hanging out with a friend. Just getting a coffee and stuff," I answer her, picking up my fork to start eating. Everyone else continues eating too.

"You know we had rehearsal today," Ratliff speaks up. Rydel and Ross nod in agreement.

"Sorry about that," I shrug.

"Well on the bright side, Justine and I got some of our project done," Rocky adds to the conversation.

"That's cool, I guess." I take another bite of my dinner.