Believable (r.a.l.)

Chapter Twenty Four

Riker's POV

I sit my bottom down on the couch, phone in one hand and a mug of hot chocolate in the other. I unlock my phone to play a random app to keep myself occupied while I drink my beverage. But then I see Liane has sent me a message so instead I open that up to see what she's sent me.

Liane: Hey, how is Colorado so far?
Me: It's great, thanks! I just won a snowball fight I had with my brothers and a few of my cousins. Now I am having some hot cocoa. It is much colder here than in Cali... I like it.
Liane: I'm glad you're having fun. Meanwhile, I am bored out of my mind because there has been nothing to do ever since my best friend left for Colorado.
Me: For the thousandth time, I am sorry. There must be something you can do without me though.
Liane: Well... I can spend time with my siblings.
Me: There you go.
Liane: But they're being a pain right now. So I will continue to be bored.
Me: That stinks. I wish I could help.
Liane: You can. Face Time?

I look around the crowded living room. It is loud with conversations that don't have anything to do with me. No one is even paying attention to me so I guess it wouldn't hurt.

Me: Yeah I guess.
Liane: Yay!

Not even a minute later, my phone starts to ring and a silly picture of Liane appears on the screen. I slide my finger across the surface to answer the call and Liane's actual face pops up.

"Hey there, Hot Stuff," she grins at me and I chuckle at her choice of words.

"Hey Liane," I give a smile in return as I walk out to the back porch, sliding the door shut behind me to give us some privacy. "How's life?" I ask her, sitting down on a bench.

"Very boring, as I have told you. You know why?" she inquires sarcastically.

I smile. "Why oh why is your life so boring?" I ask dramatically and slurp up some of my drink.

"Because my best friend decided to leave me in the dust to go to Colorado and have fun playing hockey, going snowboarding or skiing, and having snowball fights. Without me," she pouts.

"You're not going to let this go, are you?" I laugh.

"Not until you come back home where you belong and spend your time with moi," she answers.

"Well sorry, hon. But that's not happening 'til after New Years."

"Then New Years needs to pass already," she frowns but it quickly turns back into a smile.

"We just got here two days ago. And we can't skip Ross' birthday," I argue. "It's in three days. And not far after that is New Years. I'll be home in no time, alright?"

Liane nods. "You can't forget to bring back some snow for me."

"It'll melt by the time we land."

"But I've never seen snow in my entire life. Please will you bring some home?" She gives me her puppy eyes, begging me to give in.

I roll my eyes and laugh. "I'll see what I can do," I promise her and she cheers.

Then I hear the sliding door open and close again. I turn my head to see Rocky walking out onto the porch.

"Oh. Hey, Rocky," I say to let Liane know we have company. I take out one of my ear buds so I can hear him speak even though I'd rather ignore him.

"What are you doing outside? It's freezing." He shivers, rubbing his arms to warm them up.

I shrug. "I like it. Plus, it's not as loud." He nods. "I'm forcing you to stay out here with me," sorta hinting at him to go away.