It's Always Been You

chapter fourteen

Riley

Three years ago

Going into my third year at uni should feel daunting, but I'm actually pretty happy where my life is at right now.

I've been seeing Chase still, and even though we haven't put a label on us yet, I know he is mine and I'm falling. I'm falling faster than I ever thought was possible. Can you meet the love of your life at such a young age and stay together though everything?

I guess my Mom and Dad did, so did my grandparents. My eldest brother Nate is marrying his girlfriend too, so maybe there is hope for me yet.

After spending everyday with Chase over the summer, we have become inseperable. The only thing weighing down on my mind is that my family doesn't know that we are together. My friends know, as does Chase's best friend Noah, but to anyone else we are simply just friends.

I want to ask Chase tonight if we should tell them. I know my parents will be happy, they've always thought of Chase as another son, so surely they would be happy with me dating such a good guy. I think my brothers will find it strange at first, but they will be happy for me I know it.

"Hey, did you hear?"

Evie drops down beside me, throwing her bag on the floor, as I sit in my favourite corner of the coffee shop near the university.

"Hear what?"

"Chase was threatening some guy in the gym this morning and he hasn't been in any classes today."

What? Threatening someone? That doesn't sound like Chase. Something is wrong.

"He text me this morning saying he is coming over to mine tonight but that's all I got. I assumed he was in class."

"I don't know. I've just come from the gym now and everyone was talking about it." Evie shrugs.

"Who was the guy he was threatening?"

"No idea. Maybe you should talk to him about it later."

"Yeah I will."

***

"Hey."

Chase walks silently into my apartment the next day. He was too tired apparently to come and see me last night.

"Are you texting Dylan?" He blurts out of nowhere.

"What?" My brows furrow as I stand in the kitchen with Chase behind me. Turning to face him when I hear him speak again.

"Just answer the fucking question Riley. Are you texting Dylan?" His voice thick and his eyes stare into me.

"Dylan is in my design class and we have been assigned our third year project together. So yes, we have texted to meet to work on our project together. Why would- "

I hear him curse under his breath as he drags his fingers through his hair.

Oh, I see.

"Hang on, is that who you threatened yesterday? At the gym?"

"How do you know about that?"

I shake my head. Is he serious right now?

"So it was. He is my partner for my project Chase. You can't go around threatening everyone who I have to work with!"

"He is a fucking prick ok! He said he'd been in here, in your room!" He shouts, pointing at my door.

I shake my head, obviously Dylan for whatever reason is trying to wind Chase up, and it worked.