Lost Hope

Chapter Eight

Returning back to my house, I immediately notice River's car parked in the driveway, but unaccompanied, proving that she's somewhere inside with Lola. I stroll through the front door and follow the muffled sounds of loud music up the stairs until I reach my bedroom door. It's pink — not that I had a say in what colour it would be painted. Lola decided, because Lola's always been the one in charge, even though she's only eight minutes older than me. Sometimes she treats me like a little kid who's lost its way and needs constant guidance. I often have to remind her that we're both eighteen, not that it makes a difference in her mind.

As soon as I open the door, I'm hit with strong wafts of at least four different perfumes and body sprays. The smell is so strong that it makes my nose sting and causes my throat to close up.

"Back already?" Lola asks with a grin. She takes the makeup brush away from River's face, giving her a break for at least a few seconds. "Did you guys have fun?"

"We ran in a field," I tell her plainly.

Her grin flops to a disappointment frown. I almost smile at the sight. Instead, I return to my bed and drop to the soft covers that I hide my face in as a way to escape from the world.

"Is that it?" she spits.

I lift my head and smile as a way to annoy her further; revenge for her trying to push Brains and I together.

"Yes," I reply.

River turns in the seat, revealing her half painted face. Her eyes are squinted and doesn't seem to be enjoying herself in the slightest. "How is Brains?" she asks.

"Fine. Why?"

"I was just wondering. Is he coming to the party tonight?"

"Apparently."

The sides of her mouth lift into what I can only explain to be an excited smile. "With you?"

My shoulders slump. Not another person eager to see Brains and I together. That will never happen. Friends is all we'll ever be—possibly even good friends eventually.

"No. Not with me. With all of us."

River nods her head and doesn't push on the subject anymore. She must notice that I get annoyed about the subject, plus I assume she got her sources from Lola, who likes to stir the pot and add her own little details into gossip. For that reason, I don't hold it against River.

"How's you and Will?" I ask once I realise I'm not making much of an effort. River isn't much of a talker, so I should make the most of her trying and asking questions that she doesn't need to.

"We're good. Really good." Her cheeks grow rosy with a blush as she talks about her relationship. Will and River are different in so many ways, but are also so similar. In my opinion, that makes them perfect for each other. "Actually, we're looking for houses."

"You're getting a house together?"

"Not right now, but we're looking for when we finish sixth form. Hopefully by next year we'll be buying one."

Lola can hardly contain herself. She squeals and claps her hands at the news that I'm sure her and River have discussed dozens of times before. River and Lola always call, always text, always go on double dates with their other halves. Me and River are close, but we're able to go a while without speaking, mostly because we both dislike using our voices. When we do see each other, however, it's as though no time has passed.

"I can't wait. Ryan and I will be over all the time, of course. We can have double dates, movie nights, sleepovers! I don't know when me and Ryan are getting a house, but it'll be soon. Within the next few years."