Escaping RiverCreek

Chapter 10

Chapter 10: Bad News Night

About eight weeks have gone by since that crazy weekend. Things haven't calmed down between Lloyd and Frankie, as they battle it out in the shadow of night.

Rick and Kayla continue to dwell on the idea of getting more time alone since their relationship has heated up physically. Cory and Tara haven't had anything happen between them since that snowy romantic night.

Much to the surprise of their friends, when passion between Rick and Kayla isn't at new heights, they're battling over the littlest things. One Friday night, it spills over when everyone is hanging out down at the point.

"Hey, I wasn't done talking to you!" Kayla yells when Rick goes to walk away.

"Yeah, well go talk to someone who you like to flirt with and flaunt ya tits at!" Rick brawls, keeping his back to Kayla.

"Go fuck yourself! Fucking asshole!"

Rick doesn't let up arguing back. "Yeah, I bet you would like a good lay, wouldn't you. I see how you look at Nick at work. Want 'em? You can go have him."

Kayla takes off running after him, smacking him in the back of his head.

"I hate you, Rick!"

Hearing enough of her jaw jacking, Rick climbs into his van and takes off. Out on the street, Kayla nearly gets hit by two others racing along the straight stretch.

"Yeah, you better run, bitch!" She stands there as the guilt and regret of arguing once again take control. "Come back ... please ..." she whispers, wiping away her tears.

Tara strolls up beside her and places her arm around Kayla's shoulders.

"He'll calm down and come back. He always does. Come on. I'll give you a ride home."

Kayla sniffles and walks over to Tara's Christmas present from her parents: a brand-new violet and gray Kia Sportage.

"He hates me, girl. I can't control myself, and he's so jealous it drives me crazy."

Cranking over the engine, Tara sits there for a moment, trying to think of anything to say. "I wish I could tell you what to do or say. It's not easy having to deal with this—believe me, I know. Just give him some time and space to cool down. Best I can tell you to do."

"I wanna spend the night over at your place. Last thing I need is Rick coming over, sneaking into my room, and wanting to make up for this. It hurts too much to keep going like this. I think we do need time apart."

Tara huffs, relating to the issue her best friend is feeling.

"Yeah. Need to stop and get you a change of clothes first?"

Kayla replies with a simple, "Yes" keeping her eyes locked on the edge of the road, staring out the passenger-side window.

"All right, let's do this, then. Girls night!" Tara announces, trying to swing the mood in her car.

They stop by Kayla's place. The girls quickly gather a few things she'll need for their night together.

"Don't forget your favorite movie, and when we get to my house, we'll order an extra-large cheese pizza and eat away our feelings."

Kayla does as best friend suggests and hurry back to Tara's. Relaxed on the couch, the girls use their time to chitchat, waiting on their food to arrive before they dive into Kayla's beloved chick-flick feature film.

"Well, I know you haven't discussed it much but tell me. Do you love him yet?"

Tara's face begins to glow a soft shade of rose.