Things in common *ON HOLD*

Chapter 9

Riley

I was done with my volunteering hours at four o'clock, and it was now five. I was at home by now but getting ready to leave again to meet up with my friends. There was this new frozen yogurt shop about 20 minutes into town. Alexandria had been bugging me to join the gang even though I had no intentions of going back out. I had my whole night set out for me. It was supposed to be my movie night which meant superman onesie, junk food buffet, and falling asleep in the middle of the second movie.

But now here I was putting on a pair of ripped loose blue jeans and a grey sweatshirt instead of my VERY comfy jammies. I whipped my hair into a cute little messy bun, and slipped my tims on. I applied a bit of mascara and some lip gloss to my face. I stared at my reflection in the mirror I was in front of and nodded my in approval.

"Okay time to go." I went and grabbed my keys off the nightstand next to my bed. I picked my phone and my backpack off my bed letting out a grunt since my bag wasn't the lightest. Observing my room I noticed how small it was. But I could manage for a little while longer until I move.

I was planning on moving out in 3 months. Because, well, because I was 22-years old for crying out loud! My grandparents tried to convince me that I should wait a little while longer until I get a job. I understand that I didn't have a job but I was planning on getting one. I emailed my resume yesterday. I was hoping to score a job at Kohactive, a web design firm. I finished college a year before the thing happened at the University of Cambrigde in London. I had my plans all set out after I got back to the states.

Me and Julian would find an aparment when I got back from London. I'd get a small job in town while I searched for an opening at a Design firm, Julian already had a job but was saving up for a car. After I get my job we'd find a house nearby both our parents. After we were financially stable Julian and I would get married and start planning on having family.

Obviously things didn't go as planned since I got pregnant while still having a crap job, living in an apartment and not a house, not being married. Not how I wanted anything to go but I was okay with the circumstances. I thought I could still get the job, get married to Julian, get my dream house, have kids. It was a bit out of order but maybe it'll all fall into place soon. I was wrong because instead of falling into place, it fell apart.

I shooke my head, sighed as I walked out my room. I strutted into the kitchen and snatched up a sharpie that was laying on the countertop along with a old envelope. I scribbled a quick note to both my mom and grandparents telling them where I was headed. Mom had to go to night school since she was going back school to be a nurse and Grandma and Grandpa went to bingo night down at the community center not too far down.

I threw the marker on the couch as I rushed through the living room looking for my keys. I spotted them on the on the love seat by our fish tank. We had the cutest little clown fish named nemo and Marlin. It was my idea to name the, i'm a sucker for the movie.

I walked out the door but not before turning out all the lights in the house knowing my grandma would give me a 3 hour lecture if I left them on. I made my way to my grey 2014 chevrolet Malibu, I started her up and sped out of my driveway not caring to put my seat belt on. It was a bad habit but I never did anything about it.

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"AYEEEE!!!" That's what I was greeted with when I walked into the shop. All my friends bombarded me with hugs and some kisses.

"Hey, Hey personal space is requested." I pushed all of them off of me.

"Heyy you don't like uss," Cameron whined to me. He made a cute pouty face making a smile break onto my face. "Noo I love you, I just love breathing too," I said in a soft teasing tone.

"We love you too, RiRi." Liam came over and put his arm over my shoulder. I slid his arm off me and took two steps away feeling uncomfortable. I wasn't over what Makayla told me. I didn't like that they were dating at all. Makayla's my friend and there's nothing I want more than for her to be happy but honestly I don't even understand what Liam sees in her. I just want to yell to the top of my lungs about how I feel but I know it won't do anything but make things worse.

I saw Liam frown at my actions but I didn't care if he's hurt, because it doesn't compare to my bruised heart. "So who's ready for yougurt!" I got a bunch of shouts in routine. We all make our way to the counter throwing orders at the woman at the cashier. I could tell that the girl was frightened by all our yelling but everyone's frightened by our screaming.

After we all ordered the crew went to sit in a booth at the back of the shop. I sat on the end next to Alexandria across from Liam.

Seating order: left to right.

Me

Alex

Cameron

Loudres

Zoe

Makayla

Liam

For a second there was a moment of silence as we all tasted the yougurt for the first time. Then we filled the half empty shop with moans as we tasted the delicious treat. I began to laugh a bit as I listened to the sounds we were making. I had the dirtiest mind sometimes.

"So you guys, me and Liam have an announcement," Makayla cleared her throat. She grinned at us all her left hand gripping Liam's right. I nearly rolled my eyes at their physical contact. I was already annoyed by them and we just got here.

They all stared at them waiting for the announcement while I looked around the shop. The was decorated with corny posters and a huge yogurt man-thing. I wasn't a yogurt girl, I liked milkshakes way more. Before my dad disappeared he would always take me to this little milkshake place by this park we'd hang out at. I remember I was 5 years old when he first brought me. The employees were dashing around the small building in roller skates, balancing trays in their hands, and wearing bright genuine smiles.
   It was our thing, me and him would go every thursday after soccer practice. I would always bring this one toy car out of my whole collection every time. My dad would always ask me why I would bring it only for me to repeat thursday "because you gave it to me". Sometimes, i'd think that he would actually forget until he smiles and laughs when I pout. 

Until I was 8, we did the same routine. When he left I quit soccer, I threw my toy car collection in the the back of my closet hating how every time I looked at them they reminded me of him. I never went back to the shop when he left. I knew it wouldn't be the same without him. I decide to pay attention to everybody and get out of thoughts.

"Well, uh, me and Makayla are, um, dating." I watched Liam say the horrendous words I dreaded. I felt my eyes began to water and a lump form in my throat. I ducked my head down and twirled the plastic spoon around in the frozen desert, losing my appetite all of a sudden.

I heard enthusiastic congratulations while I stayed silent and held back tears. It hurts to see the boy you like with one of your friends and not with you. It hurts to keep quiet about your feelings just because you don't want to hurt someone else's. It hurts to see them happy while you're mourning.

I felt somebody nudge me in the side I looked up to see Alex looking back at me with concerned eyes.

"You okay," she whispered trying to keep the convo between us. I met her gaze hoping I didn't look like I was about cry.

"Yeah i'm fine." I gave her a reassuring nod and fake smile wishing i'd be left alone, because to be honest, I was far from okay.

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Riley's outfit in the media