A disastrous book

Chapter 17: Serious conversation

Alex's POV

It's been 3 days.

3 days since I last spoke to Riley.

3 days of me feeling like a complete piece of shit.

Sure, she and I would fight all the time, but it was never this personal. We would usually do it over lame petty reasons, but this time was different.

I took it too far.

I struck a sensitive nerve, and seeing her face after I practically yelled at her made me want to kick myself in the teeth.

Yet, I stayed away from her. What the fuck is wrong with me?

I'm too scared to face her, Riley, the girl I knew since we were both in diapers.

So I thought, enough is enough. I had to grow some balls and apologise. I wince at the thought of it because I know once she and I are cool, she'll hold it over my head and I see endless teasing in my future.

But if it meant getting my best friend back, then it was worth it.

I don't know why I just lashed out like that at the mention of Riley 2.0. I know Riley was just looking out for me, but hearing her imply that I can't stand a chance with her really ticked me off.

I know Riley 2.0 is out of my league, but she's not the type to care about such things. She's sweet and genuine, and that's what got me more attached to her. But deep down, I know that she's right, and I'm just delusional for even thinking I have a chance. She even has her eye on someone else, someone who I will never look like. I guess I got angry at Riley for making me see that.

After some unnecessarily long time of simping over her, I get my ass off the couch and head next door.

After the second knock, the door opens and there stood the demon spawn of my best friend, looking shocked.

"I'm sorry" was the first thing I blurted out, after having prepared a long introduction on my way over.

"You're what?" She says, I'm guessing in disbelief.

"I'm sorry, Riles." I repeat, as she squints her eyes and steps forward, cupping her ear with her hand.

"I didn't quite catch that, what was it?" My guilty expression soon turned into a glare now that I see what she was doing.

I called it. Just didn't think this she devil would do it so soon.

"You heard me loud and clear" I point my finger at her.

"No, no I actually had something buzzing in my ear, so you have to repeat that." She said almost seriously, but being an expert in studying her facial expressions and tone, I sensed a strong sarcasm.

I take a deep breath, refraining from tackling her. She is not going to make this easier for me, is she?

"I said, I'm sorry Riley. I was out of line. I shouldn't have said what I said, I was just angry." I truthfully tell her, and her expression softens.

"I'm sorry too."

"What? What the hell are you sorry for?" I ask.

"I know you really like Riley, and I was inconsiderate of your feelings. I'm sorry Alex. But.." she looks hesitant as she shakes her head "you know what, never mind."

"Yeah, but I get it. You were just stating facts. I could never get with someone like her, and you were just trying to get me to see it before I got my hopes way up and ended up more hurt. I get it now."

She frowns deeply and her eyes shone with sadness.

"What? Is that what you think I meant?" She said in a small voice.

"Yeah, why else would you tell me to back off?" I ask, confused.

"Listen to me Alex" she rubs the sides of her forehead in frustration "I know I never say this, but you are an amazing guy, and any girl would be lucky to even be noticed by you. I didn't tell you to back off because I think that you aren't good enough for her, that was never my intention, and I'm sorry that I made it sound like it because it's absolute bullshit" she steps closer to me, her eyes fixed on mine, filled with determination and confidence that doesn't leave room for me to doubt her words.

"You are a wonderful human being, anyone with their right minds would thank their lucky stars for having you in their lives." She whispers that last line with such sincerity and my eyes gloss up.

I never thought I needed to hear those words so much until now.

My breath shudders as I try and suck the lone tear that escaped back into my eye.

She sees my struggle and she nervously laughs.

"Phew, that was intense, wasn't it? Almost felt like we were having a serious conversation." She tries to lighten up the mood, since we are both unserious children who lack the mental capacity to have a meaningful talk.

But still, something didn't make sense.

"Why did you tell me to back off then?"

She looks hesitant and torn, like she was fighting with herself to see if she could tell me or not.

Instead of answering, she takes my wrist and leads me to her room. I follow without question. Once inside, she takes out a box that was under her bed, a box I've never seen before. She rummages through it until I see a stack of papers in her hand.

"I want to show you something."