Young Love Lost

Chapter Four

The next morning I woke to my mother talking downstairs; to herself I hoped not. I had the stupid sleepy sand in my eyes and my arms were weak from tossing and turning in my bed. Flashes of Riley and Calvin laughing together were running through my head lately. What in the hell happened?

I stuffed my comforter to the bottom of my bed and shook out my hair; it was so messy and tangled. I looked down at my bare feet and wrinkled my nose. I would need nail polish for those suckers. The cold hardwood greeted my feet as I headed my way to the bathroom. I jumped into the shower again, burning my skin in the process. I blow-dried and let it wave from my shoulders. Calvin liked it natural. I slipped on a smooth coat of mascara and left my bathroom. It was hard to think of not grabbing a bagel, running down the stairs and hopping into his car. I ran to my room and slipped on a black plain shirt with dark skinny jeans. No one cared what I looked like, and I didn’t that much either.

I checked the clock surprised as hell. Why didn’t anyone tell me I’d be late to school? I had to go get my iPod, grab a granola bar, and get a ride form my moth-

“Sweetheart we’re downstairs!” my mom yelled up at me.

My stomach made an unpleasant sound and I realized this was no ordinary school day. Things had to change, and I was going to have to accept that. I’d been in the hospital this whole time and hadn’t even answered serious questions.

As I was rounding down the stairs I realized my impending doom. Would I die in my sleep peacefully? I’m sure that’s not how it worked.

I sniffed the air surprised. My mom was making pancakes, and she never did that. I should’ve known why though as soon as I saw Detective Hunting in the kitchen.

“Oh hell no,” I spoke to my mother as she looked at me innocently.

Detective Hunting was sitting, bored out of his mind, just staring at me. And then he took in my black plain shirt and jeans and smiled. I raised an eyebrow questioningly, but didn’t say anything. Those guys, who knows what goes through their minds.

“Sweetie!” my mother cried sadly.

It was like she ripping out my heart by pleading me to do things. I wanted my mom to be happy; I wanted her to enjoy moments with me while I was still alive. But this just sucked.

I sighed and sat down while my mother scurried out of the kitchen, happy to get out of there. I grabbed a plate of pancakes and poured the syrup over them greedily. They smelled so good…

“So, I didn’t want to have to do this but…you’re going to have to see Riley. I’m truly sorry, but they need information from him and you’re the only one that can get it out of him. His mom…she’s not in the right state of mind to answer any questions.”

The pancakes were halfway in my mouth and I dropped my fork midway to my mouth. It clattered on the hardwood floor and the silence engulfed me. I couldn’t breathe. No, I’m just dreaming; I can’t see him. That would be unethical, and very dangerous.

I turned to Detective Hunting with a look of horror I suppose was on my face.

“R-Riley? I think I’ll decline that one.”

I knew the detective was disappointed in me, but I couldn’t fathom the idea of Riley seeing me. I turned away from him guilty. Never mind the fact that I had wanted him to hold me in my last dying seconds. I shuddered at the thought of seeing him and bit my lip. Maybe, it was possible.

“You can do it.”

I whipped my head around to see a slight smile on his face. It made him look so young and fresh. My hand wanted to reach up and stroke his face, but I stopped myself from the utter embarrassment, and instead my cheeks pinkened.