Guys Can Change

Chapter 14

Chapter 14

Riker POV

"What do you mean, I can't fix it?"

"Riker, just stop. I'm not talking about it anymore."

We were both shaking from how cold it was now. Emma was probably colder, though. I had a sweatshirt, and she didn't.

I took off my sweatshirt again. I gently laid it over Emma, who was still laying in my lap.

"Riker?"

"Yeah?"

"We can't stay here. We need to either find a way inside, or we need to go somewhere until everyone else gets back. It's way too cold."

"Ok. Um... I'll drive us back to Starbucks. That's pretty close."

I walked Emma to my car, and opened the door for her. I got in too, and started driving.

We walked into Starbucks, and got a table in the back.

"What do you want?" I asked.

"Nothing, Riker."

I didn't even bother to try again. I got us both hot chocolates, and sat down across from her again.

"Riker. Why?"

"Because we're freezing! Drink it."

Emma looked at me for a few seconds, and then took the cup.

I sat across from her, staring at her, waiting for her to speak all night. But she never really said anything.

We finally left when Rydel texted me, asking where we were. I told her we'd be home in a few minutes.

I drove us home. Emma immediately went upstairs. I just didn't know what to think. Did I screw up the date? Or was she just being... weird?

"Rydel, can I talk to you for a sec?" I asked.

"Yeah."

"Can you make sure Emma's ok?"

"What'd you do?"

"I'm not sure! I don't even know if I did something, or what! Just tell me what's going on, ok?"

"Yeah."

Around 11:30, I knocked on Rydel's door. Rydel came out in the hall and shut the door.

"What's going on?" I asked.

"She's... mad..."

"About what!?"

"She..."

"What!?"

"Riker, I'm so sorry."

"What, Rydel!?"

"She... She doesn't think it's working between you guys."

"What!? Why!?"

"She thinks you're being a little insensitive and keeping secrets and..."

"And what?"

"I don't know. She's just... upset about a lot."

"A lot? What?"

"She's homesick, and her dad's still recovering, and she's upset about you..."

"What did I do, though!? I don't keep secrets, and I don't get how I'm being insensitive!"

"I don't know, Riker. I guess you'll just have to ask her."

"Can I ask her now? Is she still up?"

"Yeah. Just be... gentle... She's been crying."

"I will."