Believable (r.a.l.)

Chapter Forty One

Riker's POV
I glance around the area as I sit there on the bench quietly, trying to relax. I don't know why I never come here to think, it's so peaceful and there's plenty of space. I left home to calm down and get some space. I needed to think by myself. Coming to the park no one would get in my face, they'd mind their own business and I could have room to myself.

The park isn't too crowded with others since it's so chilly even without a breeze, not to mention it's also getting dark out. But I don't mind. I can see through the naked branches of the maple trees and to the sky that holds almost no clouds. And when I look down, the ground is cold and hard with light green grass covered in frost. I can tell today is one of the coldest days of the year, which explains my slight shiver. At least it's not raining.

My attention is drawn to someone I recognize walking down one of the trails a few yards away. Her hands are pushed into the pockets of her jacket attempting to keep them warm as she moves at a quick steady pace across the park. I stand up and trot over to her, going at a quicker pace so I could catch up. She doesn't notice I'm behind her until I speak.

"Hey Liane."

She jumps a little and turns to see who startled her. I give her a smirk, trying not to laugh at how easily I'd scared her.

"Oh.. Riker," she breathes out, a puff of air visible in the cold. "Hi."

"What are you doing here?" We say at the same time, causing her to giggle and a smile come across my face.

"I was just coming here to think without any interruptions," I answer her after a moment.

She nods. "What ya thinking about?"

"Oh," I shrug, "just stuff." The truth was I didn't really wanna tell her because I was thinking about her. Like, a lot. I look down to try to keep her from seeing my blush.

"Alrighty then. I just came for a walk."

"But it's freezing out right now. What are you thinking?"

She raises an eyebrow. "Please, you were just sitting out here with a lighter jacket than I've got on. At least I was moving around to warm up."

"Touché."

Liane laughs again lightly, shaking her head. I smile. I love the sound of her laugh. I never really thought about it before but lately I have been coming up with dozens of things I love about Liane.

"I'm getting cold do you wanna go somewhere warm?" She asks as she hugs herself trying to get warm.

"Sure thing," I nod. "Just let me get what I left at the bench over there." I point as I start moving toward it.

"Okay," she replies, following.

I pick up the little book and pen. I turn toward her.

"Is that your song book?" She wonders, pointing at it in my hand.

"Yeah it is. Why?"

She shrugs. "Mind if I ask what you're writing?"

Man, she's up in my business today. Well, I don't blame her. She is my best friend and she expects to know almost everything. But I can have some secrets. She did.

"I just had it if I needed to put my thoughts in actual words, you know? I didn't actually end up writing anything down though," I sorta lie. Why do I always find myself lying?

"Oh okay."

"Well then are we gonna go or freeze our butts off out here?"

"Oh right. Yeah let's go." She starts walking toward the street sidewalk. I follow close behind, tucking my free hand into my pocket.