Too Close

one

Present Day, September 15th

It was the second week of senior year. I was currently sitting in my AP Chemistry class, reading the assigned section for class work. We had, maybe, twenty minutes left of class, and then it would be the end of the day. I was just starting the fourth page of chemical reactions, when my phone went off with a ding.

I looked up, blushing hard. The teacher, Mr. Davis, looked up at me and raised an eyebrow. He spoke, removing his glasses, "Was that your phone, Ms. Matthews?"

I nodded slowly and gulped, "Yes. I'm sorry. My phone is normally off, but I must've forgotten. Please don't give me detention." I begged. Some of the other students at the tables around me giggled a little. I'm a little bit of a teacher's pet/goody two shoes/straight A student. Detention would not be good for my reputation, especially if I wanted to keep my transcript clean.

Mr. David sighed and then smiled, "I won't, Ms. Matthews. You have a warning," he pointed to me, sternly. "But don't let it happen again."

I nodded my head furiously and sighed, "Thank you." I quickly checked my phone from the side pocket of my backpack, inconspicuously. Switching the ringer to vibrate, I saw a text from Elliot. He must've assumed this was my study hall. But that was tomorrow.

I returned to my reading, until the final bell rang. Sighing, I packed up my books and grabbed my backpack. Exiting the classroom, I made my way into the hallway where the commotion of students rushing around. It was a Friday, so most people were rushing around to get out of here. I, however, took my time and counted to my locker. I saw my best friend, Maya, standing near her locker, right near mine.

She smiled as she turned her head to see me, "Hey, Riles." Maya looked back into her locker. Well, her empty locker. Obviously, she isn't one who likes school. I laughed in my head at her.

I walked over and opened my locker, "Hey, Maya. What's up?"

She shrugged and shut her locker. Maya turned to me, leaning on her locker, "Not much. I'm still waiting for Lucas and Farkle to hurry up, so we can head to the mall." She questioned me, smirking, "Are you still going to come to the movies with us tonight? And finally let us meet the boyfriend?"

I rolled my eyes and giggled. Turning to face her, I spoke, "Everyone is meeting him tonight. You, Lucas, Farkle, and my parents." My parents still didn't know Elliot. I told them that I was potentially liking someone, but waiting to see what happens. I didn't want to officially introduce them yet, because I wanted to not have my dad ruin it.

Maya laughed, shaking her head at me. "Well good. Well anyway," she looked at my appearance, "Cute outfit." I glanced at my appearance. I was wearing a black, skater-style skirt, white tank top, a tribal print sweater-kimono, and white converse. She smirked at me, "Seeing the boyfriend now?"

I blushed, "Maybe, but then I have to work a shift at the cafe." I decided that I liked the job, and I should keep it. "And," I continued, glancing at her outfit, "You look cute too. Seeing anyone special?"

Maya rolled her eyes at me, casually checking her appearance. Her outfit consisted of a jean jacket, black pants, and a ruffled grey shirt. "No, not today." She glanced at the time on her phone, "Shit. I should probably go meet them there." She smiled at me again, "See you and your boyfriend tonight." Maya turned on her heels, and walked away. I quickly got everything I needed from my locker, then shut it.

I started to walk out, then I realized I should read the text Elliot sent. I pulled out my phone and glanced at the screen.

Elliot ❤️: Hey Ry...still meeting at Topanga's?

Reading his text, I blushed. I replied to his text.

Riley: Yeah, I'll see you at cafe in ten..

I clicked my phone off and continues walking.

...

I walked into Topanga's and saw Leslie at the counter. She smiled at me as I walked in, "Hey Riley." Walking around the the other side of the counter I flung my bag underneath the counter. "Hey Leslie." I grabbed my polo from the drawer and went to the back to change. Now dressed, I grabbed my apron and smiled. "Anything you need?" I asked Leslie.

"No." She replied. "Just maybe to clean off the tables. It's a little slower today." I smiled, and grabbed the towel and spray bottle. I started cleaning off the tables. Leslie asked, "So, tonight's the night they meet Elliot, huh?" I glanced up at her and smirked.

Leslie laughed at my reaction. She is the only one who actually knows Elliot, considering she saw me make a fool of my self in front of him, the first time we met. And of course, she promised to keep it on the down low. I continued cleaning tables, as some customers walked in.

Leslie took their orders at the front and served them their food. She let me continue cleaning tables. I was just finishing the last one, when I felt a pair of hands wrap around my waist.

"Hello, my angel." I immediately recognized the voice and spun around.

"Elliot." I smiled. I set the bottle and towel down, wrapping my arms around his neck. I gave him a quick peck on the lips. "Hey babe."

Elliot smiled at me, kissing my forehead. I pulled away and smirked at him, laughing. "Do you realize you texted me in the middle of Chem?"

Elliot frowned a bit, "Shit. Sorry, babe. I thought you were in study hall."

I waved my hand, "Relax. It was fine. I was in desperate need of something to make class interesting."

Elliot smirked, "I know something interesting." I raised my eyebrow at him and rolled my eyes. Leaning in, I kissed him on the lips. It was slow and sweet, but felt like fire between us. Pulling away, I pressed my head to his, breathing.

Elliot looked me in the eyes, "You know, Riley. I don't understand what I ever did to deserve someone like you. Someone who is always there for me, always kind, listens to me and helps me. I just feel you are worth so much." He sighed, kissing my forehead.

I spoke, "I don't deserve you. I mean, you are always there to help me through life. And Elliot?"

"Yeah?" He asked.

I smiled a sincere smile, "I will always be here, with you." I leaned in and kissed him again. But this time, stronger. Elliot kissed back, adding more fire to the already glowing flame. He leaned me back, so that my back was arched. Suddenly then, I heard Leslie cough.

"Get a room."

I pulled away and glared at Leslie, jokingly. I turned to Elliot and laughed. Elliot laughed too, "I should let you finish your shift now." I rolled my eyes and gave him another quick peck. Turning around, I grabbed the towel and spray bottle from the table. Walking over to the counter, Leslie smiled and shook her head.

"Yeah, yeah, yeah, Leslie." I rolled my eyes again.

Leslie smiled, "Well I should trade places with you for now. You take counter, and I'll take tables. And Riley," she turned to me. "Everything will be fine for you and your hubby."

I threw my head back laughing and leaned on the counter with my elbow. Looking at her, I sighed, "I hope." Glancing at Elliot, he was sitting at the table, getting out homework. He was so cute when he was studious. He looked up at me and winked. I mouthed to him, 'I love you'. He mouthed back, 'I love you too'.

And there was nothing that could ever change that.