Believable (r.a.l.)

Chapter Fifty Three

Riker's POV
I stand up alone on the stage, blinded by the lights. My chest falls up and down as I breath heavily out of nervousness. My hands are sweaty and I can feel drops of sweat down the side of my head. I squint my eyes and block the light with my hand. My heart stops when I don't find Justine standing next to Hannah where I last saw her.

I take a big gulp and jump off the stage running to the door. There's a big gasp from everyone breaking the silence they then all talk at once, wondering what's going on. But I don't care.

I'm trying to figure that out myself, really, to be honest.

I slow down my steps when I get outside under the streets lights outside the school. I look from my left to my right side looking out until it's too dark to see. My shoulders relax and I slouch, disappointed. I take a deep breath and tuck my hands in the thin pockets of my slacks.

Justine is no where to be seen.

My head hangs as I walk over to my parked car. I've decided to just go home. I kick the ground letting some loose rocks fly up in the air. There's a loud cling getting me to realize one of the stones hit my car. Oops.

When I reach the vehicle I notice someone in the passenger seat. I look closer to find Justine curled up in a ball hugging her legs and looking away in the other direction. The corners of my mouth curl up a little into a small smile. My heart races, glad to see her but also nervous. I open the door as slowly and quietly as I can and sit in my seat.

I don't say anything. Neither does Justine. It's silent besides the soft sniffles coming from my girlfriend on the other side of the car. I don't know what to say. I've got tons of questions running through my head. I just can't choose which one to ask first.

"I.." A soft noise comes from Justine. "I'm sorry," she announced shyly.

I turn my head toward her but she's still not looking at me. Her head rests on her kneecaps while she stares out the window. I let out a small sigh. My hand finds her arm and with contact her eyes finally meet mine. They're watery from her tears and her cheeks are red. Immediately her eyes drop to her feet.

"You don't need to apologize," I reply softly with a shake of my head. "I just wanted to tell you how I felt toward you. You certainly don't have to feel the same way."

She doesn't reply, but instead digs her face into her knees. I take my hand away thinking of what to say. Yes, my heart is a little broken she didn't say it back. Yes, I'm a little upset she won't even talk to me. But yes, I forgive her even though she has no need to say sorry for anything. She doesn't have to love me. I wished she did but life is tough. I can wait. I'm a patient person. I will wait for her.

I stare out the front windshield toward the front of the school. Everyone is probably back to having a good time while we sit here in this tight space and silent. I bite my bottom lip, thinking.

"I don't know what you're up to," I start to sing softly. "But baby I see me and you walking round through the town..." I stare at Justine just waiting for her to look at me. "Always."

Justine lifts her head up and glances over and I continue singing our song quietly to her.

"We can sail around the sea. No one else just you and me. Lay in the sand holding hands.." I take her hand emphasizing the words. "Always."

She wipes her tear streaked face before giving me her full attention.

"Cause I'll wait so long for you.." I pause looking her dead in the eye. "To tell me you love me too. I hope I'm not too late..." I fade off.

I wait for her to say something. When she speaks her words are barely audible but I understand her perfectly.

"Thank you, Riker."

"Of course, baby." I lean over and give her a hug that was obvious we've both been craving the entire time. The embrace is long and snug. We just sit there holding each other in our arms not saying anything. Nothing really needs to be said.

I would have liked things to go differently tonight but plans change. It would have been nice to know that Justine loves me as much as I love her. But she isn't ready and I respect that. I'm just going to have to wait for it. And I'm perfectly fine with that. Like I said, I'll wait so long for her to tell me she loves me too.

Justine's POV
I was lost for words. My throat was blocked. I couldn't speak. So I ran.

I had mixed feelings when Riker found me in the car. Part of me wanted to be alone to think. And another part of me just wanted to snuggle up to him and apologize a thousand times. And a third part of me just wanted to say it back right then and there.

Because I do love him. Very much and with all my heart, believe it or not. I am in love with Riker Lynch. I'm just too much of a wuss to admit it.

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A/N it's really short I know!

This book is ending soon just to let you know. Maybe 2 or 3 more chapters!!

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Happy reading! -Bethany