change me

chapter 5

Seeing Riley here, now, was all I ever wanted. I was so in love of the thought of him.

But, I was afraid of loving him. I knew it was bound for trouble. But I didn't care. Right here, right now, was all I ever needed.

Riley put me down, and smiled.

"I've wanted to do that ever since I laid eyes on you."

Which theoretically, was a couple hours ago. Buuutttttt it was sweet. So I went with it.

I smiled, and then we said our goodbyes. I didn't want to leave him, but I wasn't sure when my Prince Charming would come running back.

I finally got back to my office, slipped off my shoes, made myself a glass of tea, and sat down uncomfortably looking out of the glass wall.

From this angle, I could see what Riley was talking about. It is beautiful. I noticed a lot more of this street, now that it's put into perspective. I noticed right across the window from mine was another large tower. Twin towers, and the glass wasn't see through from this angle. I wondered what the people next door were doing. Were they as in love with a person as I was?

If I looked close enough, I could see Riley's coffee shop down the road. There was a florist down the street from me, and I also saw the park out of the corner of the glass wall. It was still raining, and I could feel the uncomfortableness of my sopping clothes as they rubbed against my skin. I trudged over to the bathroom to dry myself, but failed.

It was getting late, so I walk out of the bathroom, get my shoes and step out the door.

I go out the building, call a cab, and head back to my apartment. Walking in the dim building was boring at the thought of the plain brick wall interior of the building, but the thought of Riley in my head was enough to make my stomach turn in flips.

I walk the stairs, thinking of the last time I went down, sliding on the rail with Riley. I can still feel the damp clothing rubbing against me, most likely giving me a rash. I finally get to my floor, and I walk down the quiet hallway. Getting to my doorstep I notice a flash of bright colors in the dull hallway, and I look down to see a bouquet of flowers. There's a note attached, and it reads:

Dear Grace,

This is the first of many. Expect them when they're least expected. Today was a day to remember. Come over at 9:00 so we can talk. Ironically, I'm two floors up. Room 403.
Riley

I take the flowers inside for some water, and read the note over and over. I change out of my damp clothes and change into some jeans and a t-shirt. My hair is naturally messy, so I casually throw it up in a ponytail. I look at the clock, and it reads 8:45. I grab some water, and take 10 minutes to chill out and revisit what's all happened in the day.

1. I met Riley Cooper.

2. I kissed Riley Cooper.

3. I fell in love with Riley Cooper.

4. I'm about to go see Riley Cooper again.

I grabbed my apartment key, and some shoes and left the apartment. I've been taking the stairs recently, so I walk up two flights and find the black door with an engraving on it:

ROOM 403

chaos is all around us

I then think about the conversation I had with Riley earlier that day.  I think about what he said about chaos on the streets, and wonder how old that engraving is.

I give a light tap on the door, and hear the footsteps approaching. As I see the doorknob turn, fireworks are exploding in my stomach. He opens the door, and I welcome the familiar face I was kissing earlier that day.