Rise

Chapter 6

We were probably at the park for about five hours, talking and laughing.

We get stares from people because of Riley's large amount of ink on his body, and the average girl who is with him.

One man's face basically says, "Why is some nice looking girl hanging out with some delinquent she should be at school or at home studying and reading old novels."

Some little girl screams as Riley and I walk by, Riley looking a bit startled, upset maybe.

"We should go." I say softly.

Riley looks at me and nods.

We silently walk back to the car, the mood changing drastically in a matter of five minutes.

The car is finally in our sights after walking up a hill and across the park.

Riley grabs my hand and starts walking quickly.

"Riley what are you doing?"

He starts jogging, refusing to release my hand.

I stop and jerk my hand out.

What is with him?

I look around, then back to Riley.

He looks as if he's seen a dead body.

"Are you okay?" I ask.

He remains silent, putting his hand through his dark hair.

"Riley." Riley's eyes aren't  focused on me, he keeps looking off into the distance.

"What is over there damnit!" I spit, harsher than I meant it to sound.

He frowns, not even looking at me for a half second.

I ignore his strange behaviour and grab his wrist, dragging him to the car.

He unlocks the doors, refusing to make eye contact with me.

Is he upset with me?

I get in after Riley does.

He puts his keys in and I grab his hand, stopping him.

"What was that all about?" I ask.

He frowns, shaking his head.

No words. Not even one.

I sigh and give up right there.

I look out the window as we drive in silence.

Occasionally sneaking glimpses of his face.

He looks focused. Focused on the road in front of him.

His jaw is clenched.

"Are you upset with me? What'd I do?"

He shakes his head. "No, of course not."

He still doesn't  look at me.

He is acting really strange, it makes me extremely curious as to what is going on in his mind.

After a silent drive that lasts at least a million years, we reach my apartment.

I get out, not looking back as I hear the engine fade as he drives away.

Away from me.

I walk into my apartment.

I should've gone to school today.

I should've kept walking in the rain.

I should've denied his offer at Taco Bell.

So many stupid things, A story about Melanie Wigan.

I decide to call my only friend here in Georgia.

Maybe she is back from her trip to Washington D.C.

With her friends. And boyfriend.

And anyone who wasn't me.

Four rings.

"Ella?" She speaks softly, she sounds sleepy.

"Yeah hi."

"You sound pissed, what's up buttercup?"

I sigh.

I tell her the story of meeting Riley and Harry acting like a total douche.

"Woah! How'd he even get into your apartment?" She asks, thrilled that so much has happened with me in the past 24 hours.

"I don't even know, Jess." I reply.

"My phone is going to die, I'll call you soon! Bye Ella!"

I hang up, well that turned out well.

I was afraid tomorrow Harry would show up, thinking he could give me a ride to school.

I could walk.

I could take the bus.

I can't stand being near him now, he was so rude last night.

I need to stop thinking about him.