STORIES TOLD, STORIES LIVED

Chapter 15

ARINA'S P.O.V

Sigh, nightmare. Can I just go back to sleep?

It's nearly over. Today's our last day off before last show of tour. We're back in LA. I looked from the window of my hotel room; people were happily enjoying this sunny day. But to my eyes, it was gloomy.

I put my cardigan on - as if wearing it on this bright morning wasn't weird enough - and had a walk by myself. We stayed at the same hotel when I first arrived, so I knew where I was going. I wasn't a people person, I hated crowd, but today was all about exception and consideration.

"I know I'd find you here."

Riley tapped my shoulder as I queued for my coffee at Starbucks.

"I thought I was doing a great job at sneaking out already."

"You can't top me on that. I'm the best sneaker."

"Good for you." I simply nodded. "Today's my treat."

"No, never. Every single day we spend together is my treat. So don't bother trying."

He walked further on the lane, confidently ordered our coffee. I wonder if he knew my thing. But in the mean time, I chose a small round table for two.

"Yours." Riley handed mine.

"Impressive." I sipped it. "Perfect amount of sugar."

"We've been on tour for months. And I'm smart. So I'm sorry for being precise." He smirked.

Both exhaled a deep breath. Both stared at not so interesting point somewhere on the ground. Awkward tone. Awkward sitting position. Awkward way of holding coffee cup. Damn Arina, learn something in life, won't you?

"Uhm." Riley cleared his throat. "So after this tour, what would you do?"

I felt that weird ticklish nose as it started to not functioning; I was near crying.

"Starting school again where I left off. Living my normal life back. Some sort."

"Dang, it's tomorrow. Last show of tour." He repositioned his shades.

"Right." I mumbled.

"I still love you."

"I thought we've given up on that, Ri."

I looked at him in the eye, I guess. I was that bold because this shades I was wearing covered my eyes. Thought by doing that, he would take everything back and leave it behind.

"No. I told you I was giving us time. Now time is running out. Means my chance is getting thinner too." Riley held my right hand. "I don't want to lose you."

My voice was shaky. It's cracked, got cut in the way. I hated myself for always giving up on situation. But in life we learn, sometimes, situation wins.

"Fighting about this will just be a waste of time..." I slowly took my hand away from his grip. "You'll find another girl. When you're ready."

"But I am ready-"

"And when the time's right." I cut his words. "Hey! Enough with the heavy. You want to walk along the beach?"

Riley only nodded. He's mad at me. I was so screwed. He's upset at me for keep doing this, for keep running away from him. Little did he know; I was saving his heart from breaking. I didn't care anymore if that's hurting me twice as worse.

"Do you bring your phone? Mine's out of battery."

"Yes." He took it from his pocket. "What for?"

"This."

I took quick selfies with him. Riley smiled bitterly to the camera. We both did a horrible job at making fake happy expression.

"Never mind. This one turns good. I'm gonna print this for my journal." I selected some of the good, and deleted the others.

I took his phone longer than I should. I knew, it was silly. But no. If you looked closer, you'd find me crying, trying to make a little memory for myself. For someday I open my journal and tell myself, 'Hey, remember when you once took Riley McDonough's phone and took these stupid pictures?' - as if that's healing my shattered heart.

Riley followed me walking around. I spent almost an hour taking picture of the same wave the sea gave us. Boring. I was indeed a boring self. So why he would sacrifice his pure love to me.

"It's getting even hotter." I fake a dying voice. "Let's go back."

Riley's still on his silent mode. But for the very first time, he wrapped my shoulders as we walked back to the hotel. It was tight and strong. I know this was wrong. And I didn't want to let go.

"Do you have your laptop?" Riley finally, suddenly made a proper sound.

"Upstairs." I pressed the elevator button. "You need it?"

"May I? Last time I checked Connor's using my charger and he hasn't given to me back since."

"Sure. Want to grab it first?"

"Okay."

I led him to my room. It's not that far though, we're on the same floor except his room was down the hall. I gave Riley my laptop and its charger.

"Thank you." He locked the soft look at me.

"Glad to help." I nodded, breaking the ice. "And thanks for the walk."

"Thanks for..." He slowly walked away. "Everything."

I was statued by the door, staring at his back until he disappeared. James probably has secretly bought my ticket back to Kuala Lumpur. The daydream was about to end.

I probably should now pack my stuff and collect my hopes, safe and tight. Because we both know it's not gonna end like fan fictions that I write.