All of the Lights

Chapter Twenty-Eight

Previously...

After Grace and I had pulled away from each other, wiped our tears, and started a new conversation, someone touched my elbow.

"Hey."

I turned around and met his eyes. They were happy, but his facial expression looked alarmed.

"Uh... H-hey." I stuttered, suddenly feeling very self conscious. I tucked some hair behind my ear.

Cody gave me a forced smile.

"It's good to have you back." He lied through his teeth. I nodded my head, keeping my eyes on the ground. Cody slowly walked away without saying another word.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

Chapter Twenty-Eight

"Riles, go to bed!" Sam laughed as he hobbled down the stairs. He didn't know I was still cleaning up.

"I'm not tired." I shrugged and picked up a red solo cup. I tossed it into the giant garbage bag and then continued to wipe down the counter tops.

Sam pulled up a chair and watched me for a moment.

"What?" I asked, annoyed with him.

"What's up?" He cocked an eyebrow.

"Nothing. I just want to clean this up." I sighed.

I turned to the sink, letting the water trickle down into the drain. I poured out the remains of someone's drink.

"It's two in the morning." Sam stated.

"Ok?"

"Ok, aren't you tired?" Sam stood up and walked over to the sink. He leaned against the counter top.

"Sam, I am fine."

"Did I do something wrong?"

"No! I just want to clean the kitchen!" I yelled. I slammed a wet towel against the sink in frustration.

"Alright..." Sam lifted his hands in defeat. "I'm going to bed."

"Goodnight." I muttered.

"Yeah." He shot back.

I shut my eyes tightly and waited for his footsteps to disappear. Once Sam was upstairs, I collapsed on the floor. Silent tears slipped from my eyes.

Everything's wrong.

I hugged my knees, burying my face into them.

Everything went great tonight. I should be happy right now. Why am I not happy?

I took in a shaky inhale and closed my eyes.

Screw Cody. Why is he making me so upset?

I bit my lip, leaning back against the cabinets.

Why does he control my happiness? Why can't I?

I took in one last deep breath before pulling myself up. I brushed off my pants, trying to collect myself.

I love Sam and if Cody loves someone else... I don't care.

It angered me that I was bugged by Cody's choice in dating someone. I guess I was so used to him being obsessed with me that it hurt when he suddenly stopped. It was like he didn't care about me anymore. He didn't want me.

I was loosing him.

I flicked off the lights and slowly climbed up the stairs.

..