The Star Who Stole My Lover (18+)

Part 14

Reginna Riles
Raven Samantha Philipps.

She was my friend back in elementary all the way to high school.

She was one of the most beautiful people I know. When Hannah left for Spain, I didn't have a bestfriend. I never had any permanent friend at all. Every year the people who stick around me were different. All I had was Raven. She was the only one who stayed. Although we were never really that close because she was often absent, we got along well. Despite the problems I knew she had but never told me, she was a kind, caring, understanding, wise girl even for her age. Maybe that's because of the hardships that started so early in her life. Financial, family, lovelife problems, you name 'em. All these years, she had to deal with them alone. Besides the fact that she had no bestfriend, she was an only child, and as a result of a one night stand, she never met her dad. And to make things worse, her mom was a crack addict. So I wouldn't be surprised to find a different woman now.

Our friendship started in elementary when I was being bullied at school because of my nerd look. The glasses, the braces, everything. I mean, sure I'd fight back, but they were too many. The boys made fun of me, then Raven would come out of nowhere pulling them by the nape of their shirts away from me. She was damn huge so no problemo.

"Beat it, dirtbags!" Was her dialogue everytime. I can still remember it like it was yesterday.

For a beautiful girl, she was a chill kid, unlike those other drama queens.

When Hannah came back from Spain to continue high school here in Portland, Raven became more often absent than present. I got to introduce them to one another cause I've always wanted for them to meet, but that was it. All throughout the school year she was like a mushroom. Appear, disappear. I mean, I knew she had severe problems. But how bad was it?

Then one day she just disappeared. Stopped schooling. I wanted to visit her so I looked up her address at one of her records when I was taking care of my papers at the school office. Whatever her problem was, I wanted to be there for her as she was there for me.

I found her house, but the neighbors said Raven sold the house and moved. Also, her mom was in rehab. I was shocked. All they knew was she started working at Red Frenzy. That time, I didn't know what kind of a place that was. Til I heard about it from Rudy. Only then did I realize what kind of job Raven applied for. It was obvious. She sold the house, her mother was in rehab, and with her looks and physique? Certainly she couldn't have applied as a waitress. I was a bit in denial as it dawned to me that a nice girl like Raven became a dancer. An EXOTIC dancer. But it was reading between the lines, and I felt sorry for her. If she didn't leave, I know she could've been one of my bffs. And I bet Hannah and Bex would love her.

I gotta admit, I missed her. I just can't imagine what she's like now after what the lady said.

"Venomous as a snake..? I'm as clean as she is dirty..?"

Oh please, please, please let the old Raven still exist in her.

I heard the door unlock.

As it opened, we all looked.

"Hi." It was her.

Her red hair was still intact, except it was longer, I'd say about hip length. Her bangs were dyed white and grew past her chin, she was wearing heavy makeup that made her look hella fierce. She was wearing a red leather outfit that kinda looked like what Britney Spears would wear in a very sexy music video. She had long legs which were always her asset, even back then her legs looked fabulous in skinny jeans. But this was the first time I saw them bare. With legs like hers, she stood tall, around 5'11. So her wearing those killer 5 inch heels practically made her look like a giant.