The Artificial Bad Boy

T w e n t y T h r e e || Out in the wilderness

Many people tend to think that I am a lazy person who only stays at home. I mean, it's partially true as I hate going to most public places. However, the wilderness had a huge place in my heart. I'm not sure whether it's the lushness of the tree's or the pure air. I just really liked being in the secluded area.

Though I wasn't necessarily alone since I brought Cole along, it still felt nice. Actually, I felt even happier that Cole was with me. See, when a girl realizes she likes a boy, well, it's a recipe for disaster.

Riley likes Cole. That just doesn't have a nice ring to it. 

Here's the thing though, I just couldn't help but like him. He was possibly the most perfect guy out there. The guy didn't even know who Nicole was until I pointed her out. Plus, he helped me in the most embarrassing situations. I mean, I hate being "saved" by others, but I got to say that I lowkey appreciate everything he had done for me. Especially that punch at Conner, that just made my day. 

I could have punched him too, but it wouldn't be as good as Cole's. 

Now, I wasn't the type of girl who threw herself over the guy or some desperate shit like that. For me, I try to show my likeness for them but to an extent. I know how to control my speech and actions to how I want them to be, which is a trait I thank God for. Of course, there are always flaws in the system as people could clearly see. When I mess up, I fucking mess up. 

"Which trail should we go on?" Cole asked. He pointed to the map at the entrance of the forest. Beyond this point there were roads that separated into different directions.

I pursed my lips. "How about the two hour one? I've been there before and it leads to some great cliffs and small ponds."

"You know best since your the tutor," Cole said. The smile on his face grew as he saw my grin. 

I put my arm around his shoulder, standing on my tippy-toes since he was too tall. "Come one boy! Let's do some hiking and photography." 

I let go of him and began walking into our desired trail. Cole's camera was in his firm hands while the band was around his neck. On his back was also the bag to supply us with food and water. Before, I insisted to carry some stuff as well but he didn't let me. Of course, deep down in my heart I didn't mind. After all, who wants to carry that shit. Not me. 

I hummed to an old folk song that my mom used to sing to me when I was younger. Besides me, Cole was silent, walking step by step on the trail. Around us were all tree's and small plants. The sound of bird's chirping and ruffling leaves made the experience more relaxing. 

"Isn't it so nice in the wilderness? I love being surrounded by nature," I commented.

Cole ran his fingers through his hair. "I haven't been in this area for a long time so yeah, it's nice."

He looked over at me, our eye's meeting instantly. His green eyes melted my heart into a gooey sensation. "It's nicer being here with you though."

"Of course," I replied. "I mean, I'm Riley Lucero." My tone made it seem like my statement was the most obvious thing in the world.

He laughed, "only you Riley."

I snapped my fingers in boredom to fill the silent air that lingered between us. I wanted to talk more, create even more discussion. But I needed to think of a relevant topic to talk about. I had these moments occasionally.

"By the way, have you found out anything about the video uploader yet?" 

Though the gossip had died down after my encounter with Nicole, there were still negative rumors around myself. People saying that I was a slut and things along those lines. This slut-shaming seriously needed to stop. 

Cole's eyes darkened when I mentioned the topic. "Since i'm on the team, I tried to ask some teammates about the video." He sighed. "But all of them didn't even pay attention to the people around them. They're no help to us."

I cursed under my breath, finding the uploader was so frustrating. At this rate, we were never going to figure out their identity.

"Well that's great," I lifted my arms up in frustration. "Why can't this be simple. I wish the internet never fucking existed. Hell, I wish everyone in this entire world was never born."

Cole rolled his eyes. "Don't exaggerate, I'm not that bad."

"You're not everyone, you're Cole Kingston. You can't be grouped with everyone else."

He laughed, his dimple's showing as his mouth lifted up into a smile. "What do you mean by Cole Kingston."

"It's hard to explain. You just stand out from the crowd. I'm not sure if it's because of your amazing face or the aura that you give off. Maybe both?" 

Now, I purposely complimented his face to see the reaction that he would make. It would be reassuring to know if he liked me back. Obviously.

Cole cleared his throat. "Amazing face?" His face redden slightly, not as much as before though. I think he started to control his emotion's more, which was good for him. 

"Duh, your face is nice."

He smiled. "Thanks Riley."

He's thanking me? No thank you for being blessed with a nice face. Adding to that, thank you for not being a dick either. It's hard to fine handsome and nice guys.

We were getting close to the cliff area. The tree's were slowly disappearing and the ground was becoming rockier as we moved along.  Finally, as I looked ahead, I could see the end. 

"Come on!" I said as I grabbed Cole's free hand. His other was on the camera as we jogged towards the edge of the cliff. We stopped when we could see the ground below, around three feet away. 

My eye's glistened as I viewed over the forest below us. It was absolutely beautiful. The view never got old for me, I feel like I could see it over and over again and not get bored.

"By the way Riley," Cole began. I looked over at him with my head tilted to the side.

He chuckled, our eyes meeting before he looked at the view again. "You are different from everyone else too. You are breathtakingly beautiful."

And I swear, my heart skipped a beat.

FINALLY THE LONG AWAITED CHAPTER. JE SUIS TRES DESOLE MES AMIE (as you can see, my french is almost non-existent). Anywho, this is their trip so far! I added a picture for visual purposes so that the reader's feel more involved within the story. Do you want me to add more pictures as the story progresses along or should I just strictly keep it to writing? Comment down below!

Also, I will be now UPDATING REGULARLY. A.K.A no more late chapters! Yay. I've decided to have them uploaded on fridays and I hope to keep this constant lol.

How do you feel about Riley's sudden realization of liking Cole?