The Park (girlxgirl)

Chapter 3

Even though she ran her full three laps, Riley sprints home and completely disregards a cool down lap. 

By the time she closes her front door, she's breathing hard and her heart is probably going a mile a minute. And she's not this worked up from running. She's this worked up from seeing Alex, the girl she's had a crush on forever, talking to a guy she's hated for almost forever. 

Kaleina appears on top of the staircase, slowly approaching Riley. "Are you ok?"

Riley shakes her head. "I can't." She huffs out. 

"Can't what?" Lei questions, raising an eyebrow. 

"I can't ask Alex out."

Lei looks concerned now. She reaches the bottom of the stairs and sits down, patting the spot next to her. Riley slows her breathing before accepting her sister's offer and sits down next to her. 
"What happened?" Lei asks. 

"She was talking to Bryan Murphy at the park."

Kaleina shakes her head, not understanding. "So what?"

"The guy is pretty much perfect for her." Riley admits. Lei gives her a look and Riley sighs. "I'm not being insecure. It's just true. He's a nice guy, he can give Alex anything she wants, and the easiest thing about him is he's a guy."

"Riles, they were just talking. It's not like he went there to ask her out." Lei points out, "And let's say he did ask her out and she said yes. Is that really how you feel about it?" 

Riley nods.

"Well then I don't know what to tell you." Riley's little sister shrugs her shoulders, looking at her with pity, "You're right. Bryan Murphy is probably the easiest choice Alex could possibly ever make. But Alex is just one girl. And you're Riley Jackson. If this one girl picks one guy over Riley Jackson, she's just as blind as I thought she was." Lei shakes her head and chuckles before looking back at Riley. "Bryan Murphy is an easy choice. But if I were you, sis, I would pick the person who wouldn't let me go over the easy choice. Because that's what you deserve." 

Riley doesn't even realize she's crying until a tear drop falls from her face. 
She leans over to hug her little sister. "Thanks, Lei."

Lei reciprocates and hugs Riley even tighter. "Anytime, sis."

-

Work is torturous. Luckily, three hours go by quickly. By the time Riley gets home, it's starting to get dark. She finds Lei waiting for her on the porch, phone in hand. She's dressed more casual than usual, basketball shorts and a tank top. 
Kaleina looks from her phone and smiles. "I'm walking with you today."

Riley raises an eyebrow. It's been a while since Lei has walked with her to Ben Rodgers. But her little sister ignores her surprised look and starts walking ahead of her. 

Riley makes sure the front door is locked before following her. 

Their walk is quiet until they reach Moose's house. Riley walks up the driveway and raps on the garage door. A whirring noise makes it come alive and lift up, revealing Moose with a goofy grin on his face. 

"Ready to ask your lady out?" Moose asks, making Riley's stomach drop. 

"Er, we'll see what happens." Riley says in hopes that Moose doesn't notice. Unfortunately, he does. 
"What's wrong?" He questions. 

Riley sighs. "Something happened earlier today that made me doubt asking her." 

Moose steps outside and closes his garage door before turning back to Riley with a smile on his face. He looks more groomed than usual. His usually curly hair is more domestic and he's dressed in khakis and a polo shirt. "Don't worry. No matter what, it's ok, you know. It really doesn't matter if you keep up with the deal."

"It's not really that." Riley scratches the back of her head, "I think someone already beat me to it and asked Alex out." 

Moose's eyes furrow together. He pats Riley on the back. "I hope that's not true, Ri."

"I hope so too."

-

The three of them get to Ben Rodgers. They find Casper sitting in her regular spot at the bench. Moose goes to meet her, leaving Riley and Kaleina to walk the rest of the path toward the playground. 

"I'll walk you there and then I'll jog a couple laps." Lei says. 

Riley nods in appreciation. 

Her little sister shoots her a small smile and nudges her. "You nervous?" 

"I think I'm a little past nervous." Riley sighs. Lei gently touches Riley's shoulder in sympathy. She hopes everything works out for her older sister. 

All of a sudden, something pops out of the bushes on their left and Lei screams. Riley isn't as phased, just frustrated. She's dealing with an emotional turmoil and this is just another setback. 

The 'something' that popped out starts laughing histarically. Stomper. He likes to scare everyone who comes to Ben Rodgers. It doesn't matter how old you are or even if you're a dog. He stomps his feet, jumps out of bushes, and does anything in his power to make people scared out of their wits. 
Since Riley watches a lot of horror movies, his jump scares don't phase her as much. 

"Stomper, go away." Riley grumbles. 

He laughs, "What's wrong, youngster? Did I get ya?" 

She rolls her eyes while Lei nods furiously.