One Way Bridge

Chapter 40

Chapter 40

Alex picked me up on Sunday and took me back to Riley' s apartment. We spent the rest of the day te way we use to, laughing and having fun. Monday we were going to have our own Thanksgiving, but Riley woke us up by setting off the fire alarm, by accident of course, so we went out to eat instead. Tuesday we didn't have much time to spend together, because Alex and I wanted to get back home at a decent time. Somehow, Riley still was able to pull me to the side while we packed the car.

"Emma," Riley grabbed my arm and pulled me back into the apartment. He shut the door behind me to make sure Alex didn't interrupt us. "This young boy, Justin, what does he know about..." Riley swallowed obviously not comfortable, "your parents?"

I smiled knowing how hard it was to discuss my parents. It probably didn't help that he was trying to be my parent at the moment. "I-I haven't told him." My smirk fell and I couldn't meet Riley's eyes.

"You should," Riley kneeled down so I had no choice but to look at him. My brother knocked on the door causing us both to look behind me. "At least tell one of your friends, they'll be there for you, and if they aren't, they aren't your friends."

"You sound like Alex," I muttered under my breath.

"He's a smart boy"

"He's an idiot"

"Maybe, but he's right," Riley chuckled going to let the inpatient knocking boy in.

"I know," I finally gave in. Riley smiled and opened the door.

"You locked me out!" Alex immediately blamed me and ruffled my hair.

"Whatever," I didn't feel like fighting. "Let's go," I pushed him towards the door.

"No goodbyes?" Riley interjected causing me to roll my eyes. Nonetheless, I wrapped my arms around him, and he hugged me back. "I love you," he whispered in my ear and a ghost of a smile graced my lips.

"I love you too," he let me go and pulled Alex into a hug as well.

"Drive safe!" Riley commanded when the two boys separated.

"Of course, we'll see you at Christmas?" I didn't know the next time I'd get to see Riley.

"Bet on it," a grin was plastered on his face.

"Maybe then you can take some time off and come visit us," my tone was mocking.

"Hey, I took the last few days off work!"

I shook my head, but pecked his cheek saying, "bye Ri," and then left with Alex on my trail.

About six hours later, I fell out of the car and kissed the cement driveway. "Solid ground!" I exclaimed kissing the gray rock again. "I thought I'd never step foot on you again!"

"Give it a rest Emma!" Needless to say that after six hours of me critiquing his not so careful driving, Alex was a little annoyed of me.

"Fine," I pushed myself back up onto my feet.

"I'm going to go drop a few things off at my dorm, will you tell grandma?" He stretched before hopping back into the car.

"Actually, I want to go to a friend's house, will you drop me off?" I put on my sweetest smile although he couldn't exactly say no, it was my car.

"Alright, run in and tell grandma and then we'll go."

I rolled my eyes, but followed his directions anyways. "Grandma?" I yelled walking into the kitchen.

"Emma? You're home! Where's Alex?" She pulled me in a hug.

"He's in the car. He's going to drive me to Charlotte's and Vince's before going to his dorm to drop off a few things, okay?" I realized I should ask instead of tell.