After Life

Chapter 7: Rileys park

Right. Well now I'm here I'm a little nervous, I mean I have only met this guy once and I'm rushing over to his house wanting to see him... No. Needing to see him. It's like just meeting him there at that fragile point made a bond between us ... I would go on but I'm gonna stop in fear of becoming too soppy. I don't do soppy.

I lift my hand to knock on his door, then let it drop and laugh at myself for being so stupid. 'Your a ghost dick head' I tell myself. My laugh doesn't sound as happy and 'laughy' as it used to. This makes me a little sad. Jeez I get distracted so easily.

So do I just walk in? I decide to test with my hand first I reach for the door, and sure enough, it goes through and I can't see it. Well can't say I'm not impressed. It's weird though. I can feel where the door is, it's like it is squeezing my wrist. It starts to ache a little so I pull it back out.

Realising I've been standing here a little while and feeling a bit dumb I step back preparing myself for going through the door. I wonder what it will feel like getting compressed but my whole body. Oh we'll its only gonna be quick.

Right ... 3 ... 2 ... 1 ...

I run at the door and pass through in what seems to be only a fraction of a second. It hurts. But only a little, more of a discomfort that pain, can't imagine what it be like if I stood there for a whole minute.

I'm standing in a hallway. There isn't much here, just a shoe rack and a coat hanger. An open door to my right leads to a small living room with a banged up tv, and the one at the end of the hall is closed.

There is one picture on the wall but the glass is so smashed I can't quite make it out, I start walking toward it squinting a little trying to make out who or what it is a photo of.

Before I get too close I hear a familiar voice behind me. "Lauren?"

I turn and the small smile on my face disappears as I look at Riley's sad face, and red puffy eyes. New sadness stabs through me. I don't like seeing my mystery boy like this. It makes me feel horrible.

Hi shoulders are haunches over and he looks defeated and exhausted. I feel a stab of pity for him and I walk closer to him, I am only about 30cn away I didn't want to get too close and creep him out.

"Riley?"

He looks up from the floor and Into my eyes.

I hadn't thought about what I would say after. confused i just wrapped my arms around him, because I wanted too. And I felt like a needed a hug too. He limply places his arms around me and I worry that this was too far, just walking into his house and hugging an almost complete stranger.

Just as I'm about to let go and apologise he pulls me in tighter holding me firmly now, I like it. He is warm and comforting.

I don't want to let go. I rest my head on his chest and listen to his steady heart beat Thump...thump...thump...

"Can we get out of here?" He asks suddenly still holding me.

"Sure. Anyplace in mind?" I reply

"Yea" he pulls away and folds his arms over his chest, giving me a forced smile too. I know it's not real but I appreciate the effort.

RILEY'S POV

I'm so glad we are out of that house. I don't like people in my house. It holds too many secrets, too much stuff I don't want her to know, I want her to like me, not think I'm depressing.

I am walking slightly in front of her taking big steps with my long legs, moving briskly. Relishing I am in no hurry I slow a little and walk next to her.