Vacant

Chapter Twenty-Three

Another chapter. I know it's short, but the end is one chpater away.  Enjoy :) xx

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I found him at the skate park, riding the rails on his skateboard. His buddies were huddled around in a semi-circle, cheering him on and laughing. I didn’t want to do this, but in order to move on, it was my only chance.

            I walk up to the group in my dark brown jacket, dark blue skin tight jeans and my hair loose. I couldn’t help but feel uncomfortable as I walked up to the group of five boys.

            “River,” I say shakily, surprised at my voice. My throat was closing up, and I became nervous as I fiddled with my fingers. Nobody noticed my presence still, and I knew I’d get fed up if I just stood there and watched him go up and down the ramp.

            With all of the confidence that was left, I marched over to the ramp and stood in it. Before River was about to go down again for another trick, he got stopped in his tracks. He looked at me for a long time, and I felt uncomfortable. Somebody in the background hollered, “Ooh,” the kind of noise everyone makes when the principal wants to see you. Soon enough, a whole chorus of “Oohs,” and laughter erupted around me. I felt like crying.

            “Oh shut up,” River said to his group of friends. River got off the ramp and escorted me to a nearby tree, away from the guys. “Chloe, where have you been, I’ve been looking everywhere for you. I got worried.” He leaned in for a kiss, but I stepped back, frowning.

            “I- I…” I stammered, not wanting to say anything. I felt so bad, but my heart was with someone else, so it was fair to end it with River.

            “Chloe, what’s going on?” His brows furrowed, and I couldn’t help but look into his deep blue eyes. They hypnotized me, made me feel like everything was okay, but I knew it wasn’t. I blinked, forcing myself out of his hypnosis. I’m sure he doesn’t even know that he’s doing it.

            “River… I-” But before I could start my explanation, he cuts me off.

            “Chloe, if this is about Luke…” I looked down at the ground, and that gave him enough.

            “It is about him, isn’t it? You love him, don’t you?” He states matter-of-factly.

            “I don’t love anyone, it’s just that…” I say, knowing it’s too late, he’s already mad.

            “Save it, alright. I knew this was too good to be true. I’m never good enough. Well, I’m sorry I’m not that tall, muscular brooding, green eyed dude you want.” River says, hurt in his voice. I could feel tears building up, and it was difficult to hold them back. River sensed what I was feeling, because he apologized.

            “Look, I’m sorry, you didn’t deserve that.” He says, extending his arms for a hug.

            “No,” I say, pulling back. “You’re right, I do deserve it. I wasn’t fair to you. We’ve had a lot of history together, I can’t deny that, but at the same time I feel like I was leading you on, and that’s cruel and unfair. It’d be better to just break apart, and still be friends, like before you came back.” And before I could let him answer, I walk away, not wanting to hear anything, because if I heard his answer, it’d make me want to stay with him.

            I could hear him call my name, but I didn’t turn back. I didn’t want him to see my tear stained cheeks. This was all too much to bear, but I needed to do one last thing.