Skinny

Chapter 9 : Rydel gets suspicious

Chapter 9

The next day...

Tori POV

"Riker, wake up. I made some breakfast."

Riker rubbed his eyes, and stretched. I handed him a plate of pancakes.

"Mmmm... They smell amazing," he said, yawning.

I sat down next to him, and started eating my own breakfast.

Riker dug into his. He ate very quick, like he was starving.

He was still half asleep when he was finished.

"Thanks for making breakfast," he mumbled, laying down on the couch.

"Hey, you can't go back to sleep."

"But I'm so tired..."

"Your phone has been buzzing all morning."

I handed his phone to him.

"Ugh... I forgot... I have band practice today, so I have to head home soon..."

"Ok. That's fine. I actually have some homework I need to finish. I've got school tomorrow."

Later...

Riker POV

My heart felt like it was racing inside my chest. I'd forgotten about those pancakes, and by now, it was sort of too late to do anything about it.

I'd skipped lunch, telling Tori I'd eat at home, and telling mom I ate at Tori's.

I was in band practice now in the basement. I wasn't too hungry, but I felt so guilty. All I could think about were all the pancakes I ate...

All of a sudden, something hit the back of my head.

"Ow!"

I rubbed my head, and turned around. I realized Ellington threw a drumstick at me. And all my siblings were staring at me.

"Would you pay attention?" Ross asked.

I sighed, and set down my bass.

"What are you doing?" Rydel asked.

"I'm sorry... I just... Can we reschedule?"

I need to exercise or something. I have to burn off the pancakes!

"Riker, what's wrong?" Rydel asked.

"Nothing... I just can't do this right now."

I took off up the stairs. I ran all the way to my bedroom, and then shut the door. Tears were stinging my eyes because I didn't want them to be mad at me, but I was pretty sure they were. And I felt so guilty about this morning.

All of a sudden, someone knocked on my door, and I jumped.

"Riker, can I talk to you?"

It was Rydel. If I don't open the door, she'll know something's up.

I slowly walked over to the door, and opened it.

"What?" I asked.

She walked in, and shut the door. She took my hand, and led me over to my bed. We both sat down.

"Did something happen between you and Tori?"

"What? No! Why?"

"You've never just left rehearsal like that. You were completely unfocused. What's wrong?"