Rise Of The Seas

8

I would really suggest listening to the song "Epilogue" from the La La Land Soundtrack above while you read this chapter. The mix of emotions within the song will better help you understand the complex characters known as Riley and Nova Campbell.

I hate burnt burgers.

I hate players.

But I especially hate boys who play with my emotions.

Most people think I'm a stupid jock.

Of course there's some light to that statement. I enjoy sports more than reading about how X is equal to the unit circle degree of 45. Or how a boy named 'Ponyboy' somehow was mixed in with gangs and murder. These things play an unimportant role in my life. It doesn't mean I'm stupid. It just means that I'd rather be throwing a football around.

People also thing female jocks don't want any romance in their lives. That would also be untrue.

Throughout my 18 years, I've had 3 boyfriends.

Number one was in 5th grade. His name was Thomas. He had curly red hair and teeth so crooked, a dentist would faint. But he was the only boy who would play football with me, so I dated him.

It wasn't until my sophomore year of high school that I dated anyone again. His name was James and he was 3 years older than me. It was a thrill, an older guy taking interest in me. Nova warned me, saying James would break my heart. I didn't listen to her, wanting to enjoy his attention, and the attention I got from others. Later to my dismay, he would break my heart, cheat on me with another girl solely because her breasts were bigger than mine.

It took another year before I found Patrick. He was kind, smart, and athletic. While his mother wasn't too fond of Nova and I, he didn't care. He loved me, and I loved him. We spent most of our days together, either training or driving around town. When he wasn't with me, he was with Nova, who enjoyed his intelligence. I truly thought I would marry him. However, the second Mom said we were moving, I knew any dreams were crushed.

Patrick and I got into a huge fight when I told him the news. I still remember his screaming, how I never saw the vein in his forehead before. At first he didn't believe me, thinking it was a joke. But when I started crying (something I never do), he knew it was serious. He called me out, saying I was a flake, just like my father, and mother were.

Long story short, I left the town with my hand stinging after slapping him across the face.

"So, you're the girl who kicked Parker's ass?" Cameron questions, her eyes large under her glasses. I could tell by her gaze, she was judging everything about everyone on the porch.

"Yes, that is indeed me" I state.

"Should've kicked Ana's ass, that girl thinks she's all that" Cameron chuckles "She's even worse than Parker."

Turning my head, I noticed Nova was gone. "Hold that thought" I say, standing up and opening the glass door. "Hey Nova! What are you doing? Everyone is waiting for you!" I call in, taking a small step into the cool house.

Turning her head, she quietly says "Why did you have to invite Cameron?"

"Because she's your friend" I say slowly "What's wrong with you? Don't you want her here?"

"Just forget it" Nova states quickly, brushing the issue aside. Standing, she presses her clothes down, before going back outside.

Something was clearly wrong with my sister.

Now wasn't the time to bug her on it, so I followed her out, engaging in the conversation.

"Honeybee?" Ricky snickers as I sit down "That's cute."

Rolling my eyes, I elbow him.

"I see where she gets her poetic nature" Cameron states, her large brown eyes taking in what Mom was saying. The two continued on, talking about Cameron's auntie, and how similar the two were. While they talked, Mom's friend placed steaming burgers on our plates.

"Hey Riles" Ricky whispers next to me, drawing me away from the conversation. Turning my head, I continue to top my burger before taking a bite.

"What is it? Do you need something?" I question quizzically, perhaps he liked ranch on his burger, or even pickles.

"Well, maybe we could-" he pauses, eyes falling from mine.

"Honey! Nova!" Mom calls out. Turning my head, I watch as Nova storms inside. Instantly I stand, quickly opening the door to follow her.

Trailing up the stairs, I softly knock on her door. "Nova? Nova, open the door."

"No" she seethes from behind the door "Now go away, I don't want to talk to you."

Of course, something had to ruin this dinner. Back home it was always a racist remark from someone in town that ended the happy times, but now Nova was in the midst of ruining it.

"My god, Nova. Stop acting so childish, this dinner is already awkward enough" I growl, trying to push open the door, but it wouldn't move.

"Good, then maybe this stupid dinner will be over and everyone will go home" she replies sadly.

With a shove, I open the door, pushing my sister back. "What the hell Nova? You've been acting odd all day."

"I don't want Cameron here" she shoots at me with venom, throwing me back "Yet you can't seem to understand that. Yet you invited her here. I don't want her here."

"I don't get it Nov" I say softly "You keep saying you don't want her here, but yet you won't tell me why."

Suddenly, her eyes are filled with tears "Because I don't want to share her! She's finally someone who wanted to talk to me. Me! Not the great Riley Campbell. You've never had to worry about making friends. You're the beautiful white girl who plays sports."

"That's not true" I whisper.

"It is and you know it" Nova growls "Cameron is the first person to understand me. I thought when she met you, she'd forget all about me."

Stepping forward, I wipe the tears from her face "Nova, I'm not going to 'steal' anyone from you. I'm sorry I made you feel like that."

She continues looking on. With a sigh, I head to the door "I'm heading back down. Come out when you're ready."