Welcome Back, Riley

Chapter 3

The next two days go by without a hitch. No unwanted visitors. No unwanted conversations. That's probably because I stick to my usually routine while I'm in New York. Confined in the walls of this apartment besides the time I go to the gym to release some of the rage that's been building inside of me since my encounter with Maya.

It was two in the afternoon, and I've been bumming it all morning watching a marathon of Project Runway. This is something I don't normally have time to do, but when I do I take advantage. Both my parents are at work. Auggie is at school, and I'm enjoying this time by myself in the quiet. That was before my solitude was interrupted by my phone ringing.

Hello?

Riley, It's Erica.

Hey Erica. Why are you calling, everything alright?

Yeah, well actually one of the endorsers want to meet with you. Something about concerns that they have with the website. I told them that it wasn't a possibility this week since you are New York, but they said that was perfect.

Who was it?

That's the thing. They didn't say.

I know who it is. Thanks Erica. I'll take care of it. Is everything running smoothly over there, no problems?

Everything is fine. I was actually going to start replying to some emails here.

Well, I won't keep you any longer. I'll see you Monday.

I hang up the phone, turn off the TV, and maneuver to the kitchen to wash my bowl. I guess today I'm actually going to have to leave the apartment. I go up the restroom and start the shower. I try to waste as much time as I can in the shower. Trying to present the inevitable. I decide to finally get out. I wrap a towel around my body and towel dry my hair, then I make my way to my bedroom. I really don't want to leave, but I don't have much of a choice.

I lay it out a pair of black leggings, a white V-neck, a jean jacket, a black scarf with black booties on my bed and walk over to my vanity. It's still surrounded by pictures. There is a reason why I haven't taken them down. Right? I guess maybe I still have a little bit of hope that someday everything could go back to somewhat normal.

I snap out of my daze and brush through my hair. I don't bother to do anything with my hair. I let my natural brown waves fall down my back. It's the longest I've ever had it, down to my waist. I apply a little bit of mascara before finally getting dressed.

I'm back on the streets of New York trying to hail down a taxi. It would be a lot easier to take the subway, but that has to many memories. I've avoided it for five years, and it's going to stay that way. After five minutes, a cab finally pulls over. I give the driver the address.

It mostly a quiet drive. I'm just thinking about how soon I'm going to somewhere I haven't been since I left. A place I never thought I would ever be again. The universe has a funny way of working doesn't it. Twenty minutes later we're is pulling up to the curb. I pull out my wallet from my black across the body purse to pay the driver. I guess this is it.

I stand in front of the beautiful house thinking if I should really be here. I have to. I don't know why I agreed to this in the very first place. It's too late to do anything about it now.

I walk to the front door and ring the doorbell. "Riley?" I'm greeted by a beautiful blonde, "Oh my it's really you!" She embraces me into tight hug. "What are you doing here?"

"I'm actually here to talk to-"

"Me." A voice comes from the hallway.

We both turn our attention in the direction of the voice. "Hello, Mr. Minkus. How are you?" I say.