Relentless

Eighteen;

After the movie ends, we wait until the theater clears out.
"That was so good!" Rydel says happily.
"Yeah, I was surprised." I say, standing to stretch out my legs and back. "You're sleeping over, right?" I ask her.
"Yes, ma'am."
"Awe, what about me?" Riker asks with pleading eyes, pulling me to sit on his lap.
"No." I look away, before I give in.
"Boo."
"Ready to go?" Ratliff asks us. We all agree, and descend down the stairs, and out to the lobby.

I start to get that paranoid feeling again, and take a look behind me. There were only two couples behind us. I shake it off, and try to focus on leaving the theater.

Out of the corner of my eye, I swear I see someone staring my way. I fake cracking my neck to look in that direction. If I didn't know any better, I could have sworn it was Rocky. Would he really be following us? Or me? I thought.
"Are you okay?" Riker asks, stopping us from walking.
"Yeah, I'm fine." He doesn't question me. I give a reassuring smile. He takes my hand in his, and we follow after Rydel and Ratliff.

I was glad I had the distraction of driving, it helped clear my head a bit. I drove home quicker than intended, but I was content with the fact I was home and away from wandering eyes. Ratliff and Riker hang around for a little while when we got back, but left after a half an hour or so.
"So what's going on tomorrow?" I ask.
"We have a meeting about some new music in the morning, could end in the early afternoon. That's about it. You should come over after."
"Okay." I answer, not thinking twice.

The following day dragged along. Rydel and I grabbed coffee at Starbucks in the morning before her meeting, then we went our separate ways. I've been laying on the couch since I came home. Around 3:00PM, my phone signals a new text.
Hey, mom says she wants you here for dinner tonight. -Rydel
Okay, tell her I'll be there.

I knew better than to deny an invitation to dinner from Mama Lynch. My phone signals again.
We're home, btw. Meeting went longer than expected. But come over whenever. -Rydel
K, be over soon.

I take my time gathering my keys and purse, and head out the door. Once I'm in my car, I roll the windows down, and let in the warm breeze. I take the long way to the Lynch's, knowing I was in no rush, and dinner wouldn't be until at least 6:30PM, so I had plenty of time.

I walk through the front door of the house, and go straight to Rydel's room. I had expected to see at least one of the Lynch's wandering around, but I saw nothing but closed doors, and only heard silence. I knock on Rydel's bedroom door and wait.
"Come in." Rydel's voice called from the other side of the closed door. I open it slowly to find Rydel standing in the center of her room in nothing but a bathing suit. "Great, you're here. Get changed, we're going outside."
"I didn't bring a bathing suit." I say quickly, closing the door behind me.

"You left one here last time you stayed over. It's in the bottom drawer."

I walk across the room to Rydel's dresser, and open the bottom drawer, which was full of swimsuits in all different styles, colors, and patterns. She had been right, I left my sea foam green and black bikini here. I've been looking for this. I thought, pulling it from the drawer.
"Get changed and meet me outside. I'll have a towel out there for you." Rydel says crossing the room to the door.
"Okay." I say. I didn't really have a choice. Rydel gives me a nod, then exits the room.

I change into my bikini quickly, then throw my shirt and shorts over top. I wasn't comfortable to walk through the house in just a bathing suit, like I have done in the past. That also felt like a lifetime ago.

Outside, the sun was still shining bright, and beating down. I knew I was going to get burnt. The whole family was out here, as well as Ratliff. I quickly greet Stormie and Mark.
"How are you, sweetie?" Stormie asks.
"I'm good, and you?"
"Doing just fine." She smiles, I return it.

I feel cold, wet arms wrap around my waist.

"I didn't know you were coming over." Riker says, spinning me around to face him.
"I invited Bobbie over for dinner tonight." Stormie answers for me.
"Awesome. I've missed you." He tightens his grip on me, pulling my closer, and soaking my once dry shirt.
"You just saw me last night." I loop my arms around his neck.
"That was so long ago!" He says exaggerating.
"You're pitiful." I give Riker a quick peck on the lips.

"I love you."

"And I love you."

I hear a chorus of "Awes" from everyone, except Rocky. I felt slightly embarrassed, and broke free from Riker's hold. I slip out of my shorts and shirt, placing them on a chair. Riker takes my hand in his, and pulls me into the water with him.

When I surface, I gasp for air. I wasn't ready when I jumped in, and the shock of cold water took my breath away. The water was cooler than I had expected.
"Why didn't you tell me it was cold?" I say, splashing water at Riker.
"'Cause it's not."
"Yeah, to you. You've already been in it!" Riker pulls me to him, hugging me. "I don't forgive you." I say playfully, trying to push him away. He holds onto me, planting a kiss on my lips. "Alright, I forgive you." He smiles, but doesn't let go. I could see disgust on Rocky's face, I try to ignore it.

Over the course of the next few hours, we hang out in and by the pool, clean ourselves up, eat dinner, Rydel and I help Stormie clean up, and then we all go our separate ways. Riker and I end up in the den to watch a movie. From the mix of the sun, heat, and chlorine, it took a toll on me, I fall asleep halfway through the movie.