Quiet vs. Loud

Quiet Time

RIKER'S POV

Rayne and I spent the next few hours just listening to the waterfall and learning little things about each other.  I learned her favorite colors - silver and blue, her favorite sport to watch - football, her favorite sport to play - baseball, and her favorite beach activity - sand sculpting.  I also learned that she has never seen a live hockey game, which is something I intend to change as soon as possible.  The more I learn about her, the more I like her.

Suddenly, my phone started ringing.  Actually, it said " I could be Thor.  I have the hair for it.", which is my ringtone for Rocky.  Rayne started laughing when she heard it.  " What is that" she asked as I pulled my phone from my pocket.  "It's my brother Rocky" I told her as I answered my phone.  " Hey Rocky, what do you need?"

"We all just wanted to check and see where you are.  You were gone when we got home, and you didn't leave a note or call any of us, so we were worried.  Actually, everyone else was worried.  I just wanted to know if you knew where the mac & cheese is that was in the cabinet.  I want a snack, and you know how I am about mac & cheese."

"Sorry man," I said as I smiled at Rayne.  "I was gonna run some errands and then call you, but I met one of our new neighbors, so I spent the day showing her around town.  But I should be home soon.  By the way, thanks for ranking the mac & cheese above my well being.  And for the record, I didn't eat it, but I do know where it is.  You need to check Ross's room or the guest room where Ratliff slept last night.  I think one of them took it." 

"Cool, you met the neighbor.  When do we get the privilege?  But if Ross or Ratliff took my mac & cheese, they may not be able to meet new people when I get through with them." Rocky said, loudly and I heard Ratliff in the background saying "I didn't eat the mac & cheese. I promise."  "Well," Rocky said "I guess we will see you when you get home.  Bye"

"Is everything ok?" Rayne asked me as I put my phone back in my pocket.  "And what is the deal with the mac & cheese?"

"Yeah, everything is fine.  My family was just wondering where I am, and Rocky is looking for his mac & cheese.  I blamed Ross and Ratliff, so he would go bother them.  But actually, I just hid it in his guitar case in the basement.  When he finds it, I will just tell him that he hid it there himself and then forgot.  It's all good.  But we probably do need to get going since the park is getting ready to close and I need to get home before he hurts Ross or Ratliff.  Hopefully he will just throw them in the pool and that will be the end of it."  I stood and took Rayne's hand to help her up, but instead of letting go of her hand, I just linked our fingers together.  Rayne looked down at our hand and then up to me and smiled.  " I hope this is ok." I said to Rayne indicating our hands.  "It's perfect." she replied.

"Let's get out of here and head home.  I would like for you to meet my family." I said to Rayne as we started towards my car.  "Rocky and everyone else wants to meet the new neighbor."

"I would love to meet your family." Rayne said with a smile.  Rayne and I got in my car and headed for my house.  I looked down and saw that her hand was still in mine, which made me happy.  Maybe this is the beginning of a good thing.