An Unforgettable Tale- Soulmates

Chapter 17

Riley:

I now understood what they meant in movies when describing school as a "Prison Yard". Teachers barked their complaints when I turned up late, lunch lady's scowled when I politely asked for less meat and hall monitors eyed everyone carefully as if they were hoping to catch a student with a life-threatening weapon.

I walked sluggishly through the sea of tired teens with my backpack hung loosely over my shoulders.

I had declined Cherry's strange offer to drive me to school so I was ten minutes late to my first class. I don't know what's gotten into her lately. So far living with Cherry hasn't been half as bad as I thought it would be. She smiled every time she saw me and always asked if I was feeling alright. She even made dinner for us all and gave me an extra glass of wine when I didn't ask for it. Her parents had left early this morning and, according to Cherry, they would be out for a couple of days for client business. The house was big and empty most of the time and to my delight, I hadn't had any more run-ins with Carlos. 

He just seemed to stay in his room all day which I did not mind one bit. 

I waved tiredly at Sasha who came bounding over as soon as she spotted me. Her big brown eyes brightening at the sight of me.

"Riley!" She greeted and I was instantly enveloped in her strong coconut scent.

"How are you, you don't look too well,"

I smiled forcefully, "Didn't get much sleep last night," I wasn't sure if I should tell Sasha what had happened to me over the past few days. Although I felt lonely not having anyone to vent out too, Alex was not an option. He was getting unusually quiet around me now. Offering the occasional smile and wave. Not like before. I kind of missed it.

Classes were a drag as usual, Mr. Gregor let us split up from our pairs much to Alex's protest I went to work on my own. Photography was grabbing my attention quite successfully when we started playing around with school's cameras.

Learning different shots and theme ideas to do for final exams. The only photo's I had taken so far were of the beach and that's all. I was quite pleased when Mrs. Jenns, photography teacher, praised my photo's, how they captured emotions perfectly and clearly. I blushed at this smirking at a scowling Alex who was the subject of my photo.

"Are you going to the game tonight?" Sasha asked, chewing thoughtfully on her sandwich. We were sitting at the usual lunch table and I was still wondering if I should tell Sasha everything.

So far the table was buzzing with the topic of the basketball game. Bets were made, arguments shot across the table, mostly between the twins. Katie was red-faced spouting out her debate towards her brother. Sam and Rain watched the two, entertained expressions on both of their faces.

I nodded, answering Sasha's question. "Yeah, Alex asked me yesterday," I said absentmindedly scanning the cafeteria for the familiar Latin face. I hadn't seen him all day. Don't get me wrong- his presence made me annoyingly uncomfortable. But, I definitely did notice when he wasn't around.

Sasha stopped chewing and turned to look at me, a knowing grin on her face.

"You've been talking to Alex?" She pushed.

I looked at her with a raised eyebrow, only because of what happened. I sighed, the topic of me living with Cherry was getting difficult to avoid.

Right on cue, of course, I am suddenly enveloped by a thick expensive scent.

"Riley? I've been looking for you everywhere!" Cherry huffed, delicately seating herself right next to me. A smile plastered on her face and she looked at me accusingly.