Once Upon A Dream

Twenty

(UNEDITED)
(UNEDITED)
(UNEDITED)

Chapter Twenty: Sit and Wait
-Riley-

In the days that passed since mine and Cordelia's kiss I stayed true to my word and went to the park every single night, hoping that by some miracle she'd just walk up to like she had so many times before.

"Hey I know you're going stir crazy kiddo but I'm going to need you to watch your sister tonight." My mom said.

I looked up from the homework I had been assigned, as if the move wasn't enough of a shit show...starting a new school In a small town were everyone basically knows everyone is even worse.

Since football had started already it's not like I could impress my new classmates by helping to win games for the school. And I've always been an average sorta student, so without football and lack of friends (no friends other than Patty) I was focusing more on school.

"Mom you know I love Patty and I don't mind watching her for you but it's Friday night...-"

"Riley." She sighed. "I know this isn't ideal but your grandparents are going on a retreat with their church and I picked up a shift before I knew they'd be out of town."

I just looked at her.

"Honey you know every little bit of overtime I can work helps us get closer to having our own place."

"Can I at least take her to the park with me?"

She made a face, and I already knew her answer.

"Never mind." I grumbled in defeat.

"Riley you know I trust you, you are an excellent brother who would do anything to take care of his sister, I know that...but we're new to the area and like you pointed out, it's Friday night...anything could happen to the both of you." She said more than worried. "Just stay in tonight and make one of the frozen pizzas...I'm going to try and trade tomorrow nights shift alright?"

I nodded, I knew she was trying her hardest. "It's alright mom, don't worry about it, like you said...every little bit helps so keep your shifts and I'll just watch patty this weekend...don't worry about waking up early either, I know you'll be working late."

She moved and pulled me into a tight hug.

"I'm sorry you're having to put in so much effort..."

I could hear the sound of her voice cracking and knew she was trying to keep from crying.

"Yeah well, just don't get use to it...one day I'll. Have to move out with my supermodel wife and travel the world in my yacht."

She laughed and I smiled. I hated to see her upset.

__________

-Cordelia-

"Mom I'm taking off for the weekend." I shouted as I was walking out the front door.

I knew she was in the phone and no sooner had I gotten into my car did I get a text.

[Mom: Drive safe.]

I smiled and put my phone down as I set off to my dads for the weekend.

For a week straight Riley had told me how he'd been going to this park near his grandparents house.

He had describe the park and it did in fact sound like the same park from our dream, I was excited as I drove to my Dad's place. I was close to the house already but stoped to gas up.

I saw the same park as last time and knew I'd go there after I told dad hi and got my stuff put away.

I pulled up to the house and found snit empty. I pulled out my phone.

"Cordelia babygirl, everything okay?"

"Hey dad...I'm fine just got to your house and no ones here." I filled him in.

"Yeah, I should be there in an hour, and Gayle is gone for the evening but she'll be there tomorrow afternoon...I'll pick something up."

"No it's cool, I was just gonna drop my stuff off and take off to meet a friend in town." I half lied.

"Alright then, be careful and I'll see you when you back in." He said before we hung up.

"I got out of the car and grabbed my weekend bag before I let myself into the house.

After putting my bag in my room I went into the restroom and looked myself over. I'm not normally a vain person but something was telling me that this was the park, it had to be.

I finally took off and seeing as dad didn't live but about four blocks from the park it didn't take me very long.

I took a seat in one of the empty benches. It felt so bizarre so actually be here.

They were exactly the same red benches, paint chipping off them, black wrought iron rail work, the tall lampposts between them.

The air blew softly and I smiled.

Something about this felt so right.

I sat and waited, having spent just about every weekend here growing up I came across a few familiar faces.

They would stop and say hi, mention they were glad to see me, ask about school but soon they'd be on their way.

I sat there and felt as the air was growing cooler soon enough I noticed that the people walking around grew sparse. I looked down at my phone and noticed it was already past eleven, I knew if I didn't leave soon my dad would get worried and he'd be calling me soon so with a heavy sigh of disappointment I got up.

I walked to the car feeling extremely saddened by the fact that I hadn't seen him, I felt deep down that this was the park. Then doubt crept into my mind.

'Riley said he'd come here every night...why wouldn't he come tonight?'

I turned in my car and drove away, I knew if I got to bed soon I'd see him regardless of tonight's events (or lack thereof) and maybe, just maybe he'd be able to tell me if he'd gone to his park or not.