You're Mine

Chapter Twenty-One

Riley
THREE MONTHS LATER.
(Early Nov.)

"Just once?" Luke sighs, clasping his phone. "Come on Riles. She's really sick."

I sigh, clasping the sink. Moving Luke's stuff out the way, I grasp my toothbrush and pop it in my mouth, not wanting to have this conversation. He raises his eyebrows at me.

"Very mature." He mutters, stalking off.

I know how immature it is that I'm unwilling to see Ashley, despite her worsening condition. Hollie has been visiting on and off when she can with her growing bump. Luke even goes once or twice a week. I just can't bring myself to go.

Partly, through shame I haven't been yet. But also because of our past. I can't quite get over what she said to me yet, no matter how silly it may seem.

It was raining, of course. It always rained when she invited me to these things. But after last time she had begged me to come for weeks and now, I was in no position to refuse. I needed advice, I needed my oldest friend.

I looked behind me anxiously, checking Chris hadn't followed me here. I thought he might considering his rage earlier, but so far, no sign.

I'm a mess- my makeup now ruined from tears, my clothes wet, my hair tangled. But the bouncer spots my name on the list and allows me in, obviously deciding my look is a fashion choice. Or feels pity for me. It doesn't matter either way.

It doesn't take long for me to spot Ashley- she's surrounded by hordes of men and woman desperate for her attention, filling her drinks up, laughing at her jokes. She told me once sometimes she tells ones that are blatantly not funny in attempts to see how far people will go.

I rush over to her, trying to catch her eye. She only notices me once I'm close and immediately stands up, her mouth opening. Her followers all look at me too, their eyes trailing up and down.

"Wet chic is in I see.." One drawls. Skye, I think her name is. They chuckle quietly.

"Riley!" She giggles, her cheeks blushing red. "My, must be some storm outside. Let's get you cleaned up. Can I use someones makeup bag?"

She holds out her hand and six are offered. She plucks one and practically shoves me towards the ladies. I don't miss the giggles from her friends nor the sharp looks we receive which heat my cheeks up even more.

"My god Riley, what the hell?" She asks, locking the door behind us. "Are you okay?"

"No, I'm-" I let out a sob, grabbing a tissue from the box and pressing it to my face, the crash of emotions rushing down on me.

"Hey, it's alright. Did you break up with Chris?" Her voice is soft, but eager. As if she was waiting for this news- expecting it.

"What? No. Well, I mean, I don't know." I sniff, brushing my nose. "Ashley, I'm..I'm pregnant."

She stops ruffling around in the bag, her hands freezing. Her eyes meet my own very slowly, dread within them. "What?"

"I'm pregnant. With Chris' baby." I let out a sob again. She reaches out for me, stepping over quickly as I hunch over.

"It's okay, it's okay." She rubs my arms, pulling me into a hug. "We can get an appointment at the clinic tomorrow, I'll sort it-"

"Wait, hold on I haven't even made up my mind, I-" I mumble, stopping when I see the horror within her eyes. "I just mean, Chris is religious and he wants to keep it-"