Notorious Hope

14. Lies Rest Beyond the Surface

Jones' Household-6: 38 pm

''Well, come on in guys. Make yourselves at home.''

The ride on the way home from the cemetery was nothing less than awkward. Although Riley did realize that Lucas seemed a lot more relaxed since they got into the car.

''Luke, can I talk to you in the kitchen for a minute?''

Wandering into the kitchen, fixing up hot chocolates and coffees. The Texan leaning up against his girlfriends' kitchen island. Grinning at his relaxed nature.

''So, what're you going to do about your Mom and Dad? Because I know that your mother isn't exactly fond of me and my Dad is becoming more involved with her. This isn't going end well if you spend more time with your Dad and your Mom spends more time here. They're bound to cross paths at some point.''

Riley wanders over passing out the beverages before Lucas can answer. Knocking on the door as the couple lock eyes. She motions for her boyfriend to answer.

''Mom?''

His arms slip around Riley's waist protectively as he notices her father's drunken haze.

''C'mon girls, let's go upstairs and play with the toys.''

Riley picks up Lily with Lucas close behind, while Blair follows behind the trio without a second thought.

''Luke, what does Momma have against Riley? I mean, she seems like such a sweetheart.''

Blair's southern drawl comes out as she says 'Momma' and 'Sweetheart'. Lily sitting in her lap as she plays with the toys.

''It's not necessarily what Momma has against Riley, it's about the history she has with Mr Jones. Which I don't understand why she can't get over it and not hold a grudge against my girlfriend. But I guess that's just who she is. That's probably why she and Dad didn't work out because she is just so strong-headed. But I don't care what she says, because, at the end of the day, I love her just the way that she is. And Mom doesn't get to dictate who I do and don't love.''

His face turns towards his girlfriend. Gazing into her eyes adoringly as he kisses her forehead.

''Riley, are you going to be my sister one day?''

The couple laughs lightly in unison. Riley reaches for Lucas's hand, caressing his knuckles. A sea of crimson rises to her cheeks. Lucas, scratching the back of his neck, nervously.

''What do you mean, Lily?''

Her brother furrows his eyebrows at her question. Everybody becomes confused by the little blonde's innocent question.

''Well, if you two get married someday, then Riley becomes my sister. Right, Lukey?''

Her doe eyes gaze hopefully at her older brother. The hope rushes through her eyes. Something he hasn't seen in a long time.

''Well, yeah, she does. But you might have to wait just a little while for that.''

Resting his hand on top of hers, intertwining their fingers. Lucas's eyes don't leave Riley as they tuck Lily into bed. She scratches Lily's back as Lucas kisses her forehead, brushing her forehead as her eyes struggle to stay open. 

''Can you tell me a story, Lukey?''

She scoots over as her brother takes a seat on the edge of her bed. Riley isn't exactly sure what story Lucas is telling Lily but she admires the two from a distance. Watching as her boyfriend kisses his sisters' head one last time.

''Hey...''

Afraid of going downstairs to face her father's drunken state. Knowing well and truly of the guilt that's eating her alive. Riley crawls onto Lucas's lap as he sits on the corner chair. Watching as he fiddles with her fingers, mindlessly.