The Masked Truth

Chapter Ten

Chapter Ten

The functionality between my fingers and my brain loses connection. Somehow, instead of writing a bluff to get me out of something turns into an acceptance speech. Yes throws my head spinning into a colossal damage. I can't believe I agreed to do this.

'Meet in 20?' – is the next reply to buzz onto my screen.

'See you then.' – Riley.

I exit out of the conversation between Nathan and I, and open the previous one with Alex and start explaining my day to him. Sometimes when we can't call for a chat, I message him about my day and how things are going.

'Hi,' is the first thing I manage to type into the speech bubble before I lose my thoughts and contemplate what to write. 'How is your day?' That's not the sprits up type of message I intend to write, but I know it'll do. I click send and then start writing about me to update him on my progress.

'I've finished a few songs, the record label loves them! They think the concept of the roller coaster is brilliant, and they'd like to make that the theme of the album. Finally something we're seeing eye to eye. The record label has given me the day off to "recharge". Nathan and I have decided to go to coffee that should be fun! I'm craving chocolate and some time out of my apartment. I miss you more than ever, have a great day x' – Riley.

Locking the screen, I toss it onto the bed beside me as I roll towards the side and get off. I charge towards the bathroom while forming ideas of how I want to do my hair and make-up. Something simple like some eye make-up and perhaps a ponytail to get the hair out of my face.

Clothing is an easy choice for me. I've fallen in love with my new high waist jeans that are a grey wash with small fashionably placed rips along the knees and thigh area. Along with the jeans I have a cropped floral shirt and a white cardigan with lace trimming. I pair this with a sparkly flower ring, a silver bangle and a pair of white plates.

I'd gone to rebelling against the latest fashion trends and escaping into oversized band shirts to accessorising my clothing with sparkly jewelry. Has my brain been changed, or is this what happens when you grow up?

Within fifteen minutes, I'm walking out the door with my bag hanging off my shoulder and my door keys jingling in my hands. I have five minutes to get to the coffee house to be in time. I hope Nathan knows I'm going to be late. Keeping time isn't a skill I've jet managed to master.

I dash and weave through the crowd. Some people step out of my way, but most just walk along their paths without care or urgency. I feel like I'm swimming against the tide. But I make it to the coffee shop with no time to spare. As I walk inside, I find people moving shuffling around and chatting to other people.

"Riley, over hear." My attention is drawn to a booth in the corner with Nathan perched on a seat.

I smile with recognition as I walk over and slip into the opposite seat.

"Sorry I'm late," I apologise.

"You're okay." He shrugs off, "giving you twenty minutes to get ready and travel here, that was a long shot." He chuckles.

"So true." I nod my head.

"Two iced chocolates." The waiter smiles and places two tall glasses on the table before walking away.

"I hope you like it," he says.

"Thanks, anything chocolate is good with me." I take the glass and move it closer to me so that I can inspect the content. There's a scoop of ice-cream and a thick layer of cream swirled on top with a dusting of chocolate powder. My stomach rumbles and my mouth waters, this looks amazing.