Notorious Hope

26. Square One

Riley's Bedroom-3: 45 pm

''Sweetheart, you look beautiful''

Her mother pins back the runaway hairs into her ponytail. She pulls a large oversized sweater that hits halfway to her knees. Although she's unaware about the owner of the sweater because she knows it isn't hers.

''Mom, stop touching my hair, it'll be fine.''

 She sighs a breath of relief when the doorbell rings. Finding a familiar emerald eye on the other side.

''Hi''

Her lips can't help but curve into a shy grin. 

''Well, you kiddos have fun.''

Kissing her daughter's brunette locks before pushing the pair out the door onto the porch.

''You're wearing my sweater?''

The brunette responds in a stuttering manner, stumbling over her words.

''I didn't realise, you can have this ba-''

He holds her wrist, halting her from returning his clothing.

''It's alright, Riley. I actually think that it looks better on you than it does on me. You can keep it.''

They exchange a smile before continuing on their journey to Pop's. They stroll down the pathway for a few moments in silence. The brunette taking the emerald teen's hand in hers. Unlike previous times, there's a certain strength that she holds.

''Um, I hope this is okay''

Even when they first began dating, Riley was never this forward. 

''Sweetheart, of course, it's okay.''

She blushes at the endearing nickname. Swinging their intertwined fingers forward and backward.

''So what was our relationship like? Because from what I remember, I was pretty much, and excuse my foul language, a fucking bitch to almost everybody I came in contact with.''

Riley only ever brings her walls down in front of Lucas. So he's a little flabbergasted at her hesitancy. Opening the door for her as they walk over to a booth inside of Pops'. He hands the young couple chocolate and vanilla milkshakes. 

''It's okay, we don't usually apologise for swearing. It's just the way we are. As for our relationship, I think that we spend too much time trying to protect each other. I even threatened to break up with you if you went to go see the Goolies. Which in hindsight I realise was wrong. I just didn't want you to get yourself into trouble. We also both have bad tempers which can lead us to argue but we always find our way through. The thing I think I like the most about our relationship is our honesty. I could always look for you for advice or to confide in during a time of need. You always enjoyed sneaking into my house whenever you needed a breather from your family. Most nights when this happened, you'd end up falling asleep in my bed. You'd refuse to sleep alone in my bed, refusing my politeness and glaring at me until I got in beside you. ''

Her heart splits into fragments at this comment. This girl he's describing, the girl he's in love with, isn't who she is anymore. She just wishes she remembered how much she loved him. Because she can't return the loving grin that he gives her even though she desperately wishes she could.

''The experiences that we've had that you're talking about seem batshit crazy. But knowing me that's bound to happen.''

Pausing in order to process everything. Chuckling in disbelief at the information she's received.

''I just...I still don't get how I'm in a relationship with a guy like you. Because you're like, the nicest guy ever and I'm batshit crazy. It's like I'm being given a test to see if I can leave the person that I used to be behind. I don't want to go back to the person I was before. I was thinking that maybe you could help me with that.''

Sipping on her milkshake with a slight grin across her lips.

''I'll do anything to make you happy, Ri. You're not crazy, you're just passionate about your beliefs, I admire that about you. So, of course, I'll help you with whatever you need. Just name it and I'll be there.''

Pop's walks over to the couple, placing a hefty piece of chocolate cake ahead of the pair.

''Thanks Pops.''

Her eyebrows furrow as her concentration is led towards her piece of chocolate cake. Bringing concern to her 'boyfriend's' mind.

''You okay there, beautiful?''

Convincing smile purses across her lips as she eats her slice, although, her eyes tell a different story.

''Yeah, I'm fine, can we just, talk outside for a minute?''

Intertwining their fingers, the emerald-eyed boy is cautious leading her into the alleyway. Sensing deja-vu, causing his sudden urge to wander back inside.

''What'd you wanna talk about?''

Creating a gap between the two of them. Her lips come apart.

''I'm bipolar, Lucas.''