To Express Happiness || Fayne ✔✔

The Riley Rollercoaster (Continued) 🚀🚀

As Aaron ascends the steps...the events of the previous day flashes quickly. He could feel himself, elevating; from the gutter and into this life; a night at Riley's with the entire gang, in a dead silent house filled with light, love and life. His heart suddenly accelerates as he jumps on the final step and into the floor, with a loud thud reverberating down the corridor. He runs to the door and grips the handle, and finally his senses return. He takes two deep breathes, brushes his shirt and goes in.

Everyone pretty much has settled themselves, without him, and that made Aaron's chest squeeze, but not for long. At one corner, Irina seems to be in a serious discussion with Zack and Shae (ofcourse not about Aaron) , Neha and Ashley occupying the bed...with Malcolm sittting underneath them, on the carpet and scrolling through his phone. No one notices Aaron, except when Neha calls out, causing Malcolm to look up at her and then at Aaron, and at his phone afterwards. Aaron's shakes all his thoughts off as Zack stands up and calls everyone to the garden for dinner. Aaron is already leading the way , with the gang lazily trailing behind. 

They are downstairs when Neha points Irina to the book. Absolutely no one knows what is about to happen. Aaron's mind juggles with thoughts now. Beside him , Ashley is blabbering something about the decision of not bringing any weed for today's party but Aaron doesn't hear a word. He tries not to look at Irina just as Ashley is looking at him . He nods to Ashley's words, periodically glancing at the table. Finally, in the middle of a conversation, Irina packs the book inside her bag and Aaron finally starts breathing again. 

''....like suuper lol. Shae literally wrapped the weed with the same paper he wrapped the gift with. Crazy, right?''

'Yea!' Aaron nods, hiding his confusion with a nervous smile.

Once in the garden, Aaron loses track of reality. He could feel the raw fragrance of the grass, the burning of the candle and the clinging of the casserole dishes as they are being brought on the table. The candlelight makes everything gleam brighter, not to mention the royal silverware and the porcelain plates, all neatly arranged and covered with a checkered red and white handkerchief. Everyone gets comfy on the seats made of dried hay, and start eating like it's a normal day at the canteen. Aaron sits between Ashley and Malcolm and , while lifting his fork, stares at the food.

His first, ever dinner invitation with living, original people.

Ashley keeps Aaron entertained throughout the dinner, filling the air with conversations starting from Mr. Nestor's weird smile to burying dead cats. At one point, when Aaron thinks that Ashley is being forced to talk to him , his watch comes to his sight, as he stands up straight and rushes into the house to get his coat. While the girls are serving the apple pie and cheesecake, Aaron interrupts the whole gang with...

''Guys, tolls on the curfew. I gotta go..''.

''Like we care'' .  Shae hides his face as he sips from a gigantic wine cup, well aware of the crossed looks sent by the group.

''I'll drop ya home. Wait. Lemme grab my coat. Ash, take over the cleaning. I'll lend a hand soon.''

''Sorry..? Lend a hand? As if it's not your duty?!''

The couples laugh as Aaron makes his way down the pavement and behind Riley's car. He feels lost...as if he walked right out of an amazing movie.,imcomplete. Everyone is on their own, talking , laughing, eating, resting their hands on each other's shoulders. As he leans his back on the car,he watches all of them like watching a TV series; a dream that cannot be real, a reality that cannot be a dream. Distance of inches seemed miles; conversation sounded like speeches, the clings of glasses seemed like rituals. This place, beside the car and far away from the gang, seemed like the only point where light could reach; where the air was breathable. As he is lost with his thoughts , the car suddenly jerks, causing him to trip but soon find his balance.

''Whoa...could've warned me!''

From the driver seat, Zack gives a wicked smile.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~OO~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The inside of the car remains inaudible until they are a mile away from Aaron's house. As Zack turns left, the first words go like:

''Not a talker, much?''

And Aaron wishes he didn't see that lousy smile of his.

''Eh...barely. I will , soon...well hope so''

''Ahaha...it's completely okay. I was like this, you know...when I first entered..''

A right turn.

''in the gang, that is. Not a bike fan here and got hell critisized for that, still do. Shae might be a tough guy to understand but that guy's got feelings, yo. No chill.''

Aaron nods, quite blankly.

''It's just that...spend more time with us and redeem yourself. You gotta work !!''

Just as they cross the bridge, Aaron opens the window and stares into the cloudy Colorado night. Everything is serene, and he is with the man he trusts the most. 

''Whoa okay...didn't turn the radio for decades. Let's see what's up!''

He pushes the button, just as the RJ signs off with a song.

Aaron lifts his head from the window and stares exuberantly at the radio, making Zack narrow his eyes in suspicion . At last, Aaron utters.

''Zack..?''

''Hmmn?''

''Can you feel it? Can you..?''

''Feel what''?

Smiling, Aaron rests his head on the window and tilts his head.