Left Behind (Completed) *editing*

Chapter Two*

The bell rang and my eyes instantly shot over to Riley. We wouldn't see each other again until lunch while I had my next 2 classes with Colin. Riley looked like he was deep in thought as he gathered his things. I waited on him as Colin waved me goodbye when we separated as his locker was on another part of the building. I quickened the pace of my walking to keep up with Riley. This was my only chance to talk to him.

"Why were you late?" I inquired as we exited the classroom.

"Oh, I just didn't hear my alarm go off. So, why didn't you return my call last night?" Riley looked serious.

Deep down, I knew Colin and Riley weren't entirely clueless about my brother. There was this look they gave me that was embedded with worry. It was preciously the expression Riley wore in this moment of discussion. It wasn't like they hadn't met the monster in my life. They've seen enough to pick up on a hint or two; Colin more than Riley. I felt my face growing hot while I tried to conjure up a good excuse. I shrugged in a carefree manner, laughing it off and lied my face off.

"I didn't hear it ring. Why'd you call?"

"I took a hike last night and found a park that was kind of buried in the woods not far from here. It looked like a dirt road once led there by the highway but I guess the road's gone now. Two gorgeous bare stone walls. I was considering blowing off school to change the fact those walls are blank." Graffiti. Riley once got caught but I could tell that after the fines he'd paid he must think no one will catch us there. The worry in his face was replaced with a mischievous smirk.

"I thought we agreed to keep our art on a canvas from now on," I whispered. He grinned, flashing his perfect white teeth at me.

"I don't think anyone will find us there. We can sneak out the door by the gym. No one will notice. Besides, I left all of my books at home today. There is nothing but spray paint in my backpack."

The idea was tempting. He may have a point. We go to a pretty big school. Our first period teacher didn't do role call and that was common. I'd skipped before, entirely unnoticed. It wasn't something that I often risked but it could be fun to get out of here today. I needed an escape desperately. Even if it was just school for one day, it would be better than nothing. Glancing around, I nodded quickly in agreement to let him know I would join him.

"Too late. I noticed," Colin said from behind us.

Colin was pretty good at sneaking up on us. I'd rather have spent the day alone with Riley. I know Riley wanted that too but not for the same reasons I do. Riley just thought that Colin was an annoying, sarcastic prick. He wasn't too far off base but I found it endearing. I resigned to Colin's reappearance with a sigh. He

"Well, are you in or are you out?" Riley asked us.

"I guess," Colin grumbled. Colin wasn't artistically inclined. I had no idea why he would even want to join us but I was somewhat grateful. "I have to get back before school ends and grab my backpack."

"Of course you do, nerd," I teased.

It was always hard to be alone with Riley. Every time I looked at his perfect lips I had to restrain myself from kissing him. I didn't even care about my brother finding out I skipped as I walked out of school with my two friends. I was too busy plotting a way to spend a few minutes alone with Riley. Not that it would matter. I would say I probably have the courage to do almost anything. Anything except kiss him and screw up the friendship that meant so much to me.

Riley led the way, telling us about how found it. He boasted that we would probably be the only people who knew about this place. I noted that it was warmer already than when I walked to school almost an hour ago. I tore my sweater off, wearing only the black camisole underneath when we got to the park. Riley dumped the contents of his back pack on the grass. The cans clinked together when they each fell to the ground.