Letting Go (A Before You Exit Fanfic)

There and Back Again

I woke up the next morning in the same position that I had fallen asleep in. My head was buried in Riley’s chest with my arms wrapped tightly around his torso. I adjusted my head lifting it up just enough so I could see Riley’s face. He was still sound asleep with his arms around me. I stayed there quietly for a moment until I heard voices from downstairs. I figured some people were already awake. I noticed that the power was back on so I glanced over at the clock to see it was 8:30. I could have gone back to sleep but I wanted to just take in the moment.

A smile formed on my face as I watched Riley sleep. I decided that I would wake him up so we could go eat some breakfast. Instead of releasing from his hold, I kissed him softly until he woke up. His eyes remained closed but he began kissing me back.

“Hey! I know you’re awake now.” I laughed as I pulled away from his lips.

“No I’m not. I think you should kiss me again to wake me up.” He mumbled as he slowly opened one of his eyes.

“Oh stop it.” I said playfully as I began pulling away from Riley’s grasp. “I’m hungry. Do you want to come downstairs and get breakfast with me?” I asked pointing to the door.

“Ughhh. Do I have to?” Riley moaned.

“No. But either way, I’m going to get food.” I stated.

“Fine! Wait up for me.” He slowly made his way out of his bed and began walking downstairs.

We went straight to the kitchen and looked through things to make for breakfast.

“I’m making some pancakes for breakfast. Would you two love birds want any?” Connor asked while getting out ingredients.

I looked over to Riley and shrugged. “Sure, why not.” Riley told Connor as he slumped back into the living room. He was still half asleep clearly.

Everyone was awake besides Thomas and Dyanna. They were both crashed out on the floor. I sat beside Riley on the sofa with Braiden and Tayler.

“So are you ready for next week?” Cassidy asked.

“What’s next week?” Riley asked unsure.

“We go back to school you nut.” Cassidy informed him.

“Oh, that.” He mumbled.

“Yeah, some of us don’t get to have school online.” Cassidy joked.

That just crossed my mind. We have school again next week. I have to go back to that hell hole and pretend that I’m okay with being there and that I don’t hate almost every single person. Not to mention that Luke goes to the same school. Cassidy began talking which interrupted my thoughts.

“It’s weird that we all go to the same school and never saw you around.” Cassidy told me.

“Yeah, that is weird. Tayler you just graduated in June didn’t you?” I asked.

“Yeah, same with Connor, Braiden, and Thomas. But Cassidy is a grade behind so she’ll still be there.” Tayler said smiling.

Cassidy smiled over at me. I gave a smile back. She was in the same grade as me…and Luke. I have no idea how I didn’t know who she was until this summer.

“I like how my girlfriend is a year ahead of me in school when we are the same age.” Riley said sarcastically.

“Not my fault.” I said while nudging him.

“Hey! I’ll be at that school now.” Rachel cut in.

“Oh yeah! You will be.” Toby said. “I’ll be home taking online classes with Riley. HA!” He gloated.