TOUGH LOVE

GIRLS DAY

He opened his car door for me and I thanked him. Once he sat in the drivers seat I knew I had to say something.

"Hey Nick"

"Yes, Rider" He said as he turned his car on.

"I just wanted to apologize for everything that happened yesterday. I've always been close to Jeff so he sees me like his little sister"

"It's fine, honestly, if it wasn't for him I wouldn't have know that you were 16" Nick said

"I actually wanted to kiss you but you're underaged, ya know and I'm 18 so that wouldn't be ok. But I hope we can be friends" Nick continued.
I smiled at him and he smiled at me.

"Friends." I say as Nick begins to drive off.

When we made it to the burger place we actually had a good time. Nick bonded with Tre over sports, and we all spoke about the movie. Since Tre was going to drop Kathy off and spend some time at her house, Nick offered me a ride again and I accepted.

"So Tre is your cousin?" Nick asks me as we're sitting in his car.

"yeah, honestly he's kind of like my brother. His parents took me in when I was 12."

"Can I ask why?" Nick asked curiously.

"My parents died when I was 12. It was a murder suicide, my dad wanted to crash the car on purpose to end his life but my mom was in the passenger seat and I was in the back. My dad died instantly, my mom was in a coma for two weeks before dying and I had broken my arm and leg."

"Oh... uh wow" Says Nick

"Hey you wanted to know, dude" I say with a smirk. I know it was a lot to take but after a lot of counseling and help from Tre and his family, I was able to talk about it and sometimes joke about it.
"I- I'm really sorry, Rider" Nick stuttered while driving.

"Hey it's fine. I'm sorry for being weird and bringing all of that up." I said

"You're not weird. I asked and you answered. It's just a lot and you're very brave for being able to get through all of that" Nick said with a smile glancing at me while driving.

I got home and my aunt and uncle were on their date night tonight so I was alone. I missed being alone because this past week has been so hectic for me that I just needed a break. I went to my room and read The Sun Also Rises by Hemingway. I fell asleep before anyone came home.

*THE NEXT DAY*

Sundays are usually family days but today my uncle Mike and Tre went fishing, leaving aunt Jody and I to have a girls day. Girl days are rare so aunt Jody and I like to take advantage when we get one. My aunt and I agree to go to a nail salon and get pedicures. We were gossiping while getting our nails done. She was just telling me drama from her job. Who knew nurses had so much drama?

"So, no boys in your life?" asked my aunt jody randomly

"Haha, Nope" I say awkwardly. I felt comfortable talking to my aunt about things I just didn't want to make her uncomfortable with my unnecessary teenage drama. 

After that we went to the mall food court. She asked me if I wanted to go shopping afterwards so that's what we did. We entered H&M and I hear my name not from my aunt because she was right next to you.

"Rider!" I hear someone yell.

My aunt and I both turn. I'm surprised at what's standing in front of me.

"Hey Ry, Hey Jody" says Jeff with his arm around a beautiful girl.

"Hello Jeff" says my aunt with a smile.

"Hi" I say shyly and a bit disappointed.

"MHM" the pretty blonde girl next to him hums.

"Oh um right. Guys this is my —"

"GIRLFRIEND, Chloe" she says rudely interrupting Jeff.

"Well nice to meet you Chloe" Says my aunt.

"Yeah same. Listen we have to go" she says tugging at Jeff's arm.

"Nice to see you guys" Jeff says right before being dragged away by Chloe.

I was confused as to why Jeff dated girls like her, his past girlfriends have all been like that. When they cheat on him or left him I was always there to comfort him.

"He likes them toxic" says Aunt Jody with a chuckle. Sadly she was right.

My aunt and I were on our way home when I received a text message.

LENARDO🤡
Hey can I come over? I need you. :(

(ME)
yes, Jody and I are on our way. You know where the key is hidden;).

"Lenny is going to the house right now, is that okay?" I ask my aunt

"Of course, baby"

'good because I already let him' I thought to myself.

We made it to the house and Len was hanging out in my room with a worried look on his face.

"Hey, what's wrong? Are you ok? Do you want to talk about it?" I bombard him with questions because I'm worried.

"Rider, calm down" Lenny says with a chuckle.

"I'm fine. Everything is fine. That's why I'm scared. Daniel and I are dating now. He's my first boyfriend ever. He's fully out, he told me he told you, but the only people that know are my close friends and family. I want to be able to hold Daniels hand in public and kiss him. But I don't know if I'm ready for this."

"First of all, I'm so happy for you. Second of all, have you spoken to Daniel about this?" I ask

"I haven't. I don't want him to think of me differently."

"Lenny, I'm sure that if you tell Daniel about how you feel, he'll understand. I'm pretty sure, Daniel was once in your shoes so he'll get you plus he likes you so that's a big advantage." I say with a wink.

Lenny chuckles.
"You're right. Communication is the key, right?" Lenny asks

"Exactly. So Jeff's got a new girlfriend?" I ask.

"Ugh yeah. She's a bitch but you know that's his type" Lenny says bluntly.

"They came up to us at the mall and she seemed a bit bitchy" I say shyly

"So Nick" Lenny starts

"Trust me Len, nothing is going on there"

"Rider I saw the way he looked at you. There's something there, babe" Lenny says.

"He's too old, plus Jeff would kill me."

"Jeff is so dramatic, you deserve to have some fun" Lenny says with a wink.

I blushed and chuckled.