Left Behind (Completed) *editing*

Chapter Six

Kelly left but my night was ruined. The most perfect day had turned sour with her appearance. Her words rung in my head - to call her if I want to know the truth about Riley. Did I even want to call her? I didn't know. I knew I couldn't trust her. At the same time, I knew Riley so well that sometimes I felt like I could read his mind. I could read what he was feeling and he forgot about Kelly's outburst the moment she left.

The disgust of her appearance already rolled off of his shoulders and I didn't know if I was ready to let it go. I felt hurt and confused. Riley spoke but I sat back down on his bed, nodding at his every word. I had no idea what he was saying - all I could hear were my racing thoughts. When did Kelly decide she hated me? How long did he hate me? Why can't she let go of Riley? Is he still sleeping with her? Was Riley telling me the complete truth? I don't think Riley would lie to me but how would I know if he was lying? I trusted Riley and I've always thought he was honest but this is my life. I have a black cloud floating above my head. I felt Riley's hand gently squeeze my shoulder.

"Hey," he said softly, "It's okay. Stay with me." It wasn't until his lips pressed onto mine that I noticed that I was slightly hyperventilating. He knew I was panicking.

"I'm fine," I replied coldly. I found a spot on the floor and locked my eyes there to resist the tears forming.

"Valerie, I know you," he whispered wrapping an arm around me. He buried his head into my neck. "Talk to me."

I started to feel like the room was closing in on me. I pulled away from Riley and rose to my feet. "Can I have a cigarette? I need to be alone," I asked. I didn't wait for him to respond yes before I grabbed his lighter and a cigarette. I darted out of his room and ran down the stairs. As I reached the end of the stairwell I saw Riley's keys on the coffee table. I grabbed his keys and headed outside.

I went into his car and grabbed his phone. I then headed into his yard, hiding behind his shed and I lit my cigarette, inhaling deeply. I exhaled and turned on his phone. 12 missed calls from Kelly. Funny, she said she only called 5 times. He had 7 texts from her. I decided against reading them. I checked and realized he'd been texting his sister earlier. I didn't click on anything else as to not invade his privacy anymore. Then I called Colin.

"What's up?" he answered.

"It's me." I said quietly, in case Riley came out to find me.

"Oh, hey. Where are you guys?" I could tell by his voice he was in the middle of a video game.

"We went back to Riley's house," I felt a tear fall down my face.

"Oh yeah?" Colin laughed. "Did he get lucky tonight?" He teased me.

"Did you really sleep with Kelly?" I asked. There was silence on the other end on the phone for a moment. I could tell I caught him off guard.

"He told you?" Colin sighed. "Yes but I don't talk to her anymore. I swear. She's so crazy. I'm so sorry that you found out from Riley, Val. I mean, it's not like he was in love with her." Colin always made excuses.

"I just can't believe this," I took a long drag on my cigarette.

"Why does it bother you? I didn't try to bang her - she lied to me and told me you slept with Riley and he broke up with her. She cried on my shoulder and it just kind of happened," Colin admitted. "I didn't find out for a few days that she was still with Riley and truth is, I don't think he was that upset. He punched me, sure but then he said he didn't want to talk about it."

"What the fuck?!" I looked up at the sky. I couldn't believe any of this. "Why would you think I would do that to Kelly?" I was in love with Riley but was true enough to our friendship to put those feelings aside so she Kelly could date him.