Friendship, Love And Hate

Chapter 13 <None of it was real>

I wanted to get out for some time. So I got dressed in somewhat decent clothes and went outside for a walk.

I needed someone so I called Riley. I just hoped I am not bothering her.

'Hey Riley. Sorry for not answering. Do you want to meet up with me?' I asked nervously what if she changed her mind. But she said yes almost instantly. .

'What do you say about mall food court?' And she agreed

I was walking around mall and there was few familiar faces from school but they didn't say anything or even look weirdly at me. It was like I didn't even exist.

I waited for Riley but I was thinking about what she thinks of my situation. Does she just think I'm weak? That I'm a slut? Stupid? Naive? It's just a picture. Why would it matter that much to me?

Riley got out of nowhere and sat opposite me. Straight to the point she started speaking "how are you feeling?" She asked, but she looked sad, I didn't know why, it's not like it's her picture.

"Better than yesterday." I say coldly and force a laugh out.

Riley exhaled deep breath "tori. I wanted to come to your house yesterday so you are not alone but I had this thing and so I called Aaron, I know you are not great friends but he is the only person I could ask that''

''Thank you.  It was what I needed at the time. He was understanding. And suggested for me to stay home for a week to let things die down a bit. And I think that's what I will do..."

Riley took my hands in hers "okay. But we still need to hang out." She says in a smirk.

Meeting Riley really made me feel better. It wasn't anything she said, she just has this aura of feeling welcomed...

The week went by faster than I thought. I and Riley hung out at her house a lot after school. None of my other friends questioned my lack of going to school and that hurt, I simple text would be nice.

It was finally time to go to school today. And I was scarred because I didn't know what to expect. I was eating breakfast with my dad who was reading newspaper, who even reads newspapers? Cameron was still sleeping but he should be up any minute now.

Suddenly doorbell rang. This early! My dad looked up from newspaper and eyed me. Questioning if it's for me. I just shook my shoulders.

Maybe it's Grandma Lauren. But what could she do here this early and alone because house would be empty.

My dad got up from the chair and walked to the door. It was time for me to go so I put away my breakfast plate and picked up my bag. I was walking to school so I needed to go out early.

I walked to the door and my dad was arguing with someone. "I can drive her to school!" He said sternly. Was he talking about me? He was always fine with me walking.

I walked up to see who is on the other side. And it was Aaron. I shot him questioning look. "Hey Victoria. Didn't you tell your dad I'm driving you to school?" He asked me without any face gesture. It's not like he could otherwise my dad was looking his every move. I didn't know what was he talking about but I decided to play along. Otherwise he would look extremely dumb right now.

"Um yea sorry dad, I forgot. Aaron is taking me to school." I explain.

"Why?" My dad asked.

"Well. I mean..." he didn't even let me finish.

"Victoria you are not allowed to drive around with random boys" he pointed out but still eyed Aaron. "Or maybe he is your boyfriend?" he asked daring me.