Never Told You

Chapter Two

The bell rang and I darted out of there as fast as I could. How did this boy I hardly knew make me so nervous? I finished my other classes and went home. I was laying down reading, when my phone vibrated. I picked it up and saw Chance had texted me. I opened the message to see it was an image. A half naked girl was sitting in the bed next to Chance with his head in her lap. My heart stung, but not enough to cause tears. I decided to respond.

Me: Wow...this makes my news easier. I don't love you anymore. I was hoping to remain friends, but with this picture and you ditching me this morning...we're completely done..

I sent the message and put my phone down for it to vibrate again. I was ready for a hurtful message from Chance, but the number was unknown.

Unknown: Lauren, this is River. Let's hang on Friday. Party at my place. Starts at 7pm. :)

Butterflies fluttered up again, and I ran to Alyssa's room. She opened her door and greeted me. I showed her the message. She then began to speak.

"Lauren, we're going. I was invited too." I nodded my head. This was going to be my first college party. The week flew by in a blurr. It was finally Friday, and Alyssa was curling my hair. I put my favorite skinny jeans on, and her tight, red, long sleeved crop top on. I topped it off with my wind breaker and vans. Alyssa put a thin layer of mascara on my eyelashes, and I was ready for the party. She tried to get me in a mini skirt, but I refused. We decided to take an uber in case we both drank. I didn't want to touch alcohol. The last time ended badly. I was only 16, and at a friend's party. My life was changed forever because of it.

When I was standing in front of the house, I felt the music vibrating the ground. Alyssa led me into the house to a couch in the corner. There, the kids from the coffee shop were strung across it. Alyssa introduced them as her friends. I was surprised. She then handed me a red cup. I could smell the liquor radiating out of it. I took a sip and instantly missed the taste. I chugged the cup, then grabbed another. I told myself to nurse this one.

River finally came out of hiding and sat with us. A girl with pink hair came over and sat on River's lap. This was new. She wasn't at the shop. They must've been dating. Someone brought up the idea to play truth or dare, pulling me away from my thoughts. River pushed the girl off his lap and took the seat next to me. I was now on my fifth drink, and buzzed. Pink hair was glaring at me.

"Lauren, truth or dare?" Alyssa slurred her words, especially my name.

"Dare." My voice was bold.

"Kiss River." I laughed. I grabbed him by the hair and slammed my lips against his. He was shocked, but kissed me back. Fireworks radiated through my body, making me sober. He was a good kisser. I'd never felt like this with anyone. Someone cleared their throat, causing us to break apart. Pink hair was glaring even harder, and I was sure of one thing. I needed more to drink.

After throwing three back and going for another, a cold hand grabbed my wrist and stopped me.

"Don't you think you've had enough to drink, Lauren?" Chills ran down my spine. River's voice rang through my head.

"Don't stop me. I can do what I want." My words were slurred. Maybe it was time I stopped drinking. Memories of when I was 16 floated into my head. I sat the drink down, and looked at River.

"I'm sorry River." Puke suddenly spewed out of my mouth and all over River's shoes. My face instantly heated up. I felt more vomit coming up and took off running to the bathroom. River followed me and held my hair back while I threw up the remaining contents of my stomach. I sat down and groaned. "This is just lovely. I'm sorry River. I didn't mean to puke on you." He chuckled while looking me up and down.

"I just don't trust people around an innocent girl like you." My cheeks began to turn pink again.

"If only you had been there for me when I was 16.." River looked at me confused.

"What are you talking about? What happened?" I should've never said anything to him.

"Um...nevermind. I don't want to talk about it." At that moment, I could read all of his emotions. Concern, confusion, and anger. Why would he be mad? Suddenly, he moved closer to me. He reached around me and flushed the toilet.

"You forgot to flush the toilet. Can I take you to a bedroom? You need to rest." I nodded yes and made my way to my feet. He gave me his arm and I quietly thanked him. He only nodded, and showed me to a bedroom.

"Okay. Thank you, River." He nodded again.

"Please lock the door when I leave. You're a pretty girl and a lot of guys are looking to score tonight." His words made me nervous.

"Will you stay with me?" He laughed at my words.

"Sure. I'll sleep on the floor." He then locked the door. For some reason, he didn't make me worry at all. I trusted this boy.

"Goodnight River." My words came out soft. I wasn't expecting a reply. His voice then echoed through my ears and I heard a gentle goodnight.

When my eyes floated open the next day, I was in a room I didn't recognize. I tried getting up, but was anchored down by a muscular arm. I looked behind me to see River sound asleep. He looked like an angel. Even though I was sure a lot of girls got this view, I felt lucky. No, what was I thinking? River would never go for a girl like me.

"Whatcha thinking about, buttercup?" He shocked me, and my thoughts flew from my head. I got nervous and shivers sent down my spine.

"Why are we in the same bed?" River looked at me and burst out in laughter.

"You were having a night terror, and I came up here to comfort you. I hope that's not an issue." He placed his hand on my thigh. I gulped, even more nervous.

"T-that's okay." I couldn't help but stutter. I shouldn't have let River have this effect on me.

"What? Are you nervous...buttercup?" He whispered his drawn out words in my ear. I remembered our kiss last night. I had never felt this way with anyone. What caused me to melt at his touch? What caused me to shiver when his voice rang through my head? I wanted to get these answers, but that meant I had to get involved with him. Was he worth the drama? This might also be my only shot at real love. Just a fling of course, but could I let that slip through my fingers?

I was confused, and I knew who I could talk to. Alyssa was always here for me. She was my only friend right now.