The bus pulled up in front of the school and Riley got off looking all stressed up. Loretta, Kate and Nancy walked up to her
"Hey...girl...why are you looking all grumpy today?" asked Loretta
"Uhm...., I had a quarrel with my mum before leaving the house." she replied with a sigh
"Uh....?" they all chorused
"That's so not you Riley...., what happened?" asked Kate
"It's a long story..., let's head to class first else we will be late."
"Yeah...Yeah..." replied Nancy
They left to the class and met the teacher already in, they quickly rushed to their seats.
"Hey...Riley, you said you will tell us more when we get to class." whispered Kate
"Ssh....., the teacher will hear us.."
Just then the teacher turned to their direction
"Miss Riley..., what's going on over there?"
"Sorry sir..., my pen fell."
The teacher looked steadily at her and turned away. Riley turned to look at Kate in an ill manner.
"Sorry...." she whispered and looked down into her book.
The long hour lessons ended with the sound of the bell. All the students sighed in relief.
"See you tomorrow...., have a nice day."
"Thank you sir." they chorused and the teacher left.
"Riley....., let's go have lunch." said Nancy as they approach her seat
"I think I will skip. I need to finish my assignments so I will head to the library first."
"OK...Riley...but don't think too much okay?"
"Okay...." she nodded with a smile and left
Her friends watched her as she left the class and sighed
"let's go girls..." said Kate and they also left.
*************************************
LIBRARY
Riley's head was on the table when she felt a hand tap her. She slowly lifted her head to see who it was
"Hey....you..."
"Hi...., are you okay...? he asked and sat next to her.
"Yes. I am....sorry for what happened earlier. I was lost in thoughts."
"No...., I'm also sorry. I nearly run into you with my car. Anyway, I'm Lionel. What about you?"
"I'm Riley..., nice to meet you."
"Nice to meet you too Riley..., such a nice name you have."
"Thank you.."
"So can we be friends...?"
"Sure..." she answered with a smile
"So, do you also school here?" she asked
" Yes...."
" That's cool.." she answered with a smile.
"So what were you thinking about that you almost got hit by my car?"
"It's a long story...."
"Then make it short..."
"Uhm.....I...."
Just then, they head the bell ring
"I'm sorry..., I have to go now." said Riley with a smile as she took her bag to leave
"Okay..., see you some other time. I also have a class to run to."
"Okay.., see you later." she replied and left.
*********************************
After long hours of studies, class was finally over. Riley packed her things into her bag, ready to leave when her friends approached her
"You promised to tell us what happened Riley..."
"Okay...Okay..., let's go catch the bus first. I will tell you on the way."
"Okay....." they chorused
Riley took her bag and they all left to the bus stop. After 30mins walk, they got to their destination. Just then, the bus also pulled up and they got in and found seats for themselves
"Now...., tell us Riley. We are all ears" said Nancy
"I had a quarrel with my mum and it was about the same old story."
"About Aunt Nichole again?" asked Kate
"Yes..Kate...., my mum found out today that I've been in contact with Aunt Nichole all this while."
"But it's been years now..." said Loretta
"Yes....." said Riley anxiously
"Try to understand her Riley..., maybe they have their own reasons." said Nancy
"Then..., they should tell me those reasons. I'm no longer a baby...why are they keeping it from me...."
"Calm down Riley..... I think you should sit with your parents and talk it out." said Loretta
"Okay....I will, thanks girls." she replied with a smile.
They chit chatted on the rest of their journey. After almost 30mins drive, Riley got to her stop
"See you tomorrow girls...."
"See you...." they chorused
She got off the bus and waved her friends.
************************************
Riley got home and met her parents sitting in the living room waiting for her return.
"Good evening...." said Riley as she got to the living room
"Good evening Sweetheart...." replied Clifford
"Sweetheart..., can we have a talk?"
"Sure dad..." she replied and went over to her parents. she sat next to her mother.
"It's about what happened between you and your mum this morning. I know how you feel about Nichole. We love you and will not do anything to hurt you. We just want you to be cautious. We will tell you whatever you need to know at the right time dear. Just give us some time dear."
"Okay dad..." she replied with a smile.
Rosita drew her daughter closer to her, caressing her face
"As your mother, I care about you a lot. You are my source of joy and will not do anything that will cause you pain. I just want anything to happen to you dear. You're my everything and I love you so much."
"And I love you too mum.." she answered with a smile. Riley sat silently for a while and took her mother's hands into hers
"Mum..., I'm sorry for what I did this morning."
"I'm also sorry dear." replied Rosita, pulling her daughter into a hug.
Clifford looked on and smiled