"Hi"
I hardly pull my book from my messy locker, taking a deep breath because my mood can't handle it.
Someone taps my back and I whined turning around "What?"
I took a step back as I was flabbergasted.
"Oh hi there" I wave in regard. I might be embarrassed right in front of Blake.
"A little grumpy there huh" he giggled running down a strand through his hair.
I sheepishly smiled "Sorry about that" I currently have my period, I hate this because I tend to being a little grouchy.
"Let me take it" he delightfully offers.
I nod. He's so kind, I wonder why Tiffany did that to him. He's a good guy. He deserved better.
"What book are you looking for?"
"Physics"
"Here" he grab the book while holding the other six books in his arm. I was so dumb. How could I not possibly figure out myself. Oh right I have my period, I don't know why I don't have much strength during this days. Am I rare?
"Thanks, sorry that's a mess" I sheepishly smiled, grabbing the book he gave me.
"Not a problem" He took a glance around. "Uh-m do you have plans later?" he asked scratching the back of his neck with a timid smile.
"Not yet"
"You wanna hang out? Watch a movie? What do you prefer?"
"Great let's watch a movie?" Yes I love movies.
I think it's time for me to treat him. I owed him for saving me.
"Okay see you at six"
"See yah, I'll head now to class" I waved at him.
"Okay bye see you later" he smiled. What a beautiful smile.
I hurriedly step into the room and find my seat as I saw Zia grinning beside me. Okay something is up.
"I saw you" she whisper behind my ear.
"What?" I nonchalantly said.
"You and Blake are talking" she teasingly chuckle, poking my shoulder, I glared at her.
"Seriously, what did you two talking about?"
"He just invited me for a movie" I shrug
"Ohhhh... a movie date huh" she teases.
"Shut up. It's not a date" I death glared.
"I bet" she grinned.
"I just owe him"
"Fact" she chuckles, biting her ballpen. Such a kid.
And then the class started, I peacefully listen to Mr. Brown, our Physics adviser. I find this subject very challenging I need to pay attention.
I saw Malcolm across my seat, taking his notes. That's implausible, I haven't seen him taking notes, he usually stares outside the window or even making dumb excuses like he needs to go to the bathroom and never come back.
I slightly shook my head and pursue to listen what have been discussed.
===
After we took so long by the long queue, finally we took a seat in the corner at the cafeteria.
"Ugh my head hurts, I need a break" Zia grumbled. I feel you.
Malcolm approached taking a seat beside me followed by Rem and Shawn facing Zia. The crowd glared us, filled with grudge. Suddenly I realized these popular boys are with us, I saw Tiffany opposite from our seat, glaring at me. What's her problem?
"Why are you here?" Zia raised her eyebrow.
"You owned this school?" Shawn taunted.
"Don't try to make fun of my bestfriend or I will kill you all" Zia threatens.
"Relax" Rem cooed.
"Hey dorky" Malcolm greeted me, biting his peanut butter sandwich. He seems so serene. I wonder if he remember that day, that's so unfair, I feel so awkward right now.
"Hey" I smiled awkwardly, slurping my orange juice. Yeah, Zia doesn't know what happened at the beach and I am not going to tell her either, she won't stop boastfully talk about it if I do. But that would be unfair. Okay I'll tell her instead.
Rem and Zia are talking and laughs about his stupid joke. That's unexpected.
"You know what, let's have a party tonight" Shawn suggested and Rem burst out laughing.
"What?" Shawn asked clueless, wrinkling his eyebrows.
Rem shrug smirking, sipping his pineapple juice obliviously.
"That's a good idea" Zia enthusiastically agreed.
Shawn suddenly climb up the table. Everybody turned their attention to the boy who stood up on the table in front of us. We both gasp with Zia, covering our faces in embarrassment while the two boys just smirk and didn't care.
"Everybody! " he shouted "Let's have a party tonight!" he screams at the top of his lungs while everyone in the cafeteria are whooping until he gets back to his seat when Malcolm bluff that the principal is looking. The crowd begun to quiet down.
"You coming nerdy?" Shawn beamed.
"I've already got plans to do" I stated.
"Where are you going?" Malcolm asked.
"She's going out with Blake" Zia squeals
"Shut up!" I eyed her. Unfortunately, this girl has a big mouth.
"Seems like nerdy already got a boyfriend huh" Shawn said sarcastically.
"He's not my boyfriend!" I hollered, making everyone in the cafeteria glared us.
"Oh, uhm he just asked me for a movie night" I croak.
"Okay, just come by if you change your mind" Rem took his phone from his pocket "At my house" he added.
I squint at Malcolm, he looks so annoyed. What's gotten into him? He could literally switch mood that quick, he's currently scrolling his phone on his homescreen. Funny.
===
"What do you think?" I face myself in the mirror wearing my blue floral dress, that mom gave me. She would be delighted seeing me in this dress, wouldn't believe I changed my mind.
The blue and white floral print is as stunning as a field of flowers. Woven cotton has a dreamy blue and white print that cover the sleeveless bodice with bateau neckline. Fitted waist, pierced embroidery trims in the arm openings down to mid thigh.
"You look stunning Riley" Zia squeals, gaping.
"Thanks but I feel nervous" I fidgeted. Zia looks great with her chic black dress, her boobs popping out, and her high heel glittered - black stiletto is as beautiful as stars. They're shining.
"Stop it you look great! I'm sure Blake will never let go of you tonight" she wiggled her eyebrows
"Shut up" I laugh
We're both getting ready since she is also going to the party. I feel sorry for her, I hope she won't get drunk much. I told Rem to keep an eye on her since Shawn is not that dependable.
A car honk outside and we both rush downstairs. Blake is picking me up and Zia will drive her way to Rem's house.
I waved bye to Zia, blowing her a kiss.
"Don't drink too much!" I shouted, reminding her.
Blake get out in his car and make his way toward me, offering his hand as I nervously hold it, pokily hop in the car with my doll shoes on, buckling my seatbelt.
"Th-anks" I stutter. He's such a gentlemen.
He nod with a bright smile on his face, closing the front door, making his way back to his seat.
He's still smiling while looking at me. I feel uneasy. This is my first time watching a movie with someone not in my house.
"You look amazing" he compliments and I instantly blush. Did he really said that? Oh my God.
I said "thanks" shyly.
He put the key in ignition, starting the car.
"So, what do like to watch?" he squint an aye on me while his hands on the steering wheel.
"I don't know, I haven't figure out yet" I shrug "How about you?"
"I don't know, I mostly like action movies but I like to watch what you suggest"
"Hmm" I hardly think. " Maybe we could watch Cruella" I suggests
"What's that?"
"It's an American crime comedy film"
"Okay, so you like comedies huh"
"Not absolutely, I think I'll try something new and I don't think you would love werewolves and vampires either"
"Oh that's quite weird"
"Don't say weird!" I pointed him "Cause I'm not weird at all"
He laughed "You're funny"
"I am, I'd rather take that as a compliment" I seriously said with my chin up.
He chuckled in amusement. Am I really funny?
We finally arrived to our destination. He park the car and I unbuckle my seatbelt.
"Just a second" he gets out of the car and open the door for me. I simply smile and said thanks. I am really flattered, my heart beats fast in such pleasure.
We walk through the entrance and show the ticket we bought and some popcorn in my hands, a lot of people are there, we found an unoccupied seat in the middle and sat in there. Lights off and then the movie started.
"Estella is so clever" he commented.
"Yeah"
"Why don't she just kill her instead?" he cringe, eating his popcorn.
"Just watch" I shush
He just keeps grumbling through the whole movie that keeps me irritated. Can he just watch peacefully? I don't want to miss. Ugh. Sucks.
"Okay, that was the worst" he grumbled.
"Why? It's great so far and she's an amazing fashion designer" I keep myself calm even though he's gotten into my nerves.
"I hate her 'cause she didn't kill her"
"Atleast she framed her for her murder"
"But still wasn't enough for me"
"Are you like this all the time when you watch movies?" I scrunched up my nose.
"Nah sometimes" he shrug
"But I feel like you do it all the time" I sigh "Okay let's just go eat some pizza, my treat" Yes, I remember I still owed him.
"I don't feel like eating"
"How about coffee?" I suggests.
"Sounds great" he grinned.
I just shook my head in disappointment, but still I enjoy myself watching.
We walk toward the coffee shop and sit, waiting for our order. I just ordered caramel while Blake is pure coffee. I don't feel like drinking coffee late at night. I look at my phone, it's 10 pm already.
We received our order, I blow and take a sip while holding my phone in my other hand. My phone suddenly vibrates, looking at my phone, my mom is calling me, I quickly answered.
"Yes mom?"
"Where are you?" she asked on the other line.
"I'm with... I look at Blake... with my friend why?"
"Go home now"
"What's the matter mom? Are you okay?" I'm starting to worry.
"I'm fine Riley. Go home as soon as possible"
"Why?" she suddenly hang up the phone.
"Uhm, I have to go" I said, sipping the caramel quickly.
"Something wrong?" he asked worriedly.
"I don't know I need to go home"
"Okay, I'll drop you"
"Thanks" I call the waiter and pay for the bill.
"You don't need to do that" Blake stated.
"It's fine, it's for my gratitude I owed you"
He just smiled and thanked me.
We get in the car quickly and he drives fast. I'm shivering, I can't think clearly. Why is mom hurrying me home? I hope she's fine. I'm starting to worry.
"Hey, everything's gonna be alright" Blake hold my hand and I smiled weakly.
We finally arrived and I waved goodbye to Blake.
"Thanks for your time Riley, I enjoyed it" he waved at me.
"Baby, you're here" Mom hugged me. She looks enlightened. "Oh you wear this dress, you look stunning Riley"
"What happened mom?" I asked worriedly.
"Uhm, I know you wouldn't believe what I say, but there's someone I need you to know" she weakly smiled.
"Who is it?" I asked curiously
I saw a shadow from the door until he step out showing his face, approaching me. I gasp and my tears started to fall that I'm wasn't aware of. He's back. My father.
My anger arises. I didn't expect for all these years he still returned. I didn't expect all the pain I ever encountered when I was a child will regain.
"Hi" he was about to embrace me but I stepped back.
"Why are you here?" I fussed.
"Because I missed you" he form a small smile in his lips.
"Don't say that! You're lying" I bawled. Such a bad liar.
"Riley" Mom eyed me. Why is mom so naive? He wasn't here for many years, we suffered and struggled in life and then she still accepts this man? Was the pain not enough?
"I'm sorry my daughter" he suddenly mentioned and I cringe.
"Shut your fucking mouth and don't call me that ever again!" I hollered
Mom looked at me gasping, I know she wouldn't expect that coming from me. But no mom, I can't breath. I need to get out in here. I take a step back and run away as fast as possible, taking my phone and trying to call Zia while weeping.
I can hear mom and Mario; my dad, calling out my name but I ignore until their voices fade away.
"Riley?" I can hear a man's voice on the other line. Wait. Why is he holding Zia's phone?
"Who are you? Where's Zia? Don't hurt her!" I blubber
"It's me Malcolm, are you crying?"
"Just give her the phone!"
"Zia's drunk, Shawn is taking her home"
"Why Shawn? He's irresponsible! I said Rem would take care of her!" I sniffed.
"Don't worry about her she'll be safe, where are you? " He sounds so worried.
"In front of your house" I said sneezing my runny nose.
"Don't go anywhere, wait for me"
He hang up the phone. I sit on the corner of the road, I keep sobbing with my hands on my face, until Malcolm arrived.
"Hey, what happened?" Malcolm let me stand up, putting my arm on his shoulder for enough support. We walk directly toward his house while I sluggishly step my feet.
"Tell me what happened?" he caresses my back and I sob into his chest, getting his shirt soaked up in tears.
"M-y fa-the-r" I stutter. "He's ba-ck" I blubber.
He embraced me. I feel so comfortable in his arms, I feel like no one could hurt me, but I'm hurting inside, it's worst that I imagined.
He let me walk upstairs and step into his room, I keep sobbing.
"Spend your night, you can use my bed I'll sleep on the couch" he caresses my hair
"Th-an-ks" I stutter, sniffing my runny nose.
"Take a rest and tomorrow you'll get better" he cooed. I hope so.
He let me lay down on his bed and tack me in with his comforter.
"Thanks for helping me tonight" my voice croaked, forming a weak smile on my lips.
I forced my eyes close trying not to preoccupied by the situation until I fall asleep.
I hope everything will gets better in the next morning.