Chapter 25

                I went home later that night, sitting across the dinner table from my mother. I pushed my vegetables around my plate- not because I wasn’t fond of them, but because I had no appetite. After Cassandra’s confession back at the café, I didn’t have a sudden urge to eat. I was still trying to process everything she said to me in my mind. A part of me wanted to not believe her because it was almost unbelievable that Katie would go to such extremes just to torture me. But then again, Cassandra has tricked me into getting to know her so well that I knew she was telling the truth.

                “Honey,” my mother interrupted my thoughts, making me snap back into reality, “do you not like your dinner? You’ve barely ate. You’ve been pushing around the peas for the past ten minutes.”

                I gave her a weak smile, before bringing the fork full of green peas up to my lips. “There’s no problem.” I assured, taking a bite out of my food as I pushed the peas down my throat with a forceful gulp. “See?”

                My mother gave me a long stare, before putting her fork down. She crossed her arms on the wooden dinner table, licking her lips. “Riley, what’s been going on?” she asked gently, reaching over the table to hold my left hand. “Is there something wrong?”

                I felt my heart pinching against my chest, as I gave her an unsteady smile. “No, mom.” I lied right through my teeth, unable to look my own mother in the eyes. “Nothing’s wrong.”

                My mother sighed, before giving my palms a tight squeeze. She gave me that knowing look- the look a mother gives to a daughter when they know something’s gone wrong. “Riley, what happened the night of the wedding?” she asked softly. “You disappeared at the middle of the party, and then I get a call at midnight from Max’s mother telling that you stayed over at his house? You haven’t been the same since.”

                I stared down at my uneaten peas, all scattered across my dinner plate. I didn’t want to replay the scenes of the wedding night in my head- they were just too painful. I tried to distract myself by counting the number of green peas that were still on my plate. One, two, three…

                “I know something happened between you and Everett.” My mother suddenly said after I’ve counted to fifteen peas. I froze up, becoming tense in the shoulders. I took in a deep breath of air, tilting my head up just slightly to look her in the eyes. My mother gave me a sullen smile, looking relieved that I’ve finally showed some sort of emotion. “Linda called me today, telling me how Everett’s locked himself up in his room for the past few days. The boy wouldn’t talk to anyone- not even his father.”

                My heart was suddenly aching, as I scrunched my nose up in remorse. Since I knew now that Everett had nothing to do with Cassandra and Katie’s little scheme, I almost felt guilt for snapping on him so easily. I should’ve given him a chance to explain, but I was too overwhelmed at the thought of him being with Cassandra and not me.

                When I hadn’t responded to my mother, she took it as a sign that I wasn’t going to speak any time soon. She let out a sigh, before giving me one last look. “Don’t let whatever happen ruin the relationship between you and Everett, hon.” She advised. “These few months have been the happiest I’ve seen you in the past two years.”

*

                I went over to Maria’s house later that evening to spend the night. We were lounging on the back porch of the house, blankets wrapped around our bodies. We sat on the sun chairs, the cold metal of the seating under our bottoms. I shivered slightly, as I hugged myself around the blankets even tighter. I stared up at the full moon surrounded by the many glistening stars, suddenly thinking about Colette, once again.

                I looked over at Maria, noticing that her focus was on me. She had a look in her eyes, as if she was trying to figure me out. I quickly looked away, trying to conceive my emotions. I hadn’t told Maria about what Cassandra confessed to me earlier today, and I wasn’t planning on telling her. After Maria got in a fight with Cassandra for betraying us, I figured that Maria wasn’t one to hold in their temper. I didn’t want her to hunt down Cassandra, again.

                “Okay, cut the crap, Riley.” Maria said suddenly, sitting up as she faced me. “Tell me what happened, and don’t even try to lie to me.”

                I whipped my head towards her, my eyes widening. I could never understand the ability that Maria has to read right past my lies. “How did you-?” I began to ask, but ultimately got cut off by Maria.

                “You’re kind of shit at hiding your emotions.” Maria snorted. “You’ve been frowning since you’ve gotten here. Now tell me what’s going on before I have to figure it out myself.”

                I sighed in defeat, letting my shoulders sulk. “You suck, Maria.” I mumbled under my breath. “Promise you won’t start flipping your shit the moment you find out?”

                Maria gave me a hesitant look, before letting out a deep breath of air. “Fine.” She muttered under her breath. “Now speak.”

                I licked my lips, before starting off. “Cassandra came up to me earlier today and asked for Max and I to meet her at the café. She said she wanted to explain why she-“

                “What was there to explain?” Maria cut me off, earning a glare from me. She quickly closed her mouth, as she pressed her lips into a tight line. “Sorry.”

                I rolled my eyes, before continuing. “Max didn’t want to hear her explanation, but I made him come because I was curious.” I muttered. I proceeded to tell Maria about everything that Cassandra admitted to me, from the start when Katie was blackmailing her by using her sister’s secret against her to the end when Cassandra said that Everett had no part in their plan.

                Maria was silent for a while after I finished telling her what was going on, but her eyes suddenly snapped up at mine. Her brown orbs were growing dark, as I noticed the sudden scowl that she had on her face. “Katie was the one behind all of this?” she growled through her teeth, clenching her fists around the blanket she was clutching onto. “That bitch, I’m going to fucking kill-“

                “Maria.” I said sternly, raising an eyebrow at her. “What happened to not flipping your shit?”

                Maria gave me a reluctant, hard look before her shoulders sagged. By the menacing look on her face, I could tell that she was still angered by what I just told her, but she held in her frustration, just like she had promised she would. “It’s just- who does something like that?” she asked with disbelief clear in her voice. “It’s just so inhuman.”

                I let out a bitter laugh, before shaking my head. “I guess so.” I muttered. “I should’ve expected it. I mean, it’s Katie for crying out loud. She’s had it out for me since the beginning. I was stupid for not seeing it coming sooner.”

                “That’s not true.” Maria retorted, giving me a serious look. “Don’t say that, ever again.”

                I pursed my lips, before shrugging. “Today’s been a long day.” I murmured, suddenly feeling exhausted and overwhelmed by all of the events that occurred today. “Can we go to bed now?”

                Maria nodded, as we both got up from our sun chairs. Maria slid the balcony door open, as we stepped inside the warm house, where the heat was turned on. I shrugged my blanket off my body, holding it in my arms. Maria locked the door, before turning to me. “If you want, you can crash in Everett’s room tonight.” She offered. “He’s hanging out with some friends. He won’t be home for the night.”

                I contemplated on the idea, before nodding slowly. “Alright,” I mumbled, “I guess that’s fine.”

                We reached up the stairs, but before Maria and I departed ways down separate hallways, she stopped me. “Don’t let this whole thing with Katie and Cassandra get all caught up in your mind, okay?” Maria smiled weakly.

                I let out a breath of air, before nodding. “Got it, thanks.”

                Maria smirked, before turning her back towards me, heading down the hall to her room. “Now if you’d excuse me, I have a boyfriend to call.”

                I let out a chuckle, before shaking my head lightly. I walked at the end of the hall to Everett’s room, pushing to closed door open. The door creaked a little bit, as I slid myself in. The room was lit by the moonlight coming from the windows, peaking through the curtains. I sucked in a deep breath of air, not prepared to spend the night in Everett’s room. Memories of us together began flooding my mind, sending an aching pain to my chest. I tried my best to ignore the feeling that was in my chest, as I approached the edge of Everett’s bed. My eyes scanned his bed, noticing that the sheets were messy and there were wrinkles on his pillowcases.

                My shaky fingers went up to touch the edge of Everett’s white blankets, lifting them up. I laid down on his bed, hating myself for feeling so comfortable in it. I snuggled against the soft blankets, my head sinking in his pillows, breathing in the scent that he always had on him. I hated to admit it, but being in Everett’s bed was one of the best feelings, ever.

                I fell asleep, fast and quick. It was the first time I’ve actually had a good night’s sleep in days. But a few hours after midnight, I was awakened from my deep slumber. A sudden weight left the bed unbalanced, waking me up. I rolled over to my side, and my eyes widened when I noticed that there was a figure sleeping beside me. I almost gasped when I realized that it wasn’t just any random stranger that was sleeping beside me- it was Everett.

                My lips were parted, as my eyes snapped wide open. A sudden smell suddenly entered my nose, overpowering the scent that Everett had on his pillows. Was that… alcohol?

                I took a longer sniff, my nose filling with the odor of beer. I clamped a hand over my mouth from gasping, once again. What the hell was Everett thinking? As far as I was concerned, it was Cassandra’s very drunk sister who killed his mother. Everett was supposed to be completely against drinking. What made him decide to get drunk this time, and more importantly, did he drive home alone?

                An arm suddenly snaked around my waist, pulling me into Everett. I let out a squeal, as my cheek pressed up against Everett’s bare chest. I could hear his every heartbeat, as my cheeks turned warm. “Everett,” I hissed, struggling in his grasp, “let me go.”

                Everett let out a drunken laugh, as his hands slid down from my waist to my hips. My breath hitched, as I gnawed on my tongue. “Riley,” his husky voice whispered, sending shivers down my spine, “I love you.”

                My heart stopped beating, as I tensed up under his hold. Those three words were the words I’ve been waiting for Everett to say, yet I didn’t exactly know whether or not to be happy at the moment. He was drunk for crying out loud. Everett didn’t love me. It was the alcohol that was talking.

                “Everett, stop.” I said, hating how weak I was sounding. “You’re drunk.”

                Everett let out a giddy laugh, before letting go of my waist. I suddenly felt empty without his touch, as I pulled away slowly. Everett tilted my chin up with his index finger, so that we were at eye level. His green eyes bored into mine, as he smirked. “You’re so pretty.” He emphasized. “Are you a virgin?”

                My eyes bulged at his question, as I stared at him with disbelief. “W-what?” I sputtered, my cheeks turning scarlet red.

                Everett grinned at my response, using a finger to flick my nose playfully. “Yup, definitely a virgin.” He chuckled. “I don’t understand, though. You’re so pretty- how is it possible that someone hasn’t banged you yet?”

                My jaw dropped, as I sat up abruptly. I stared at Everett with shock, all while my cheeks were getting warmer than they already were- if it was even remotely possible. “I-I,” I stuttered, still in utter disbelief, “my God, Everett. You’re pissed drunk.” I suddenly said, anger fueling up inside of me.

                Everett let out a chuckle, a lazy grin forming on the corners of his lips. “You’re so cute when you’re mad.” He whispered, his eyes suddenly closing. “I was so stupid.”

                My anger died down, as I stared at Everett’s sleeping face with a frown. What did that mean? I had to find out before Everett fell asleep, because I knew that he would never tell me the truth once he was sober. “Everett,” I pushed his shoulder gently, “wake up. What are you trying to say?”

                Everett let out a groan, stirring in his sleep. I let out a cry of frustration, running my hands through my hair. Now I will never know. I sighed, giving up. I crawled back into the sheets, curling my knees up to my chest, as I laid on my side. I closed my eyes, and just as I was on the verge of falling to sleep, I felt an arm wrapping around my waist, pulling my back onto Everett’s chest. I let out a low sigh, before going back to sleep.

                “I was so stupid,” I heard a faint whisper, “for ever leaving you.”

*

                I didn’t exactly know what to expect when I found Everett’s peaceful, sleeping face directly across from mine the next morning. I remembered clearly that he came home drunk and fell asleep beside me, but I didn’t know why I was suddenly so startled. I bit my lower lip, looking around the room before spotting a clock by Everett’s desk. The digital clock stated that it was a half past eleven, meaning that it was nearly afternoon already. I sat up, stretching my arms out, before rubbing my tired eyes. I couldn’t remember the last time I slept so well, and it almost scared me.

                I glanced over at Everett once again, and I couldn’t help but let one thought process through my mind- this is the way I should wake up every morning, Everett sleeping right beside me.

                I felt Everett stirring beside me as I turned over to him. I couldn’t seem to take my eyes off of him. His hair was sticking up in all different kinds of directions- just the way I liked it. Everett’s lips were slightly parted, making it even more tempting to kiss him.

                The more time that passed by, the more Everett began to move. It was a signal that he was going to wake up any second now. I had to get out of his room as soon as possible at this point, because I couldn’t let him know that I slept beside him for the entire night. Besides, he was drunk last night. He would most likely not remember a thing now that he was sober, and maybe it was better for the both of us if he didn’t.

                I slowly crept out of bed, the soles of my feet touching the cold floor. I began to take light steps, approaching his bedroom door. I was holding my breath the entire time, as I slowly pulled the door open, before sliding outside. I finally released my breath once I was out of his room, closing the door behind me. My back leant against his door, as I closed my eyes in relief.

                “You spent the night in Everett’s room?” a voice suddenly startled me, making me jump out of my skin. My heart was beating at an irregular pace, as I whipped my head to my right- where the voice had come from.

                Jared stood by the doorway of the bathroom, a toothbrush in one hand and a tube of toothpaste in the other. He was staring at me with his eyebrows raised, a glint of amusement twinkling in his brown orbs. “Jared.” I hissed, glaring at him as I placed a palm against my chest. “Keep it down, would you? You almost gave me a heart attack!”

                Jared snorted, before grinning. “Okay, sorry.” He hushed quietly. “But, I saw you, Riley. What were you doing in Everett’s room?”

                I rolled my eyes, feeling my cheeks turn crimson red. “That’s not important.” I snapped, trying to push the subject past the two of us. “Why are you even here, anyways?”

                Jared shrugged, leaning against the wall. “Maria called me over last night. She thought you were asleep already, but it seems as if you stayed up all night with Everett.”

                My eyes widened, as I gave Jared a look of disbelief. The response he gave to my reaction was a simple smirk. “You-“ I stuttered, my words getting twisted in my tongue, “you are unbelievable! This stays between you and I, got that?”

                Jared chuckled, before nodding. “Fine.” He said. “But, that still doesn’t answer my question. What were you doing in Everett’s room last night?”

                I grinded my teeth against each other as my jaw clenched. “If you must know, Jared, Maria told me that Everett wasn’t going to be home for the night, so I crashed in his room.” I whispered, not wanting anyone to hear us. “Then, Everett shows up drunk at three in the morning, and crashes beside me. That’s it, that’s all that happened.”

                Jared raised an eyebrow, before crossing his arms. “Nothing more?”

                I rolled my eyes, nodding. “Nothing more, nothing less.”

                Jared snorted, before biting back a devious smile. “Interesting.”

                My jaw dropped, as I shot daggers at him with my eyes. “More importantly, Jared, what were you doing with Maria last night?” I suddenly asked, a grin spreading across my face, as I gave him an innocent stare.

                Jared’s smile suddenly wiped off of his face, as he went pale. He swiped a tongue over his bottom lip, before laughing nervously. “You know, I think I should go brush my teeth now.” He said quickly.

                I laughed, finally feeling victorious for once. I crossed my arms over my chest, giving Jared teasing look. “Yes, you better go.” I said sarcastically, as Jared tripped over his feet trying to get back inside the bathroom. “Wouldn’t want to have stinky breath while kissing Maria now, would you?”

                Jared closed the bathroom door behind him, but before he got to, he flipped the bird at me.

*

                                November 23, 2009

                Everett came bustling through the door late that evening, as I snuggled up on the couch with a soft blanket. The sound of some old cartoon was playing on the television in the background, as I tore my eyes away from the screen. I eyed Everett, up and down, noticing that the look on his face clearly read that he was disheveled. There were specks of snowflakes on the sweater that he was wearing, indicating that it had been snowing outside.

                “Hey, you’re back.” I said, giving Everett a small smile. “I made some hot chocolate. It’s in the kitchen, if you want some.”

                Everett let out a low grunt, before flopping on the couch beside me. He placed his elbow against the arm rest, holding his head up with his fists. “I pass.” He mumbled groggily.

                I licked my lips, before turning the television off. I wrapped the blanket I had around myself, turning towards Everett. “Is everything alright?” I asked uncertainly. “You don’t seem okay.”

                I noticed that Everett wouldn’t look me in the eye, which suddenly worried me. Was I the problem? Did I do something wrong?

                I suddenly made a bold move by reaching my hand out and touching his arm. Once my fingers brushed against his skin, Everett became startled and flinched. I immediately pulled my hand back, feeling my heart drop to the pit of my stomach. So, I was the problem.

                “Did I do something wrong?” I asked in a quiet voice.

                Everett squeezed his eyes shut, letting a thick tension of silence come in between us. I sucked in my breath, suddenly feeling my hand trembling in my lap. “Teddy and I broke up.” He finally admitted, letting out a deep breath of air.

                I stared at him with disbelief, as my lips parted. I was in a sudden state of shock as I blinked profusely. I had to admit that deep down inside me, I was secretly satisfied, because I had feelings for Everett. But, at the same time, my heart was swelling for him because I knew how much he liked her.

                Teddy and Everett started going out two months ago, and even though it wasn’t the longest time, he rarely ever stopped talking about her. I mean, I understand why he never stopped going on about her, because Teddy was considered to be one of the prettiest girls in school. She had high cheekbones that got complimented all the time, and her exotic red hair framed her face perfectly. And to top it all off, Teddy Hawthorne was extremely hard to hate. When I first found out that she and Everett were dating, I wanted to dislike her because I was jealous, but I just couldn’t. Teddy was one of those girls that everyone liked, it was nearly impossible to find a flaw in her big enough to hate her. And trust me, it killed me.

                “Wh-what?” I asked, nearly choking on my own saliva. “Why? You guys loved each other!”

                “Yeah, I thought we did.” Everett muttered, emphasizing his words as he rubbed his eyes.

                “Thought?” I repeated, letting out a bitter laugh. “That’s crazy! You guys do love each other! You never stop going on about her! What happened, anyways? You guys were just fine yesterday when she came over.”

                Everett was quiet for a moment, before he let out a sigh. “Teddy thought I loved someone else.”

                I stared at Everett, before biting on my lower lip. “But you don’t, right?”

                Everett stared up at me, his green eyes burning into mine. I suddenly felt weak at the knees, as I let out a staggered breath. “Wrong.” Everett whispered, making my heart beat against my ribcage faster than it already was.

                I suddenly found Everett leaning closer towards me, and I did nothing to stop it. I couldn’t even feel my own limbs at the moment. Once his nose was just a mere centimeter away from mine, he stopped. I let out a shaky breath, laughing weakly. “Everett, you’re talking crazy here.” I whispered.

                Everett looked me in the eye, before shaking his head so that a few pieces of his hair fell across his forehead. “I swear, Riley, I’m not.” He huskily whispered, before his hands went up to cup my cheek.

                His thumb swiped over my cheekbone, as I gulped. This was the moment that I’ve been waiting for years now, and I couldn’t help but be nervous. I was shaking under Everett’s touch, yet he seemed to be oblivious by it, because he said nothing about it.

                “Riley,” his hot breath fanned against my upper lip, “I love you.”

                I clenched my jaw, looking into his forest green eyes. “But Everett,” I said, my voice trembling, “I’m not Teddy.”

                Everett’s lips brushed against my lips lightly, as if it was a feather. My breathing hitched, as I froze in my stop. “Exactly.” Everett whispered against my lips.

sorry for the long wait for this chapter. i've had trouble writing it, as you can see by reading it. the parts are all over the place, and the plot goes from one to another, so sorry about that! ): anyways, i'll try to upload quicker because i did a horrible job this time.

dedication is to AriaGomez for the amazing new cover! thank you, love!

i love you, like all of you ♥