Chapter 31: What's The Worst That Could Happen?

"What are you doing here, River?" Wyatt asks in a slightly hostile tone.

How does he know River's name? "Wait, do you two know each other?" I ask.

Wyatt nods but before he can explain River speaks up. "Ah, I had no idea you two knew each other. Small world, eh? Wyatt and I have known each other for a couple of years now but for some reason the guy has never particularly liked me."

Wyatt lets out a humourless chuckle. "Some reason? We both know there's more to it than that and let's not forget the part about you being an asshole who cheats when racing."

"I've never cheated. You just can't stand that I'm better than you at it," River smirks.

"Better? Please, I'm a much greater racer than you'll ever be. The last time we raced I won, remember?"

"That was over a year ago, besides I wasn't feeling good that day. I know I'd beat you if we raced now."

"Is that a challenge?" Wyatt asks with a raised brow.

"Nah," River says, brushing him off. "I'm not in the mood if I'm honest."

"Or are you just scared to loose," Wyatt taunts. I've never seen him like this. I've seen him angry but there's something different about this. He's definitely mad but there's something else I can't quite place my finger on.

"Think what you want but I just came here to talk to Aurora not argue with you."

At the mention of my name Wyatt's arm tightens around my shoulders, pulling me closer to his side in a protective manner, our bodies now much closer together.

"Leave her out of this River. She doesn't need someone like you in her life. We both know that you don't want an actual relationship just some fun. She deserves so much more than that."

My heart warms at Wyatt's words. I never realised he actually cared for me but he clearly does.

"You know nothing," River snarls. "I actually really like her and would love to get to know her so don't act like you know shit about me." Although he's talking about me I can tell that his words hold deeper meaning. There's obviously something else going on between the two that I don't know about.

The two are glaring at each other, a battle of egos taking place but it's at this point that Brooklyn chooses to walk back over. "Wyatt, who's this," she asks in a confused voice, motioning towards River.

Knowing that they shouldn't fight in front of a child River sighs and gets out of the booth. "The name is River little lady but you don't need to worry about me I was just leaving," he tells her, a friendly smile on his face.

It's so strange how quickly his personality just flipped. I guess he's actually a really nice person, it's just Wyatt he doesn't seem to get along with.

Now he turns to me. "It was lovely to meet you Aurora. I still want to schedule that date," he winks, handing me a piece of paper. "Call me." With that, he walks off.

I can feel a faint blush cover my cheeks but I ignore it as I slip the paper into my pocket. I turn to Wyatt as Brooke sits down, eyeing her ice cream in delight. His face is contoured in anger. "Wyatt, calm down, he's gone."

He lets out a deep breath. "I know I just really don't like that guy," he tells me.

"Why?"

I think he's about to tell me but his eyes dart to Brooke who's gobbling down her ice cream, oblivious to our conversation. "Later," he says and I nod in understanding.

~*~*~

Wyatt dropped me home after we finished eating. We talked about trivial things, nothing that important but there's something so comforting about talking to him, regardless of what's it's about.

When I got home I had the nightmare job of unpacking all the clothes we bought. We bought enough clothes for an entirely new wardrobe and then some.

Luckily, I have enough space to house all these clothes without having to throw the old ones out. I know I won't be wearing them any time soon because I need to pull off whole 'bad girl' persona but I just don't have the heart to throw all my old clothes away.

I did, however, give a few pieces to Alice because I didn't want them to go to waste and I knew she had been eying them for a while.

~*~*~

The next day had arrived and it was finally time.

I mean it's not too drastic, just a complete change in wardrobe, makeup and style, no biggie — note the sarcasm.

A lot of the clothes we bought were slightly more revealing than I'm used to. Nothing too serious, shorts were just slightly shorter and most tops had a lower neckline.

But the the main thing about these outfits which is important is something Wyatt told me. He said the key to nailing the look was the leather jacket, apparently without that the whole outfit was incomplete.

So with everything I had learned in mind I got ready for my first day dressing like a bad girl.

Because this was my first day with the new look I decided to go all out, it's best to start off with a bang. I wore a cropped, lace up black top with a plunge neckline; quite short, ripped, black shorts; black, studded, lace up ankle boots and of course a black leather jacket.

For my makeup I went with a dramatic smokey eye look and dark red lipstick. I also curled my dark locks and styled my hair into a half up half down look.

This outfit might not seem too drastic but let's just say, for me, this is a big change and way out of my comfort zone. Nevertheless, at least I'm going for it and trying something new.

Ava texted me earlier saying she had an early cheer practice so couldn't pick me up so I asked Wyatt to instead to which he agreed.

After saying farewell to my siblings, mum has already left, and having breakfast, Wyatt texts me to tell me he's outside.

I grab my bag and lock the door behind me but I'm not ready for what I see when I look up.

A motorcycle.

I could feel my heart begin to beat faster. I'm not going on that, I can't. Not after what happened.

Wyatt looked to me and his eyes momentarily widened. He let out a low whistle. "Damn, green eyes, you look hot."

I felt the blood immediately rush to my cheeks. He said it so bluntly so I wasn't sure how to reply so instead I just rolled my eyes at him, hoisting my bad onto my shoulder.

He revved the bike and I couldn't help but feel in awe at the beautiful sound it made. Nevertheless, I still couldn't ride on it, I just couldn't.

"Is that a BMW R Nine T Pure?" I ask, motioning towards the bike. Personally, not my favourite model but still a beauty.

"Yeah it is," Wyatt says with a furrowed eyebrow. "How'd you know that?"

"Can't a girl know anything about motorcycles in this day and age?" I ask with a smile, teasingly.

Wyatt rolls his eyes. "You know that's not what I meant. You just don't seem like that type of girl," he shrugs. "So how come you know so much anyway?"

I freeze but decide to answer. "My dad."

Wyatt nods and swiftly changes the subject which I'm grateful for. I'm not sure how but he seems to just know that my dad isn't a topic I like to discuss and he respects that which I'm so thankful for. Most people would attack me with questions but he never has.

"Hop on, green eyes, let's go," Wyatt calls from his position in the motorcycle.

I looked at him hesitantly before shaking my head. "Sorry Wyatt, I just can't," I tell him.

"Why? You seem to know a lot about them and are clearly a fan so what's the problem? If you're scared you can always hold onto me extra tight, I wouldn't mind," he finishes with a flirtatious wink. Honestly, that boy.

"It's not that. I j-just ca-can't," I stutter out.

Wyatt lets out a sigh. I think it's obvious to him that there's a specific reason I don't want to ride on it and he also knows I'm not ready to tell him why. I hope he understands that.

"Green eyes, come on," he urges. "I'll be with you the whole way. What's the worst that could happen?"

Hundreds of images flash through my mind as he says that, my memories playing at rapid speed. I shake my head at him. That's definitely not one of the most comforting things he has ever said.

I look at him through my long, dark lashes to seem him having a mental debate with himself. He's about to say something then stops himself, a strange expression on his face.

"Don't be so boring, green eyes, come on or we'll be late," he says in a tone I've never heard him use.

Boring.

That simple word always seems to make me crack a little bit on the inside.

Does it make me boring for not wanting to do this? I know I shouldn't, not after what happened.

I have my reasons but I can't be boring, I just can't be. James isn't right about me. I have to prove him wrong. I have to do this.

I'm sorry.

I'm so sorry.

"Alright lets go," I tell him, walking over to where the bike is stationed.

He smirks and hands me a helmet. I hop onto the back and hug my arms tightly around him.

"Hold on tight, green eyes," he says before zooming off into the direction of the school.

It's just a motorcycle Ari, you can do this. What's the worst that could happen?

Again, image after image flashes before my eyes. Never mind, how do I get off this thing?

~*~*~

That's another chapter down.

How do you guys feel about River now you've had a full encounter with him? (It's definitely not the last time he'll be appearing 😉).

Do you think Ari will be able to pull off the bad girl thing or is it just not her?

And what about Wyatt and River's rivalry, where does that stem from?

Well that's all for now. Thanks for reading you amazing person 💜

Until next time, byeeeeee x