Sorry for the late chappie! Enjoy :D 

This chapter is dedicated to  the creator of the cover -->  :) 

(UN-EDITED) 

7th 

*

"Can I see you again?"

I blinked my eyes, staring at him as he spoke. This was another occasion that I couldn't help but to blush. This cute guy wanted to see me again — me! 

"Oh, yeah. Sure," I replied, internally congratulating myself that I didn't stutter or make myself look stupid. 

"Cool," Aiden said, shooting me another flashing smile. I wondered, how blessed he was to have a face like that — it wasn't supposed to be legal, really.

And then he opened the door for me, and we both got into the classroom together. A few people were already staring as I walked towards an empty seat — and I guessed, it was because of Aiden. 

I bet they were like 'Who's that girl with Aiden?' and this actually made me feel so awkward as I'd always hated, to be the center of attention. I was totally invisible to everyone in Lenoir — and there's no way in hell a cute guy like Aiden would've wanted to talk to me. 

And when I moved here — I instantly became somebody who everyone were gossiping about, and the first week of school wasn't even over yet. Everyone probably knew my name already — and my class, and everything. 

But to be honest,  I'd rather have people gossiping about me because I helped the boy who lost his sight than someone who just got the attention of probably the cutest boy alive. 

Because helping the boy who lost his sight was the right thing to do, and it meant something to me. 

I pulled my hair into a messy bun, and took out my History text book out of my bag. Luckily, the only two seats left in the classroom was far away from each other — one at the front, and the other is situated at the back of the room.  

I chose the seat at the back of the class, of course — that way, I wouldn't have people staring at me all the time. 

"Class, please open page twenty-one of your text book, and start your reading. I will ask questions based on the title in about twenty-minutes." Mr. Jameson, my history teacher instructed. 

This man was in his thirties, I guessed. His hair was thinning, and some of them were in white. He's short, and paunchy — I couldn't remove my eyes from staring at his round, big stomach. Anyhow, never judge a book by its cover, eh?

I flicked my eyes to Aiden who was sitting on the seat in front of the class — and I caught him looking over at me. 

I blushed immediately. Was he staring at me? If he was, that's pretty creepy, and not forgetting I looked like a monster right now — with my messy hair bun, and everything. 

Well — maybe it wasn't exactly the smartest idea to sit at the back of the class 

I smiled awkwardly, and he smiled back. Yup - he was definitely checking me out. Great, Ellie. You looked like a monster, and the cute guy was staring at you. 

Crap. 

"Mr. Miller?" our paunchy history teacher asked, tapping his hand on Aiden's table. "Is there a problem?" 

"No, sir." Aiden said immediately, craning his neck to look at the front. I looked down, hoping Mr. Jameson wouldn't ask me the same question. I hoped he didn't see me smiling at Aiden. 

And then my wish was granted — Mr. Jameson didn't say anything after that embarrassing moment, and I didn't think he saw anything. 

Thank you Mr. Jameson! May God bless you!

*

There was no more staring after Mr. Jameson caught Aiden in action — and I couldn't be more thankful about it. Well, maybe Aiden did glance at me a few times, but I'd kept my eyes to look down at the book whenever he did that. 

His eyes — I don't know. 

The bell rang, and I stormed my way out of the class. I had packed up all my things even before the bell rang. I knew Aiden would've wanted to talk to me after class — but I didn't want to. There's something else I must do. 

I vaguely heard his voice, calling my name — but I simply ignored it, and made my way through the hallway to find Reese. Fortunately, Aiden didn't chase me because when I turned my eyes to look behind me — he wasn't there. 

Yay. I guessed. 

"Reese!" I practically shouted when I saw the blonde-haired traitor who left me behind with Aiden. She turned in my direction, smiling, and skipped towards me happily. 

"Oh my god, Ellie! I've been looking for you! So Aiden Miller is the cute volleyball player? Oh my, my!" She exclaimed, her eyes widened like meatballs — and I wouldn't be surprised if it came out of its socket. 

I knew this was coming. 

I sighed. "Yes, yes. He's the guy I met yesterday," I gave her the answer. "I can't believe you bailed on me just now." I frowned. 

"Oh, sorry. I just thought you would've wanted that. It's Aiden Miller, you know." Reese said, rolling her eyes — and we started to walk through the hallway. 

"Who's this guy anyway?"

"Ellie! He's like — like the hottest guy that ever lived. Aiden's really popular, and so hot and..."

I stopped in my tracks. "Hold on. Reese, breath in. Relax." I said, taking a deep breath, and she followed me. 

When Reese was finally relaxed, we continued our walk. "Okay. Now Aiden's like the star of the school. He's the basketball team captain, and he's —"

I interrupted her, "Wait. The basketball team captain?"

She nodded. "Yup. He replaced Riley after.... Uh, you know. After Riley became blind." she explained, her tone decreased as she spoke about Riley. 

"Oh. I see." I simply said, and somehow, I felt bad for Riley. Aiden took his place — just because he's blind. Riley lost everything, and Aiden got everything. 

Was I angry about this?

"Um, so yeah. You're so lucky that you got...." Reese continued to speak, but I barely heard any of her words after that. I was so — sad. 

I couldn't stop imagining how Riley would've felt after he knew someone took over his place. Just because he got into an accident, and lost his sight. Riley and Aiden used to be teammates, I guessed. And maybe they used to be best friends.

Your own best friend took everything from you?

Ouch. 

".... and Aiden seemed to like you! And everyone is talking about you and Aiden," Reese's word swept back into my ears before I felt a hand on my shoulder. "Ellie... Are you okay?" she asked in concern tone. 

I shook my head, getting out of my deep thoughts. "Yeah — I was just, um, thinking."

"You're not mad at me for leaving you, are you?" Reese asked with a huge sense of contrite. 

I shook my head enthusiastically. "I know you did that for me," I said, giving her an assuring smile. 

She looked at me intently. "You don't like him?"

I laughed. "I don't know. He's hot — but a little creepy, I guess," I said, rolling my eyes. "Mr. Jameson caught him stalking me."

"Aw, he really likes you. Maybe it's love at first sight!"

I rolled my eyes. "Maybe he just did that because he feels sorry. Geez, why would Aiden like someone like me? I'm .... atrocious!" 

"Ellie, you're not atrocious," Reese protested, frowning. "You're kind, and pretty."

I looped my arm through hers. "Well, if you say so," I said, and we both laughed. The stares were getting worse — and I just kept my eyes to look down. 

It took me a little while before I asked, "Did you see Riley today?"

Reese nodded. "I saw him walking in the hallway after Physics. But I don't know where he is right now, though." she told me. 

I smiled — at least I knew he was around the school that day. And he was not sick or whatsoever. Knowing that he was safe and sound made me somewhat happy — how cheesy was that!

And yes — I missed him. But don't get me wrong, I missed him because he's a great friend, and funny. I had fun when I was around him, and I love pissing him off. 

Reese then bumped her shoulder to mine. "I guess, the fairy godmother heard your wish, Ellie," she teased playfully, pointing her jaw to a direction. "Look who's heading this way."

I frowned in confusion, but flicked my eyes to the direction she was pointing at. My lips twitched into a smile instantly as I saw Riley — walking with Ms. Gail about a few feet away from us. 

"This is creepy, you know," Reese teased, looking at me with an amused expression. 

"What?"

"You would smile every time you see Riley," she said in a singsong, poking my ribs. "You're creeping me out. Not Aiden."

I laughed sheepishly, but I didn't say anything. I knew she told the truth — I would smile every  time I saw Riley. Weird, but it was the truth. 

Someone got an infectious smile. 

"Wait for me here," I said to Reese, and I didn't even wait for her to give an answer — instead, I made my way towards Riley. 

"Hi, Riley!" I greeted him excitedly before I shot Ms.Gail a smile. I turned my eyes back to him. "I didn't see you around today. I thought you were sick or something."

Riley let out a laugh — but it was a sarcastic, annoying one. His jaw tightened, and his face was tense. 

"It's none of your business," he said through clenched teeth, and I was taken aback a little. I thought we were good after yesterday — and he'd changed his attitude towards me.

Ms. Gail squeezed Riley's arm, and I heard her say, "Riley..."

"What? Doesn't she have something else to do other than messing around with my life?" he said, and his words stabbed directly into my heart. 

I must say, ouch. 

Ms. Gail frowned at him before she turned her eyes to me. "I'm sorry, Ellie. I'll just leave you both to talk for a while," she said, smiling apologetically.

Ms. Gail then left us together — to talk. 

"Why are you angry at me?" I asked, raising my voice slightly. I was pissed because I didn't know where I was wrong.

We talked, joked, and laughed together yesterday. Didn't it mean something to him? Hadn't he considered me as his friend? 

"Who said I'm angry at you? I'm happy for you, Ellie." Riley replied, in a very very annoying tone, stressing on my name. "Go and talk to your new friend. I'm sure he's more perfect than I am. He can see you."

"What are you talking about? I don't understand —"

"Shut up, Ellie. I may be blind, but I'm not deaf or stupid," Riley snapped, cutting me off. "Just leave me alone. And just — just pretend like we never knew each other." 

I just stood there, totally speechless when he said that. 'Just pretend like we never knew each other' 

What the hell?

"Riley," I started, but he was already walking away from there, leaving me behind. I was totally speechless, and my heart somehow had stopped beating for a moment. 

"Riley, wait," Ms. Gail called for him, but he didn't even wait for her. She fixated her eyes to look at me. "I'm sorry, Ellie. He's — Riley's not in the best mood today."

I shook my head, smiling weakly. "It's okay, I understand. You should go and chase him..." I said, pausing for a few seconds. "and take care of him."

Ms. Gail sighed, and then she was gone from there — trying her best to chase Riley. 

I didn't even move an inch — I just couldn't. Why did he say that? Why did he ask me to pretend like we never knew each other? I felt like I want to cry — but I knew I'd never do that.

After my parents died, I had promised to myself that I would never cry — because crying would never bring back my parents, crying would never get me a popular life, and obviously — crying would never save my friendship with Riley Flynn. 

I turned to leave from there, dragging my legs towards Reese, who was still waiting for me. It still hurt — yes, especially because I didn't know why he was so angry at me. Like I did something really wrong in his eyes. 

"Hey, where's that Riley smile?" Reese asked, grinning at me, but I didn't smile back. She placed a hand on my shoulder. "Elle, are you okay? What happened? What did Riley say?"

I looked down, sighing — trying my best to hold myself together. I took a deep breath. "Nah, nothing. Riley's not in the mood," I lied to her, smiling assuringly. "Let's just get to class."

**

School finally ended for this week — yeay?

The weekend was something I had always looked forward to when I was at Lenoir — because it meant I didn't have to meet all those people who hated me for two glorious days. 

Two days but it meant the world to me. 

But now — I kinda hated the weekend. Especially after I realized I lost a friend today, and it sucked that I didn't know where I was wrong. 

I'd been analyzing his words in my last class,  trying to figure out what he really meant — but I didn't know. I still didn't quite get it. I spent the whole two periods, but still, nothing came up. 

And you know what, everything actually just got worse after the school ended. The moment I stepped outside of the school building — it began to rain.

And I walked to school.

And I had to pick up my sister first —  by walking.  

"I can give you a ride if you want? I'm sure my mom wouldn't mind," Reese offered kindly. I really wanted to take the offer — but I didn't know. I really hated to be a burden.

Which was why I said, "No, it's alright, Reese. I'll just wait until it stopped raining." I looked up as a flash of lightning streaked across the sky, followed by a roll of thunder. 

Crap.

Double crap.

"Are you sure? It's raining heavily, Ellie," she offered again. "I don't think it'll stop anytime soon."

"Really, really. I'm sure about it," I said, waving a hand at her. "You just go on. I'll see you tomorrow." 

She gave me a weak smile, hesitating to leave me. "Okay. See you." Reese said in a low tone before she ran towards her mom's car. I watched her car, leaving the school, and I knew no one was going to help me at this point. 

I looked up to the sky again — praying hard that the rain would go away soon. It was not because I wanted to go back home, but it was because I was worried about Sophie. She was probably waiting alone in her school, and she'd always hated lightning.

 I wondered how she was doing — God, please protect her. 

I waited for more than half an hour, but it was still raining. The school was almost empty, and there were only a few cars left — which I guessed, were the teachers'. My thoughts were only for Sophie. I couldn't think about anything else but her. 

Suddenly, a black convertible car pulled up beside me, and I jumped in shock. The window rolled down, and Ms. Gail's smiling face emerged. 

"Ellie? Why're you still here?" she asked, and her eyes were looking around me. "The school will be closed in minutes, you know."

"Yeah. I know, but it's raining. Um, so I'm kinda stuck here," I muttered, flicking my eyes to the passenger seat. Riley was there — frowning as he probably heard my voice. 

Did he hate me that much?

"Get in the car. I'll send you home," Ms. Gail instructed, raising her voice slightly as another lightning struck. 

I waved my hands dismissively. "No, it's okay. I gotta pick my sister up at her school," I told her, half-shouting. 

Ms. Gail sighed. "Ellie, just get in the car. We'll pick your sister up. It's raining heavily, and it's getting dark." she said, exasperated. 

I bit the inside of my cheeks, debating with myself. It's not that I didn't want her help — but her nephew hated me. Maybe Riley would hate me even more if I accept her offer. 

I smiled. "No, really. It's —"

"Just get in the car, Ellie. Don't be so stubborn," Riley's voice echoed, making me jump a little. "Gail said it's getting dark. There are ghosts in this school, and then your sister. Think about her."

I couldn't help but to smile on this — he just offered to help me. Riley Flynn wanted to help me. And he was right, I must think of Sophie. She was alone over there, and I didn't think Aaron could help us at this point. He told me he's got to work in the evening. 

"Okay," I agreed, and got into the car's passenger seat. I buckled up my seat belt before I uttered, "Thanks, Ms. Gail, Riley."

"Nah, it's fine. So your sister's schooling at Maximilian?" she asked, glancing at me through the rear-mirror. 

I nodded.

"Okay," Ms. Gail answered, and the car started to move. I glanced at Riley, and noticed he was still frowning, but it wasn't that scary though. I still couldn't believe he just insisted to help me. 

I looked out of the window, watching the soft patter of raindrops — and  maybe that day wasn't as bad as I thought. It was just a blessing in disguised. 

Rain is grace; rain is the sky descending to the earth  — without rain, there would be no life. 

**

Do you like the chapter? :DD Well, I love-hate this chapter. I don't know. I hope you guys love it :) 

Sorry if this is disappointing but hope Riley's over-cute picture will cheer you up ---> x)  

Vomment! :D (Vote+comment)

Next chapter: Someone's missing :O and more Rillie (Riley+Ellie)