A/N: That's right: I'm back. Last two months have pretty much sucked, but we're looking towards the future now. I always thought this story would end around 18, 19 chapters. But I think 25 to 30 sounds more accurate now. Thanks to everyone who reviewed. Even if you didn't, thanks for reading!
Chapter Fifteen
Unsure
Monday morning and Riley found herself in her brother's hummer, on the way to school.
Even though her mom, who had rushed home the second she'd found out her youngest was home again, had promised to call the provost and say she needed time off, Riley refused.
She was already going to have to make up enough schoolwork and another day wouldn't help.
"Stop worrying," Tyler instructed, looking over at his sister. She didn't tell him exactly what had happened with Pogue, but he didn't need the explanation; she was still his sister and he still needed to play the big brother.
"I can't help it. Are you sure Mom will be ok?" Riley was also terrified to leave her child unattended, even with his grandma.
"Ly, she raised the both of us at the same time. And Logan's not nearly as horrible as we were. I think she'll be fine," Tyler promised.
Nodding, Riley agreed and settled for watching the trees fly past her window.
Waiting in the parking lot for them was Caleb, Pogue, and Reid, who was texting on his phone.
"Hey guys. What's with the welcoming committee?" Riley greeted as Tyler handed her backpack over, slinging it on a shoulder.
Caleb shrugged; "Just thought you wouldn't wanna be alone."
"Well, thank you for the thought," she told them then completely dismissed them and walked into the school by herself.
"Riley, wait! I wanna talk to you."
Heavily sighing, Riley decided to wait, but didn't turn around. It didn't take a genius to figure out who was calling her.
"I really need to check in with the provost to get my missed work. What do you need?" she asked impatiently.
He sighed, running a hand through his hair.
"Are you okay?"
She nearly scoffed but caught herself at the last moment. Was he seriously asking that question? However, she decided to play nice.
"No. But I will be, don't worry," she eased his mind.
Her words did nothing to help him feel better. Caleb felt horrible for ignoring her calls, but couldn't bring himself to face the facts. Not yet; not when he'd only just gotten her back.
"Are you mad at me?" he finally asked before she could walk away.
Riley stopped short and looked at him like he had six heads.
"Mad at you? Why would I be mad at you?" she wondered, tilting her head in question.
"I'm sorry I never called you back."
She shrugged a shoulder. "I figured you had a lot to do. I heard you guys are getting ready for state from Tyler so it's alright."
He stuffed his hands into his pockets. It wasn't like Caleb to be this nervous, which just made Riley even more nervous.
"Is there anything else on your mind?" she wondered, trying to get his eye contact. He was looking everywhere but at her.
"Look, I'll be honest," he started then faltered.
Riley smiled sweetly towards him.
"Well, that seems to be a good idea. What's up?" she prompted, crossing her arms over her chest.
"Are you gonna break up with me?" he asked bluntly.
It completely caught Riley off guard. She regained her composure, but still looked puzzled.
"What makes you think that?"
"Riley, I saw the two of you together," he whispered so only she could hear it. He didn't want to start any rumors and make her life that much harder.
"Oh," she had the decency to blush, "Caleb, I.. I don't know what to say about that. It was just.. We'd been gone for two months. And Logan's his son, y'know, and he's my best friend. So.."
"So what I saw wasn't anything romantic?" Caleb wondered.
Over his shoulder, Riley could clearly see the Son in question, staring holes through her. He was obviously paying attention to the conversation.
"Nope, nothing like that. I'm happy where I am," she blurted, surprising Caleb, Pogue, and even herself. What she couldn't figure out was whether or not what she said was a lie.
She smiled, trying to be reassuring, but it didn't quite reach her eyes.
Caleb studied her face for a second then shrugged, seemingly accepting her answer.
"Alright, good," he smiled then put his arms around her waist, burying his face in her hair, "I missed you."
"I missed you too," Riley replied, looking anywhere but at Pogue.
"C'mon, let's get you to the office," Caleb offered, putting an arm around her shoulders and escorting her away. Neither one of them saw Pogue's face fall.
Later that day, during their math class, Riley chose to sit between her brother and Reid, rather than her normal spot between Caleb and Pogue.
It seemed Pogue was trying his best to convince Riley he wasn't thinking about her, because all he wanted to talk about at lunch was the impending wedding. That only thrilled Kate, who went into a verbal frenzy about centerpieces and place settings.
It gave Pogue a headache, but at least if he had a headache, he could ignore the fact that Riley had a smile plastered on her face. A smile that was directed towards Caleb.
He knew it was only right. He had his chance with her and now that she was happy, and proving it every thirty seconds by sending her boyfriend cute little smiles and winks, he needed to let her go and focus on his future with Kate.
Caleb, on the other hand, was blissfully unaware of his brother's feelings. Hell, he would be unaware if the world was ending. He finally felt at ease, at peace. Nothing mattered when Riley smiled at him.
Riley, on the opposite side of the spectrum, was torn apart inside. Most of her smiles were lies and her giggles were forced. She couldn't get one thought out of her head.
'I had the chance. Why didn't I just take it?'
Yes, she loved being with Caleb. He was so sweet to her, always opening the door, helping her with anything, holding her hand, and looking towards her when he thought she couldn't see.
There wasn't a problem or question she couldn't go to Caleb to and he would do everything in his power, and then some, to find a solution. He'd never judge her, only comfort her.
Then there was Pogue. And those damn eyes that made a girl forget her name upon looking into them.
At one point, she couldn't imagine her world without Pogue being the center of it. Pogue had the mystery, the ability to give her the chills, and the history between the two of them was immeasurable.
Plus there was Logan, who served as a permanent connection to Pogue until the day she died. Logan served as Pogue's successor to the covenant. The title alone, along with its responsibilities, connected the two teenagers together for a lifetime.
But she was bound and determined to not mess it up for Pogue.
She respected that he was in love with Kate. She could never do anything to change his mind. In fact, she was more than a little bit responsible for Pogue going through with the wedding.
Hadn't she told him that she wanted nothing to do with him? Hadn't she practically pushed him to the altar?
"Ms. Simms, do you intend on staring at Mr. Parry all period or are you going to take notes on the lesson?" the professor's voice suddenly cut into her thoughts.
Instantly, Riley whipped her head back along, blushing deeply as the students chuckled at her expense. She hadn't even noticed she'd been staring at him.
He thought she was staring at Caleb. When he heard the professor mention his name, he turned his head toward her direction, but she was already facing the other way, enduring Reid's teasing.
Caleb stopped drawing on the edges of his paper when he heard the names. Looking back and forth between his girlfriend and brother, Caleb raised an eyebrow in silent question.
Pogue only gave a slight shrug in response before going back to copying the notes from the board.
Once the class was over and the five teenagers were in the hallway, Riley took the opportunity to smack Reid upside the head with her binder.
"Ow! What the fuck, woman!" Reid exclaimed in the busy hallway.
"Assclown," she replied, playfully shoving him a bit.
"Alright, alright. No more abuse," he teased.
"Or you'll.. what?" Riley taunted.
"Woman, you are in for it!" he exclaimed, chasing Riley through the hallway and out the doors. Neither paid any attention to the fact that everyone was staring at them, wondering what the sudden burst of energy was about.
She managed to elude him until they got into the courtyard, where he proceeded to grip her around the waist and spin her around a few times.
When he finally set her down, both fell to the moist ground.
"That was fun," she said, catching her breath and giggling.
"Yeah," Reid seconded, "So when are you gonna lose the baby weight?"
Riley reached a hand out to smack him, but groaned halfway and pouted.
"I'm too tired. Hit yourself against my hand for me, would ya?"
Reid chuckled and moved his arm against her hand in a weak reverse slap.
"That'll leave a bruise," Reid faked injury.
"Hey!" Tyler called out, getting both blondes' attention, "We got practice!"
Reid easily pulled Riley to her feet and took her back towards the other three.
"I told you I was her favorite," Reid started with a smug look to which Riley rolled her eyes.
"Oh yes, of course," Riley replied, giggling and shaking her head.
"Ly, you gonna go with us to practice?" Caleb wondered, putting an arm around her shoulders.
"Um," she looked at her brother, "I think I'm just gonna go home, play with Logan."
"Want me to stop by later?"
"Yeah, sure, that'd be fine," she gave him a smile.
He returned it then dropped a kiss on her lips before saying good-bye.
"I love you," he said.
Riley hesitated, but covered it up with a smile and a wave before going towards her brother's Hummer.
"How does she have my keys?" Tyler said in amazement, patting down his jacket before glaring at his best friend, who held up his hands.
"Dude, seriously. I always have your keys," he rolled his eyes before walking away.
"C'mon, we got practice," Caleb reminded the younger two brothers.
"And a bachelor's party to plan, right Parry?" Reid smiled widely at the thought.
At the mention of his own name, Pogue snapped back into reality.
"Yeah, sure, whatever," he agreed, walking beside Caleb as Tyler and Reid walked ahead, discussing the party details.
"Got a lot on your mind, man?" Caleb quietly asked his closest brother.
"Uh-huh," Pogue answered.
"You scared, about being married?"
"No, I'm not scared." 'I'm terrified,' Pogue thought.
"Does Riley know?" Caleb continued.
"Yeah, she knows." 'She's the one pushing me towards it.'
"Oh. So that's why you guys haven't talked today?"
"She didn't take it very well."
"She'll get over it, don't worry," Caleb assured his brother as they reached the pool area.
But both boys knew Caleb's last sentence was a lie. And both had the same thought as they went into the locker room.
'This is not going to go well.'