Semi-Edited

**WARNING: Some sensitive...information (?) ahead. It isn't really graphic or anything but I do want to put a warning for the last half of this chapter. 

Song above is... Don't Hold Me by Dean Lewis. (This song is so beautiful) 

Happy Reading! 

Alex

Something tickling my nose woke me up the next morning. I went to move as I opened my eyes but something on my chest stopped me. Still half asleep it took a moment for me to realize a head was on my chest. And not just any head...Riley's.

Her brown hair escaping her bun and tickling my face. She was out like a light, snoring slightly. I was slightly surprised that she hadn't gotten up in the middle of the night to throw up. No doubt she was going to have a hangover from hell today.

It was...surreal waking up with Riley next to me, or well on me. Somehow in the middle of the night we got tangled in one another. My legs were laced through hers, her head on my chest with her arm draped across my stomach. My own arm was wrapped around her waist, holding her to me.

God she fits perfectly against me.

I laid there watching as she slept. She looked so peaceful and comfortable that I didn't want to move. I was content just laying there until she woke up, even if my legs were slightly numb from staying in one position for so long.

As I traced her face with my eyes, her words echoed through my mind. I never realized how alone Riley is or rather was. I guess I always assumed her parents were around, but they aren't. She's never once complained about it either.

From what I've learned about Riley this past few months, she doesn't deserve any of this. Sure as hell doesn't deserve what Lingston did to her. It only gave me slight satisfaction breaking his nose. He deserves a lot worse.

Just the thought of Mitch Lingston made my hands tighten around Riley. One day Karma was going to come back around whether it be from me or someone else. But what he did to Riley will not go unpunished, that I will be sure of.

"Alex?" A voice croaked. My head snapped down at Riley's voice. She was still laying her head on my chest, blinking her eyes as she tried to wake up. "What...what are you doing here?"

"You and the girls thought it would be fun to get drunk and then call us to come over." She groaned as if she suddenly now remembered what happened last night.

"I don't feel too good." I couldn't help but chuckle.

"That's what drinking an entire bottle of vodka will do to you."

"Don't laugh at me." Riley whined which just made me grin wider.

"I'll go get you some Advil and you can shower. You'll probably feel better afterwards." I suggested. I know from past experiences that showering and getting something to eat afterwards made a world of a difference with a hangover.

Riley was silent for a moment before she suddenly snapped her head up towards me. Her eyes went wide as if she was just now noticing she was laying on top of me and that I was in her bed.

I laid there as she jumped up but clearly under estimated where the bed ended. Riley ended up getting tangled in the sheets and falling of the side with a loud 'thud'. A groan soon followed as I moved to peer over the side.

"You okay?" I was trying my hardest not to laugh out loud. She just nodded making me chuckle under my breath. Since she took all the blankets with her, I made my way off the bed. I was still dressed in my clothes from last night.

Finding a flustered and red faced Riley only made my grin grow. I extended a hand out to which she took. Her hand was so small in mine and so soft. I gently eased her up to her feet, knowing her head must be whirling. Her first time drinking and she gets drunk, she is really going to hate herself in a bit; the hangover not kicking in quite yet.

"I'll go get you some Advil and check on the others, okay?" She just nods, keeping her eyes down. Knowing she was probably embarrassed I backed up slowly towards the door. Seeing that she wasn't going to fall or something I opened the door and stepped out, closing it behind me.

With a sigh I leaned against it, closing my eyes. I wasn't sure what Riley was doing to me. Just a simple touch and I felt like I was on fire. The need to kiss her so strong I almost gave in and grabbed her face. The amount of self-control I had was insane.

Not wanting to stand there incase she came out I pushed off the door and headed downstairs. I had no clue what time it was but I doubted anyone else was up. The girls probably exhausted from their night of fun, while Derek and Nico were probably exhausted from wrangling them into bed.

As soon as my foot hit the last stair I heard a loud snore which no doubt came from Noah. The dude's snore could wake the entire neighborhood sometimes and he slept like the dead.

Walking into the living room I found Noah sprawled sideways on the pull out couch, one arm hanging over the side and one leg hooked over the arm rest. His head bent at an odd angle, mouth wide open.

Remembering I still had my pants on which meant my phone was in it, I quickly pulled it out before snapping a picture of my best friend. Blackmail for later if need be.

Seeing as it was almost nine in the morning I decided it was time to get him up. Plus it would probably take him 20 minutes to even wake up. Grinning to myself I stood above Noah. Raising an arm a little I brought it down on Noah's face. Slapping his cheek somewhat softly.

"What the F-" It wasn't hard enough to hurt but enough to wake up with a start.

"Good morning sunshine." I grinned down at my best friend.

"What's wrong with waking someone up nicely?" He groaned.

"Where's the fun in that?" I smirked. "I'm going to see about making breakfast, come in and help in a bit."

"Yeah, yeah." Noah waved me off, his eyes still closed. I shook my head as I headed for the kitchen. I knew Noah would come help in a few minutes. The dude loved to cook even though he rarely told anyone that. He liked to make a big deal about having to cook but he enjoys it and it is good at it.

Moving through Riley's kitchen and going through her cabinets I almost felt like I was invading her privacy, even though it was just the kitchen. Every time I've been in here she's been with me so I felt a bit out of place.

I knew the girls would need something as soon as they wake up. The best cure for a hangover was some food even if it sounds gross. I've had my fair share of hangovers to know what works.

After spotting some eggs an bacon in the fridge, along with toast, I hunted down some pans before getting started on breakfast. A few minutes into putting some bacon in a pan, Noah came stumbling in.

"Last night was interesting." He mumbled, rubbing his eyes. Just like me he was still in his clothes from yesterday. T-shirt all rumpled up from how crazy he sleeps.

"Wonder if the girls will remember what happened." I mused, going over to a cabinet I remember Riley getting coffee out of.

"With how much they drank, not likely." Noah chuckled. This morning it seemed Riley remembered something about last night.

What she remembered, I'm not sure. I was inwardly at war with myself. I wanted Riley to remember last night, the things she did and said to me. But then at the same time I wasn't sure if remembering would be good. The way Riley acted wasn't like her usual self and she'd more than likely be embarrassed as hell.

"I've never seen Riley so...carefree." Noah spoke, cracking eggs into a bowl with one hand like a professional.

"Yeah she was having fun last night." I found myself smiling thinking of Riley dancing and singing around the living room, without a care in the world.

"You two were hitting it off last night." Noah turned to me with a smirk. I rolled my eyes.

"No we weren't."

"Oh yes you were. The tension between you two is insane." I shook my head at him. He's delusional. "Don't shake your head at me Kinley." I paused at the tone of his voice.

"We all know you like Riley so don't even try and pretend." Noah scolded.

"I don't like her." I lied straight through my teeth.

"Dude, you've liked her since you were what ten? And don't get started on the fact that you punching Lingston to defend her."

"First off, I haven't liked her since I was ten. And second, I would have punched Lingston no matter what. He deserved it." I crossed my arms over my chest, my hands curling into fists just thinking of Mitch Lingston.

"He did deserve it but I'm pretty sure one punch would have been enough, not seven and a broken nose." I smirked at that. Not my fault I got carried away.

"And yes you have liked her since then. I remember you coming home one day and talking non-stop about some girl named Riley in your school. And how you were going to marry her one day."

"I did not say that!"

"Yes you did. Photographic memory, remember." He tapped his head. Damn him and his photographic memory. "Guess what I am trying to say is, why don't you ask her out?"

"I can't." I sighed, turning my back on him to take the bacon out of the pan, some pieces really crispy.

"Why not? It's been eight years."

"She doesn't know the truth."

"That you really aren't this 'bad boy' and is actually a complete loser and geek?" I turned and shot him a glare.

"No. She doesn't know the truth." I stressed to which he finally realized what I meant.

"You haven't told her." It didn't come out as a question. Looking away from him I nodded. "Why?"

"I wasn't sure she would stick around as long as she has. And I thought she knew already."

"Think she is going to react badly?" Noah asked, still managing to cook the eggs and toast without burning it and talking to me. I could tell by his shoulders he was trying to tread lightly.

"I don't know." I replied truthfully. You never know how people will react. I think a part of me was afraid she would run off.

"Riley doesn't seem like the type to run." Noah somehow managed to read my thoughts, or it was clear on my face. Noah knows me better than anyone and pretty much knows what I think most of the time.

"Tell her before she finds out another way. And give her chance before thinking she will run away."

"But a part isn't my story to tell." I spoke softly but I knew Noah heard me.

"Alex." We looked at each other and I knew what he was going to say. "It is your story as well. You should be the one to tell her. It's okay." With that Noah turned his back on me and focused on making breakfast. A sign saying that part of the conversation was done. 

I let his words sink in as we finished up breakfast. I knew Noah was right about all of it. My own fear messing with my mind a little. I had to tell her today but I had no clue how.

"Why is it so damn bright?" A voice croaked. Turning my head to the side I watched as Olivia stumbled into the kitchen, Derek trailing behind her.

Liv was still dressed in her PJ's from last night. Her blonde hair was everywhere, and by everywhere I mean it looked like a bird made a nest in it. It looked like she had makeup on and it was now smeared. Her eyes smudged black.

She took a seat at the bar, groaning as she laid her head on my arms. Behind her Derek watched her like a hawk, almost like he thought she would fall or throw up at any moment.

"Morning to you too." I greeted to which she mumbled something back. Grabbing a water bottle from the fridge I threw it to Derek to give to Liv. I watched as he opened the bottle and careful nudged Liv to drink, staring at her the entire time she did so.

The guy was so in love with Olivia it was crazy. And she had absolutely no clue about it either. At times it was comical watching him trail after he like a puppy. She was never out of his sights for long and whenever we went to a party he stayed glued to her side the entire time.

"I'm never drinking again." Liv groaned once more.

"It smells like shit in here." A new voice commented. Right on time in walked Lexi with Nico behind her. She looked just like Liv which made me want to laugh but I knew better. An angry Lex is not someone you want to go up against.

It's funny how each girl looked like they got hit by a train the morning after drinking. I may be a bit bias but Riley did look the best out of the three.

"That's the thanks I get for making you food?" Noah placed a hand on his hip and held up his spatula. If he had an apron he'd looked like a housewife.

"I didn't tell you to cook." Lexi practically snapped, taking a seat beside Liv. Hungover Lex could be quite mean.

"Well your still going to eat it." None of us took her rude tone to heart. While she grumbled away Noah and I got to work on dishing out plates and putting food on them. Just as we put two plates in front of Liv and Lexi, a figure appeared through the doorway.

Immediately my eyes were drawn to Riley. She clearly took a shower as she looked much better than a bit ago. Her hair was put back into a bun at the top of her head. She still looked a bit pale and hungover but less than the other two girls sitting down. Riley even put on some leggings and a baggy sweatshirt.

"Come have some food." I gestured for her to take the last seat at he counter. Almost timidly she came further into the room and took a seat. I put a plate filled with eggs, bacon and a piece of toast in front of her, along with a cup of coffee.

"Sorry for going through your food." I apologized.

"It's okay." She sent me a small smile, making my heart beat a tad bit faster. We continued on staring at one another until someone coughed.

"Next time you girls decide to party try not to drink a whole bottle of vodka." Derek suggested while stuffing his mouth with bacon.

"Noted." Liv mumbled, forcing herself to eat something all the while her face turning green.

"How was your first ever drunk experience Riley?" Noah asked. I turned my gaze back to Riley who was pushing her eggs around her plate.

"I didn't throw up so that's a plus right?" She tried to joke. "But uh...I don't really remember much." Her green eyes darted to me as she said that. Something in her eyes made me think she remembered more than she was letting on.

"Don't worry you didn't do anything too stupid." Riley winced at Noah's words.

"Could have been worse." I supplied shrugging. Dancing and singing in the living was nothing compared to what the others have done drunk. What I have done drunk.

The next little bit we all ate in silence, every so often one of the boys making a comment but other than that it was quiet. The girls picked at their food but they looked a bit better than they did earlier. It was funny watching the regret take over their faces the more they ate.

As I ate my own food I barely paid any attention to the others. My mind trying to come up with a way to tell Riley. Should I take her somewhere to tell her? Do I just tell her here? My mind was going into overdrive and I knew I was over thinking it all.

I could put it off for another day so Riley could feel better but I knew putting it off would just make me more of a mess. The sooner I tell her the better.

I was so lost in my thoughts I didn't realize what was going on until I noticed everyone stand up. I watched everyone completely confused as to what was going on.

"Maybe we can hang out tonight and see a movie or something." I heard Liv say. Realizing that everyone was leaving and Noah was my ride, I had to make a decision.

While Liv and Lexi went to grab their stuff I made my way to Riley's side.

"Hey." I spoke softly. She tilted her head up to look at me and when those eyes hit me I felt my chest squeeze. Damn she was beautiful. She blinked up at me to continue. Shaking my head to clear my thoughts I took a deep breath. "There is somewhere I want to take you. Can I come pick you up in an hour?"

She stared at me for a full minute, almost like she was having an inner conversation with herself. But a moment later she nodded.

With a grin I took a step back as everyone else filed for the door. When she smiled back at me I had a good feeling about today.

I forced myself not to look back at Riley as I swung myself into Noah's car. But as we pulled away I glanced out the window one last time. Standing there dressed in an oversized sweatshirt and leggings, she still looked good. I had to force myself not to think about who's sweatshirt that was. Clearly a guy's but who's I don't know.

"So are you going to ask her out when you pick her up?" Noah suddenly asked.

"You are going to ask Riley out?" Lexi pipped in from the back. I had forgotten they were driving with us while Derek took Liv home in her car.

"No."

"Then why are you picking her up?"

"I need to talk to her about a few things." I vaguely responded.

"Alex you need to know that before you ask Riley out, she has been through a lot. The things Mitch did to her has left a mark and she's still learning to ignore what he said to her." The protective tone she had made me sit up straighter. I knew some of what Mitch did but by the sound of Lexi there was more to the story.

"You better not be messing with her." Lexi painfully jabbed my arm.

"Ow. I thought you didn't like her." I accused, turning to look at her.

"She's grown on me." She shrugged. "But I'm serious Alex. Do. Not. Play. Games. With. Her."

"I won't. She's not like that to me."

"Lex, the dude has been in love with her since 7th Grade. He won't hurt her." Noah came to my defense.

"You are serious about her." Nico spoke for the first time since getting in the car. It wasn't a question and the way he was looking at me was like he knew what I was thinking.

Sometimes Nico could be freaking as hell. He was quiet but really observant. Somehow seeing things others wouldn't. He may not talk much but when he did he was spot on.

"She's good for you." He sent me a nod as if in approval. Something I didn't take lightly. Nico was a good judge of character.

"Just don't mess it up Kinley." Lexi leaned back in the seat, crossing her arms.

After dropping Nico and Lexi off, Noah headed for my place. Harper was spending the day with his parents since they've been gone for a few weeks.

"You got this bro." Noah finally spoke as we pulled up to my house. "Call me after."

"Will do." Doing out little 'handshake' I got out of the car, needing to shower and get ready.

"Don't forget about tonight! We need to be there at 7!" Noah called out after me. Sending a salute over my shoulder I unlocked the front door.

Don't worry Alex. She'll understand.

I sighed. Then why do I feel like a pit is growing in my stomach?

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Riley

As soon as I shut the front door behind everyone I banged my head against it. The pain mixing with the pounding headache I already had. I groaned out loud as memories of last night flashed through my head.

Did I seriously dance and sing around the house, in front of Alex of all people. I didn't even want to think about the fact I sat on his lap when we went in the car, and I fed him. Fed Alex. God drunk Riley was a weirdo. I wasn't quite sure if it was a good thing or not to remember what happened while drunk. But I do know for sure I