Semi-edited!

This boyfriend cover above was made by kimberly_white101 it's so beautiful!!!! (I keep wanting to change the cover cause they are so gorgeous!

Song above is....Willow by Taylor Swift (her new album "Evermore" is incredible! Been listening on repeat. But this song fits Riley and Alex a bit!! Highly recommend checking out her album!)

Happy Reading!! 

"You should have called me." Was the first thing out of Olivia's mouth when I saw her the next morning.

"Liv."

"You made me worry all day. Thank god Alex was there to take care of you, even though he is no help at all." Olivia shook her head at me. "So next time you text me first thing, you got it?"

"Got it." I nodded, my lips twitching.

I was back to school today already feeling a lot better than yesterday. Still had a slight stuffy nose and felt tired but I didn't want to miss anymore days.

"I'm glad you are feeling better. Make sure to still drink a lot today and don't over do it." Liv's inner nurse was coming out big time as she listed off what I should do today. She even went as far as to lean over her desk and touch my forehead. I swatted her hand away which made her frown.

"I'm serious Riley you still need to take it easy." She instructed.

"I promise I will."

"That means no kissing your boyfriend." Liv shook her finger at me with a smirk playing on her lips. I felt my cheeks heat up at her words. It still sounded weird to hear the word boyfriend.

Being with Alex was still so new. I haven't really even called him my boyfriend out loud, or around others. But I felt giddy hearing Liv say it. Like yes I had a boyfriend.

"How is that going anyways?"

"It's going good." I smiled thinking of Alex and how he was yesterday. After my little breakdown I fell asleep in his arms. When I woke up I found him asleep with his arms around me, his face relaxed but once in awhile his nose would scrunch up. "It's only been like three days and I was sick during one."

"Well I think you two are the cutest." She turned back to the assignment in front of us. "I always knew you'd get together. Lexi owes me $10."

"Wait a minute....did you just saw Lexi owes you money?" I asked with a raised eyebrow.

"She said you guys would get together until Christmas, both of you too chicken to act on anything. I said before halloween...so I win." She explained, sounding so casual about it.

"Liv!"

"What?" She laughed.

"I thought you were the good one." I shook my head at her.

"Lexi started it I just chipped in." They really made bets on when Alex and I would get together.

"I'm re-thinking our friendship."

"Yeah right you're stuck with me."

"Unfortunately." Liv stuck her tongue out at me, making my laugh. Mr. Cannon's head snapped in our direction making both Liv and I duck our heads. While he may not be teaching, letting us work on our packets in silence, he clearly didn't want us talking at all.

When he turned back to his computer Liv and I shared a grin but got back to work on our packet.

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

"So I was thinking." Derek started to say as he slid into his seat.

"That's a first." I snorted.

"You've been around Alex too long." He sent me a look. "As I was saying, with Halloween on Saturday I think we should do something fun."

"Wait...its Halloween this weekend?"

"Uh yeah. Where have you been?"

I had honestly completely forgot it was Halloween. With everything going on it slipped my mind. I could have sworn it was in a few weeks not a few days. I didn't even have a costume!

"I guess I forgot it was so soon."

"Which just enforces that we need to do something fun for it. I'm pretty sure Liv already has the costumes picked out but we could go to a party, we could go to a club." He rattled off.

It had been too long since I celebrated Halloween. Besides the fact that I was now too old to trick or treat I never had anyone to dress up with or anywhere to go. I know a lot of kids at school go to themed parties. I was never invited of course, but even if I was I would never have felt comfortable going.

I usually spent Halloween in bed watching movies like Hocus Pocus, Twitches, and all the HalloweenTown movies while eating candy. That was a typical halloween for me, even when my brother was home. He'd go out with friends while I stayed home. Probably why I didn't bother to think about it this year.

"Riley are you listening to me?" I turned back attention back to Derek and sent him a sheepish smile.

"Sorry, what did you say?"

"I was saying that we will probably go trick or treating with Harper first then hit up a party. You're coming right?"

"I don't really have a costume though." Plus they all probably have theirs to match and I don't want to just show up if they already have plans.

"No none of that." Derek wagged his finger at me. "You are coming along and that's final. I mean Liv is gonna drag you along whether you like it or not and so will Alex, so don't you even dare start thinking you aren't coming." It was like he read it on my face.

"And don't worry about a costume. Liv will find something or you still have time to run to the store and get something."

Derek then started to tell me all about his past costumes and which ones were his favorite. I listened with a grin, thankful that I also had Derek in my life.

** * * * * * * *

"Do you have fun plans for this weekend?" Helen asked as I opened a box filled with a new shipment of books.

"I'm actually going to a halloween party."

"I think my hearing is going out. Did you just say you are going to a party?"

"I did." I looked over my shoulder at her with a grin.

"That's great to hear Riley." Helen beamed back at me. "Are you going with those new friends of yours?"

"Yeah. Olivia is going to let me borrow one of her old costumes and do my makeup."

True to Derek's words Olivia already had Halloween planned. Because Halloween was so soon Olivia offered to let me try on some of her old costumes or Lexi's. She had it planned that we would all go trick or treating with Harper, then after Noah's parents would take her while the rest of us would go to some party a guy at Crescent High was throwing.

"These friends of yours seem really nice." I nodded while grabbing books and putting them on the counter.

"They are. I've never really fit into a group as well as theirs."

"I like seeing you going out and being a normal teenager. If you need to take any days off you know you can."

"I'm not going to leave you to run this place by yourself." I shook my head. "Plus I like working here."

"I know sweetie." Helen patted my shoulder as she brushed by me. "Be careful putting those away, don't hurt yourself." She disappeared into her office as I got to work on logging in the new books.

While I worked my mind drifted. Of course the first thing that came to mind was Alex. Just the thought of him brought a smile to my face. At lunch he sat behind me on the table with me in-between his legs. A part of him always touching me as we all talked and planned out Halloween.

The fact that he had to always be touching me was something I loved. Whether it was a hand on my knee, fingers playing with mine, or grabbing my leg and draping it over his. I found it super cute how touchy Alex was.

I felt my cheeks flush as I thought about him pressing a kiss to my lips right before we went into biology together. Everyone was watching but I didn't care, I wanted them to see that Alex was mine.

I was completely smitten with him but no part of me cared. How I felt when Alex was around was a feeling I wanted to keep feeling as long as I could.

After getting the huge stack of books logged in I got to work on carrying armfuls to different shelves. While the work was tedious I enjoyed it. I loved seeing the new books and filling the empty spots so they all lined up perfectly. My slight OCD loved this part.

It did take me a bit longer with a few stacks as I got distracted reading the backs of books and making my own pile to take home with me. That was another plus to working here, the endless supply of books.

I was busy reading the back of another book when the front door chime went off. With an inaudible groan I set the book down and got up off the floor, heading towards the door.

Seeing the person in front of me I raised my eyebrows while also tensing up. What the hell is she doing here? When her eyes met mine a look flashed across her face before she settled into a glare.

"What are you doing here?" Rebecca asked. The way she said it was like I was gum on the bottom of her shoe. Of course of all people it was Rebecca Roberts.

"I work here."

"Hmph."

Wanting to be professional regardless of how I felt about her I forced myself to ask.

"What can I help you with?" I haven't seen too much of Rebecca lately, not since she pushed and stepped on my hand. It was both a blessing and concerning.

"Whatever." She grunted before storming past me. I watched after her with a raised eyebrow. Since when does Rebecca Roberts go into a bookstore. I'm a hundred percent certain she's never stepped foot in here before.

Not wanting to spend another moment with her I left her to find whatever she was looking for on her own. She'd let me know when she's finished.

I went back to putting books away, hyper aware of Rebecca being around. While we were out in public I wouldn't put it past her to try and do something. Add in the fact we were near the back of the store where Helen wouldn't be able to hear us.

A good ten minutes passed and I hadn't heard or seen Rebecca yet. I was silently hoping she left but the bell on the door has been silent. Done with my stack I headed back to the counter to grab the second to last pile. Just as I reached the counter I heard the voice I was hoping was gone.

"There you are! I've been waiting for your help." Rebecca stormed over to me. Be nice Riley. Be nice.

"What do you need?"

"I can't find a damn book in this place."

"What book?"

"1984. If you don't have a copy of it I will-" She started to threaten but I interrupted her.

"You'll do what?" I shot her a look. A flash of surprise went across her face at my words. Like she didn't expect me to say anything back. Too bad. "It's this way." Not waiting for her to reply I took off towards the aisle where I know the book is at.

I was quiet as we walked, Rebecca following silently behind me. I had half a mind not to keep my back to her but the sooner I got her the book the sooner she'll leave. Having to deal with her in school is enough.

"Here." As I thought there were a few copies. Grabbing it I extending it towards her.

"If you are more organized I would have found it myself." She snatched the book from me with a glare.

"It's like a normal library, you find the aisle with the genre and then go by the author name." I said, not helping but roll my eyes. It wasn't that hard.

"Well that's stupid." What a come back. "What did you just say?"

Realizing I actually said that out loud and not in my head I shook my head.

"Nothing." Before she could say anything else I turned on my heel and headed back to the counter. Did I seriously just talk back to Rebecca Roberts? Before I would be scared of what I just did. Worried she'd do something in return but now...I felt proud of myself.

She clearly wasn't expecting me to say anything to her. To just be the quiet, meek girl like I usually am. But being around Alex and the others I don't feel like I have to be that way anymore. Being around Lexi has taught me I don't have to take shit from someone if I don't want to.

I made quick work of ringing up the book, because the sooner she leaves the better.

"That will be $8.50."

"8 dollars for an old book?"

"It's 15 on amazon." I said impatiently.

"I think you are allowed to talk to your costumers like that." She had that snooty tone to her voice that made me clench my jaw. I held my tongue form saying anything back and just stood there waiting.

I knew if I did say something and she caused a scene Helen wouldn't be mad. If she knew what Rebecca has done to me she would probably back me up. But I'd rather not deal with Rebecca.

She let out a huff when she didn't get a reaction out of me and handed over her card. We lapsed into silence for a minute as I rang her up but of course Rebecca always had to have the last word.

"If you even think about telling anyone I was in here."

"And have them think you read?" This time I couldn't stop myself from retorting. "Wouldn't want that." Oh god Riley, just keep your mouth shut. You are just asking for trouble.

"Excuse me?" Looking into her pissed off face I sighed.

"Listen Rebecca. I don't know what your problem is with me. For whatever reason you hate my guts and have made my life a living hell the last few months. But whatever reasons you have to hate me just get over them. I don't have the time or the energy to deal with you anymore." I finally said what I've always wanted to.

"All I want is to finish high school without any more issues. You stay to your side and I'll stay in mine. You wanted Mitch for yourself and you got him. So just please leave me alone." The last part came out a bit soft but I hoped my point came across.

If she didn't bother me I wouldn't bother her; not like I did before.

Rebecca was quiet as I gave back her card along with her book in a bag. When I met her eyes I could have sworn I saw something close to sympathy in her gaze before the walls came crashing back down. The look was instantly replaced with a glare.

"Whatever." With that she pivoted on her heel and exited out of the store. I stared after her not sure what to make of her response. That was so....weird. Shaking my head at the whole thing I went back to work on putting the rest of the books in shelves.

It only took another twenty minutes for me to put the rest of the books away and come back to the counter with my own stack to read myself. Helen was walking out of her office as I walked up. She looked at the books in my arms up to my face. I sent her a sheepish grin that only made her shake her head.

As soon as I put my books on the counter the door bell chimed once again. I put on a smile as I turned for the door, ready to greet the person. I was silently praying it wasn't another person from school. When I saw the person standing there my smile turned into a real one.

"What...what are you doing here?"

"You didn't eat lunch so." Alex lifted up two bags of food with a shrug. I stared at my boyfriend not fully comprehending he came all the way here to bring me food. He brought me food.

"I-I," I didn't know what to say. No ones ever went out of their way to do something like this for me. "Thank you."

"Can't let my girlfriend go hungry." He grinned and made his way over to the counter with me. I had completely forgotten Helen standing there until she spoke.

"Who is this young gentlemen?" Blushing slightly under her gaze. I had yet to tell her that Alex and I were now together.

"This is Alex. Alex this is my boss Helen."

"Nice to meet you." Alex placed the food down and extended his hand to Helen.

"Alex, hmm?" The look she sent me made duck my head. Alex looked between us two in confusion. "Riley has told me a lot about you." She supplied. Alex's lips tugged into a smirk as he glanced over at me.

"Oh did she now."

"Nope she's lying." I shook my head.

"Well I need to run to the bank real quick, you okay to man the store while I'm gone?" Helen asked.

"Of course."

"You two behave while i'm gone." When she lifted her eyebrow at me, my eyes widened.

"Helen!"

"I was young once so don't think I don't know what goes on when two teens are left alone." She shook he finger at the two of us. Alex just stood there with the corner of his lip tilted up not saying a word. I jab my elbow into his side.

"Ow!" I sent him a look. "I can promise nothing will happen." He finally said to Helen but it lacked any sort of real promise. I rolled my eyes while Helen laughed.

"Have fun you two. I'll be back soon." With another look at the two of us she left the store, leaving Alex and I alone.

"Great now she thinks we are going to have sex in her shop while she's gone."

"I told her we wouldn't." He said.

"Yeah it sounded so convincing." I shook my head

"Is this you saying you want to? I'm surprised Freckles you are even asking but if you want to I'll do it. Just for you." Wanting to wipe the smug look off his face I decided to mess with him.

"Lets do it."

"What?"

"You said you would do it, so lets." I made my tone drop as I took a step towards him. I had to fight back a grin at the way his eyes widened. "Does right here work for you?"

I almost lost it when he glanced around us and looked back at me with a shock ridden face. I took a few more steps towards him and watched as his throat bobbed as I neared. I tried to act sexy but inwardly I was cackling.

With one more step I was was in front of him and had to tilt my head back so I could see his reaction with what I was about to do. With a smirk now gracing my lips I reached out.

My hand softly grazed Alex's stomach through his shirt and I felt him tense up. He was quiet as he stood there watching me, no clue what I was about to do. I sent him one last smirk before my hand moved away from his stomach. Up and over....

I reached to the side of him and grabbed the bag of food before taking a step back.

"Thanks for lunch." I beamed, before turning and heading back to my chair behind the counter. Leaving Alex standing there, mouth gaping.

I took a seat and looked over at Alex who had yet to move. He kept on staring at me like he couldn't wrap his head around what just happened.

"You going to come eat?" I cheekily said, reaching in the McDonalds bag and pulling out a fry to munch on.

Finally after a moment Alex shook his head and came over to me.

"You play a very dangerous game freckles."

"I don't know what you are talking about." I said innocently. He sent me a look which made me grin wider. I was coming to love to mess with him.

"Uh huh. Just remember I can play that game just as well." Now it was his turn to smirk at me. The way he said it, while his eyes looked me up and down, let me know he was completely serious.

Gulping I ducked my head and shoved some fries in my mouth. Alex knew he got to me when he chuckled.

"So how has work been?" He thankfully changed the subject as he dug into his own food.

"Good, just been putting books away. But guess who came in." I had to tell someone about my encounter with Rebecca.

"Who?" Alex asked biting into his hamburger.

"Rebecca."

"Rebecca? In here?" His eyebrows shot up in surprise like mine did earlier.

"Yep. She was looking for the book 1984." I shrugged.

"Did she do anything?" His tone changed and he stood up a bit taller. His eyes were once again looking me over but this time to make sure