A/N: Sooooo, this is my first fanfic... I hope you enjoy it! Reviews are much appreciated!
~Riley's POV~
How could this happen to me? What did I do to deserve this? I wondered, as I watched blurry eyed the scene that unfolded in front of me. Two body bags, being carried out of my childhood home, made me break down in uncontrollable sobs.
"Mom... Dad..." I murmured.
"Matt and Tanya Smith were killed late last night, when a burglar broke into their home at around 11:30 PM. They were both fatally shot, when Matt tried to subdue the criminal with Tanya behind him. We haven't gotten anymore details, but we will tell you as we learn more." I heard a reporter say. "Matt and Tanya are survived by their 20 year old daughter, Riley Smith."
Hearing all of this made me cry even more. I would not be able to look at that house the same way ever again. I had been at the crime scene all day, answering questions to the best of my ability, talking to people who gave their condolences, and overall just sitting in shock. I soon heard running footsteps behind me, and someone shouting my name. I recognized it instantly. I looked to see my best friend, Ian, running towards me. The police held him back, not letting him pass the tape.
"Riley!" He shouted.
"It's ok, he's with me!" I told them. They let him duck under the tape, and he ran over to me, tears streaming down his face as well as mine. He instantly grabbed me in a tight but gentle hug.
"I'm so sorry," he sobbed. I would add this to the list of the few times I'd seen him cry. He didn't let go for what seemed like forever. I could tell Ian was trying to block my view of any further horror. I pulled slightly away, so I could see his blue eyes. Even in the dark conditions, I could see they weren't as bright. "Come on, It's late," He whispered. He grabbed my hand and pulled me towards his car.
~Ian's POV~
I tried not to cry, but tears fell silently down my face. Mr. and Mrs. Smith were like second parents to me. I looked straight ahead, wanting to be brave for Riley. Looking at her would make me break down. I headed towards my house instead of her apartment. I pulled into my driveway, and into the garage. I turned the car off, as we both unbuckled our seat belts. We sat in silence for what seemed an eternity.
"Why are we at your house?" She suddenly broke the silence.
"I think we need each other. At least for tonight," I murmured. She nodded, keeping her head down. I slowly got out of the car, and walked to her side. I opened the door and helped her out, gazing into her beautiful green eyes. We walked inside and she instantly broke down on the couch. I sat next to her, and she buried her head into my shoulder, stifling her sobs.
"Shhhh..." I tried to sooth her. I knew that at this point nothing would work. I saw Anthony walk slowly into the living room, looking solemn.
"I'm so sorry Riley," He said. I could tell he had no idea what to say.
"Thanks... mind if I stay here tonight?" She mumbled through sobs.
"Not at all. I'll grab some blankets and stuff." He said to me. I nodded lightly. Anthony came back out carrying a fluffy pillow and blanket. I settled the pillow behind Riley, and wrapped her in the blanket. She sat there hugging her knees, rocking back and forth as I did my best to comfort her. I felt helpless.
"Hold on," I said. I got up and went to my room. I ripped my own pillow and 2 blankets from the bed, and walked back to my best friend. She was still sitting just like I left her.
"What are you doing?" She asked.
"No one deserves to be alone on a night like this," I said softly.
~Riley's POV~
He placed one of the blankets on the floor, and laid down wrapped in the other. I did the same on the couch. He gently grabbed my hand.
"Things will get better. I promise," He gave my hand a slight squeeze and closed his eyes. He kept my hand in his as I tried to drift off to sleep, letting out a little sob every once in a while. Slowly, my parents faces came into view.
I was in a dark room... I could barely make out the white cloths that hung all over the walls. A door creaked open, letting light spill into the room. A man walked in, and he had something in his right hand.
"Hello?" I asked. "What are you doing?" He didn't say a word. He just lifted the evil metal object, his finger resting on the trigger. I heard the sharp crack, and saw the blinding flash of light. I looked down. A circle the size of a nickle went through my abdomen, and I felt an unbearable pain. I was writhing on the floor, as he stood over my crippled body. He just laughed. The most heartless laugh I have ever heard. It was like I was a comedy act. Everything went dark.
I heard screaming. It sounded like I was the person doing it, but I also heard a familiar voice. Ian's voice.
"RILEY!" I opened my eyes to see Ian standing over me, shaking me by the shoulders. He looked extremely worried. I heard running feet coming down the hall, and suddenly I see Anthony looking terrified, holding a bat.
"WHERE IS HE?!" He shouted. He relaxed when he saw that we were the only ones in the room. "GEEZ, you scared me," He said. He lowered his bat, walked over, and sat on the couch next to us. "Are you ok?" He asked softly.
"Yeah..." I put my head in my hands, trying to forget the nightmare. Ian gave me a quick hug, then walked to the kitchen. I looked at the clock. 3:00 AM. Way to early to be screaming bloody murder. Then, like a flood, the events of yesterday came back to my mind.
~Ian's POV~
I walked quietly into the kitchen, and opened the cupboard that holds our various mugs. Riley needed something to make her feel better and calm down. I made some hot-chocolate, and added my signature touches. A pile of whipped cream, some cinnamon, and a little bit of candy cane. I walked back out to see Anthony trying to comfort her as her shoulders shook. I couldn't bear to see her this way.
"I made some hot cocoa," I said hesitantly. God, I had no idea what to do for her.
"Thanks," She sniffled. She wasn't crying as hard as I thought she would. I guess she just ran out of tears. Anthony gave me a look that said "you can take over." I took his spot as he quietly walked to his room. We sat together, saying nothing. We couldn't. She slowly sipped at her cocoa, looking at the wall, a blank look on her face. She eventually set down her cup and drifted off to sleep again, leaning on me. I did the same.
I woke up several hours later, to see Riley sleeping peacefully. I was happy to see her relaxed again. But I knew it wouldn't last long. I gently lifted her head off of my shoulder, and laid her back down on the pillow. She looked more tired than I had ever seen her, shadows forming under her eyes. But she didn't lose any of her beauty. Anthony was the only one who knew, but I had had a crush on her ever since I met her in 5th grade.
I shuffled down the hall to my room/editing station. Oh crap! The fans have no idea whats going on. I thought. I ran my fingers through my bowl hair cut, so I looked more presentable. I grabbed our small hand-held camera and started filming.
"Hey guys. I thought I should let you all know that no videos will be released at all this week. If you live in the area, you might have heard about the two people who were killed in a robbery attempt. Those people just so happened to be my friends parents..." I felt tears starting to well in my eyes. I willed myself to keep going. "Please pray for her and her family. This is a very tough time, so out of respect for that don't expect anything this week. Again, thanks," I finished. That was the most serious video I had ever done. I felt my face get hot, and a single tear fell down my cheek. At least it didn't happen during the video.
I laid the camera back on the desk, with a note telling Anthony to upload it. I went back to the living room, relieved Riley was still sleeping. I didn't want to cause her more pain by hearing that.