Dear Sweetie,
Hello Darling! If you are reading this then you must know that we are not there with you anymore, and for that we are deeply sorry. We are writing you this letter in hopes that you will never have to read it, but some things you cannot predict or change. Riley, we love you so incredibly much and would never want to leave you alone in the cold, hard world that lies ahead for you. That is why we have sent you to your Grandmother's house to live with her. She will take good care of you and remember to always treat her right. If the subject of school comes up, know that we only have your best interests at heart, and so does Rose. It was always a dream of ours to send you to a nice boarding school in the country, but never had enough money or enough heart; we just couldn't bear to let you go. You must know that we are crying as we write this, and if you find any stray tear marks, they are ours. Know that we love you Riley and that our death was not your fault. It happens to everyone at one moment in their life; our moment just came too soon for all of us. We love you.
Best Wishes,
Mom and Dad
Riley closed the letter with shaking hands, her own tears making marks on the paper beside her parents'. She thought back to all of the times they promised, "We'll never leave you, Riley. We'll always be here." What remained of that promise was this letter and Riley would never throw it away or forget about it. It was now the only part of them she had left, and to her, it was like a memory she could always go back to that would never fade away.
The next three days passed by quickly, yet slowly at the same time. Riley and her Grandmother did many things together, Riley having a new appreciation for all that she did. They played miniature golf, Yhatzee, badminton, Grandma Rose taught her how to knit, they watched TV, went to movies, and just had fun. All too soon, Grandma Rose was driving back to Grove Ridge and pulling up in front of the entrance late Sunday night.
They sat in the car for a few minutes, talking and laughing, until the Headmaster came out and greeted Riley's grandmother. Riley unloaded her bags from the trunk and waited while the Headmaster finished up his conversation with Grandma Rose. Once he was back inside, Riley hugged her Grandmother tightly and held on, not wanting to let go.
"I'm gunna miss you Gram," Riley told her. "Stay safe, ok?"
She laughed, "You sound like my mother! But you stay safe too, alright? I love you, honey. See you for Christmas!" She climbed into her Sedan and sped away, blowing a final kiss out the window. Riley sighed and headed up to her dorm tiredly. She unlocked the door, set down her stuff, hit the bed, and fell straight to sleep.
The alarm went off at seven. Riley punched the clock so it would stop beeping and it fell to the floor, going silent. She crawled sleepily from her warm cocoon and quickly plucked her uniform from her closet. She took a warm shower, got dressed, did her hair and make-up, and groggily dragged herself down to the diner. Meat-like sausage and eggs were on the menu today; no more home-cooked meals. Riley grabbed her plate and piled it high, paid, and sat heavily down on a bench in the courtyard. Today was a good day to get some fresh air in the morning. Kent passed by and said a soft hello before continuing on his way; Riley barely heard him.
"Riley!" a voice called. She turned around and spotted Ben headed her way, carrying his own tray of food. He seated himself across from her. She smiled wearily.
"Hey Ben."
"Are you alright? You look kind of tired," he noted.
She yawned "Oh, just a little. I only got in at midnight. My Grandmother's car broke down and we had started out late anyway…..let's just say it was a long trip. But how was New York?"
"It was amazing! It really was, we watched lots of shows and the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, and stayed in a great hotel where they had a really good Thanksgiving dinner," Ben explained. Riley brightened as he went on. "And we saw Denzel Washington with his wife! That was really cool because we weren't going to bother him, but my little sister went up to him without us knowing and he thought she was so sweet so he took pictures with all of us and gave us all autographs!"
"That's awesome!" Riley agreed.
Ben rummaged through his backpack and pulled out a sheet of paper, handing it to Riley. She took it and looked down at what it was.
"Ben! No, I couldn't!" she protested.
He grinned, "Nah, I want you to have it. I've got plenty, trust me." She smiled in thanks and put the autographed page in her purse.
Riley looked up and saw a familiar face walking through the grounds. She gasped and stood, picking up her tray.
"I've got to go, Ben. Thanks again!" she scurried away and threw out the food that she hadn't even touched. The person turned the corner and made their way around the center fountain that was prestigiously placed right in the middle of the gardens that filled the back of the school's yards. Riley walked briskly forward, focusing on him. Then she stopped, staring at her feet, wondering what she would say. Why even bother? Would he really care that I remembered? Just as she was about to turn back, a shadow swept across her feet. Riley lifted her head to meet gazes with Liam. His eyes were soft and curious. She stared at him, searching those eyes.
"You're back," she whispered.
Liam smiled, "You were right. The law sided with me."
Riley's mouth blossomed into a full-blown ear-to-ear grin as she enveloped Liam into a hug. He chuckled at the surprise, but returned it gladly. Riley realized what she was doing and she let go, clearing her throat.
"Well, anyway, I'm glad your back," she stammered, still smiling. A bush behind her rustled and they both turned to see what it was. It was empty and silent. Riley's eyes narrowed but she turned back to Liam.
"I guess I'll see you later then?" she said.
"Yea, sure," he replied.
Riley began to leave and she felt his eyes still watching her. She kept going anyway and was about to go back into the cafeteria, when Liam stopped her.
"Riley wait!"
She stopped, doing so until he caught up to her.
"How about you and me, Friday night, dinner and a movie?" he anxiously asked.
Riley smiled and thought for a second before answering, "I don't know. But I'll get back to you. Just don't think I'm saying no, because that is the farthest thing from my mind right now." And with that she walked away, leaving Liam with a knowing smirk and a hopeful heart.
Ben emerged from a near-by bush wearing a fore-lorn and deeply saddened expression. Kent had been right; girls like Riley don't stay single for long.
oooo no! what ever will Ben do now! Liam is going to steal her away! quick Ben, make your move! ; - )
