20: The Adventures of Little Riley!
Chapter 20 - Why Her
DISCLAIMER: I do not own Transformers Prime or the franchise. All characters (except my OCs) belong to Hasbro.
Warning: A tragic event is mentioned in this story for a moment. 9/11. If this topic is extremely upsetting to you, then I'm sorry in advance. It's briefly mentioned near the end of this chapter. Rest In Peace for those killed and prayers to all the families and friends affected.
2 months later...Tuesday, First Week of July
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(~Riley's POV~)
The started to shine through my window, bright as ever. Why did it have to be like that? Sunny days mean happiness, what was there to be happy about?
For the past 2 months, me and the girls have been a total mess. I just passed my crying phase of grief last week. Now I feel nothing. Maybe an odd smile from something funny but other than that, nothing. Rose was just...gone. It was so weird to think about. Two months ago we were in the woods having the best time of our lives and now she isn't here. I remembering her laughs, her smile but now I would never hear or see that again. At least, not in the same way.
I haven't been in touch with anyone lately, just the Hayes. I've been cooped up in my room just drawing, reading, sleeping, heck even eating. It felt like the world was against me! First I lose my family then I lose my first friend I made coming here!
Oh the bots...how I wished sometimes I could just-be there! Why weren't they coming back? Did they forget about me? Were they ever going to come back? No they love me and care for me, it's just taking a while...right?
"I think I'm done staring at my ceiling and contemplating the tragedies here." I said to myself. Lately, I've wondered what happened to Lil' old me. Sweet, innocent, adventurous. Not any more.
I sighed, swinging my legs over so they draped off the bed. I looked down at my feet, slightly swinging them. "I wish you guys were here...I wish you were here Rose..." oh scrap. I can feel the hot tears swelling up in my eyes. Come on! I thought we were past this! I can't mope around like this?! I need to be over her death so I can be there for the others!
I got up, cursing at my tears threatening to escape. I walked to the door and unlocked it. I swung it open and headed to the washroom. I needed to clean myself up. I stopped in front of the sink, hesitating to look at the mess I call my face. I looked up and "wow! Looking beautiful as usual" I said sarcastically.
My face was super pale, all around my eyes were red and pink, my eyes were dull and lifeless, and my cheeks looked stained with tears. I grabbed a wash cloth and soaked it before rubbing it all over my face. The cold water definitely woke me up.
After washing up, I headed downstairs. It felt like a century ago since I walked down. Rachel, of course, greeted me with her calming smile.
"Good morning Riley." She said soothingly, almost like taking time with her words. I looked up at her, trying to find a smile to greet her back with but nothing. "Morning" I said a bit hoarse. Great, even my voice sounds like I'm miserable.
"Even if your adopted, you really are like Optimus" I mimicked to myself quietly. Gosh Ratchet, you've never been so wrong. If I was anything like him, I could hide the grief or at least make it seem like I'm handling things much better than I already am!
"Want me to make pancakes for breakfast?" Rachel asked cheerfully. I nodded slowly as I sat myself down at the island. I played with my hands, listening to the noise of sizzling from the frying pan.
I also told Rachel I didn't want her asking if I was ok or feeling better till I gave the all clear. Cause when you ask someone that, it makes things worse. Did. Not. Want that.
"So, first week of July already. Gosh time flies so fast these days. You'll understand when your older." Rachel said, flipping the pancakes so well, Gordon Ramsey would be proud.
"Yeah...should we do something...maybe?" I asked. Rachel just turned to me smiling. It's like she wanted me to say that. In all honesty, I need a distraction. Anything to make me feel better for at least a day.
"How about an arcade? I heard those things are fun." Rachel asked. Hmmm arcades are definitely fun but I need something more thrill seeking, something that requires a lot of action...
"Maybe but what about something more...I don't know-lots of movement?" I asked trying to sound not unpleasant. Rachel was like a 5 year old, going "Oh Oh Oh!" when she thought of something. It was funny.
"Oh! How about-hmmmmm...Oh! How about we go to a water park? Heh? heh?" she said making a nudging action with her arm. Water parks are pretty fun, maybe I could drown in my sorrow there too. No stop thinking like that emo-edge-girl-person! Gosh!
"Yeah, that sounds perfect." I said with all the enthusiasm I could gather up, which wasn't a lot but Rachel knew. Before I could say anymore, 2 pancakes with whipped cream sat in front of me. Then she placed a fork down, bowing down as she said "Bon appetite".
I thanked her, eating the food. Of course, Rachel's pancakes were always delicious. She cooked them with such perfection, I always wondered how.
"Rachel, you've got to teach me your ways!" I said with a shocking amount of happiness. Rachel laughed as she untied her apron and walked over to the living room.
"Perhaps one day little one, there is much to learn when it comes to the precious pancake." She said in a joking manner. Then I actually laughed. Wow, her food must have magic in it! Rachel the Witch...nice ring to it.
As soon I was done, I got my plate and cleaned it up. Then I stood there, like an idiot for a few mins, unsure of what to do now. I felt like going back to my room but I wanted something to do. Then Rachel came back and placed her hands on my shoulders. Could she sense my confusion from there?
"I vote we go to the water park right now" She said smiling, like I had no choice. But that was fine, I was kind of hoping she'd say that. I nodded my head, hugging her. "Ok but first, we need to get you out of those sad clothes." She said, pulling me away and looking at my attire. Yeah, a bulky hoodie with sweatpants didn't exactly say "I'm super duper happy!"
"Sure thing" I said before walking upstairs to change. I got my usual pink t-shirt and jean shorts, slipping them on. Then I put on my ankle socks before brushing my hair out in the bathroom. It was hard and took a while since I barley brushed it. Once I was done, it was pretty staticky. I wetted my hands and dried them so they were just damp. Then I ran my fingers through my hair in an attempt to calm down the electrified strands. It worked of course. Good tip to know when living with bots for 8 years. I got my headband and plopped it on. I looked like myself again, if I was a wreck that was. My eyes looked better but I was still extremely pale. This summer, I was for sure getting a sunburn rather than a tan like usual.
Once I was done thinking to myself in front of a mirror, I headed back to my room. I grabbed my one piece suit that covered the stupid metal that's been on my skin forever now. Nobody found out still, somehow, and I intended to keep it that way. Then I glanced back at my closet, right where the box was. The crystal was still inside, in fact, the box hasn't been touched since I put it there. I sometimes wondered what would happen if I took it out again but no way was I going through that pain again, even if it was over. The metal could spread and then I would never be able to hide it.
I shook my head from the thoughts as I packed my bathing suit in a drawstring bag. I also placed a towel in there and of course flip flops. Now that everything was ready, it was time to go out into the world for the first time in 2 months. I walked down the stairs pretty quick, stopping at the front door and slipping my running shoes on. Rachel then came into view with her sun bag. She slipped her shoes before opening the door. I got up, drawstring bag on my shoulders, ready to go.
When I was outside, I breathed in the fresh air. It was so nice feeling the sun against me and not through a window too. That's when I looked to my left and saw Emma playing outside with her baby sister. She was playing some version of tag and peek a boo with the small child. So badly I wanted to run up and hug her but she looked pretty busy. Luckily, my wish came true. She looked up and saw me, now she was running at me! Oh jeez, is there not-solid ground behind me?
"Riley! Oh god it's been too long! How've you been? Gah I'm just-it's so good to see you!" She said wrapping her arms around me with full force. I hugged her back with all my strength. When we pulled apart, she had tears in her eyes. Oh no...why Emma why?!
"Emma...stop crying or you'll make me cry" I said trembling. Ah jeez I can feel them now. Aaaaaand they have escaped. "Sorry Ry'...just missed ya that's all" she said sheepishly. I looked over her shoulder to see the little one, absolutely confused. "Uh I think you have a sister to return to." I said after noticing the child. She looked behind her, her face saying "oh yeah!".
"Right, well, chat soon ok? We all have to get together soon. Can't be cooped up or away for too long." She said, chuckling a bit after. I nodded my head in agreement. "Plus we need eachother! Right?" She asked punching my arm. It didn't hurt like I expected it too, was she going soft now?
"Of course" I said, giving her a final hug. I waved as she ran back to her little sister. At least she had someone to give her joy. Not that Rachel or Lawerence wasn't somebody but they were adults. I mean more like a kid or someone around my age, kind-of-deal.
Rachel sat in the car, watching the whole scene with a big grin. I hopped into the passenger seat and looked at Rachel. "What's with you? Your grin is reaching your ears." I said sarcastically but nicely. "Just glad you made contact with another human being." She said jokingly but sincere as she backed out of the driveway. That's when she started to hit the petal. On the road, Rachel was absolutely crazy. She took sharp turns, sped really fast when she could. She could be a pro racer or a wreck less drive who didn't get into accidents!
As we drove, I rested my arm on the door, head on my hand and looking out the window while jamming out the radio.
/Today is throwback Tuesday folks! Next up "Never gonna give you up" By Rick Astley!/
Rachel turned up the volume as soon as she heard that. "This was my song in my teen years!" She said loudly as the music began. So we were singing our lungs out.
"Never gonna give you up! Never gonna let you down! Never gonna run around and desert you! Never gonna make you cry! Never gonna say goodbye! Never gonna tell a lie and hurt you~" We both sang loudly. It was so nice to be listening to this song with Rachel. We were both jamming out to our hearts content! Once the song was finished, Rachel just sighed happily.
"Have to admit, Rick's got good talent" she mentioned. I just agreed with her. Any song from the 80s in my opinion were pretty great. That and rock songs. Gosh, rock songs are the best. Little me said she liked them, well now I live for them! Though I could never play for one or even play a single instrument. I don't have that much patience.
Once we got to the water park, of course jamming to a few more classics like Y.M.C.A, In the summer time, and All Star, my all time favourite. It wasn't much of a throwback but it was still in the mix. We got our admission and went to the change rooms. I changed into my suit, making sure the metal spot was covered. Luckily it didn't grow with me so it remained the same size. It was basically smaller now.
Rachel locked our stuff up using the lock she always brought and we headed out.
"Which slide first?" She asked. I looked at her and boy, if she wasn't beautiful before, she sure was now. I wish I was as beautiful as her sometimes. "Uhh how about that one." I suggested, pointing to the slide that twirled around, a lot. She nodded her head as she practically dragged me towards it. Sometimes I wondered who the real child was here.
We went on a lot of slides, redid a lot of them, swam in the pool, and even snacked on popsicles from a stand. Now we were laying down in the lawn chairs within the sun, just relaxing. That's when I saw him. Jordan. And he was coming right up to me! Gosh I don't need his crap today.
I got up, telling Rachel I was going to the pool. Then I walked as fast as I could to it but Jordan caught up.
"Hey Riley." He said casually. Weird. "Hi Jordan" I replied coldly. I stood there as he looked more friendly then usual. "I just wanted to say sorry for the loss, ya know, her..." he said trailing off a bit. Now I was back to how I was this morning. Reminded of her absence. I looked down at my feet, frowning.
"I just wanted to ask...for a truce." He said a bit less gloomy now. I looked up immediately, completely off guard by his words. A truce? After all this time? "What's the catch?" I asked crossing my arms while giving a suspicious look. He shook his head before holding his hand out. "No catch. I just had more time to think and I guess I was a pretty big dumb head." He admitted sheepishly.
"Yeah no kidding" I said uncrossing my arms, letting them swing on my sides. I thought for a moment, should I accept it? I mean he's being genuine but what if it's a trick? Maybe it was for real. Rose would tell me to do it. Shutting my eyes, I shook my head from her and decided to take his hand. We shook and let go afterwards.
"Wanna, race me at the twin slides?" I asked shyly pointing behind me. I couldn't believe I was doing this. "Your on." He said competitively. I smiled back as we speed walked to the slides. When it was our turn, we counted down from 3.
The second we said go, I rushed down the slide. I used my arms to push myself a bit more as well. These slides curved a bit but near the end was a steep drop. Then we both landed in the water at the same time.
"Guess it's a tie." I said as I swam out. He just laughed, agreeing with me. Jordan and I had a few more races and went down a few slides together. Then we swam in the pool for a bit, getting to know each other. This was definitely something new.
"So uh I've got a question" he asked. I nodded my head for him to proceed. "Back in third grade, were those actually doodles?" That's when I remembered him grabbing the paper and staring at it with Emma. I just nodded my head. I couldn't think of anything else to call the letters. "You sure?" He asked again raising an eyebrow. I nodded my head, laughing as I splashed him with water.
Wait did I actually just laugh? Because of the bully? Out of all the people to get me to laugh, it had to be him. Now we were having a splash war! This was fun, if I have to admit it.
After that, we got out and wandered around the park. Looking at the people sliding down, screaming for joy. That's when he stopped me and confessed he had something to say. I was confused but he dragged me somewhere less crowded. We were near the entrance to the change rooms when he started talking.
"My uh dad one day told me he saw strangers loitering in the forest. He said we should scare them away by doing something crazy." He started quietly. Now I was even more confused. "Why are you telling me this?" I asked but he continued, ignoring my question. It was like a cop confession.
"He started to gather wood and made a fire. We sat by it before he told me to take a log that was on fire, and place it near a bush. I listened cause I didn't know exactly what he wanted. Then after he told me to go home. I did and the next thing I knew, he was coming to me. Saying it was done. We were halfway home so when I looked back at the forest, flames started to rise."
I started getting a gut feeling. Something didn't sit right. The way he explained it. I've heard nothing about the forest being on fire in the past except...
"I-I-I swear I didn't know why he wanted to set the forest on fire. H-he just said strangers and the forest was up in flames. Then then...then the news said that she had died and-" he was choking up, tears streaming down his face.
No way...did he do this? Was Rose gone because of him?! "You set the forest on fire while we were inside..." I asked slowly. No way. No way. It couldn't have been him. Why? Why did his father do it?! Why did he listen?!
He just nodded his head slowly. Now he was begging for forgiveness. I couldn't believe it. I was lost for words and breath. I felt light headed. That fire was set by him and his dad. The scar on my head was because of him. Rose's death was because of him! The beautiful forest was burned down because of him!
Next thing I saw was red. I couldn't feel my body. I felt disconnected as it controlled itself. I couldn't see through my eyes. All I saw was red. Rage, sorrow, every emotion coursing through my body. Once I gained control, I saw what I had done.
Jordan laid on the ground whimpering. It looked like a cat attacked him, claw marks covering his body. One of his fingers were bent in a very not good way, his head was cracked open. His nose and mouth poured with blood. A big bruise formed near on of his eyes as well. He looked like a mess...because of me.
I heard distant gasps. I backed away slowly, scared of what I had done. But I didn't feel guilty or remorse. It was his fault, he deserved everything coming to him! That's when I felt Rachel's comforting arms around me, backing me away from Jordan who laid on the ground still but letting out whimpers.
"What did you do..." Rachel asked slowly, shocked at the scene in front of her. I couldn't blame her. I would be the same except I wasn't.
"It's his fault." I said growling. I spun around and screamed out "Rose is dead because of him! He set the forest on fire! He told me himself! Him and his dad!" I pointed at him accusingly. That's when I noticed our audience. A bunch of people were shocked. Some covered their child's eyes, some held their hands over their mouths, some stood there just frozen.
That's when I started to cry myself. This was just too much. I grabbed on to Rachel, hoping for comfort. She just held me close to her as security finally came to disperse the crowd. Then the first aid people for the park came and got Jordan away from the situation.
Did he want to call a truce because of being guilty? Was all that time spent having fun just way for him to release this news easier? Well none of that mattered anymore. He killed her...he killed Rose.
The security had brought me and Rachel into the parks office alongside Jordan who was bandaged up. His parents even came, including his father. It felt like being in the principals office. I refused to make eye contact. Apparently after nearly beating him to death, he was still apologizing. But I refused to listen. Rachel was just trying think over what I had said, wondering if it was true.
That's when the manager came and sat down. "I do not accept this kind of behaviour in the park. I hope you kids will learn your lesson with a ban for the rest of the summer" he said sternly. I didn't care about some silly ban. I would have taken anything to just leave right now. Clearly I don't do well with killers or arsonists.
For an hour, our parents and the manger discussed behaviour stuff. I just wanted to leave, not be near him at all.
"Get a hold of your child!" Jordan's father yelled. Rachel wasn't defending herself! That wasn't fair! I stood up, slamming my hand on the desk in front of me. "Maybe you shouldn't try to kill innocent kids!" I screamed. He looked completely taken back but he yelled aggressively to defend himself.
"I don't know what your talking about! Kids these days, what has the world come to" he said annoyed, crossing his arms. I had enough, I could already see the redness coming back. Rachel quickly held me close to her.
"Rose is gone! Your son told me everything! You wanted to set fire to the forest! You made him help you! You sick fragger! I hope you die in the pits of Kaon!" I yelled back, pointing at him. Of course everyone was slightly confused at my choice of words but he still got the message.
"Well if you kids are gonna act like that, then I'm not afraid to do it again." He hissed. That's when the manager quickly motioned for the security at the door. Before I knew it, Jordans father was on the ground, resisting the cuffs being used on him. A couple more security guards showed up and led him to a different room until Police arrived.
After that, I didn't blame Jordan anymore. He didn't know...he couldn't have known. Now I felt the guilt. I tried to suppress it, keep blaming him but it didn't work. I stood up and walked up to Jordan who cowered a bit in his seat. I did the most unexpected thing and hugged him, carefully of course.
"I'm sorry, I shouldn't have lashed out on you but after what you said...I just saw what you call red." I admitted solemnly. He just nodded, accepting my apology. Then I accepted his. We both turned to see his mom crying in Rachel's arms. Clearly out of shock and the scene she just witnessed.
"Thank you" she said quiet and gratefully. Rachel just nodded her head. Wow that all happened so fast, the manager shared the same expression as me and Jordan. He started to laugh it off a bit, telling us to stay for police questioning. I didn't mind staying in the same room as Jordan anymore, even if I assaulted him and blamed him for Rose's death.
(~Later that day~)
Rachel and I sat quietly in the living room. I was petting Collette who laid half on my lap and half on the couch. I was just lost in thought. Rachel had her books, of course. She sat next to me. That's when Lawerence stormed through the door and rushed to us. He held us both in a strong hug, asking if everything was alright and that he heard everything that had happened.
"We're ok sweetie" Rachel assured him. "We're fine" I responded, patting his back. That's when the news started to talk about the recent news.
"This just in. After 2 months of investigation, the source of the fire has been determined. Berney Salviche has been charged with arson, second-degree murder and attempted murder. He admitted to police that he set the fire after being detained. Further details to be released and may Rose's soul finally rest knowing the perpetrator is behind bars. Prayers to family and friends of Rosalina Lake."
I felt tears running down my face but I was also smiling. Justice was served, Rose could finally rest easy. Rachel and Lawerence gathered me in a hug, all three of us celebrating and mourning. We decided to visit Roses grave and pay our respects once more. As I stood there, the other girls showed up!
I watched as we all stood there together, standing above her grave with our own things. Flowers, a teddy bear, and I had a Rose. We all stood there, arms over each others shoulders as our parents watched from afar. We all left and decided to meet at the park. When we did, we hung out again like we usually did. Even if we didn't have a leader of her, she was still with us. We could feel her presence sometimes, we even talked like she was there like crazy people!
Jordan ended up going to Juvenile detention for 3 months. When he returned, we openly invited him to our group. We all stated that we forgave him. Maybe Rose was right, there was a reason he acted in certain ways. It was just his choice before but then it became forced.
9/11 also happened. It was a devastating time when I saw it on the news. How could anyone think of doing that. Rachel, Lawerence, and I had given a moment of silence each day for the next month to the souls that were lost. I couldn't help but wonder if it was truly humans behind the attacks but there was no way for me to confirm.
(~Time Skip~) (April 1st, 2002)
I woke up, realizing the day today. April fools day aka my birthday. It was funny when Lawerence and Rachel found out. We sometimes made jokes that I was a joke when I was born. We also agreed to no pranks on April fools day. We did agree on having it the day before, so for us, March 31st was our April fools day.
Rachel and Lawerence loomed over my bed, waking me up. I got up slowly, smiling at them. I got to eat cake for breakfast and open my gifts early this year. Lawerence had gotten me the GameCube with a bunch of cool games. He made me promise to play with him as much as I could, of course I would! Rachel gave me my very own bike! The elbow and knee pads were finally gonna come in handy. I thanked them both so much, I could've lost my voice. Of course I got nothing from the bots. The second they stopped seeing me, was the second they just completely disappeared. It was fine though. I had no hard feelings. I had a new life, a new family, and new friends. I had everything I could have ever wanted right here.
At 2pm, I met up with my friends at the park. Of course they all said their happy birthdays and gave me cards. I couldn't be thankful enough towards them all, even Jordan. The day was perfect. But the news I got afterwards would definitely blow my socks off. But I wasn't sure if it was for a happy reason or a bad reason...
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