Well, the last chapter was SUPER dark! So even though this one isn't perfect, it's certainly lighter than the last. And some very lovely things await you, fellow readers! Also you'll learn today that I actually have a headcanon that Jordan is actually Jewish! Enjoy chapter 14.

TRIGGER WARNING: Rape Mention, Self Harm Mention

The sound of cars whizzing by, mindless chatter of pedestrians enjoying their Saturday's in the beautiful California sun. She can feel the breeze coming from her window against her face. It's calming. Eyes will open slowly, and the memories of last night come flooding back.

"...Morning." That voice.

She'll turn onto her back, that figure, leaning on her elbow, staring straight down at her- Carissa is a sight for sore eyes indeed, "How long have you been awake?"

Carissa will sigh as she reaches to push Riley's side bang away from her face, "Not too long, maybe an hour?" There's a pause, "...How you doin', dork?"

"...Feeling really fucking stupid." She won't even sugar coat it, "Severed my fucking wrist and my thigh in the name of that shithead, I feel fucking stupid and I regret it."

"Try not to regret it." She begins in a gentle tone of voice, "I know that probably sounds nuts, but, it happened. It happened and it can't be changed. With recovery comes relapse...you can't have recovery without it. So, it happened, but you'll only become stronger from here." She'll lean right down, press a kiss to her forehead, "...Did you sleep okay?"

That pep talk is oddly reassuring. Carissa is right, as much as she hates what happened last night, she's relieved to think of it in...a positive way rather than negative. She can only take it one day at a time and get better from here, "I actually slept really well."

'He won't take flirting away from us- he won't take romance away from us.'

"But then again." Riley will flash a small smile, "I always sleep really well next to you."

Carissa places her hand over her face, hiding from her own flustered demeanor, "Shut up." Finally, she'll sit up, "Come on, smells like your mom made some breakfast and you need to eat. I'm gonna' take a wild guess and say you didn't have anything at all to eat yesterday."

'Food sounds excellent right now, I'm down to eat everything in sight.'

She'll stretch just before she'll get up too, "You're not wrong." But she's careful to slip on pajama pants. The last thing she needs is for her parents to think she'd sneaked Carissa in for some R rated play time.

Still, when the two girls come down the steps and enter the kitchen, it doesn't stop the immediate questionable stares on her parents faces. Carissa will attempt to deflect the situation from Riley by politely waving with a, "...Good morning, Mr. and Mrs. Andersen...smells good in here."

There's no response from either of them. Her mother raises a single brow, while Riley's father, mid chew, looks like he's ready to explode. Of course they're thinking she'd stayed the night for something else.

"Um. We had a rough night." Riley immediately feels like in idiot for the awful choice in words.

'WE?! Why would you make her say WE?! It sounds like we went on some wild BDSM adventure!'

'Well, we did have a rough night!'

'SHE did, SHE had a rough night! MENTALLY. Fix this! You're making it worse!'

"I-I mean- I had- I had a rough night. And I didn't want to wake you guys...so I called Carissa and asked her to come over."

Her father doesn't quite trust that, "Oh, really? And what was so awful that you couldn't wake your parents up for? What was so awful that you instead decided to sneak a girl into this house?"

"Dad-"

"Listen, I have to side with your father on this one. You know Carissa isn't allowed to spend the night in your room unless you ask us first and she sleeps on the floor. You didn't even ask us. So if she stayed over, we have a right to know what happened. The rules have been the same since you came out, Riley. No girls are allowed to stay over without our permission. And that goes for no sneaking girls in either. Which I never even thought your father and I would have to address because I thought we raised you better than that."

"I-I just had a rough night, why do I need to tell you guys?"

Damn her father's anger. He's already assuming exactly what didn't happen at all and it's enough to turn him sour, "You know why, Riley."

She's closing up. And poor Carissa doesn't want to outwardly explain why. She can't seem to find a good lie that might just make this situation less awkward. And being caught in a lie right now, would only make things worse.

"Now don't make me embarrass you in front of her and ask you blatantly if what I think happened last night, did happen. You know the rules and you overstepped them by a mile."

'You know what?! Fucking FINE. How about we roll up our sleeve and show you what the fuck happened?!'

'We might as well..they're already upset, what else is new?'

Though there's a slight hesitation, she'll slowly raise the sleeve of her sweater, revealing the rather brutal relapse of last night. And though it's hidden under a very large band aid, the stains peeking through the gauze is a clear indication of what lies beneath it, "...I-I didn't want to wake you and worry you, so I called her." The guilt on her face is obvious.

But the even bigger remorse that can be read on both of her parents faces is staggering. Now they feel awful. Her mother rushes to her side, "H-Honey you could have woken us! Baby, why didn't you say something- monkey!" Immediately she reaches to hug her daughter.

Who, like a statue, doesn't return the gesture at all, "No offense, but this kinda' stuff is awkward to talk about you guys with...so I called Carissa. I feel stupid and I regret doing it, okay? It's not gonna' happen again, I'm gonna' make sure of that." A sigh, "...But nothing like that happened last night. I just called her when it happened, she came over and I asked her if she would spend the night because I didn't want to be alone. Nothing else happened."

Carissa raises both hands in front of her with a, "She's telling the truth, I swear. I was at Claire's when she called. Claire can vouch for us if you need her to. I cleaned her up, got her bandaged and then put her to bed and that's it."

Her father will rise from his seat, cross the room without a word before he's suddenly stands before Carissa and immediately shakes her hand with a much softer facial expression, "...Thank you for taking care of our daughter when she's like this. I won't lie, it does stink that she can't talk to us about certain things." He'll look to his daughter with a sympathetic gaze, "But I understand. I'm just...glad she has you to fall back on." He'll release her hand and take a step back, "...And I'm sorry we snapped like that."

"No, no, you had every right, sir. If it were my daughter I'm sure I would have reacted the same way if a carnal house rule had been broken."

Her mother reaches over to give Carissa a hug this time. Though there's tears in her eyes (because it's killing her to see her daughter falling back into a place like this, all over a sick boy who violated her- she could strangle him!), she'll try her best to remain cheerful, "Well, I made a big breakfast! There's enough for everyone, so come on, grab a plate. Let's all sit and eat."

"And just when you think life COULDN'T get more awkward." Disgust finds herself covering her face out of embarrassment.

"Well, I-I mean, to be fair, Riley did kinda' sneak a girl into the house and it's been something she's never been allowed to do since coming out. House rules." As if anyone is going to care about that right now, Joy.

"That doesn't mean this wasn't embarrassing as all hell! Ugh, I can't believe they think we were...screwing each other! Especially after everything that's happened. And now they know she relapsed and, ugh, I need a drink." Disgust will rub her temples, "But, hey, it's over with now I guess, so hopefully we can redeem what's left of this weekend that went off with nothing but shitty occurrences."

"I'm just nervous because the deposition is next month and that's not that far away." Fear couldn't even sleep! It was all he could think about, "I mean what if they let him walk free? What if he doesn't get punishment?"

"Why have to try not to think that way." Because Joy knows it'll do no good, "They have plenty of evidence and there were witnesses all of which agreed to speak at the deposition on our behalf. I think we have a good chance of getting him into trouble. He's already eighteen, his birthday was in December- on the 4th. So he won't be charged as a minor."

And Anger, with the most devilish of grins will add, "And Riley is still a minor, and while she's the age of consent, she didn't consent. I really think our chances are really good."

"B-But the justice system is so screwed up!"

"But it isn't always. And we have to try not to focus on the possible negatives- I agree with Joy, we need to just stay confident and strong. Otherwise all we'll be dealing with is more moments like last night and none of us need that."

Joy leans back in her seat, "I understand this is really hard, guys, believe me. It isn't exactly a picnic for me either. It's messing with her islands, her sleeping schedule, she's in the mood to have sex with Carissa, yet she's terrified of the idea. It isn't easy."

"And it sucks because." Sadness is finally speaking after doing nothing but listening with focused eyes, "What if the fact that we haven't initiated sex means that Carissa won't want to get back together and make it official again?"

"Did those three dates we went on mean nothing to you?" Anger's head is smoking at the notion, "She wouldn't have asked us out those two times if she didn't want to work on getting back together! And don't forget when Riley asked her out on the second date, she said yes. She wouldn't have done that if she wasn't interested. It's like you haven't been paying attention all these years! It isn't just about sex for them. They're fucking in love. It's obvious. You're fucking stupid if you can't see that! Or was last night not a clue either? Carissa came running the fuck over at two in the fucking morning, stayed all night, and risked getting banned from this damn house! She didn't care what the end game would have been! She just knew she wanted to be there for Riley because she's fucking crazy about her!"

"O-Okay, I get it-"

"I want to marry her!"

Well, that's enough for everyone to fall silent in the room. Fear is the one to break the weird shock of the news, all eyes on Anger, "...What did you just say, Anger?"

He pouts, arms folded. He's attempting to simmer, but he'll be staring at his lap as its uttered, "...I want to marry her. When we're older. In our twenties when we're established and living together. And don't tell me it's too soon. Riley feels it in her stomach and her heart. When the time is right, we're marrying her. If Carissa doesn't pop the question when she's ready, then Riley's doing it."

Joy is in absolute awe, "...I...I had no idea you felt any of this."

"Well, I knew you'd all shoot it down and tell me it was too damn soon, so why would I bother? But I know, okay? I just know and Riley does too. And I'm not budging on that theory. Mid to late twenties, we're getting married in Vegas just like we planned."

And maybe he expected negative feedback of all things. But Joy is already standing from her seat and crossing to stand right next to her co-emotion. She'll reach for his hand to give it a light squeeze, "...I think that's really beautiful, Anger. I mean that." She'll chuckle just a little, "And I promise you I'm not just saying that because I think it's what you wanna' hear...I actually think that's really beautiful. And I don't think it's too soon to know. Would it be too soon to marry her? Yes, that would be too soon. But having a feeling like that? With how long they've dated, and with the possibility they're going to get back together, I don't think the thought is too soon. I think it's romantic. It's beautiful. I think that's great."

For the first time in quite a long time, Anger will actually grin- though it's small and a little bit off, it's genuine, "...Thanks, Joy."

In truth, the weekend had not really improved. The idea of school had been too much to deal with. She couldn't even stomach waking up. Another week skipped, exams and notes were sent home. She, essentially had worked from home in order not to lose credit, nor have them counted as sick days. Still, once Friday rolled around the corner, she found herself feeling stir crazy again, yet not quite ready for school or hanging out. However, it was after lunch that suddenly the idea seemed to come out of nowhere. She dressed in a green tank top, a black hoodie, a pair of skinny jeans and her vans. She grabbed for her beanie and skateboard and nearly bolted out the door.

The destination? The hospital. She makes her request at the front desk without any hesitation, "...It's an emergency." Is how she starts the sentence, "Is Doctor Seamus Joseph in?"

It's a relief when she exits the elevator. Still, as she stands in front of his office, she's worried. Would he remember her? Would it be weird? Would he be disappointed to see her? After all, she has to imagine that when it comes to mental illness, therapists always hope they'll never have to see patients ever again once they're well enough to stop having weekly sessions. Maybe he'll feel like he's failed her. No more stalling. She'll take a deep breath before she's letting herself in. And there he is, hair just a little bit more gray than years ago. But for the most part, he hasn't changed one bit, aside from a new pair of glasses.

Immediately the man stands, "Oh my god, as I live and breathe." And though she has no idea what to expect, he's...smiling, "Riley Andersen. You're...so big now." It's both terrifying and...emotional for him, "How old are you now?"

"Um...I'll be eighteen in March." She's shocked...there's tears in his eyes it looks like!

"...I can't believe how grown up you are!" He'll lean over his desk, holding his hand out to shake which she'll return with caution, "It's really great to see you, though I wish it wasn't because...you needed to speak to me. They paged me and said you mentioned an emergency?"

There will be an awkward little laugh, "Aha...yeah. Kinda'."

He'll point at the two chairs perched on either side of her, "Well have a seat." Just as he sits back down, "And we can talk, Riley."

"Thanks, Doctor Joseph, um-"

"The rules are the same as years ago, you can call me Seamus." A method he argued even then that perhaps the first name basis makes it feel more like you're talking to a friend as opposed to a doctor.

"Right, Seamus." And she won't lie, it actually does help, "Well...um...I unfortunately had a bad relapse episode last weekend."

"Relapse...self injury, you mean?"

"Yeah."

"Well, I'm really sad to hear that." He'll remove his glasses, drop them down onto his desk, "It might be good to consider wearing a rubber band again, but, if you don't mind. What triggered the episode?" Maybe he's not prepared for what he's about to hear.

Her legs are spread apart, and she slouches in her seat. Her left elbow, it rests on the arm rest of the chair, fingers picking nervously at her lower lip. Maybe she's not prepared to say it yet.

"...Listen, if you don't want to tell me, we can skip that and just discuss what to do from he-"

"That's just it, I'm here to talk about what led to it. That's...that's what I need to talk about."

"Okay." He'll lean forward just a little, "Then you don't have to say it yet. Take a minute. We can sit here, and you can just say it when you're ready, okay?" And he'll give her those few minutes. He remains in his seat, immediately going to his computer, double checking appointments and typing up prescriptions. If she needs some space to get in the necessary frame of mind, he'll give her that space.

It'll be a solid seventeen minutes before she'll finally blurt it out completely unannounced, "I was raped."

It's enough for the typing to come to a halt. His gaze turns to her. It's such an astonishing confession that he has to stand, back turned away in favor of staring out the window, hands behind his head. How could they? He doesn't know who it was. He doesn't need to know who did it, or why. He doesn't even care about those details. How could they? How could they do that?

She knows he's clearly just as distraught as everyone else had been hearing this news, but she'll talk anyway. She needs to, "My deposition is next month. But a girl from my school was in on it. She captured it...on her online stream- and people watched it. Strangers. She had no remorse. Just because she wanted Carissa and was mad that Carissa wants me. I was drugged so I don't remember much. But I felt it all. I remember how it felt. I-It hurt- it hurt so bad. And even with my distorted vision, I can see Austin's disgusting face clearly. I see the way he laughs and smiles and I hear the awful things he said while it happened." And though the tears fall silently from her face, she won't cower in fear, nor will she sob. She's done being weak, "You stupid fag, you should have just agreed to date me. Carissa isn't going to want you after I've touched you. You're not so tough right now, huh, Andersen? You stupid fucking fag. You're disgusting. I push him away. I push him away and I push him away and he's too strong." Never does she make eye contact with Seamus. She stares off into the corner of the room, occasionally admiring the pictures on his desk, the art on his walls, "The images don't stop replaying in my head. How do I stop that? Is it possible? I-I just...I just want to stop replaying it again and again. I don't want to think about it so much I just-" She'll sigh, wiping her eyes, "I want my life back, Seamus. A-And I need to know how to do that or I'm afraid I'll drive to the Golden Gate and do something really stupid...and I don't want to do that. Not when I have so many good things in my life."

There's a long pause before he'll round the desk, leaning against it. And then, so swiftly he'll take the unoccupied seat next to her, "I'd like to ask permission to take your hand. Because after hearing that...I want to make sure taking your hand won't overstep a boundary you may not be okay with."

She's reluctant in holding out her hand, "...Wh-what for?"

"Just to hold it." Between both of his hands, and he will look right into her eyes, "The solution is easier than you think, if you listen to your heart." He begins, "You've talked about it. And that's a huge deal. It's the biggest step you could have taken and you should be proud of yourself for that, Riley."

Surprisingly his touch is comforting. After the many sessions years ago, she's certain she would trust this man with her life.

"It's only going to get better now. Because that's what made it difficult for you to stop replaying the images. The fact that you weren't talking about it. Now, as for the next step?" He'll smile, "Stop hiding in your room avoiding the world."

She'll take her hand back with a look of surprise, "...How did you know I was-"

"You were my patient for almost six months, two days a week years ago. I know what you're like when you're in a dark place."

Okay so she'll laugh, that probably was a silly question, "...Right."

"So stop doing that. By not being yourself, you're not keeping yourself busy enough to push it aside. Go out with your friends, go to the movies, go to school, throw a wild party and invite Kim and Kanye as the guests of honor!"

Okay, now she's really laughing! A smile that's wide enough to fill her face with a Joy that likely hasn't been seen for quite some time.

Her smile must be contagious, because he's returning it with the same intensity, "Now, I'm going to write you a prescription for those anti-anxiety pills you were on for the first three months after you were discharged years ago." He's already back at his desk, filling the paper out as he speaks, "I think you ought to go back on them until the deposition is finished next month, okay? I think it might be a good idea just until all of this is over. It's a smaller dosage and you'll only take them when you think you need them. However, I will recommend at least once a week- and make sure to take them the day before the deposition and the day of, just to be extra certain. It'll give you a clear head."

She'll nod. She's already feeling insanely better than she had been since the initial incident, "Okay, yeah, I think that would be a good idea." She stands, "...Thank you so much, Seamus. And I hope that maybe...come June, I'll be able to come back...you know, so you can sign my yearbook?"

"...I would be honored, Riley."

Meanwhile, the local high school in recent days seems boring and bleek. Lunch time atop those bleachers on the football field are quiet. Carl is the one who points out the obvious, "It ain't so fun without Riley around."

Their friend Anthony smiles a little, "Yeah, I miss that little firecracker. She's always making us all laugh."

"Yeah, and she's always showing us the best memes." And Jordan greatly appreciates that, "Think she'll be back soon? Carissa?"

"She told me she's aiming for Monday."

"I just wish there was something we could do to perk up our girl's mood. She really needs it with everything going on." Amanda sighs, "Did you guys see the voting ballot this morning for the Senior Superlatives for the yearbook? Carissa and Riley were nominated as Relationship Goals along with three other couples. Guess even the school wants you guys back together." She's trying.

Carissa's cheeks turn pink over the idea, "Ahaha, imagine we win? That'd be crazy. I'm surprised anybody cared about us enough to even get us on the ballot. But honestly, I really want to ask her to be official again. But I want it to be special, not just some text like hey can we change our status on facebook?"

It's enough to turn heads with confusion as Carl slowly sits up, looking as though he's had some profound revelation.

"Bro, what's with your face?" Alex, one of Carl's closest friends, is waving a hand in front of him.

"That's just it- what Carissa said!"

"What do you mean?" She'll lean in, elbows on her thighs. She's definitely interested in whatever it is he's come up with.

"Riley is dying to be official with you again. She's texted me about it she's talked to me about it. She wants it too. If she's coming back on Monday, we gotta help you make it something she'll never forget."

"...Talk to me."

"Okay, so pretty much everyone sitting here right now, is in our computer media class. And Mr. Verdi, he fucking loves us. So we tell him today that on Monday during class we want to plan something for Riley and see if he'll okay it. But the plan needs to be mostly thought up by you." He points at Carissa, "If you wanted to make her feel special, you know, seal the deal in a special way, what would you do?"

She'll really take the time to think about that one. Nothing is too good for Riley. But when it clicks, her face matches that of Carl's from only moments ago, "Okay, so come Monday, we all go to computer media like nothings up. We act normal, do whatever. But Carl- you- you'll for some reason be late, turns out your car needs a jump! And since Riley always has her mom's car on Monday's, you ask her to jump it. So you leave, and we get things set up in the classroom while you have her distracted. You text me when you're on your way to the classroom and by the time she comes back, it'll be showtime."

The bell rings, but as everyone stands, they're all on their toes. They're more than happy to plan something for their friend. Amanda, still trying, grabs for her pom poms with her phone held in hand, "Okay, guys, I'm gonna' make a facebook group chat, so we can discuss the plan- who's bringing what and how we're getting this all together. Now keep this between everyone who was sitting here today! And nobody tell Riley!"

The group will disperse, anxious for Monday. Oh, it's going to be brilliantly executed. They're ready.

She almost doesn't want to go on Monday, but her therapist's advice rings harshly in her mind. She knows he's right. She can't get past the awful images if she remains cooped up inside her room with nothing to do. Everyone seems pretty glad to see her and she's careful to do her best in acting like her old self. Just before lunch, she's stopped on her way outside by a bitter face. She pauses, locks eyes with Jensen. She doesn't feel like dealing with any of this, so instead she opts to walk right past her.

"She asked me out."

'The fuck did she just say?'

Okay, that certainly get's Riley's attention. She'll turn right around. As if. She doesn't believe her for a second.

"Just a few days ago. She asked me out, we're going to a movie on Saturday." And she'll grin, "She was so sweet about it, taking my hand and bringing me flowers."

Riley allows her to speak nothing but bullshit. In truth, it's actually funny to her, "Really?"

"Yeah, really. So, I think if you don't want to keep getting hurt by her lies, you should really just keep your distance." She has no idea Carl provided her with audio proof. She has no idea she's only making herself look like a lunatic, "Because, Riley...I don't want to see you hurt and I really do still want to be friends." She has no idea Riley is aware that she actually streamed Austin's actions, "She wants to date me...and I couldn't say no."

After a brief moment of adjusting the strap of her purse she'll get a word in edgewise with so much satisfaction, "Not sure how you're gonna' see a movie with Carissa when she's going to be with the band because they got invited to open for Space Panda Express this Saturday and they need to be at the venue at noon to practice and she's going to have no time for a movie." The smirk is proud across her face, "Guess she's already stood you up, Jensen. Oh, and before you think I'm stupid enough to believe you? I'm only seventeen. So that video footage they have from you stream of what Austin did? Yeah, you can get charged for child pornography. So you may have to cancel on your 'date' anyway, because you just might be sitting in jail."

'There's our girl! We've missed her!'

'You go, Riley, screw Jensen!'

"If you'll excuse me, I'm starving and Carl said he picked up Taco Bell, so I'll see you in Math." Nothing can break her today. Riley won't allow it.

"Wow! Did you see Jensen's face?!" Joy is so proud of Riley! That was certainly a long time coming, "It's so good to see Riley acting more like herself."

"I guess school was a good idea after all, and ugh, that Taco Bell looks so good. It's a shame that Carl has to leave to go drop some off for his cousin. She wanted to hang with him today." Disgust was looking forward to it, in fact.

"Eh, she can talk to him during Computer Media class towards the end of the day and math too." Those yellow cheeks seem to be glowing brighter, "Carissa looks so gorgeous today. And did you see? She's wearing the ear plugs we got her for Christmas!"

"They look so good, I knew they would, though, because I have excellent taste." Disgust flips her hair as she watches the group of teens packing up their things and slowly dispersing to return to class, "And she's hardly had any involuntary flashbacks to New Years Eve, so that's a plus."

"Well, let's get focused guys, we have a test this period and gym class after that. We need to be on the ball today."

The rest of the day is relatively quiet. Come eighth period, she'll enter her Computer Media class where Mr. Verdi will greet her with a head nod and utter her last name sternly, "Good to see ya' back."

"Thanks, Mr. Verdi." She'll take her seat at her computer next to Carissa and log in, "Where's Carl?"

"Probably smoking a bowl with Alex." The punk will reach for Riley's hand to give it a squeeze, "Good to have you back, dork."

Right as the bell rings, Mr. Verdi will stand in front of his desk, "Okay, folks, so today I want you guys to keep working on your power point presenta- Mr. Segreti, nice of you to join us."

And Carl will act like he's never acted before, "I'm so sorry V-Man- I got back to school late and my car literally just stalled in the entrance to the student parking lot- so can I borrow Riley for like, ten minutes for a jump? We'll come right back I swear."

He eyes him, acting skeptical. He already knows what's about to happen, "...Andersen, help Mr. Segreti out. If you're not back in fifteen minutes, I'm gonna send Ms. Smith out there to embarrass you by takin' you down in a brawl she'll very clearly win, spaghetti arms." The statement makes the whole class burst out laughing. His comments are all in good fun. He's known these kids since ninth grade, it's the way their dynamic has developed.

And so Riley will stand, inching her way out of the aisle of computers, "You got the cables?"

"Yeah- yeah, just meet me at the entrance of the parking lot- thanks so much."

The minute they exit, the door is shut and Amanda leaps from her seat, double checking that they're gone. A text from Carl assures them the coast is clear, "Okay guys, let's get going! You know what to do!"

Carissa is immediately sitting in front of Riley's unoccupied computer. She's sticking her flash drive in rummaging through the pictures, "Does my face look to ugly here? I feel like it looks stupid!"

Jordan leans over her, "No- no go back to the other one- yeah that one, your smile is really nice there. It's not forced and it's not too big, it's perfect."

"Okay, okay, I'll go with that one."

All the while, Amanda is running to the closet on the other end of the room, pulling free a small batch of neon green and navy balloons, "I forgot where we said we wanted to put these!"

Mr. Verdi, wanting to help in the endeavor suggests, "You should stick them right outside the door, tie them to the door knob so she see's em' right away. She'll know something's up, but won't know what."

"That's actually a really good idea. Carissa, you have your stuff you need?"

"Yeah, yeah I'm just finishing up over here."

And a frantic Jordan shouts, "Carl just texted! They're coming back! Hurry up!"

"Thanks so much, Riley. I think I left my lights on last night and didn't realize it or something."

"Either that or it was just a fluke thing. That can happen sometimes."

"Hey, after school we should all hang at the pier, we haven't had proper chill time and we're fucking seniors, we gotta' start acting like it."

"Yeah, I think I'd be down, I just need to get the car home first because-"

They'll turn down the hall when she spots them. Tied to the knob of the classroom door is balloons...of her two favorite colors. She'll give a questionable stare before she's carefully opening the door. Everyone seems to be...hard at work. So she steps in, watching as Carl weirdly stands in the doorway and doesn't return to his seat, "...What's going on here?" But when she sits down at her computer chair. It's confirmed.

'Guys, oh my god!'

She'll place a trembling hand over her mouth in surprise. And those emotional tears can't be tamed- they happen so fast she doesn't even have time to be embarrassed about them! Her desktop wallpaper has been changed. It's a picture of Carissa Smith, standing in front of the sidewalk of Carl's house. She's holding a big white sign that reads: Um, will you be my girlfriend...again?

And when she turns, hand still over her mouth, she'll face Carissa who's corny enough to be on one knee as if she's proposing, it's perfect and she knows it. Riley adores corny, she always has. That's what makes her my dork. Not only is she looking right back at her, but she's holding a single rose- white in color, the tips dyed neon green and blue, "Don't break my heart, Andersen." The same words that had been uttered via text message the very first time Carissa asked her to 'hang out' eighth grade.

Don't break my heart, Andersen.

She's absolutely hysterical right now. And it's enough for Amanda to awww! From the seat adjacent to her best friend. After being able to do nothing but cry, Riley will nod furiously, finally taking her hand away from her mouth and she'll stand up, "Yh-Yhes!"

And Carissa will jump right up with the biggest grin just as Riley throws herself right into her arms, legs bent and completely off of the ground. Carissa holds her close, arms around her tightly. Her strength is heightened because the endorphin's in her body are running wild. The love her life- the love of her life is hers again. She couldn't be happier.

The scene is enough for the cluster of friends who share this class together to clap and cheer. They're all ecstatic to see this. Everyone wanted this. They missed this. Their group of friends is nothing without Carissa and Riley.

Carl will laugh, "It's about time, homos!"

Mr. Verdi shakes his head, "Alright, alright, folks, let's get back to our work now."

But no, the loudspeaker will interrupt now, "Your votes have been counted. The first round of Senior Superlatives have been picked! First up, the winners of Everybody's Buddy: Carl Segreti and Amanda Carson."

Carl raises his arms with an, "Ayyyy!" and high fives Amanda.

"All Arounder's: Joey Mortez and Sarah Ford, Luscious Locks: Amanda Carson and Jordan-" But the minute Jordan's name is uttered everyone cracks up.

Even Jordan is laughing! He knew he'd been nominated thanks to the fact that his hair always seemed to be the talk of the school when he wanted it to be, "Listen, the Jew fro hasn't let me down yet, guys!" He's proud to accept the win!

"Daringly Different: Alex Sharp and Carissa Smith." And Carissa accept that with pride and a raise of her fist, "And last but not least for the first batch of categories, Relationship Goals! The winning couple is: Riley Andersen and Carissa Smith."

'Holy shit we won relationship goals?!'

'What the fuck are the odds?!'

As if this day couldn't get any better, she'll turn to her girlfriend curious as to whether or not that had all been part of this gesture, "...Did you plan that?"

"Dude, I didn't even know we were nominated until we all got the ballot last week. That- that announcement just happened by chance, I didn't even think we'd actually win or that they were announcing them today!"

'Give her the idea, Anger, Riley needs to confess it.'

"...Carissa, you're my soulmate."

Just hearing those words is enough of a reason for Carissa to reach for Riley's wrist. She has to drag her out of the classroom because she can't wait anymore and she knows damn well it can't happen in the middle of class. Out the door and just to the left, she'll pull Riley close by her hips, press those cool hands to her cheeks and close the gap between them in the first kiss they've shared in months.

Riley's hands grab for Carissa's shoulders, and she can feel her knees buckling, because it's happened again with more intensity than she's ever felt it before in her entire time of knowing this girl. This girl who miraculously showed up after Christmas break years ago and opened her eyes to the truth. This girl...she's swept Riley off of her feet and this time? She's certain she'll never touch the ground again.