Littleton Colorado, June 1st 2005
Monday, 9:00 a.m.
Iris's P.O.V.
I woke up at nine and looked around the room. It was really bright from where the curtains were drawn. I looked around the room and saw my mom and Stormie sitting on the little couch, reading magazines. Rydel was asleep on the chair beside my bed, and Ryland was on her lap. I was lying on the bed with my head and arm on Riker's chest. He was still asleep and his mouth was slightly open, he had his arms around me and his head was on top of mine. I rolled over off of him and rubbed my eyes. Mom and Stormie looked up from their magazines and mom got up and walked over to my side of the bed.
"Good morning honey. How do you feel?"
Rydel woke up by then with a jump by then and almost knocked Ryland off her lap. I quickly grabbed him and pulled him onto my lap. I laughed and said, "Fine. My ankle is throbbing a little but that's it."
She nodded and said, "I'll go get the nurse to give you some pain medication."
I nodded and she walked out. Riker woke up by then and started rubbing his eyes. He got off the bed and grabbed his backpack to go change. I scooted Ryland off my lap and onto the empty space next to me. I sighed and looked over at Rydel. "I am so bored!"
She nodded and said, "Well, Dad is at work and Martin is going to come get you when they let you out of here at noon. What do you want to do?"
I just shrugged and said, "Well, my ankle is sprained so I can't do much. I would really like some fresh air though."
She thought for a moment and said, "Well, you need to keep your ankle moving so why don't we just go to the park? Just the two of us? And we can swing or something."
I nodded and said, "Yeah, that sounds fun enough. Then we could just go back to my house and do something."
She nodded and Riker walked out of the bathroom. He was wearing a blue plaid button up and some jeans and converse. He sat in the chair on the other side of the bed and said, "How do you feel?"
I smiled and said, "Like I got beat up from some snobby rich kid who can throw a killer right hook."
Riker put on a sarcastic thoughtful look and said, "Wow! That is so weird!"
I laughed and mom came back in with the nurse. She handed me two pills and a cup of water and I took them. She did my check up and said, "Alright now, you need to move your ankle as much as possible and stretch that muscle out or else it will tense up and hurt really bad. It should be good by next week and I'm going to get you some crutches that you can walk around on until then."
I nodded and thanked her and she went to leave. But before she walked out the door she turned around and said, "You have two more visitors. Should I send them in?"
I thought about it for a moment. I didn't know anybody else that would want to see me. But I nodded anyway and the nurse left. Rydel started brushing my hair really quick so I would look presentable. After about five minutes, there was a knock on the door.
Riker got up an answered it saying, "Uh, h-hey. Come in."
I could tell by the tone of his voice that he was shocked. The visitors walked in and my eyes and everyone else's grew wide. There standing in front of my bed were Barton and Cecellia White. They looked nervous, and ashamed. I looked over at my mom and I could tell that she was holding back a fit. I sighed and nodded to them both saying, "Hello Barton, Cecillia."
They nodded back and Cecillia handed me a bouquet of blue flowers. "Here. We bought these for you."
I smiled and took them. I have to admit. They were very pretty. "Thank you. They're beautiful."
She nodded and they looked around the room somewhat awkwardly. I cleared my throat and put on my best 'professional' face and said, "I'm assuming there's a bigger reason why your here. No offense but your the last people that would come to see me."
Barton looked nervous and spoke up saying, "We came here to apologize for what Gerald has done. I don't know why he did it, even after you turned him down all those times, he was never mad." I could tell it took a lot for him to swallow his pride and say that. I nodded and Cecillia spoke up saying, "We've checked him into a juvenile detention center where they can help him. What we really need to know is if you're planning on suing us."
I sighed. I knew it would be something like this. I looked around the room and thought. Mom was nodding for me to say yes, Stormie looked at me expectant, and Riker and Rydel looked at me as if saying, "Of course she's gonna sue!" I just sighed and thought some more. Their son is already in juvy, they'll probably be in the newspaper about this accident and they'll lose a lot of business. But, I couldn't let them or Gerald get away with this. I got my thoughts together and cleared my throat saying, "No. I won't sue."
Everyone jumped up screaming, "Why not?" and "Rissy, look what that monster did to you!"
I just shushed them with a wave of my hand and said, "I'm not suing. But I would like a restraining order drawn up." I looked over at mom and she nodded. She got up and brought Barton with her to make the arrangements.
Cecillia looked relieved and said, "Thank you Iris. You're such a kind girl. I can't thank you enough." I just nodded. She left without another word.
I looked over to Riker and he looked furious. He jumped up from his seat and started yelling, "Iris how could you not sue Gerald? Look at what he's done to you and me! Are you stupid? Your just gonna let him get away with this?"
Stormie got up and shushed him saying, "Riker, there's nothing to be so angry about."
He just waved her off. I made room at the end of the bed and he sat down cross-legged. I grabbed his hands and looked him straight in those deep brown eyes and said, "Riker, I'm not suing. It took a lot of courage for them to swallow their pride and apologize to me. Think about them for a moment. Their son is abusive and in juvy right now, this whole thing is going to be all over the news. They might even lose their business. They may not be the nicest people in the world, but they have enough stress right now. And think about society! They were at the top of the game and had everything! Now they are going to be the disgrace of all their business colleagues. I'm not going to make their lives worse! And Gerald won't be allowed to come near me again. It may not be the most reasonable decision, but I think it's the right one!"
He looked relaxed and said, "I know. I'm sorry. I just don't want you getting hurt again."
I knew all those feelings of regret were coming back to him from last night, so I pulled him into a hug and whispered, "It's not your fault. Stop beating yourself up over it."
He nodded into my shoulder and pulled back, wiping tears from his eyes. Mom came back in, but this time dad came with her. He gave me a backpack with some clothes in it and said, "Your mother and Barton tell me your not going to sue." I shook my head and he spoke up again saying, "Well, The Whites are grateful. Their business has already lost a lot of profit from this whole charade. I'm proud of you honey." He kissed the top of my head. I just nodded and looked down.
The nurse came in with some crutches by then. I had to stand up so she could adjust them for me and she said I could go anytime now. I thanked her and hopped into the bathroom to change. I put on some khaki shorts and my green, now washed, All American Reject's t-shirt. I brushed my hair and teeth and washed my face. My left foot had a blue cast on it so I only needed one shoe. I put on my black converse low tops and hopped back out. I looked around and said, "Are you guys ready to go?"
They all nodded and I got my bag and made my way down the hallway. Dad checked me out and we walked out to my dad's truck. Dad opened the back door and Rydel grabbed my crutches while Riker lifted me up bridal-style and set me in. Rydel handed me back my crutches and Riker got in with me.
Riker's P.O.V
I lifted her up and put her in the truck. Rydel handed her back her crutches and I got in on the other side. I finally had enough time to think and I still had the same thing on my mind. The kiss. The car ride home was very silent. But more like a comfortable silence. Martin was concentrating on driving. April was on the phone with the lawyer getting the restraining order in order, and I'm sure Iris was tired, or maybe she was just thinking too. Was she thinking about the kiss? How did we go so long without talking about it? Should we even talk about it? Or just brush it off and move on? My mind was going a thousand miles a minute. And wouldn't you know that's the very song that decided to come on the radio at that moment. "A Thousand Miles" By Vanessa Carlton. Iris perked up and quietly said, "Turn it up."
Martin did and smiled. April got off her phone and said, "Oh, Rissy! Your favorite song!"
I looked over at her and she slightly smiled and laid her head back on the door. I wanted so badly too cheer her up, just to make her smile. So I cleared my throat a little and started singing.
Making my way down town, walking fast,
Faces pass, and I'm homebound.
Staring blankly ahead, just making my way,
Making my way and I'm homebound.
Martin smiled at me through the rearview mirror and looked over at April. She nodded and smiled back. I looked over at Iris and she still looked slightly sad. I nodded to Martin and April and they started sing.
And I need you.
And I miss you
and now I wonder.
If I could fall, into the sky,
Do you think time would pass us by?
Cause you know I'd walk a thousand miles
If I could just see you
tonight.
April was smiling the whole time she was singing and she had a beautiful voice. Martin smiled and grabbed her hand and held in on the gearshift. I smiled and looked over to Iris. She slowly brought her head back up and yawned. She rubbed her eyes and waited for the next verse to come on. She looked back out the window and sang.
It's always times like these when I think of you
And I wonder if you ever think of me.
I smiled despite myself. Those lyrics really fit to what I was feeling right now. And judging by the deep thoughtful look on her face and the emotion she put into her voice, she was thinking the same thing too. I grabbed her hand and sang the next lines.
Cause everything's so wrong, and I don't belong.
I'm living in your precious memory.
She hesitated for a moment and looked down at our hands intertwined. She rubbed her thumb over my knuckles and slowly brought her head up to mine. She looked down at my lips, and then her eyes met mine. They bore into mine and I swear I saw my future in them. She opened her mouth and sang.
Cause I need you. And I miss you.
And now I wonder. If I could fall, into the sky.
Do you think time would pass me by?
I licked my lips and sang with her. Our voices mixing in perfect harmony.
Oh oh,
Cause you know I'd walk a thousand miles if I
could just see you, tonight.
She smiled and leaned into me. I wrapped my arm around her shoulders and she smiled up at me for a moment. She snuggled into my side and wrapped her arm around my middle. I couldn't help but be amazed as she closed her eyes, and sang the most beautiful notes I've ever heard.
And I, I don't wanna let you know,
I, I Drowned in your memory.
I, I don't wanna let this go. I, I don't.
Making my way downtown.
Walking fast, faces pass and I'm homebound.
Staring blankly ahead. Makin' my way.
Makin' a way through the crowd.
April looked back at us and smiled. She gave me a very discreet wink and I blushed. I lay my head down and my cheek was on the top of her head. She brought my hand up and kissed it. Now I blushed all the way to my roots. I sighed dreamily on accident and I could hear Martin slightly chuckle. I coughed to cover it up but I could tell they didn't buy it. I shook it off and sang the next line as emotionally as I could.
And I still need you. And I still miss you.
And now I wonder...
Iris sang the next part with me and just like all the other times we've sang before, my heart skipped every other beat and filled with love. If I could love her anymore, I could.
If I could fall, into the sky.
Do you think time, would pass us by?
Cause you know I'd walk A thousand miles
if I could just see you no oh oh
If I could fall, into the sky,
Do you think time, would pass us by?
Cause you know I'd walk A thousand miles, if I could just see you
Iris tightened her grip around my waist and sang the next line beautifully and it took all I had not to kiss her senseless right there.
If I could just hold you, tonight.
She sighed this time in content and I kissed her head. She was smiling now and that's all I wanted, to see her happy. The car pulled up the driveway. Martin parked the car and we all got out. I stretched and walked around to open Iris's door. Mom pulled up in her car right behind us and Rocky, Rydel, Ross, and Ryland piled out. Rydel came over and grabbed her crutches, while I lifted her up and out of the car. April handed Rocky the house keys and he went to go unlock the door. Iris went to get down but I held on tighter.
"Um, Riker? You can let me down now." She said with a chuckle.
I just shook my head and said, "Sorry. No can do. I'm literally gonna be right by your side until you can walk again."
She smiled and said, "Well alright then. Can't say no to a personal slave!"
Rocky held the door open and as we passed Iris ruffled his hair. He smiled and pretty soon we were all inside their house. I walked into the living room and gently set her down on the couch. I pulled the coffee table over, and stuck some pillows on it. Then, I carefully lifted her bad foot and stuck it on the pillow. I knew she was watching me do it the whole time with a smile on her face. I looked over at her confused.
"What?" I asked.
She just shrugged and said, "Well, if this is how your going to pamper me the whole two weeks my ankle is sprained, I should have injured myself a long time ago."
I chuckled and looked over at everyone else standing in the middle of the archway, they all scattered about. Rydel rushed over and leaned the crutches on the wall next to the couch and sat down. Rocky and Ross sat on the floor on each side of Iris's leg, and Ryland climbed onto her lap. Martin, April, and mom were all chatting in the kitchen making coffee and popcorn.
Iris looked over at me and said, "Well, why don't you go up to my room with Rocky and Ross and pick out a movie or something?"
I nodded and Rocky and Ross came with me up the stairs to her room. I opened the door, and just as it always is, was spotless. Rocky whistled and said, "Wow! How does she always keep her room so clean?"
I just shrugged and went over to her closet. I opened it and went in. There was a large cabinet and I opened it up and was met by her secret stash of movies. I started sorting through them, when something fell of from the top of the stack. I quickly picked it up and found it was a book. It was a bright blue with music note stickers all over the front. I was curious now, so I opened it up. The first page was blank and said, "Iris's Journal" I quickly covered my hand over my mouth in excitement. I found her diary! Maybe there's something about me in it! I went to flip it to the next page, when some more writing caught my eye. It was a note from Iris.
If found, please do not read. There are my personal thoughts and feelings in this book, and they are not meant for anyone else to read it. I would appreciate if you just returned it to me immediately.
I frowned a little. My inner voice started scolding me saying, 'Of course she wouldn't want you to read it! How could you even think about that!'
But unfortunately, that was drowned out by an even bigger voice saying, 'Uh hello? Did you see the note? It said, "Personal thoughts and feelings!" There's bound to be something she wrote about you in it!' I took a deep breath, and flipped through the book, until I got to the last page. It was from the night we kissed.
There, in Iris beautiful cursive handwriting, and her favorite sparkly blue ink wrote, "Riker kissed me tonight. We were slow dancing and the DJ picked us to kiss out of all the other couples. We started getting embarrassed and everyone else was screaming at us to kiss, so I told him too. He slowly bent down and was just centimeters from my lips when he stopped. I was really kinda disappointed, but he told me that Rydel and Rocky were watching us and were the ones to put us up to it. I didn't believe him for a second, so I looked over and, sure enough, they were there. I was completely lost in my anger until Riker said something about "Giving them a show". I was convinced I didn't hear him right and turned around to ask. Just as I opened my mouth to ask, Riker crashed his lips down onto mine. I was shocked for a moment, until I felt the full force of a kiss. My arms and chest started tingling and it was the most amazing feeling ever! He put his hand on the back of my neck and my knees went completely weak. I knew he just wanted to teach Rydel and Rocky a lesson, but it felt so real. It was so full of passion and want. Our mouths were moving in perfect sync. I know I shouldn't have, but I couldn't resist getting completely lost in, what could very practically be classified as, the best kiss of my life. I couldn't help myself after a while and ran my hands up his arms and felt his fairly well coming along, biceps. I ran my hands up over his chest too and it took all I had not to squeal at the hardness of them. But the best part was when I let my hands roam into his hair. It was smooth and soft and it felt wonderful between my fingers. I had to hold myself back from punching Rydel and Rocky in the face for pulling us apart. We chased them around and they said they did it as a prank. I didn't buy any of it. So later that night I asked Rocky why they really did it. I won't write it down in here why because it's not safe enough, but boy, Rydel is going to annoy the crap outta me in the future."
That was were it stopped and I looked up from the book. My breathing was heavy, and I'm pretty sure I was going to have a heart attack. I couldn't believe what I just read! I wanted to jump up and down and squeal likes some sort of girl! I really needed to know what Rocky said to Iris. But really, I needed to talk to Iris. I put the book back where I found it and raced out of the closet and to the bedroom door.
"Did you find one?" I heard Ross ask, but I just ignored them and flew downstairs.
"Iris, I-" I cut off when I skipped off the last stair and saw she wasn't there.
I looked over to April for an answer and she said, "Her and Rydel went to the park."
I nodded and ran to the front door. I threw it opened and ran down the driveway and down the sidewalk. I decided I needed to tell her how I felt before my confidence wore out. I kept running as fast as I could until I got to the park. I slowed down and caught my breath for a moment, and I noticed a familiar looking flower pop out from the base of a large oak tree. I walked closer to it and saw it was a white Iris. I smiled at the perfectness of it all. The edges of the petals were kissed with a faint pink color, and it reminded me just like her. I carefully picked it and brought it up to my nose. The fragrance was light and sweet and completely hypnotizing. I gently cradled it in my fingers and walked around the park trying to find them. After a good ten minutes of walking, it was a huge park after all, I found them sitting on the swings and talking. I was coming up from the side and I was very careful so they wouldn't see me right away. I was about ten feet away when I started to hear their conversation.
"Do you love him, Rissy?" I heard Rydel ask and saw her put a hand on Iris's shoulder. I quickly dove behind the big yellow slide and listened intently.
'Are they talking about me?' my inner voice asked.
My heart started racing at the speed of light as I awaited her answer. I peeped out from the slide just long enough to see her double over and stick her head in her hands, "I do, but we're the best of friends! We're better than best friends! I couldn't jeopardize that! And what about when my parents get transferred and have to move again? We'd have to break up and everything would be ruined! As much as it hurts me to say this, it's best if we don't get together."
I made a choking sound and quickly put my hand over my mouth. I was a little too late as I saw both their heads snap to my direction and I quickly hid back behind the slide. I dropped the flower and ran along the side of the play set so they wouldn't see me and ran as fast as I could until I got to my house. I ran into the back yard and climbed up my big oak tree. It was my secret tree where I went to get away from everything and think. I had everything up here in a little pouch I made. The tears started to prick at my eyes and I furiously wiped them away. My heart felt like it dropped to my feet and got stomped on. I felt the saddest I have in a long time. But as much as I want to hate her for saying that, I couldn't.
She was right. What if something did come up and they would have to move again? We were only fourteen! We couldn't keep up with a long distance relationship! And everything would be so wrong and awkward. The tears finally came in forms of waterfalls. I started to wipe them away when I looked at the tree trunk. I had carved a lot of pictures on it from when I was younger. I traced my fingers over one when I saw a blank spot. I wiped the tears away and dug in the pouch for my old pocketknife that my grandpa gave me when I was seven. I took it out and opened the blade. It was pretty dull and the ivory handle was starting to wear out. I placed the blade up to the tree trunk and started making lines and letters. After five minutes of carving, permanantly carved in the tree trunk said, "Riker Anthony Lynch Loves Iris Marie Acker Forever and Always."
Cliché ... I know, but it said exactly what I feel. That no matter what happens and where we go in life, I will love that girl for the rest of my life. She has had my heart since the first day she almost ran over me on her skateboard. I thought back to what she said before she said we should just be best friends, she said she loved me too. So if anything is going to happen for us, it'll probably happen in the future. We're only fourteen; we literally have our whole lives to worry about love!
On that happy note, I put my pocketknife back in my pouch, and sighed. I looked back over to my carving and traced my fingers over each letter slowly. I went to climb out of my tree when I looked down onto my street. Rydel and Iris were making their way up the street. They were talking and laughing, and I noticed something Rydel give her something, my white iris. Her facial features went soft, and she pulled the flower up to her nose and breathed in the scent. She motioned for Rydel to go on ahead of her and she did.
She just stood there, smelling my flower. I climbed down the tree and brushed myself off. I ran to check my reflection in the glass doors on the deck. My eyes were only slightly red now and I figured she wouldn't notice. I ran off the deck and onto the sidewalk. I slowed down when I was about five feet behind her. I quickly caught my breath and walked up to her. I don't know how she knew but before I even had a chance to get to her she turned around and flung her arms around my neck.
I was shocked for a moment and said, "How'd you know I was here?"
She just laughed and said, "I didn't. I just hoped you were."
I smiled. She even felt when I was around. We stood there hugging for a while before she said; "I know you were listening to us at the park."
I tensed and said, "Shoot. I thought I was in a pretty safe hiding spot."
She softly laughed into my shoulder and said, "Well, what do you think?"
I knew what she was talking about and said, "I think we're young, and we have our whole lives to think about that stuff. I think you were right and all I want is you happy." She pulled her head away from my neck and looked at me with confusion in her eyes. "Liar. Your eyes are red and you've been crying. Tell me what you really think."
I sighed and smiled a million dollar smile and said, "I don't think you can handle what I think."
She smiled and leaned her forehead against mine and said, "Try me."
I saw the smirk on her features and wrapped my arms around her waist bring her closer. I sighed and said, "Okay. I think that you really are right and we should remain friends. But there is something else I want." I trailed off wanting her to guess.
She pulled her head back and said, "What?" Her eyes sparkled with confusion and her eyebrows scrunched together making the cutest face I've ever seen. I suddenly got very nervous and realized I had to tell her about me reading her journal. I took a deep breath and said, "Well, when I was up in your room getting a movie, your diary fell down from the top shelf."
Her eyes widened and she looked horrified. "I'm really sorry I did this but I may have, read an entry from it."
She looked angry now and said in a very low and menacing voice, "Which one."
It wasn't much of a question, in fact it sounded like she demanded me to tell her. I took a deep breath and said, "The last one." I shrunk back a little and waited for her to blow up at me, but it never came. She kind of just collapsed into me and rested her head on my shoulder.
I heard her groan and she said, "This is just great. You probably think I'm some stupid love struck sappy girly girl now. Just kill me."
I started chuckling quietly and she handed me one of her crutches and said, "Here. Just hit me repeatedly over the head with it. Feel free to hesitate."
I started laughing now and shook my head. I pulled her back into a hug and said, "I do not think that. But if you're so embarrassed about it, I won't bring it up again."
She sighed in relief and pulled back. I gave her a mischievous smirk and she said, "Your going to blackmail me aren't you? Well, crap. I knew it was too good to be true. What do you want me to do?"
I crossed my arms and said, "Kiss me."
Her eyes widened in shock and she said, "Kiss you! Why?"
I eased up on my smirk and said, "Your confused, I'm confused. I figured if one kiss could put us into this mess it can take us out of it."
She looked slightly better and crossed her arms mumbling a "Fine."
I smiled and took the crutches out of her hands and laid them against the mailbox. She was hopping on one foot for a while and I picked her up bridal style. She clung onto my shoulders and said, "What are you doing? I thought you wanted to kiss me?"
I smiled and said, "I do. Just not right here."
She started asking me a bunch of questions and I just laughed as I walked us all the way back to the park. The sun was starting to set now and it looked beautiful. I walked over to the swing set and set her down on one.
She grabbed onto the chains and said, "Okay, we're here. Now what's your plan?"
I smiled and crossed my arms saying, "Well, there's a few rules for this kiss."
She looked mad and said, "What? No, you said one kiss! You can't just keep adding stuff! "
I smirked and said, "Yes I can, because this is blackmail and you have to do it."
She pouted and looked down saying, "You suck. What are they?"
I thought for a moment and said, "It has to be a real kiss. It's strictly for sorting things out between us, and we have to talk about it afterwards."
She looked defeated and said, "Deal." I sighed.
This was it. I was about to do what I've wanted to do every day for a long time now. I licked my lips and got down on one knee. Her eyes met mine and I slowly leaned forward. One of my hands found its way to her hair and pushed it back behind her ear, while the other one rested on her leg. I closed my eyes and our lips collided. I felt her relax and her hands went from around the chains onto my shoulders. She kissed me back and I felt what I've wanted to feel again for so long. The sparks and pulsing running up and down my veins were exhilarating. My heart inside my chest felt like what you feel when you go to a concert, and the drums are pounding. I started moving my mouth along with hers and I felt perfect bliss. Her hands moved from on my shoulders down my arms and gripped onto the muscle there. I shivered and I felt her smirk underneath the kiss. I slowly slid my hand from her leg up her side and around her back pushing her into me more. Her hands went up and started tugging at the hair on the back of my head. I slowed the kiss down until it was just soft little pecks on her lips.
We pulled apart and opened our eyes at the same time. Her lips were red and slightly swollen and I'm sure mine were as well. We were breathing heavily and just stared at each other for the longest time. We didn't need to talk because that kiss said it all and we were just trying to process it. After a while Iris looked back into my eyes. I was still down on my knee in front of her and she whispered saying, "I do love you Riker. I really, really do."
I looked back at her and saw she wasn't finished. So I gently cupped her chin and said, "I love you too Iris, and that's why we can't be together."
She nodded and I could see a tear run down her cheek until it hit my hand. She wiped away the track it left and said, "I know. We can't ruin what we have right now. Do you think we can just wait? Until we're old enough to understand?"
I looked back into her eyes and nodded saying, "Absolutely. I'll wait for you, Iris. I love you so much."
She smiled and hugged me loosely around my middle with her head resting back on my shoulder. I hugged her back with one arm around her waist and the other in her hair. I picked her up off the swing and spun us around a little. She was laughing into my shoulder and I held her even tighter. It's not everyday you find a girl like Iris, that's why I know I have to hold onto her as tight as I can and never ever let her go.
Fluffity Fluff Fluff! Haha:) My gosh, I've been so MIA lately and it's my entire fault! I even some of MMB done, but I have to upload it. I'll upload as soon as I can!
Lots of love!
- Lora & Lizzie
