Semi-Edited

Song above is...Zombie by Bad Wolves (Doesn't really fit the chapter :D But I love it) 

Happy Reading! :)

Alex

"You're all set Mrs. Howard." I smiled politely handing over her car keys. "Just let us know if you have any other problems."

"Thank you dear." Mrs. Howard kindly smiled at me.

"Any time."

As soon as the door shut behind her I pushed away from the desk and headed for the back of the shop. I liked being in the back way more than the front. Putting on a fake smile for a costumer can be exhausting as hell.

I went back to the car I was working on before Mrs. Howard showed up. The smell of oil and gas relaxing me slightly. As soon as I ducked my head under the hood of the car my name was called, making my swear under my breath.

"Yeah?" I popped my head back up and towards the voice.

"Got that part in for that Honda you brought in." Dustin yelled from the other end of the garage.

"Thanks man!" I called back. The part to Riley's car was finally here. At the thought of Riley her face flashed in my head. I felt my lips wanting to curve into a smile at the thought of her innocent face.

There was something about Riley that I found myself reacting to. Not in a sexual way either. There was an innocence about her yet she could be feisty. I've seen that part of her come out only for her to revert back into herself. It was almost like she was afraid of letting her real self come out. Not that I entirely blamed her.

I've heard all the rumors going around school; it wasn't hard. High school was a prime spot for gossip. They spread just as fast as STD's do. I know myself how fast rumors fly around there. The things said about Riley were beyond cruel and on more than one occasion I've seen her pushed around. Hell just the other day she had milk poured on her.

In all honesty I didn't know if the rumors were real or not. She really could have slept with Bret, Vik, and Rich for all I know. But Riley didn't strike me as someone who would do that. The innocence that came off of her was enough to make me think it was all rumors. Especially with how she acted the other day at Monroe's Place.

The moment Rebecca said those things she was up and out of the diner before anyone really knew what to do. It took everything in me not to go after her, especially after I saw the satisfied smirk on Rebecca's face. I knew better than to believe anything Rebecca said. I wouldn't touch her with a ten foot poll either.

With the shake of my head I pushed aside the face of the girl that always tried to hit on me and never took no for an answer. It wasn't easy to get under my skin but there were a few that do and Rebecca is one of them.

Pushing all thoughts aside I focused on the car engine in front of me. The last thing I needed was to get distracted and mess this car up more than it was. So for the next thirty minutes I put my energy into the car and stopped thinking of Riley. It didn't really work since her face popped up in my head every few minutes.

"Ali!" The high pitch yell broke through the loud noises of the garage. I took a step back from the car just in time to catch the flying little girl that launched herself at me.

"Hey nugget." I grinned at my little sister. When she pulled back I brought up a dirty hand and bopped her on the nose, leaving a dark smudge.

"Ew stop." Harper wrinkled her nose. I laughed and sat her feet on the ground.

"Where's Uncle Noah?"

"The amazing Noah is right here." Noah announced. Harper giggled next to me as Noah strutted towards us, swaying his hips dramatically. I rolled my eyes but it was nothing new.

"Thanks for picking her up." I sent him a nod.

"Of course. Plus I'm Harps favorite, aren't I?" He winked at Harper who grinned and nodded.

"Uncle Noah is the best!" I could practically see Noah ego growing at Harper's compliment.

Noah is the best with Harper though. He loved to watch over her and always picked her up from school when I couldn't. It helped that Harper adored him. The others helped out as well when they could but Noah the most.

"Do you need me to take her home for a bit while you finish up here?"

"Actually that would be great. I only need another hour at most."

"No problem. Me and Harp are going to have a lot of fun, aren't we?" Noah grinned widely down at Harper.

"Can we get ice cream?" The words weren't even out of her mouth before she gave him the puppy dog look, aka the look that made everyone do as she asks. She really has it nailed down I tell you.

"Of course! Who am I if we don't get ice cream." He scoffed.

"Okay but only one scoop. Don't want to ruin your dinner tonight."

"Buzzkill." Noah muttered under his breath but I shot him a look. He was known for spoiling Harper, especially with sweets so she wouldn't eat her dinner later on.

"Have fun with Uncle Noah and I'll come get you in an hour okay?" I squatted down beside Harp.

"Kay!" She grinned giving me a hug. I hugged her back regardless of my greasy hands. I smiled fondly as she skipped over to Noah's side and grabbed his hand, pulling him towards the entrance.

I laughed as Harper dragged Noah out of the garage before he could say bye. Shaking my head at my little sister I turned back to the car and got back to work.

* * * * * * * * * *

"Hey guys!" I yelled into the Noah's house about an hour and a half later. Laughter filled my ears making me follow where it was coming from.

I walked into the huge living room and paused mid-way through the door. Sitting at a little kiddie table was Harper and two full ass teenagers. I could tell the other guy was Derek even with his back to me. Noah was on the other side of him and Harper straight across.

Littered all over the table were empty plates and little tea cups. I watched with an amused grin as Harper instructed my two best friends to pick up their tea cups and put their pinkies out.

"Now sip." Noah and Derek slurped loudly. "No! Like a lady!" She immediately scolded. I quickly hid my laughter as the two did as she said.

None noticed me standing in the doorway so I quickly pulled out my phone and started recording. Blackmail for later.

I stood there watching as my two best friends drank fake tea, no doubt it was water. Their long legs were up to their chests in the little chairs and table. The two of them even went as far as to have fake british accents as they asked for some more tea.

After another round of them sipping water with their pinkies up I couldn't handle it anymore. My laughter broke free and startled everyone in the room. Hunched over I grabbed my stomach, laughing so hard I felt tears come to my eyes. It was too much.

When I looked up I found Derek and Noah scowling at me but it just made me laugh even harder. I couldn't wait to show the video to Olivia, Nico and Lexi later.

"You're just jealous of our awesome tea party." Noah stuck his chin in the air. I had absolutely no words.

The two of them grumbled as I tried to get my laughter under control. Finally I managed to look at Noah and Derek without cracking up. Shaking my head I moved further into the room.

"Having a tea party nugget?" I bent down beside Harper who grinned at me, showing me her newly missing front tooth.

She nodded making me smile and turned to the boys with raised eyebrows. Harper sure had everyone under her thumb. I was pretty sure if Nico was here even he would be sitting here right now to.

"Is Riley coming?" Harper asked suddenly. "I want to show her my missing tooth!" After Riley left yesterday and I was making dinner, Harper came running in holding her front tooth yelling excitedly.

"I'm not sure she's with Auntie Liv right now."

"But I want to show her my tooth." Harper pouted, crossing her arms. It was surprising how fast Harper liked Riley. They only met yesterday, yet Harper has asked about her a good hundred times.

"You can just call her and tell the girls to come here afterwards." Noah suggested.

"Yeah Alex, just call her." Derek added with a smirk. I instantly shot him a glare. Beside me Noah chuckled in agreement with him.

"I'm not going to call her."

"Then why do you have her phone number?"

"Because I'm working on her car."

"Oh you are working on her car." Derek dragged it out, wiggling his eyebrows at me.

"Shut your mouth before I put my fist in it." I hissed.

"She's met Harper." Noah said it less of a question and more of a statement.

"We had to work on a school project." I shrugged like it was no big deal, when in fact it was. Only my close knit group of friends were allowed near Harper. Harp was the only thing that mattered to me and after everything that's happened I don't let anyone into our lives. Yet yesterday I let Riley in.

"And you couldn't have done that at her house?" I knew Noah was fishing for answers and I wasn't going to give in. I had no answers to give him, hell I had no answers to give myself.

"Well I like Riley, she's cool." Derek spoke up, his voice slightly muffled. Glancing over at him I found him on his hands and knees with Harper on his back. Told ya, wrapped around her finger.

"Think she is going to act weird now that we know?" Noah leaned back in the chair making it creak.

"Probably." If Riley acted weird with us on Monday no doubt she'd be that way around Noah, Nico and Lexi. She still acted weird around us but I couldn't really blame her for that.

A few minutes passed with the two of us watching Derek move around the living room with Harper on his back, her giggles filling the room.

"Think it is true?" Noah spoke a few minutes later, his voice quiet so Harper wouldn't hear. I didn't answer him because the god honest truth was I had no idea.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Riley

The moment we got to the mall I was out of the truck before Olivia could fully park. Alex was right Olivia drove like a maniac. There were countless of times she blew through a light or cut a car off. The worst part was the mall wasn't even that far from school!

When Olivia came around the front of the truck with a huge smile, completely oblivious to almost killing us, I forced down the nausea and smiled back. I wasn't sure how I was going to survive her driving me home later.

"Have you lived in Astoria your whole life?" Olivia suddenly asked as we walked through the doors to the mall.

"I moved here when I was five actually. We lived a town near the boarder of Washington and Oregon who's name I can't even remember. My parents got good positions here at the hospital so we moved." I've lived in Astoria for so long that it was basically my hometown.

"What made you move here from New York?" I asked.

"My mom actually grew up here before she moved to New York for college." I didn't miss the change in tone as she spoke. "My grandparents moved to Florida but still owned the house so when my mom passed away, my dad and I moved here."

A pang went straight to my heart at the sadness clear as day in her voice. I couldn't even imagine what it was like to lose a parent, let alone my mom.

I wasn't sure what to say other than, "I'm so sorry."

"Thanks. Its been hard but we are good." The smile she sent me would have fooled anyone else but not me. Not someone who knows how to fake a smile.

"If you ever need to talk I'm here." I said, not wanting to push the subject anymore.

The ping other phone made us both pause and broke the sad atmosphere around us.

"Lexi is at the food court. Ready to eat?" I nodded despite the small pit forming in my stomach at the mention of Lexi.

Just be optimistic. I tired to listen to my inner voice but I had a sinking feeling it wouldn't work. Maybe all I had to do was find something in common with Lexi and bond over it.

As we headed for the food court I gave myself a small pep talk. At least Olivia was here to talk to in case Lexi gave me daggers like the other day. I was surprised at how many teens were at the mall already. I recognized a few but most must have been from Crescent High.

I knew the longer we stayed here the more packed it will became. With nothing to do in our small town the mall was a popular spot to hang out with friends.

"There she is." Olivia commented as soon as we walked into the food court area. As she bounded towards the table Lexi was sitting at I trailed slowly behind. Lexi was going to be the first of Alex's other friends I've met since that night at the diner.

She now knew about the rumors and I wasn't sure how she was going to act around me now. Probably not any different than last week.

"Have you been here long?" I caught Olivia asking as I came up to the table.

"No." I watched as Lexi's eye landed on me as she answered. I felt small under her intense stare but I shot her a small smile hoping to break the ice a bit. She didn't smile back making mine fall.

"So food?" Olivia broke the tense silence.

"Yeah." I nodded. The best part about the food court was the amount of options you had to eat at.

"I want Panda Express. What do you want?"

"Haven't had Panda in ages." Just the sound of it made my stomach rumble. I haven't eaten anything but a quick breakfast. My poor Nutella sandwich forgotten after Mitch cornered me in the empty classroom.

"What's Nico up to?" Olivia asked Lexi as we stood in line.

"He had to stay late to make up some test, then he'll probably go hang out with the guys."

"Surprised he didn't try and tag along today." Olivia teased. "He can't be away from you for more than five minutes."

Lexi rolled her eyes but I caught the ghost of a smile on her face. Nico was probably the only one who could make her smile. Just as she turned to find me staring it was our turn to order. I quickly went up first, feeling Lexi's eyes on me the entire time.

As soon as I got my food I went back to our table. It felt almost weird being out at the mall. It's been so long since I've been out like this that I almost didn't know what to do. I thought I felt stares but glancing around everyone seemed engrossed in their own conversations. It made me relax a little at the sight.

"Okay so I need a new pair of shoes and a jacket since its getting cooler. Is there anything you need or want to look for Riley?" Olivia asked as she took a seat next to me.

"Uh not really, unless I see something I guess." I shrugged, having not really thought about getting anything.

"We'll go to some stores and see if we can find you anything." I could see the determination in her eyes to find me something to buy today.

I looked down at me Lo-Mein and Fried Rice and immediately dug in. I was even more grateful for their large portions as I could have eaten an entire cow right now. Getting sauce all over my face I reached my arm out to grab a napkin, the sleeve of my sweater ridding up.

Turning my head I found Lexi staring at me before her gaze snapped to my already bruised wrist. It looked even worse now and you could even see the hand print. I quickly brought my hand back and moved my sleeve down, curling my hand into it.

Keeping my head down and away from Lexi's eyes I ate my food silently. The last thing I needed was another person seeing the bruise.

"So Riley, you cheated on your boyfriend." Suddenly Lexi said making my head snap up. Pain shot down my neck with how fast I looked up. I was not expecting that at all.

"Lexi!" Olivia hissed, her own eyes wide at the bluntness.

I stared at Lexi in shock. She said it so simply like stating the sky was blue. Her grey eyes were unnerving as she stared at me waiting for a response. I didn't see anything other than calm-ness on her face, not even judgement.

"You can't say that Lexi." Olivia spoke again when I didn't say anything.

"What? I want to know if its true." Lexi replied, not once taking her eyes off of me. The way she looked at me was like she was putting a puzzle together. Something about her eyes made it seem like she didn't believe a word Rebecca said and wanted to hear it from my mouth. Whatever it was in her gaze made me look her right in the eye and say,

"No. I didn't cheat on my 'boyfriend'." I practically sneered the word. Mitch was never my boyfriend. Seeing the taken back look on Olivia's face at my tone I drop my eyes to my food, my small amount of confidence now gone. "No, I didn't." I mumbled.

"We believe you." Olivia spoke softly after a few minutes of silence. I wasn't sure if they believed me or not but there wasn't much I could do about that. They can believe what they want to believe.

Awkward silence instantly surrounded us. Maybe coming here may not have been a good idea.

"Okay enough of the awkward silence." Olivia cracked first. "We are here to shop and hang out." The last part she stared right at Lexi with a hard look. "Okay?"

"Fine." Lexi rolled her eyes but agreed. When Olivia turned to me with a small smile that calmed my nerves. I nodded as well.

"Good. Now lets finish and get to shopping!"

I loved how Olivia could easily change the mood. Just one word or smile and she managed to calm everyone. I could definitely see her being a great doctor in that sense. Yes I don't know much about her but what I already know I liked her.

The moment we were finished with our food Olivia was up and heading for a store. Lexi and I scrambled to grab our things and follow after her. For such a small person she moved fast!

The second we walked into a store Olivia was a whole new person. She was in instant shopping mode, as she moved around the store like a bee grabbing tons of stuff. For the first time Lexi and I looked at each other wide eyes. Neither of us were prepared for what was to come. 

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Hi guys. I am really sorry about not updating this week like I said I would. Quick story time: I've been talking to this guy and he was really cute, sweet, funny. We were talking all week constantly then he stopped replying. Well he later messaged me saying I was too boring to talk to and only wanted in my pants. So the rest of the week I wasn't really feeling like writing, so I put off the update a bit. 

But no worries I am good now! I'm over it and getting on here to talk to you guys always makes me feel better. So huge thank you to you guys for always being supportive and talking to me! I love talking to you guys. 

I know this chapter is a bit short but I split it in half, but don't worry I will be posting the next one soon! I am so happy to hear you guys are enjoying this story! It really means a lot to me because I am enjoying writing it for you guys. 

Also, I know a lot of you saw that I am now working on "The Hidden Shadow" sequel! Yep, I am starting on it now so I have a lot written for when I finally start posting it on here. I WILL NOT be stopping this book to focus on that. I will mainly be focusing on this book and finishing it before I even start the sequel to THS. I'm someone who can't write two stories at the same time. So you have no worries about this book being put on the back burner!

Anyways, I hope you all enjoyed this chapter! Who saw Alex as a mechanic?! I love that he is personally fixing Riley's car (and I promise you'll learn more about Alex's job at the repair shop later on too). And honestly Alex is a mechanic just makes him even hotter :D

I love you guys! I hope you all had a great weekend! <3 Thank you guys for the 17.5k reads on this book by the way! You guys are incredible!!!!! <3 <3 

<3

-Ken 

P.S Don't forget to check out my social medias! I am always on Twitter and Instagram if you ever want to pop on by and chat!