I'm really sorry that this came out a few days late, I wasn't even planning on updating until next week but I thought that you guys deserve one more chapter before 2021!! Anyways, enjoy.
Azalea's aesthetic^^^
Cove's POV
A lot of time has passed since I first met Azzy. We've sort of developed a routine, River takes me to his house every Friday night and we all hang out. Sometimes I stay the night, sometimes I don't, it depends on how busy we all are.
Leah has been doing great as the school vice-president. She and the president work really well together, they have a lot of the same ideas. So far, they have done great things to improve our school.
From what I heard, Leah and Ian's date went great. After a long conversation, they decided to take thing slow. They're not officially dating yet, but they're on the right track.
River and I have been doing great as well, we see each other almost every day and we're constantly texting when we're not together.
Some may say that we're quite clingy, but it's perfect for our relationship. River makes sure I'm safe and happy, I ask him lots of questions and see how he's doing.
Azzy and I also text a lot. She always complains about school, and I ask her things about River. She knows him pretty well, so I ask her if he'll like a certain outfit, or what kind of food he might want to eat.
Today's a school day and I just finished showering. I brushed my hair after drying it with a towel, then left it down to dry the rest of the way.
I went to my closet and put on a simple white shirt with a lavender sweater over it and some black leggings. It's been getting colder now that we're in the middle fall.
I grabbed my phone before going downstairs for breakfast. To heat myself up, I made hot chocolate and warmed up a coffee cake muffin. I even made River some for when he gets here any second now.
Ding. There he is now.
The moment I opened my door, cold air blew in my face giving me shivers.
River is dressed in his usual black attire, this time though he's wearing a thick black hoodie on top.
"Come in, it's cold," I pulled River inside without waiting for a response, eager to close the door.
"It's not that bad yet," he rolled his eyes while sitting down.
"Yes it is, and it will only get colder." I brought River his breakfast, then sat next to him.
"Thank you," he whispered.
"You're welcome, what would you do without me?"
"I'd go crazy, absolutely insane."
I hummed, to busy eating to keep the conversation going.
"Okay let's go," I said when I finished. River nodded then stood up, taking my hand as we walked towards the door. I grabbed my backpack with my free arm before we got to his car.
The ride to school was quick and we held a light conversation on the way there.
Like usual, he walked me to my first period and kissed my head goodbye. He then went outside instead of to his class, probably to go smoke or something.
At this point I've gotten used to it, it's whatever. I can't change him or anything, his health just worries me.
Lunch...
I'm really excited for lunch because today I brought enchiladas!! And I even brought River some because he never eats.
They're leftover from dinner last night, my parents were home early enough to cook and eat with me. I put them in some thermoses so they should still be warm.
As I waited at my locker for River, Leah walked up. "Hello Cove, long time no see," she said all dramatically.
"What? We Face Timed yesterday for at least 2 hours," I contradicted.
"Yeah, Face Timed. We haven't been hanging out in real life lately. What happened to our Friday night tradition?"
She's right, I've totally been ditching her. Life's just been very busy.
"I'm sorry, we can hang out this Friday night. We'll stay up all night, oh wait, isn't it Halloween?"
"Yeah, we can hangout as a group. I'll go see if everyone else is available, is that fine?"
"Yeah, that's perfect. Think we're too old for trick or treating?"
"Duh, they'll just turn us away," She laughed. "Well maybe not you, you're short enough that you can pass as a child."
"Hey! I'm not that short. Plus, you're only like two inches taller then me so you could also pass as a child!"
"Not quite, there's a huge difference between being 5'2 and 5'4."
"Not really but fine."
"Fine. Your house or mine?"
"My house, I'll buy the candy!"
"Okay, I'm going to hold you up to that. See you later." With that, she walked away.
I waited a few more minutes for River to come. When he finally showed up, I said, "River c'mon, lets go hurry!"
"Okay, why are you so excited?"
"Because, well you'll see." We walked to our table outside and sat down.
"Here, I brought us both lunch because you never bring anything," I announced, frowning as I said the last part.
"Thanks baby, what is it?"
"Just open it!"
"Okay..... oh thank you!" He said as he took off the lid.
"Of course, it's just a cheese and meat one since I don't know what kind you like."
"This one is good, thanks. You keep feeding me today."
I giggled and shrugged in reply, biting into my own enchilada. We ate the rest of our food in silence.
"Cove," River called in a sing-song voice.
"River," I mimicked with a giggle.
"Come here."
I complied and scooted so that I'm pressed against his side.
He grunted and lifted me up by my hips, placing me in his lap.
"That's better," he said as he put his arms around my waist, trapping me in.
"You're so happy today," I commented with a smile.
"I guess so," he smiled back.
"Guess what?" I blurted.
"What?"
"I don't know," I laughed.
"Huh?"
"I don't know," I repeated, shrugging.
"Okay..."
"I just felt like saying that."
He let out a breath laugh and lightly tickled my sides.
"Hey, stop it!" I swatted at his hands and squirmed. He quickly stopped and used his hands instead to hold me still.
"Don't move," he grunted.
"Fine," I grunted back in a deep voice.
"Why do you keep mimicking me?"
"Why not?" I said a deep voice.
"That- that is not how I sound!"
"Yes it is!"
"No it's not."
"Yes, it-" The bell cut off our bickering.
River sighed and brought me to my next class.
"See you in math," he said before walking away.
The next hour of classes went by extremely slow, but atlas, it's time for math.
When I walked into the classroom, I smiled at River who's already sitting at our desk. I quickly joined, side hugging him as I sat down.
"I have tutoring after school," he informed me. Today's a Monday so that makes sense.
"Okay," I answered.
"I think Azalea is going somewhere too," River continued.
"You two are going to leave me alone," I said, pretending to be upset.
"Oh, baby sorry. We can hangout tomorrow, I'm free."
"Hmph," I sighed playfully. Before River could respond, the teacher walked in bringing my attention to her.
"Okay class, time for a pop quiz!"
Groans were heard from all around the room, including River and I's. I don't mind taking tests when I can study, but now, I'm not prepared at all.
"Oh shush it's not that bad. Once you finish, you can do whatever you want for the rest of the period. I'm going to pass them out now, everyone quiet."
When a paper was handed to me, I counted the problems. There's only 2 problems, it's a single two parted question. This will be easy.
As I solved an equation for part B, I noticed River peeking at my paper. Is-
is he copying me?
"Hey!" I whispered yelled, turning my paper to the side.
"What?" He played innocent.
"I saw that, keep your eyes over there mister!"
"I'm trying, but it's hard!"
"No it's not! You just have to write an equation, solve it, then write the answer in words."
"Exactly, hard." As he said that, the teacher looked up from some papers and scanned the room.
"Shhh," I whispered once the cost was clear. The teacher almost caught us, that would have been terrible.
"Sorry! Just let me copy you please."
"Fine, but you have to stop talking," I sighed, finally giving in. He smiled and I turned the paper back to him.
"This never happened," I whispered when he finished. I then stood up and turned my test in.
He nodded and cutely "zipped" his mouth shut, pretending to throw the key.
I had to stifle a giggle as I sat back down. River waited a few minutes before also turning his test in so it wouldn't look suspicious.
I then took out my phone and started to scroll through Instagram since were still not allowed to talk.
"Thanks Cove" A message from River popped up on my screen. It feels weird to be texting when we're sitting right next to each other.
This never happened, remember? I scolded.
Oh yeah, sorry.
Better be. You owe me ice cream.
Sure thing, tomorrow.
Yay!
"Alright students, you guys are dismissed early since everyone finished! Have a great rest of your day, see you tomorrow."
"Yes!" I whispered to myself. The silence was killing me.
River and I walked to his car, he said that he still has time to drive me home before tutoring.
"Okay, I have to hurry," he half whispered to himself as we got in. What I didn't expect is for him to start speeding the second we got out of the parking lot!
"River, slow down!"
He ignored me.
"River"
"River"
"Riv."
That got his attention and he snapped his head in my direction.
"Who told you that?" He frantically asked.
"I don't know," I taunted, giving him a smug smile while shrugging my shoulders.
He sighed and shook his head, "fine." He hit the brakes and started going a few miles under the speed limit.
"Thank you," I smiled.
"Only for you."
He turned down my street a few minutes later. As we drove past my neighbor's house, I noticed one of his other, less used cars parked in front of their driveway. River was in such a hurry that he didn't see it.
"Okay, I'll call you when I'm done. See you later, text me if you need anything."
I nodded and kissed him before climbing out and going inside.
The door was unlocked.
"Finally you're home, I'm starving." I was met by a familiar voice as I walked into the living room. Azzy is sprawled out on the couch, making herself at home.
"Woah okay, why are you here? How did you get in? How do you even know where I live?" She's never been to my house yet.
"It's a secret," she shrugged.
"Umm, I think I should be at least a little bit concerned that you got into my house."
"Fine. I stole the key from River." Oh that makes sense, he has a spare key just incase.
"And he has your address saved in his phone," she continued.
"Oh alright.. well do you want to go get some food since your hungry? Then you can tell me why you're here, did you really miss me that much?"
"You wish," she laughed, standing up and putting on her shoes.
"Aww, it's okay. I know I'm easy to miss," I continued to tease her.
"Haha, lets go."
"Okay, where to?"
"In-n-out, I want some fries."
"Okie dokie."
We got in the car a drove to the nearest In-n-out. 20 minutes later, we sat down to wait for our order.
"So, do you want to tell me why you showed up to my house without telling me first now?"
"Right. Do you know when River's birthday is?"
Her question caught me off guard. Hmm, I actually don't know when River's birthday is even though I really should.
"Nope."
"It's this Friday."
"Really, on Halloween?" Oh no. I'm going to have to cancel my plans with my friends if it's River's birthday.
"I'm not surprised that he hasn't told you, he doesn't like a lot of people to know. It doesn't make sense though because he loves to have huge celebrations."
"Oh, so what do you want to do for it?"
"I was thinking we throw a party at his house. It'll be a surprise and only a handful of people will be in on it."
"Okay, well I don't really know who to invite. River doesn't like anybody."
"Don't worry I can handle that part. You just need to buy the food and drinks."
I nodded. Hopefully she invites some of his friends, I want to meet them.
"I'll get the alcohol though," she continued.
"Alcohol?" So it's going to be that kind of party. Honestly I should've expected that, I don't know why I didn't.
"Yes of course. What's a party without alcohol and drugs."
"Drugs!'
"Yes!"
"No way."
"That's the only way a lot of people enjoy parties, especially River's friends."
That's probably why River never let me meet his friends. They sound like bad influences.
"Does River do drugs too?"
"It depends. I doubt he will do them around you though, he might just smoke a little weed but that hardly counts."
"O-okay, where will you get the drugs?"
"Ryan, Riv's friend." Okay, maybe I really don't want to meet his friends.
"Do you think he will drink?"
"Oh yeah, at least a few beers. Don't worry, I can promise you that he will never get drunk with you around."
"Okay, what about you?"
"I can't promise anything."
"Oh." Well there goes my only hope. I'm going to a party where nobody that I can trust will be sober.
It's not that I'm against drinking, I'm just scared of being the only one who can think clearly. What if something happens and I have to make a big decision all on my own?
Unless.... maybe I can invite Leah! This way I won't be completely canceling on her, we'll just be doing something different.
"Hey, don't worry Cove. River will be perfectly aware of everything going on, even with a few drinks."
"Okay. Let's do it I guess."
"Good. I may or may not have already starting inviting people."
I giggled as our order number got called and she went to go get it.
"Have you ever had animal fries?" She asked as she sat back down, this time with our tray of food.
"No."
"They're good."
"They look good."
"Because they are, here, try one." She handed it me a fry and I put it in my mouth.
"Mmm, you're right. I-" My sentence got interrupted by my phone ringing. Must be River.
"Hello?"
"Hi."
"You're out early."
"Yeah, I couldn't do it anymore."
"River," I scolded.
"Sorry, it just takes too much brain power."
"Okay, well what are you doing now?"
"I'm walking to my car. What are you doing?"
"I went out to eat with a friend." Technically, I'm not lying.
I don't think I'm supposed to tell him that Azalea and I are together, then he might suspect something.
"Oh okay, well I'll see you tomorrow then. Bye."
"Bye."
When I hung up, Azzy gave me a look. "What?" I asked.
"You don't lie much, do you."
"What do you mean? Of course I don't, I don't have any reason too."
"It's just, guilt was written all over your face. You're lucky River couldn't see you, or else he would've caught on."
"Oops. I don't know how I'm going to keep this a secret for the rest of the week. If he asks what I'm doing on Friday, what do I say?"
"Just say you're tired so you're going to go home, then you can take the bus. I'm planning on telling someone to distract him while we set up."
"Okay, I think I got this."
"Great."
Yeah, I don't got this, I'm definitely going to mess something up.
ð ð ð
Azzy went home about an hour later. We spent the whole time planning everything out so that we're prepared on Friday. Now I just need to convince Leah to come with me.
It might be hard to get her to go to one of River's parties, but my plan is to not tell her who's party it is until after she agrees.
River's parties have a big reputation of being crazy and hard to get invited to. They're not for the faint hearted, or so I've been told.
She picked up on the third ring, "Hello?"
"Hey, how's it goingggg?"
"Good... why are you acting so weird?"
"Me? Weird? Never."
"Okay then.. well turns out no one else can join us for Halloween so it will just be me and you."
"About that.. I'm actually going to a party-"
"Party? Since when do you party Cove," she cut me off.
"-And I was wondering if you'd come with me," I finished.
"Why are you ditching me for a party of all things?"
"It's not ditching if you come with me."
"I guess not, but what party are you talking about? I haven't heard anything about a party, unless you're talking about the crappy school dance I'll be forced to attend."
"It's after the school dance, at 7:30."
"Okay, you still haven't answered my question though, who's party."
"River's."
"No way."
"Why not?"
"Cove are you crazy? You know that there will be lots of bad substances and not so good people."
"Exactly why you should come with me, we can tackle it together and see how bad they really are. It'll be like an adventure! Leah, Cove, and the case of are the rumors true?"
"Hmm, that does some kinda fun and exciting. Fine, I'll go."
"Yay!! Thanks, you are the best-"
"-Under two conditions."
I knew this was too good to be true.
"Shoot."
"Number one, you have to come to the school dance and help me set up. Two, Ian comes with us."
"Fine and fine." I really didn't think it would be that easy.
"Okay. We meet after school at the gym to set up. It's just a mask party. Afterwards we go to your house to get ready for River's party. Oh and since we're going together to the school dance, Ian and River don't have to go to that one."
"Deal. I owe you one."
"You really do, talk to you later?"
"Yeah, bye."
"Bye girl."
I sighed once she hung up and laid on my bed.
Friday is going to be a long day.
3171 words
Happy New Years everyone!! I hope
2021 is a good year.