Cove's part outfit ^^^
Cove's POV
Today's the day. I'm going to my first high school party. In just a few hours, we'll be surprising River with it.
Azalea and I have everything ready, the only thing is that she still needs to find a distraction. She should be working on it right this second.
It's been really hard acting normal all day, knowing that it's River's birthday and I can't say anything.
When he picked me up for school, it took everything in me not to jump in his arms and kiss all over his face.
I found the time on Wednesday to buy him a gift. It was extremely hard since he can probably afford the whole country, so it has to be very meaningful.
I took a lot of time and caused a bunch of frustration, but I finally found something perfect. I know that he'll love it.
"Cove, can you please hold this end while I pin the other side?" Currently I'm helping Leah set up for the school dance.
I stayed here with her while River went home. I told him that I'd go with Leah so he doesn't have to stay and he agreed. He doesn't want to be here unless I want him to.
I don't blame him one bit, I don't really want to be here either. Sweaty bodies "dancing" around in a hot, cramped gym for 2 and a half hours just isn't really my thing. Jeez, if I think this is bad, I wonder how I'll hand a real party.
"Okay! Finally we're done. Let's hurry and change, people are already coming," she said."
I nodded and followed Leah to the bathroom, going inside a random stall. I quickly stripped from my jacket and leggings, then put on a burgundy colored dress that has a pretty belt.
I curled my hair this morning so all I have to do is put on a light lipstick color. I'll do the rest of my makeup for River's party later.
"Oh cute Cove! Okay, let's go."
We walked out to the gym that's filling up with dozens of students by the second.
"How many tickets did you sell again?" I asked as we escaped to behind the snack bar. I can feel all the germs radiating in the air, this is going to be torturous.
"200 I think, but we're allowing people to buy tickets here incase they didn't have time to do it before hand."
"Really! Why do you willingly put yourself through this?"
"I don't know! I didn't seem like a bad idea up until now. Oh look, my date is here!" She started to move towards the entrance but I stopped her.
"Your date! I thought we were coming together, you're ditching me!"
"I'm really sorry, this wasn't supposed to be the plan. Something happened. You can come with us if you want, just stand near the-"
"No way, Just go. I'll see you later I guess." I didn't bother to hide the disappointment in my voice. Why would she make me come if she is just going to leave me for somebody else.
"Cove this wasn't-"
"Just go. It's fine. I'll meet send you the address so that you can drive to the party with Ian." Great, I let my emotions get the best of me. Now I no longer have a ride.
Leah was about to say something else but Ian came and took her to the dance floor. Now what?
I sighed, sitting on the floor and pulling out my phone to text someone.
Party's boring, I sent to River. He responded almost instantly.
Really, why?
There's nothing to do, Leah left so I don't know anybody.
Oh I'm sorry, do you want me to come pick you up? We can go do something fun.
Okay, that was not supposed to happen. Abort abort abort.
Oh no, that's okay. I'm going to still hold up my end of the deal even if she's not. Thank you though.
Okay, if you change your mind I'm only a call or text away. I'm just at home with Azalea. Yeah, that won't be for long.
Okay I will text you if anything- before I got to send the text, a bunch of staff entered the snack bar so I was forced to leave.
As I got out into the main area, I could barely walk do to the crowd of students. There's too many people. I can't breath. I can't breath.
My heart rate started to speed up and I tried to draw in short breaths as I pushed by groups and groups of people until I finally got to a door.
The cold air felt good as I practically ran outside and sat down on the cold concrete, leaning my cheek against the wall.
I need to calm down.
I need to breath.
I want River.
I regained my breath before reaching for my phone.
Instead of writing the rest of my text, I decided to call him instead. I need to hear his voice, even if it's just for a little bit.
"River," I sighed when he picked up.
"What's up?" He asked, sounding a bit concerned.
"Nothing really, there's just a lot of people in there. It's too cramped, and I don't know anybody."
"Baby," he sighed. "I should have come with you."
"No River, I'm okay really. I just needed to take a small break, that's all."
"Are you sure? Because I can be there in a heartbeat if you need me."
"River, it's fine I promise. Just, can you talk to me for a little bit?"
"Okay, whatever you need my sweet girl."
I smiled at the nickname.
"Wait, can we facetime too?" I quickly added.
"Of course, one second." I waited as he hung up and re-called me through facetime.
When I picked up, River's face turned worried. "F*ck baby, you're so pale. I'm coming-"
"No River you can't! I-I just need a second to myself, I'll be okay in a few minutes, promise."
Shoot, I'm going to ruin his surprise. Why did I call him again? I was being selfish. I'm perfectly fine, but no, I just had to go worry River.
My breathing started to pick up again. I'm ruining everything, it's my fault. It's all my fault.
"Cove, what happened? What's wrong? Take some deep breaths, okay? I'm coming, just hold on."
"No River don't-" he hung up before I could finish.
All of my emotions hit me at once. I just messed up River's birthday because I'm selfish, I'm weak. I can't even handle a high school dance on my own.
Tears involuntarily started to steam down my face from all the stress and nerves. Great, now I'm crying. I'm such a baby.
After a few minutes of just sitting there, silently crying while looking the floor, my phone started ringing. This time it's Azalea. How am I going to face her?
Just do it Cove, you deserve all the backlash for a problem you caused out of pure selfishness.
"Cove what happened? He just left! One second he was talking to you, the next he's running out the door!" She immediately started to bombard me with questions.
"I messed everything up Azzy, I'm so sorry. He's coming to get me, I ruined it. I ruined his surprise." I had to fight back more tears as I told her. What if she hates me now?
I'd deserve it.
"Cove, you didn't ruin it. You just made the perfect distraction! If you can hold him off for another 2 ish hours, we can set this all up. You just made things ten times easier, thank you. You're a life saver!"
Now that definitely was not the response I was expecting.
"R-really? But I- Oh. I guess I kind of did." I took the time to really think about it. Now Azalea doesn't have to think of a way to get him out of the house on top of everything else.
I unintentionally handled it, but I still feel bad. River is still coming all this way because I couldn't handle a stupid dance. I rely too much on other people
"Yes yes, I have to go now. Remember, 2 hours. See you soon."
"Bye," I said before hanging up. Now, all I can do is wait.
River's POV
The look on Cove's pale face engraved in my mind made me drive faster then I ever have before. I regret not going with her, because now I'm a whole 40 minutes away.
I kind of zoned out the rest of the way there, and soon I parked across the street. The main parking lot is full.
I headed to the gym but stopped myself at the door. She's outside, I saw a tree in the background and heard the muffled sound of music when we called.
I walked around the gym, looking for her. As I got towards the back, I spotted her small form huddled against the wall.
"Cove," I called out. She immediately looked up and I noticed her tear stained cheeks.
"It's okay," I said softly as I crouched in front of her. When she didn't move at all, I wrapped my arms around her body and pulled her close.
She shivered and desperately clung to me for warmth.
"You're freezing baby, c'mon." I pulled her up and silently walked her to my car. When we got in, I gave her my hoodie and turned up the heat.
"Thank you," she whispered.
"You don't have to thank me, come here." I opened my arms and she climbed across the console, into my lap.
"There was too many people, I just couldn't do it alone," she whispered after a few seconds. For some reason, she sounds guilty.
"That's okay, there's nothing wrong with it. We all have our fears and ways of handling them. It's perfectly okay, I'm glad that I am one of them. "
"You're glad you're my fear?" She giggled.
"No, I'm a way of handling them silly. At least I think so," I trailed off at the end. Maybe I got too ahead of myself.
"Of course you are, don't doubt it silly goose."
"Okay, I won't."
We went quiet for a few more moments until I spoke.
"Why did your friend leave you?"
Cove sighed and looked up, "For a boy. I shouldn't even be mad about it. She doesn't owe me anything and she didn't have to stay if she didn't want to."
"Cove you can be upset that she left you, even though she's the only reason you went in the first place. You went for her and she left for someone else."
"I guess so. I should ask her why he came though, maybe it wasn't even her fault. He might've shown up without telling her and she felt inclined to go with him. I really shouldn't have been so quick to assume."
I hummed, not knowing how to respond. Having such a great friendship like Cove's seems way too difficult and confusing.
I honestly don't know how she manages to find the good in everything. Even though she should be mad at Leah, she found a possible reason to her actions without them even talking.
"You're so good Cove, you're too good for this world. You're too good for me." I leaned my forehead against hers.
"Don't say that, it should be the other way around," she lightly smacked my chest.
"Okay now you're just making stuff up."
"Maybe, but it doesn't matter. That's how I feel."
"Really?"
"Yeah."
I smiled and pulled her back to my chest, rubbing her arms and back to heat her up quicker.
"Are you warm yet?" I asked after a few minutes of doing that.
"No, I think you just need to hug me for the rest of the night, then maybe I'll warm up."
"Funny."
"I'm serious! Hugs cure everything." As if it would prove her point, she squeezed me tighter.
"Okay okay jeez, your going to pop my intestines."
"Is that even possible?"
"I don't know but I don't want to take any chances."
"Fair enough," she pulled away with a pout.
"Hey hey, no pouting. I'll let you pop my intestine if it makes you feel better."
"Woah woah woah, you sounded kind of serious there. Are you going crazy?" She felt my forehead with her hand like that would tell her something.
"Maybe just a little bit." I pinched my fingers together to show how much.
"You're so cute," she laughed.
I immediately stopped everything I'm doing and looked her in the eye.
"Cute? You think I'm cute?"
"Yes silly."
"Don't call me cute."
"Why not?"
"Because I'm not cute, you're cute. Big difference."
"I don't think so."
"I do."
"Fine then, what do you want me to call you."
"Anything but that."
"Okay, so I can call you adorable?"
"You know what I meant."
She started giggling and didn't stop.
"Should I be concerned?"
"No, I do this when I'm nervous."
"Why are you nervous?"
"I don't know," she laughed even harder.
"Okay then," I chuckled. She kept laughing for a good 5 minutes, every time I thought she'd stop she would just start laughing again.
"Okay I think I'm done," she finally announced.
"Good. You're not nervous anymore?"
"Nope."
"Are you warm enough."
"Hmmm," She pulled away from my arms to check the air. "Yep, I guess so."
"Okay. Do you want to come over tonight baby?"
"Yes!" She cheered. "I mean, if that's okay with you."
"Of course it is, that should never even be a question. Now I think we should go so you have time to see Azalea."
"Yay."
I set her back and her seat and buckled her seatbelt.
"Alright then, let's go." I backed out of my parking spot and started driving.
As we got closer and closer to my house, Cove got squirmier and squirmier in her seat.
"Cove what's wrong baby?"
"Nothing's wrong, I'm okay."
"Whatever you say." Yeah, something is definitely up. Shoot, what if she found out about my birthday? I wouldn't even be surprised if Azalea told her.
I don't want to upset with me. She might think that I don't trust her or like her enough to tell her myself! It's the complete opposite honestly, I just didn't want her to treat me different then she would any other day.
I want my birthday to be the same as every other day because she already treats me amazing. I don't want or need anything else.
When I started to go up my long driveway, Cove practically squealed and held her breath.
I was about to say something, but a bunch of cars parked around my house distracted me.
What the- oh my God.
Azalea did not.
"Cove.... huh? What the heck," I voiced my thoughts aloud. She giggled in return and jumped out of the car.
I got out and grabbed her hand as we slowly walked inside. It looks deserted.
"Az-" I was cut off when a bunch of people started screaming and ran out of all sorts of hiding places. I think I even saw someone crawl out from a garbage can, might just be my imagination though.
Before I could say anything, music started blasting and Azalea came running from a DJ set-up in the Livingroom. Oh God, she's already tipsy.
"H-happy birthday Riv." So that's where Cove got it from.
Cove. I forgot about her for a second. I glanced down and saw her looking around the house.
"Are you okay," I whispered to her.
"Yeah I think so, do you know everybody?"
"Yes, they all go to a school in the town over. A lot of people I know go there."
"Is that your way of saying friends- people you know?"
"I guess so."
"Okay, so I get to meet your friends?"
"Yeah."
"Yay c'mon." She pulled me further inside.
"Let's get you something to drink first," I said and took her to the kitchen. There several large coolers and buckets filled with ice and drinks.
"This one is the only one without alcoholic drinks, besides the water," Azalea informed as she joined us.
"There's not much," Cove faltered. There's maybe 25 sodas and 10 sparkling waters. I don't know how many people are expected, but there's already well over 100 people here and the party just started.
"If we run out later, you can have something from the fridge," I reassured her. I don't really know how to explain to her that most people are gonna go straight for the alcohol and won't care about the other drinks.
"Okay that's fine," she shrugged.
"It'll be a looong night," Azalea giggled out of the blue. I bet it'll take less then an hour for her to get blackout drunk.
Cove's POV
River handed me a sprite and grabbed a drink that I don't recognize for himself.
"Don't ever put that down, okay?" He ordered.
"Okay," I agreed.
"Good, do you still want to meet some of my friends or..."
"Yes!"
"Okay c'mon." He tightly gripped my hand and walked me back to the living room.
Looking around the room, I felt happy and accomplished. If I had a dollar for every time I almost messed this up, I would be richer then River. Heck, I'd probably be richer then Elon Musk!
But all that matters now is that it all came together in the end. The music blasting a little too loud for my liking, the red cups in people's hands, the half fallen streamers hanging from the ceiling. It's all perfect.
"Cove, this is my friend Ryan. Ryan, Cove," River introduced me Ryan who's leaning against the wall near a door.
"Nice to finally be formally introduced," he said and held out his hand. I shook it respectively and gave him a genuine smile.
"Yes, likewise," I agreed. Silence pursued for a few awkward moments.
"Damn are gonna drink that whole bottle already? Chill out man, party just started," Ryan broke the silence.
"Oh, no. I was going to make a drink, just got distracted. I'm gonna go mix this, I'll be right back."
And River left me with the big scary man. Yay. Okay, I think I have to say something now.
"So, your River's bodyguard?" Ryan looked shocked at my question and his eyes darted around for a second, locking with somebody else's for a brief moment before returning to my own.
"Oh.. yeah yeah. Sorry, I'm just not used to being called that. It's still pretty new to me, although we've been friends for years."
"Oh. You seem a little young to be a bodyguard."
"I'm just training. I'm still in school so I can't commit to being one officially. I kind of just ride along, you know?"
"Yeah. I mean I wouldn't know but I get what you're saying." He chuckled at my words. He has a deep, husky chuckle. Nothing compared to River's though.
"So.. do you think River liked the surprise?" He asked. Oh that's right, Ryan helped set up.
"Yeah, he looked pretty surprised but he seems to like it so far. Who knows what really goes on in his head though."
"Yeah, who knows?"
Hands grasped my shoulder and my insides did a full 360 as I practically jumped in fear. River started laughing from behind me and pulled me to him.
"River that wasn't funny! You almost gave me a heart attack, do you want me to die? On your birthday too," I shook my head.
"No of course not, I'm sorry!"
"You better be."
"I feel like I'm third wheeling here-"
"Shut up."
We all laughed and any tension we had instantly disappeared.
"Well, I'm going to get something to drink. I'll be back, don't have too much fun," Ryan's eyes narrowed at the last part.
"I like him! He seems nice," I grinned once he was out of earshot.
"Yeah, wait till you actually meet him. He's.... less kind."
"Aww, is somebody jealous?"
"What! No! I'm just letting you know so that you don't get the wrong first impression."
"Yep, I think you're jealous."
"Doesn't matter, I have all I need right here," he kissed my forehead to indicate that he's talking about me and I blushed.
"Hey! What did I say?"
"Oh f*ck off."
I giggled and River's eyes shone with adoration. When Ryan pulled a lighter and something else from his pocket, River was quick to pull me away.
"Well gotta go, we have many more people to meet. And Ryan, take that sh*t outside."
"Bye, it was nice-" I didn't get to finish my sentence before we were onto the next group of people.
As we walked around, someone gave River a new drink and offered me one. I declined it. I heard that you should never take drinks for strangers, I sure hope that River knows this person.
We walked towards some people sitting on the couches. There's mostly guys but a few girls are mixed into the bunch. They all look pretty scary.
I gave River an unsure look and he smiled in encouragement, lightly squeezing my hand.
"It's okay baby, they're not as bad as they seem," he reassured me. I nodded. I hope they're just like River, scary on the outside but soft in the inside.
"Hey River!" A voice shouted. I turned to see a girl with chestnut brown hair and beautiful light brown eyes. She's drinking from a small bottle of beer.
"Hey, this is my girlfriend Cove," he introduced me to the group.
"Hi," I squeaked out.
There were a series of "hi's" and "nice to meet you's," before a couple of them stood up.
"We we're about to go outside, do you want to join us?" A guy asked.
"Sure," River replied after silently confirming with me. It's getting too full and cramped in her, I will take any excuse to go outside.
We walked around his house to some lounge chairs by the pool. I've only ever been in the hot tub, it was a few weeks ago and we had nothing better to do.
River and I took a seat on the same one, all the way to the left. He leaned against the back of the chair and I sat between his legs.
I feel pretty comfortable doing this since a few girls are sitting in the guy's laps, so I'm not the only one cuddling up to my boyfriend.
Once everyone got situated, a few people pulled out different types of vapes and cigarettes. They passed them around and everyone expertly took a hit.
When it got passed to me and River, I watched him put it up to his lips and suck, flawlessly blowing out a stream of smoke. I watched in fascination as he took a few more hits before passing it on.
When a new one was handed to him, I decided that I want a turn.
"Can I try?" I asked.
His eyes widened but he didn't say anything so I thought the answer was no. That was until he took a drag and connected our lips, pushing the smoke into my mouth.
He slowly pulled away and I blew the weird tasking smoke out of my mouth. The exhale wasn't very smooth and I starting coughing.
River looked down at me with concern and alarm, patting my back until I finally stopped.
"Sh*t I really just let you do that," he mumbled to himself. I giggled, "don't worry I'm never doing it again."
"Woah River, what did you do to her?" Azalea walked up to us.
"I don't know, I think I already had too much to drink and smoke," he sighed.
"Speaking of smoking, I brought some weed. River you coming?" Some random guy asked. River looked unsure and was about to protest, but Azzy quickly stepped in.
"Don't worry, I'll take her a bit. Come on Beanie, let's go dance."
I smiled and stood up, following her through the sliding back door. We went towards the DJ stand were there's a small crowd of people dancing.
Just as I was about to join Azzy on the dance floor, a hand grabbed my arm. I turned around, it's Leah's.
"Can we talk?" She asked, shouting to be heard over the loud music.
"Sure, Azzy I'll be right back." Azzy just nodded, too caught up in doing her own thing to care.
We walked into the kitchen where it's a little less loud and crowded. I backed into a corner so that we can have as much privacy as possible.
"Look Leah, I'm so sorry for getting upset with you earlier. It really wasn't my place to demand you stay with me and not go with Ian," I apologized first.
"No, it's my fault. I think you deserve an explication," she countered. I nodded for her to continue while grabbing a brownie from a tray on the counter.
Ryan was supposed to make brownies so I'm pretty sure they're from him. I didn't really see him as the Baker type, but to each their own.
"I really was planning on going with you. I invited you after all, and you helped set up. But then a few hours before the dance started, Ian called to surprise me, saying that he's coming. I obviously couldn't say no but I didn't want to disappoint you so I just didn't say anything until he got there. I'm so so sorry, it was a huge mistake."
She looks so guilty and sounded really sincere. She just didn't think things through and that's okay. We all have our bad moments.
I grabbed another brownie and started to eat it before responding. They taste a little weird but I don't care because I'm kinda stress eating here.
"Hey it's okay, really. We all make mistakes and it obviously wasn't your intention to ditch me. You had to chose between us, and it would be wrong for me to be mad at you for going with the guy who drove all the way there just to see you. Hug it out?"
"Hug it out."
I wrapped my arms around her and she hugged me back. For some reason I struggled to let go from the counter when I went to reach for her. I got dizzy.
I started to feel really weird. I have the urge to start giggling and jumping up and down.
To my dismay, our nice moment was interrupted by yelling.
"Holy sh*t! Are you eating a weed brownie?"
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An: Oh my gosh guys!!! My story views doubled in the time it took to write this chapter. Thank you guys so much!!! Honestly, I'm speechless. I've been getting so many votes and comments, I don't even know what to say.
Yesterday I went to the store and came back to over 100 notifications. I literally froze because I've never gotten over like 20 notifications at once, and that's when I go a few days without checking.
I can't thank you guys enough. It's crazy that last chapter I was at 10k views, and now I'm at 22k!!!
I feel so bad for forgetting to thank you guys for 10k views last week, that's a huge milestone for me and I never thought I'd reach it. But now I don't even know what to say. I never ever thought I'd reach 10k, but I have so much more because of you guys.
Again, thank you everyone soooo much for the support. Even if you're a silent reader, you're still supporting my book so thank you.
I'm not very good with words, but I just want you to know that I appreciate a lot, even if I don't sound like it.
Have a good rest of your week <3