Chapter 29 29

Chapter 29 29
Riley's POV

I turned around fast when I heard Easton’s voice. My heart jumped in my chest. He stepped out behind us as if he had been there all along with his angry eyes fixed on Cass. I did not say anything. I just stood there quietly and watched them both.

Cass dropped her fake smile right away. She let go of my arm and turned to face Easton. Her body tensed up and her hands stayed clenched at her sides.

“Why are you taking her side? Do you have feelings for her, Easton?” she asked sharply. Her voice was loud and full of pain.

Tell me the truth right now. Is that why you are always protecting her recently?”

Easton did not move at all. His hands stayed at his sides and his jaw tightened. He opened his mouth but no words came out at first. He looked at me for a second then back at Cass. His shoulders looked heavy like he carried something very big inside.

"I… I don't understand what you mean," he finally said. His voice was a little rough and unsure.

Cass took a step toward him. Her eyes were filled with tears that she tried hard to hold back.

“You cannot even answer me properly,” she said, her voice cracking a little. “That means it is true, right? You are falling for this girl.”

The air became thick between them. I felt my chest get tight and heavy immediately and I did not want to stay there and listen to their conversation anymore.

I immediately turned around and started walking away from the garden. My legs moved on the path one step after another. I left both of them to settle their scores without me. Their voices faded behind me as I walked farther and farther away.

I kept walking until I reached the main school building. Too many things were going through my mind. Easton could not even answer Cass question and that meant something, but I was not sure of what it was yet.

I took a deep breath and tried to push the garden scene out of my head.

I decided to stand up more boldly for the rest of the day school activities. In class when a boy made a joke about my size at my back, I turned around and looked straight in the eyes and fought back.

“Say it to my face if you are brave enough,” I said clearly.

The boy looked surprised and stayed quiet. Some students around me nodded like they respected me a little more. It felt good.

Later in the coding club I presented my small project I have been working for some days now. I stood in front of everyone with my laptop open. My hands shook a little at first but I kept my voice calm as I spoke.

“This program I'm developing will help kids in learning math in a fun way,” I explained. “They can drag blocks to build games and solve problems while at it.”

The teacher smiled and leaned forward. “Very good, Riley. Can you show us how it works with an example?” she asked.

I nodded and demonstrated it on the screen. One boy raised his hand after showing them “This is actually cool,” he said. “Can we add sounds to make it more fun for little kids?”

Another girl added in agreement, “Yes! And maybe let the colors change when they get the answer right.”

We all talked about the ideas together and laughed when someone joked about making a dancing cat character.

At the end, the teacher clapped. “Riley, you have grown so much this term,” she said warmly. “Keep this up.”

Everyone in the group also clapped. Afterwards, a girl came up to me and said, "Riley, you are very smart. I'd like to work on the next project with you."

Her words made me feel warm and strong inside.

After school that day, Amara came to visit I and Lila secretly while Easton was still away at practice in school. She sneaked into the mansion through the back gate with a big smile.

Lila ran to her and gave her a tight hug. “Amara! You have come to play with us!” Lila said happily, jumping up and down.

Amara laughed loud and hugged me too after Lila pulled away from her arms. She looked at me all the way around while holding me close.

“Girl, you look different,” she complimented, her eyes sparkling “You are standing taller. Your eyes look brighter. I love this new Riley.”

I couldn't help myself but smile. “Thank you for your compliment sweetie. I simply followed your advice and stepped out of my shell.”

Amara tapped my shoulder lightly, her eyes showed that she was proud of what she was seeing. We all went inside and sat in the living room to talk about things we have missed being away from each other

She helped me try new ways to style my hair and gave me tips on how to speak up more in class.

Lila joined us and we all laughed together. Amara made funny faces and told stories about her own school.

“You have to keep shining, Riley,” Amara said seriously at the end. “Do not let anyone make you small again.” Her words stuck with me.

Later that evening I was busy cleaning up the sitting room. I picked up Lila’s toys one by one and arranged the pillows nicely on the couch. My mind felt full from the day. I moved to the side table and opened a small drawer to put some papers inside. My fingers touched some folded papers at the bottom and made me stopped in my tracks.

I pulled them out slowly. The papers had handwriting I knew well. They were song lyrics. I sat down on the couch and started reading quietly.

“She makes the house feel warm even when everything feels cold. Her smile lights up the dark rooms. I fight it every day but I cannot stop thinking about her.”

My heart beat faster as I read more lines. The words described someone who sounded a lot like me. I held the papers tight in my hands and continue reading.

“She came to me as my enemy but now she feels like home.”

The lines I was reading were clearly inspired by me.

I kept reading with my eyes wide open. The truth slowly hit me, and my breath got stuck in my throat.

Suddenly, I heard footsteps coming from the hallway. My hands shook as I quickly folded the papers and tried to put them back.

The footsteps got closer and closer. I froze with one paper still in my hand, my heart pounding loud in my ears.