Chapter 32 32

Chapter 32 32

Easton's POV

As I walked out of the gym, my footsteps heavy on the concrete. The noise from inside faded behind me as I pushed the door open. My chest was heavy and my fists stayed clenched at my sides. Initially, I wanted to stand up for Riley when Cass humiliated her in front of everyone, but I stopped halfway before turning around instead. As soon as I stepped outside, I felt terrible about what I did.

I leaned on the wall near the gym exit. My back pressed against the cool bricks. Why did I stop? Why could I not just defend her fully like I wanted to?

I took a deep breath and ran my hand through my hair. Riley did not deserve what Cass did to her, I knew that. But admitting it out loud and standing against Cass publicly was dangerous. I stayed there waiting, my eyes fixed on the gym door. I needed to see Riley. I needed to say something.

Slowly, the students started coming out. I looked at every face until I found Riley's. She walked out with her head down and her arms wrapped around herself. She looked hurt. That sight made my stomach twist. I pushed myself off the wall and walked toward her. My heart skipped a beat with every step.

“Riley, wait,” I said when I got close. My voice sounded rough. I stopped a few feet away from her. “I am sorry for what happened back there. I should have done something to stop Cass.”

Riley, who had stopped walking and standing, turned around slowly and looked at me. Her eyes looked tired and full of pain. She did not smile.

“What exactly did you want, Easton? You always do this whenever no one is around,” she shot back. Her voice was harsh but I could hear the pain in it.

“You said you should have done something but then you stopped halfway. Now you are here apologizing over a spilt milk. I do not need your secret apology.”

I took a step closer to her. I put my hands in my pockets because I did not know what else to do with them.

“I just hope you will understand me,” I answered calmly. “I am trying, Riley. It is not easy for me right now.”

Riley shook her head slowly. Even though she looked tired, she kept her shoulders straight.

“You are being hypocritical and not being honest to yourself,” she replied. She looked straight into my eyes without blinking. “One minute you are protecting me and the next you walk away like I mean nothing to you.”

She took a deep breath and let it out slowly. “To hell with you and your secret apology,” she said firmly. “I am done trying to understand you, Easton.”

Riley turned around and walked away without looking back. Her footsteps echoed on the path.

I stood there feeling a sharp pain deep in my chest. The regret felt heavier now.

As I watched her leave, my stomach began to boil inside me and I couldn't hold it anymore. I turned around and started looking for Cass. I ran all over the school grounds, searching for her like my life depended on it.

After a long search, I found her in the garden sweeping leaves as a result of the disciplinary meeting punishment. She looked up when she heard footsteps coming towards her. When she saw me, her face changed.

“Easton,” she called out with a smile. “What are you doing here? Are you here to see me?”

I stopped right in front of her, my anger showing visibly now.

“Drop that act Cass, it is really over between us and you know that,” I said clearly, my voice harsh and loud. “So stop hurting Riley. Stop all of this your madness right now

Cass leaned on the broom. Her eyes narrowed and her smile disappeared.

“So you are choosing her over me?” she questioned, her voice hurt and angry at the same time. “After everything we had? Yes, we have broken up but I thought you still loved me. Is that all a lie?”

I shook my head slowly. My jaw tightened.

“We are done, Cass,” I said again. “And I can't keep watching you hurt Riley like this. Leave her alone Cass or you will see my wrath.”

Cass laughed bitterly. She dropped the broom and crossed her arms tight over her chest.

“You will regret this, Easton.” she assured, her voice becoming sharp. “She is not good for you. I was the one who understood you. Not her.”

I looked at her for a moment before turning and walked away from her without saying another word. Too many things were going through my mind. But deep down I knew the truth, I was already falling for Riley but the feeling scared me more than anything.

I was terrified of admitting it even to myself. What if I hurt her? What if my father found out and ruined everything?

Home that night was too quiet. I sat alone in the living room trying to watch television while Riley and Lila were playing inside Riley's room. I tried to focus on the television, but my thoughts kept going back to Riley.

Suddenly I heard footsteps coming down from the stairs. I looked back and saw Riley walking into the sitting room, she stopped when she saw me. Her eyes looked tired but determined.

“Let me just ask you this question for the last time, why did you keep protecting me one minute and pushed me away the next?” she asked, her voice tired and fulk of curiosity.

She stood there waiting for my answer. Her arms crossed over her chest now.

I stood up slowly from the couch. My heart was pounding hard as I walked closer to her.

“Riley…” I started, my voice coming out rough. I stopped just a few steps away from her and my hand reached out like I wanted to touch her shoulder, then dropped it again.

“I just don't know how to stop,” I whispered. “And it is driving me crazy. Every time I try to stay away, I end up wanting to get closer.”