Chapter 36 36

Chapter 36 36
Riley's POV

I stood there frozen under the night sky. Easton’s face was so close to mine that I could feel his warm breath on my lips. My heart beat very fast inside my chest. I could not move. I was unable to speak. He looked deep into my eyes with so much feeling that it scared and warmed me at the same time. The world around us disappeared and only the two of us remained in that quiet moment.

After what seemed like forever, I found my voice. “Easton,” I said softly. My voice shook a little. I swallowed hard before I continued.

“Are you in love with me?” The question came out quietly but clear between us.

I was tired of guessing his intentions, I needed to know the truth right now. I kept my hands by my sides, my fingers trembling slightly as I waited for him to respond.

Easton’s body completely went still. His hand was still on my cheek, warm on my skin. Then he let go slowly, like it hurt him to pull away. He turned his back to me without answering, his shoulders rose and fell heavily. He took a deep breath and ran his hand through his hair.

I could tell he was having a hard time inside. His fists opened and closed like he was fighting with himself. He didn't say anything, but the way he moved made it clear that he cared deeply about me.

I stared at his back. Many thoughts raced through my mind. How is this possible? When did Easton start seeing me in a different way, to the extent that he could be falling for me? The boy who used to make fun of me and laugh with Cass was standing right here and almost kissing me. It didn't make sense.

At the same time, my heart felt both empty and full. I wanted to leave, but I also wanted him to turn around and tell me everything.

“Easton, turn your back to me and answer my question,” I urged. My voice was soft but I needed answers so I took a step closer to him.

“You cannot keep doing this to me. One minute you almost kiss me and the next you turn away like I mean nothing. Tell me what is really going on inside your head. Please.”

Easton still didn't answer me. He kept his back turned to me. His shoulders looked tight and heavy. I waited patiently for him to respond with my heart beating loud in my ears. The silence between us felt thick and heavy with all the things we had not said yet.

Just as Easton turned to face me, ready to talk. Suddenly Blake came out of nowhere. He rushed toward Easton and punched him hard in the face. Easton stumbled back, his eyes wide with surprise. It was obvious that he wasn't expecting the attack.

“This is all your fault!” Blake yelled in anger. His voice echoed in the quiet night. “You are the reason why Riley keeps getting hurt every single day. Be a man and put your ex Cass in her place. You can even get back to her if you have to so she will stop tormenting Riley and let her live in peace.”

Easton touched his lip where Blake had hit him. A small drop of blood appeared there. Easton's eyes became dark with anger, he rushed towards Blake and attacked him back with strong force.

“You have no right to tell me what to do,” Easton replied back loudly. His voice was full of rage. “You were once also part of Riley’s nightmare in this school. You joined Cass in bullying her every single day. So do not stand here acting like you are better than me or that you care more about her.”

The two boys grabbed each other by their collars. They pulled themselves hard and were ready to fight again. Their faces stayed close and angry as they locked with others' collars. Easton clenched his teeth, and Blake's eyes lit up with jealousy. Both of them breathed fast and heavy. Their bodies showed how much they cared about me in their own twisted ways. Fear made my chest tighten and I couldn't watch them hurt each other again or fight with themselves under my watch.

Just as I was still lost in what to do, my phone vibrated in my purse, indicating a new message. I took it out and my jaw dropped after I opened the message.

Immediately, I opened my mouth and screamed as loud as I could. “Stop it! Both of you should stop right now!” My scream cut through the night air like a sharp knife.It was loud and full of all the fear and pain I had been holding back for a long time.

Blake and Easton turned around immediately when they heard me scream. They let go of each other and ran towards me at the same time, their eyes red with worry.

“What happened, Riley?” Easton asked right away. His tone of voice was frantic and worried. He reached out like he wanted to touch me but stopped himself.

Blake looked at me with the same look in his eyes. “Are you okay Riley?” he asked. “Why did you scream like that? Did something happen to you?”

I ignored both of their questions and held up my phone while my hands shook in the process. Tears blurred my eyes as I turned the screen toward Easton so he could see the message clearly. My voice would not come out at first. I was scared and worried at the same time.

Easton read the message quickly, his face changed from anger to deep worry in one second.

“Lila is coming down with an allergy, we are already on our way to the hospital.” he said out loud.

His voice shook a little as he grabbed my arm gently. “We need to go home right now.”

Blake stepped closer and looked at the phone too. “I am coming with you,” he said firmly, his hand reaching for my other arm.

I stood between them, my heart racing as we all rushed toward the exit together, the night air feeling colder than before.