Anticlimactic
99. Anticlimactic
🤍🖤🤍 Natalie 🤍🖤🤍
It’s almost four when I reach Riley’s place and knock at her door in hopes of talking to her. And of course I am so damn lucky.
Because West opens the door.
“What the fuck are you doing here?” I slip by his side, letting myself into her house. I don’t need to see his fucking smirks or sneers.
“Her parents aren’t home. We thought we could enjoy some private time.”
“Why? Didn’t you fuck enough girls at the party last night?” I quip and make my way to Riley’s room.
“I am here…” I announce myself while walking towards her room.
He chuckles and says, “She isn’t home.”
I stop in my tracks.
What?
I pull out my phone to call her and he says, “She just went out to grab milk. She will be back.”
He leans to the wall by the front door, as if guarding it. Then he crosses his arms.
His words and his posture don’t assure me. The phone rings, but Riley doesn’t pick the call. I walk towards the window to glance outside. West is standing by the door and I don’t want to be near him.
“I wouldn’t touch you today. If that’s what you are worried about.” He says, glancing at my wrist’s bruise.
“Don’t tell Riley what happened last night.” He orders..
I finally notice Riley walking toward the house. It will take her 2-3 minutes to reach but she is in my sight. I breathe in an air of relief.
“And why the fuck would I listen to you?” I say.
He pinches his brows and says in exasperation, “You know exactly how to agitate me, Natalie… I cannot lose her too. I will do anything to keep her with me. So keep your mouth shut!”
“Lose her too? Who else did you lose?” I ask, bemused.
I realize and snort.
“You didn’t lose me West! you made a choice. A choice to push me away, then you kicked me… Again and again. Even when I was down!”
He looks at me with an indecipherable expression but to my surprise; he remains quiet and an awkward silence falls between us.
No sneers. No insults.
Looks like someone spat all his venom last night.
Barely moments later, Riley opens the front door and breathes out, “Oh hey…”
“I called Mille. She is a damn mess… Let’s leave after having some coffee.”
I look at West, unsure.
Don’t tell me he is coming.
…..
He sure comes with us. Even when Riley insists we can go by ourselves.
“That's ok! I have some work in that area.“ He says.
I largely stay quiet when we make it to Millie’s place. Annoyed at the fact that I didn’t get any time with Riley.
But that’s ok.
Some other day.
He cannot guard her 24 by 7.
A part of me says I should leave them alone and happy. At least there is someone he finally cares about. Even if it is at my expense.
Another part of me says Riley needs justice. I need justice.
That’s why it must happen.
….
Visiting Millie was a damn mistake.
She sneers at me as soon as she sees me, “You must be damn happy now.”
I frown. “What?”
“Yeah… after all, they wouldn’t be talking about you at school anymore...”
I feel humiliated at her jibe. I thought they didn’t talk about me anymore.
“Millie!” Riley warns her.
But she doesn’t stop. “You sneak out with Jacob all the time all over the school… But it was me who got caught!”
“Well after all, I was sneaking out with my boyfriend!” I yell at her in anger.
She looks at me with fury. I shake my head and walk out of her place. Riley tags along with me.
“You can stay Riley… I get it she is upset…” I tell her.
“I… I am so sorry… I didn’t know she would snap at you for no reason.”
“Tell her to wait for another big gossip!” I say in annoyance to Riley. ”So all this focus will diverge from her… Meanwhile, she will have to take the heat like I did… for a damn whole year.” I add loud enough for West to hear. Obviously he didn’t have any work in the vicinity. He is just waiting by his car.
Then head home. I had an inkling that Millie might not like me around. But I never expected West would watch me and Riley like a hawk.
….
I reach home and prepare for my Campus tour the next day. Dad agrees to drop me in the morning but asks me to take a bus in return.
My phone pings and I pick it up to see Jacob’s message.
Jacob: ’How was your day?’
Me: ‘Anticlimactic… I couldn’t talk to Riley today.’
Jacob: ’Oh’
Me:’ Jacob… Whatever you do tomorrow, Just don’t get suspended for getting in trouble with West. Please...
He ignores my message and replies.
Jacob:‘ Wouldn’t you ask me about my day?’
Me: ’How was it?’
Jacob: ’Norris was a fucking mess. I hate Millie for doing this to him.’
Me: ‘Me too. By the way she snapped at me.’
Jacob:’ You knew this would happen?’
Me: ’Yeah…’
Jacob: ’I am proud of you Natalie… There would be a hell of a drama tomorrow. Norris will probably skip school.’
A part of me is relieved that I wouldn’t have to see things unfold at school. It will be triggering for me. My day at school after that cursed night at that party a year ago is one of my worst memories.
…..
Things do go ballistic the next day. But neither of us had imagined what was about to come.
