nevermore ( rewriting )

anonymous

x baker x

     so, i stopped riley in the hallway today. the first day she's come to school in a week.

     "hey, riley!" I call, racing towards her in the hallway.

     she swivels her head around, sees that i called her, and then disappears into the closest classroom. so, i follow her.

      "we should talk." i say breathlessly.

       "no, we really shouldn't." she replies, taking a gaze around the room she realizes it's empty, and she let's out a soft curse under her breath.

       "i can't excuse how i acte-,"

       "stop. stop right now. if you want to change, save yourself the trouble and do not start with me." she cuts me off, curtly leaving the room and immediately finding the new kid. impeccably enough, i noticed his frown when he saw her walk towards him.

          cause i'm curious, i follow behind her, blending in with the string of students.

         "what do you want riley?" the boy growls.

         "mike, i know you're mad, someone.. i just.." riley trails off, not knowing what to say. this is the first time i've ever seen the feisty girl look nervous, and he was belittling her.

         "there's a difference between mad and the way i'm feeling, riley." mike sighs, sensing her discomfort.

          "well how are you feeling?" she asks nervously, looking at her feet.

          "hurt, and used is how i'm feeling, riley. i feel like a fool, and i feel confused. that is how i feel." he said, stopping completely in the crowd of students, looking her right in the eyes.

          "mike, you have to understand, i just lost my brother." she said helplessly. oh, so it has something to do with him, i thought. it always has to do with him. i rolled my eyes, but stopped to listen, letting fellow classmates pass by me.

           mike is silent, just looking at her, his lips pressed together in a firm line.

           "i know, and i hate the circumstances. cause you know what? i'm in love with you. it's only been a few weeks, but riley harding, i'm in love with you." mike blurts out, and before she can reply, he stalks off the other hallway, making it obvious he doesn't want her to follow.