The Player And The Nerd •Jiley•

•Part 37•

•Riley's pov•
We're half way into the summer break and so far it's been awful.

Most my friends have been whisking themselfs away on holiday, meaning that I'd be stuck home alone watching Tv most the time. It was relaxing at first, but now the thought of watching Tv all day bored me.

I got a text from Thalia in a group chat and immediately clicked onto it. I'd missed speaking to her after she'd been away in France for the past week.

Thalia: guess who's back bitches😈

Everyone else in the group chat, minus Sky who was still away in Spain, all began sending messages. I was smiling at my phone when Giselle suggested we meet up at the park. I agreed since 1) I was so bored 2) I missed them and 3) since it was close to home.

Thalia: oh and everyone dress up in your best clothes! We can catch the bus to the mall maybe🍓

I sighed at the thought of getting dressed up fancy. I'd been wearing these same leggings and hoodie for the past three days; perhaps it was time to change.

After spending just under half an hour getting myself ready, I finally made my way downstairs.

I had on a white floral lacey summer dress that fell just above my knees as well as a cute denim jacket to cover my arms. I decided not to dress up as crazy as what the others probably would, and I didn't regret it while slipping on some of my white sandals. Much comfier and practical than heels.

Riley- I'm ready and just leaving now! See you all soon! I typed into the group chat. Giselle was already there waiting and Amy was almost there too.

After walking into the park I began looking around. Where were they? I obviously checked the benches where we usually hung out but instead of seeing them I saw something else...

The picnic bench had a light pink tablecloth layer across it as well as a mini glass vase with a fake daisy in it. There were two cans of soda, each beside a white takeaway container.

"No wonder they aren't here, someone's occupied it" I muttered to myself while pulling my phone from my bag and beginning to text them.

"Riley?" A voice spooked me.

"James..." I said meeting eyes with him. I quickly looked away, taking in his outfit as I looked down at the floor awkwardly. Black shoes, black ripped jeans and a half unbuttoned dress shirt...nice

"What are you doing here?" We both asked in unison.

"I got told to meet my friends here" I said bluntly, not wanting to talk to him. He replied with a "me too."

Suddenly both our phones beeped. I eagerly opened it, hoping it would be the girls telling me where they were. Instead I was horrified, and by the look on James face I think he got a similar message.

"Trust our friends to set us up on a date when we aren't even friends" he chuckled half-heartedly. I could tell he was hurt. All i could do was nod.

"Well we should at lease see what food they got us.." I muttered after a few seconds. Even though I hated him right now I didn't want to let all my friends hard work go to waste.

At least they were trying to help.

We took our seats and James opened the takeaway container as i cracked open my soda tin. I took a long sip.

"Cheesy chips, nice" James grinned while tucking in. I opened my food container and popped a few chips into my mouth. The awkwardness was thick in the air as we ate in silence.

"So...how have you been? Long time no talk" James said carefully after a while.

"Just chillin" I shrugged, not wanting to go into detail yet not wanting to blank him completely. He muttered 'cool' then the silence returned.

"You?" I asked not knowing how to save the conversation.

"I've not done anything special" he said.

"Yeah, guys like you tend to hop from girl to girl quicker than a frog does to its pond" i mumbled. I was expecting him to glare at me or something but he actually kept his gob shut and just ate the last of his food.

After he had emptied his can, he got to his feet and looked directly at me.

"I only stayed for the food. I'm lucky to have friends that actually care about me" he said before walking off casually, leaving me sat alone.

I was angry enough that I swiped my Can off the bench table causing it to tumble onto the floor. I grabbed my bag and wasted no time going back home again.

It was nice of our friends to try and help us get back to being friends I guess...but somethings just aren't meant to be.
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Updates are going to be coming in daily now because...

I have officially finished writing all the chapters!

There's only a few left to publish, but I'm hoping you all enjoy the finale !!