[ eleven ]

It was Saturday. Meaning, it was the day of the Hawthorne’s Charity Ball. It was still early though. The ball commenced at seven and it was only noon as I sat at my desk, trying to finish up some homework.

I ran a hand through my hair and tilted my head back to stare at the ceiling, bored. I spun around in my wheeled chair and tapped my finger against the arm rest. I was so bored of homework and I had nothing to do.

Julie and Robert were out to get some things before the ball and River, well River was nowhere to be seen or found in the entire three level mansion. I was practically alone and bored out of my wits. I had thought homework would occupy me but by the third question, I was over it. Who even invented homework? It was boring and a huge pain.

I sat back up properly. With my elbow placed on the desk, I rested my head in my hand as I stared out the window and into the pretty garden where the different types of flowers grew.

Deciding fresh air was better than being cooped up in my room, I snatched my phone and earbuds off the bedside table and started my way towards the garden. I greeted the help who were cleaning the house on the way down and they greeted me back with small smiles.

I slid the backyard door open and took a step into the garden. With my feet in the freshly cut grass, I wiggled my toes before walking over to the bench. I plugged my earbuds in the headphone jack and placed them in my ears.

The sun shone down on me and I tilted my head back, my eyes squinting at the vibrant sun as my music playlist played in my ears. I breathed the fresh air in and felt all the tension in my body leave. My muscles relaxed and I instinctively closed my eyes.

The fragrance of the flowers wafted in my nostrils as I took another deep breath in.

Peace settled within me and I could feel a sort of tiredness wash over me. I felt myself get lulled into a slumber as my music played like a lullaby. I felt myself losing focus on everything as leaned back into the bench. I allowed myself to get pulled into the darkness and soon, I was asleep.

I don’t know if it was just my imagination or just purely a dream. But I saw a hand. The sun wasn’t shining in my eyes anymore as the hand shielded the sun away from my eyes. And then I saw a chin peeking through in between the gaps of the fingers. But that was all I saw before nothingness.

It was either the violent shaking or the loud shouting that woke me up.

My eyes fluttered open and I saw River staring at me with brows knitted together. He leaned back, “Finally.” A yawn escaped my parted lips as I rubbed my eyes. Removing my earbuds, I checked the time. It was five.

“Start getting dressed. We’re leaving at six fifteen.” I nodded my head groggily and he spared me one last glance before walking off with hands shoved in his pockets. I stretched my limbs before getting up and going back into the house.

Tossing my phone on my bed, I entered the bathroom and stripped out of my clothes to take a quick shower. The warm water hit my body and I washed my hair.

“Damn it,” I muttered to myself as I got out of the shower only to realize that I had forgotten to bring clothes in. I mentally facepalmed myself and wrapped a towel around my body. Drying my feet on the mat, I opened the bathroom door and took a step out.

“Hey Summers –”

My eyes widened as a shriek escaped my lips. I held the towel against my body as a smirk curved River’s face. I could feel a blush creep up my cheeks as he looked me up and down. I shied away, “Couldn’t you have knocked before barging in? For goodness sake, I could’ve been stark naked or in the midst of changing.”

He scoffed, “Don’t worry Summers. I’m not interested in pigs.” He said that but his eyes trailed down to my legs. I snatched a pillow of my bed and hurled it at him, “Eyes up here you pervert!” He caught the pillow and chuckled to himself as I narrowed my eyes at him, “What do you want Jones? State it quickly and get out of my room.”

He leaned against the door and said nothing, purposefully annoying me. I snapped my fingers as I glared daggers at him.

“I just wanted to ask if you’ve seen my underwear.”

My face contorted to one of disgust and confusion, “Your underwear? Why would I have seen your underwear?”

He shrugged as mischief danced in his eyes, “I don’t know. Maybe you stole it or something.”

I snickered, “No, I didn’t. Plus, you’re the one who’s more likely to steal someone else’s underwear you pervert. Now get out.” I raised a fist at him and he held both hands up in the air before closing the door.

I released an annoyed breath as I grabbed my dress out of my closet.

With my gown on, hair dried and put in a half-up Dutch braid crown and minimal makeup slapped on, I was good to go. I grabbed my clutch that was big enough for my phone, a credit card and few dollar bills before heading down with my white heels with gold straps in another hand.

River was already downstairs and as I walked down, his eyes trailed after me. I raised an eyebrow at him before a cocky smile tipped my lips, “Like what you see Jones?” His blue orbs met my brown ones and lingered before he turned and said nothing.

“Cat’s got your tongue?”

He shook his head, “No but I know if I said what was on my mind, you would throw that three-inch heel at my face. And I would not like my face to be ruined, especially tonight.” He threw me a wink and I rolled my eyes. What a player.

“Oh my gosh! You look wonderful Riley!” Julie gushed as she came down with Robert. A shy smile found its way on my face as I thanked her.

“Alright, looks like everybody is ready so let’s get in the car and head to the ball.” Robert said with his hands brought together. He snaked a hand around Julie’s waist and walked off with her head on his shoulder.

I smiled at their lovey-dovey sight and River followed behind them. He spared me a glance and his lips moved as he passed me. His words were a whisper but I caught them.

“I lied. You look beautiful.”