Chapter 32

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Today is the day I might finally have that conversation with Vinnie, and I've already mapped out my strategy to avoid chickening out. But first, I need to get myself ready. I cue up Payton's new track, "DRIVE AWAY," and let the melody set the tone as I take a refreshing shower, apply a light layer of makeup, and slip into my chosen outfit.

With my AirPods in place, I head to the kitchen in search of some breakfast.

"Hey," Noen's voice greets me as he pops up in front of me.

"Hey," I reply, removing one AirPod.

"You look amazing," Noen compliments.

"You too," I return the compliment with a smile.

"Good luck today. I'm gonna miss you," Noen says, pulling me into a hug.

"Gonna miss you more, Noen," I reply, squeezing him back.

"Promise to come by and eat Taco Bell with me sometime?" Noen requests.

"Of course, Noen," I agree, feeling a sense of warmth in our friendship as we share a laugh.

"I'm gonna be skipping school today so I can plan everything out completely," I inform him.

"Okay, want a ride?" Noen offers.

"No, thanks. I'm gonna walk," I decline.

"Okay, but can we please eat cereal together before you leave?" Noen requests.

"Of course, Noen," I agree, joining him to find our favorite cereal.

Time skip to when I arrive at our house

Unlocking the door, I step inside, feeling a sense of familiarity wash over me. It's strange to be back, yet everything looks just as I remember it.

Making my way to Vinnie's room, I'm met with a sight that tells a story of neglect. The room reeks of sweat, cigarettes, and alcohol, making my eyes water. Determined to set things right, I open the windows to let in some fresh air before tackling the mess. Trash, laundry, and dishes litter the space, but I roll up my sleeves and get to work. After clearing out the clutter, I scrub the floors and change the bedsheets, hoping to create a clean slate.

Once the cleaning is done, I tackle the kitchen, washing all the dishes and preparing some lunch to welcome Vinnie back.

Time skip 1 hour

As I make a quick visit to the restroom, I hear the front door open, and I rush out to find myself enveloped in a hug by my brother, Ryland.

"Hey, good to have you back," Ryland greets me warmly.

"You too. Where's Vinnie?" I inquire.

"He went for a shower. Why?" Ryland asks.

"I'm gonna surprise everyone with me and Vinnie, so I'm gonna act like I'm still mad," I explain.

"Good. Then I don't have to see him when I put his lunch in his room," I add before making my way upstairs.

As I enter Vinnie's room, I lay out a card I've written and a new skateboard deck I bought, alongside the meal I've prepared.

"Hey, Vincent<3," I write in the card. "I'm so sorry for all the drama, and it was totally my fault. I cleaned your room and bought you a new deck because I saw the post on your Insta. I just hope you can forgive me, and we can start over. Your Riley<3"

The deck features a skeleton skating, a touch of personalization I hope he'll appreciate.

I hide behind the door, anticipation building as I wait for Vinnie to emerge from the shower.

Time skip 15 minutes

I hear the bathroom door open, and Vinnie enters the room, clad only in a towel. His eyes fall on the items I've laid out for him, and he sits down, taking it all in.

"Riley," he whispers, and I slowly emerge from my hiding spot.

"Here," I say, rushing over and wrapping my arms around him.

"Of course, we can," he whispers, holding me close.

"Yes, how's it going with you and Nai?" I inquire.

"We cut the contact after you ran out," Vinnie reveals.

"Wanna go on a date?" I suggest.

"Yeah, give me 20 minutes," Vinnie replies, and I exit the room, feeling a sense of hope.

Sitting on the couch, I wait for Vinnie to get ready.

"Hey, what's happening?" Kio asks, noticing my presence.

"I'm just going out," I reply.

"With who?" Kio probes.

"Baby, you're ready?" Vinnie calls out, descending the stairs.

"Yup, sorry Kio, gotta go," I say, taking Vinnie's hand.

"Ryland!" Kio shouts as we make our way to the car.

With Payton's music as our soundtrack, we embark on our journey, Vinnie's hand resting gently on my lap.

"It's so weird to be here with you again," Vinnie remarks, and I smile in agreement.

Time skip to Saturday

I wake up to a message from Payton, informing me of his imminent arrival.

After taking a quick shower and changing, I bid farewell to Vinnie with a kiss before heading out in his car.

Arriving at Sway, I find everyone wide awake and ready to welcome me.

"Wow, didn't expect that," I remark, laughing at the surprised faces.

"Arh, bestie, it's so good to see you," Jaden exclaims, rushing over to embrace me.

"OMG, I totally forgot you got home already," I admit, returning the hug.

"Ready to meet Payton?" Ant asks, and I nod eagerly.

"We're going to get him now. You wanna come or just wait here?" he offers.

"Duh, of course, I wanna come," I reply, excitement bubbling as I hurry to Jaden's car like a little kid.




i am so happy to have Jaden back..








and I think Josh is too..

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heyyyy peeeepppsssssss

I've decided to end this book at 35 chapters so if you have any q's about the book just leave a comment<3

remember to vote and comment

<Laura>

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