Fighting For Her - A 'Warrior' Fanfiction

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The drive was longer than usual because of the snow, but Riley made it to her parents house in just under five hours. They lived in a suburb just northwest of Philadelphia, where the houses were large and the golfing was abundant. She looked in her rearview mirror once she reached the house. She smoothed her hair down with the palms of her hands and checked the side of her face. Her bruise had mostly faded, and whatever was still dark was covered with concealer. She was glad, she didn't want to have to explain what happened with Ryan.

She tugged on her sleeve to make sure her tattoo was covered before she walked in the house.

"Helloo?!" Riley sang as she entered the long foyer. The house was warm and inviting, pictures of family trips lined the cream colored walls.

Riley's mother poked her head around the corner and smiled once she saw her daughter.

"My darling!" She scurried over and hugged her softly. She stepped back and looked her daughter over. "You look pale."

"Its winter, Ma." She laughed and shook her head. "Where's dad?"

Her mother took the coat off of Riley's back and placed it on the coat rack by the door. "In his study with your brother."

Riley walked casually to the den, marveling at the over the top Christmas decorations her mother put out every year. The door to the den was slightly open, a whiff of cigar smoke circled her nose. She pushed the door open and saw her father's sitting in his favorite chair, his broad shoulders shaking with laughter at something her brother was saying.

"And what's so funny?" Riley leaned against the door frame and crossed her arms.

"Hey peanut!" Her father got up and hugged his daughter tightly.

"Riley!" Her brother slapped her on the back. "Guess who just made partner at the firm?" He pointed his thumbs at himself and smiled.

"That's great Jack!" She hugged her big brother and smiled.

"You know, there's always room for you at the firm, peanut. Just have to get-"

"Dad. I love you. But no." She gazed around the room and saw most of the same books that Paddy had at his house and suddenly missed Tommy.

"So when's Ryan coming?" Jack slouched back on the couch and brought the glass of scotch to his lips.

"Yes, how is he? I haven't seen him in so long. I miss our golf games." Her father took a long draw from his cigar.

She stared at the ground for a moment, thinking of what to say. Clearing her throat, she simply said, "I don't want to talk about it."

She joined her brother on the thick leather couch. Her brother sensed her tension and changed the subject. They spoke of his new promotion until it was time for dinner.

The table was decorated with beautiful red place settings, and candles surrounded in small pine wreaths. They spoke of formalities, the living room being redecorated, how long winter was lasting.

No one brought up Ryan.

Her room was exactly the same as when she left it, even though her mother told her countless times that she was going to redecorate. Posters of rock bands lined the walls, photos of high school friends taped onto her mirror. Riley flopped on her bed and grabbed her phone. One new message.

I miss you.

She smiled when she saw that it was from Tommy. With nimble fingers she wrote back.

What a coincidence...

She stared at her phone for a few moments waiting for the screen to light up. After a minute or two she decided to get ready for bed. Unpacking some of her clothes, she found the shirt and sweatpants she wore when she was at Tommy's house and put them on.