Fighting The Riptide.

Zoey walked with her cousin to the house where the party was. It was her first week living with her mom and her cousin, Monica, was already taking her parties. Yea her dad was gonna love that. Zoey looked around, feeling some of the people looking at her. Of course, a place like this town meant she would draw attention. It wasn’t every day that someone new came around. Zoey walked away from her cousin going to find something to drink. She managed to find a bunch of alcohol in the kitchen. She grabbed a wine cooler from the bucket of ice and turned around. Zoey gasped slightly seeing a guy behind her. She sighed as he started to talk to her. Her went from zero to a hundred real quick when it came to hitting on her.

Mark smirked at Zoey, “So you know I can always show you around town if you want me to.” He suggested smiling. Zoey rolled her eyes, “No thanks I’m good.” She said, going to walk by him. She narrowed her eyes as he stepped in front of her, her fingers wrapped around the fruity drink in her hand. Mark looked down at her, “Come on you are going to have to start talking to people around here soon anyway.” He said. Zoey raised an eyebrow, “No not really.” She replied, sarcastically, “Now move before I move you.” She argued. Mark chuckled, “Oh please like you could move me.” He said, starting to become agitated.

Parker and Evan laughed as they sat with Ryder drinking in their usual corner of the host’s house. It was right next to all the alcohol so they could avoid weaving through all the drunks. Even looked over, seeing Mark talking to some girl he had never seen before. Parker looked at him, “What?” He asked, turning his head to look behind him. “Oh yea that’s Monica’s cousin that moved up here.” He explained. “Mark is already trying to get with her. Go figure.” He said, taking a swig of his beer. Evan frowned when he started listening to the conversation, “Yea and she does not like it.” He said, chuckling.

The party was nothing more than the usual. All just routine now especially in this town, same kids, same cheap beer and same heavy bass floating through the house. Ryder scrolled through instagram and saw pictures from the party already popping up on his feed. He lifted his eyes to what had caught Parker and Evan’s attention.

Ryder couldn’t see the girl’s face but by what little conversation he could hear, he didn’t need too. Mark thought he was irresistible when in reality, he harassed girls more than anything. He looked down into his red cup, it was nearly empty. He stood up and pocketed his phone.”I’m gonna get another drink.” He moved around Parker and ventured further into the kitchen area, just out of sight from his friends and he downed the last remains of his beer as he tossed the cup in a nearby garbage can.

Ryder kept moving until he was standing next to the new girl, slinging his arm around her waist.”You’re Monica’s cousin, right?” He asked, hoping she would get the hint to play along.”She asked me to come get you for her.”

Zoey was surprised to feel someone's arm go around her, looking over to see a new guy standing next to her. She nodded, "Yes." She said. She walked away from him and then pulled away once they were away from Mark. "Thanks for that. He was a little weird." She said, smiling at him. "I'm Zoey." She said, offering him her hand. She shook his head, listening to his name. Zoey looked around them, "So is this all you do around here?" She asked him. Monica had always talked about parties and that was about it. It seemed like the kids in this town needed new hobbies.

Monica frowned when she seen Zoey talking to Ryder Larson, "Oh no." She said, setting her drink down. She moved over to them and looped her arm through Zoey's, "Zoey I have people you need to meet." She said, narrowing her eyes at Ryder, "That aren't him." She said. Zoey frowned at her cousin's words, but didn't have time to object as Monica started to pull her away. "It was nice meeting you." She said to Ryder before she was pulled out of the way.

Parker and Evan looked at Ryder from their spot and shook their head. Nobody was really a huge fan of Monica's in the town. Evan walked over to Ryder, "So that was a quick meeting." He said, laughing softly. "You ready to get the hell away from this party?" He asked his friend.

Zoey frowned as she watched Ryder and his friends leaving. She managed to get away from Monica and walked out of the house after Ryder. "Hey." She said, grabbing his arm. She stepped back as he turned around. "I'm sorry about Monica. That was really rude of her." She apologized. Zoey watched him for a moment, "Well if you wanna talk or spend some time together." She paused as she pulled a piece of paper from her purse and a pen. She handed it to him after she wrote her number down. "Here." She said, smiling.

Parker and Evan grinned like idiots behind Ryder, "Or you could come with us!" Parker called, getting an elbow to the side from Evan.

@ LuckyB

“Yeah, don’t mention it.” Ryder dropped his arm from around her when they were far enough away from Mark.”I’m Ryder.” He introduced himself as she gave him her own name. Of course, he knew who she was. It wasn’t everyday they had a new resident but she didn’t need to know that the town was talking for weeks before her arrival.”No, this is pretty much it. Or you create your own fun.” He couldn’t count the many times he spent getting drunk on the beach or skateboarding down the boardwalk.

Ryder had to roll his eyes as Monica came along and gave him that stared down look that he was accustomed to her giving him anytime they were near each other and he gave a slight wave of his hand as Monica pulled Zoey away.

Ryder returned back to his own group of friends.“You know Monica thinks I’m the devil in disguise and all that.” Ryder rolled his eyes as he reached for Parker’s beer and chugged it down. He wiped his mouth with the back of his hand as he nodded.”God, yes. Let’s go.”

He was almost out the door when someone grabbed his arm and he was quick to turn around and it was Zoey who apologized for Monica.

Ryder shook his head.”No need to apologize for that.” He grabbed the slip of paper from her, glancing down at the digits. He wondered how Monica would react knowing her cousin wanted to see him again. Then Parker had opened his mouth with the invitation and Ryder looked to Parker as he folded the piece of paper in half and slipping it into his jeans before returning his eyes back to Zoey.”Or you could come with us.” He seconded the offer because why not?

Zoey was surprised when they invited her along, seeing the two behind him waiting anxiously for her answer. “Sure. Sounds more fun than this lame party.” She said as she started to walk with them. Evan smirked, “Don’t you wanna know what we are doing?” He asked. Zoey looked at him, “Well seeing as Monica seems to not like Ryder and she is watching me like a hawk we will just talk about that on the way there.” She said, smiling. Evan shrugged, “Sounds like a plan.” He said. Parker looked at her, “I’m Parker by the way and that asshole over there is Evan.” He said, introducing the two. Zoey looked at him, “Nice to meet you.” She said. Once they were far enough away she looked at Ryder, “So where are we going?” She asked. Zoey sighed when she already had her cell phone going off. She pulled it out of her pocket then silenced it and turned her attention back to Ryder. She had to admit that he had that bad boy charm going on.

Zoey was glad when they said they were going to the beach, “Great. See already having more fun with you guys.” She said, laughing softly. Evan looked at Ryder, “Are we getting alcohol first?” He asked, “Maybe some snacks?” He said. Parker laughed, “Evan you are such a fat ass we just ate before we went to the party.” He said, laughing. Zoey looked at the two boys as they argued, “Actually food sounds good.” She said, walking with them. It was nice that the stores and beaches really weren’t that far away.

Once they got to the convenience store Zoey grabbed some snacks along with Evan and frowned as Evan took them from her. “I got you.” He said, taking them to pay for them. “Thanks I guess.” She said, laughing softly. Parker grabbed them some beer and liquor before going to the counter and buying it with his fake ID. He got two packs of cigarettes and a beef stick as well. Zoey smiled as she leaned against the counter as she watched the guys. She looked over at Ryder, “Thanks for inviting me along.” She said, smiling.

@ LuckyB

Ryder smiled, shrugging a bit because he could only imagine the things that Monica had said to Zoey about him in the short span of time they had met and it was surprising that she even agreed to come along with them.”I’m not sure how you’re gonna put up with these two assholes.” He reached out and pinched Parker’s cheeks as Parker and Evan made their way back over to them with all of their loot in bags.”I can barely stand the sight of them myself.”

Parker knocked Ryder’s hands away with a laugh as he handed him a pack of beer to carry.”You’re such a fucking liar.” Evan handed Zoey the bag full of snacks.”You’re in charge of snacks.” And the four of them made their way out of the store, the street desolate and only lit up by the few open shops and streetlights.

The closer they got to the beach, the air changed. Salt was in the air and the last of the seagulls flew overhead.

Zoey held the bag in her hands as they made their way to the beach. Once they were there she took her shoes off and held them in her other hand as they walked to a secluded spot on the beach. Zoey watched as Parker and Evan gathered some things to start the fire. Zoey sat down in the sand, watching as the guys worked on getting them a fire going. It warmed up rather quickly once the flames grew higher.

Parker opened a beer and tossed Evan and Ryder one as well. He handed Zoey a beer, "Hope you are okay with beer because that's all we drink." He said, laughing as he sat with the rest. Beside him Evan sat opening a bag of chips. Evan looked at Ryder then looked at Parker, "Don't fucking judge me you dicks." He said, laughing as he put a few chips in his mouth.

Zoey took the beer from Parker and opened it. She looked at them, "So what else is there to do around here besides this?" She asked. Zoey didn't mind hanging out on the beach. Hell the beach was one of her favorite places.

@ LuckyB

The fire was big and bright and felt really good on such a chilly night. The nights were always a bit more chilly than the day and it caused a sense of nostalgia for Ryder no matter how many times he ended a night like this.

He caught the beer that Parker threw at him as he popped the top. He snickered out "pig" when Evan stuffed his mouthful of chips. He licked his lips and shrugged as he got more comfortable as they would be there for a long while."Um, this is pretty much it. The mall's just outside of town if that's more your thing."

Ryder dug around in the snack bag."What did you do back home?" It had to be more eventful than this place. Anywhere else had to be.

Zoey shook her head, "I don't like the mall. Not really a fan of that man people." She said, smiling. "Online shopping is the way to go." She said. She thought for a moment when he asked about what she did back home. "Well i went to concerts and hung out with my friends. There was a lot of stuff to do where i use to live." She said. "I mean there is literally something to do every few blocks." She said, then took a sip of her beer.

Evan looked at her, "Then why did you move?" He asked. Zoey looked at him, "well i was living with my dad, but i figured i should spend some time with my mom before i graduate high school. So here i am." She said, laughing softly. She looked at the fire then looked over at them.

A few hours later they were all pretty much drunk and the sound of music blaring from Evan's phone surrounded them. Parker took a swig from the bottle of whiskey then passed it to Ryder. Zoey sat next to Ryder, leaning on him slightly. She hadn't been this drunk in a long time.

@ LuckyB

@ LuckyB

"What a culture shock you're gonna have because this place is dead during off season. Just all of us local kids creating shenanigans." Ryder laughed because he couldn't imagine being immersed into a small town life after living in a much bigger city."Do you already know what you're doing after graduation?" It would be a miracle if Ryder graduated, he barely made it to class and if he did, he didn't pay much attention to anything. His future plans included nothing more than what he was already doing and working his shifts at the shop, just lining his pockets for enough weed and alcohol to get him through the weekend.

Ryder could definitely feel the effects of all the alcohol that was in his system, he was warm and fuzzy and his mind a tad hazy but it was a good feeling. He accept the whiskey bottle and it was a bit surprising that Zoey was leaning on him but it felt nice. He brought his hand up to the small of her back, rubbing the span of her back as he offered her the bottle as well."Do you want us to walk you home or do you wanna stay with us?" He asked as he knew it wouldn't be much longer that Parker and Evan would be passed straight out on the beach. If Ryder closed his eyes and laid back, he would be a goner as well.

Zoey looked at him as he offered her the bottle, "I'm gonna stay with you guys." She said, smiling. "My mother would kill me if i came back like this the first weekend im here." She said, laughing. She took a sip of the bottle then handed it back to him. Zoey watched as Parker and Evan laid back on the beach, eventually passing out. Zoey looked at Ryder, "What losers." She teased them. She laid back with him and looked up at the sky. It was so weird to see so many stars. She looked over at him, then snuggled up to him and closed her eyes, passing out on him.

The next morning Zoey woke up to the sun hitting her face. She groaned as she rubbed her face, "Okay bad side of sleeping on the beach." She muttered as she sat up. Her head was pounding and she looked over, seeing Evan and Parker just waking up. She shook Ryder lightly to wake him before she pulled her phone at her purse. She looked at the time, "I gotta go." She said as she started to get to her feet. She looked at them, "Um...thanks for inviting me last night." She said. She grabbed her shoes then started walking, "Text me!" She called to Ryder before she kept walking. She sighed as she got back to her house, shutting the door. Luckily her mom wasn't home so she didn't have to deal with that yet. She walked up to her room and laid down.

[Feel free to skip to the first day of the school year or whatever you want XD I'm not picky]

@ LuckyB

@ RomanSky

(also! maybe he hadn't spoken nor seen Zoey since?)

The sun wasn’t high in the sky so it had to be fairly early as Ryder woke up next to Zoey who looked like she needed to get home and he didn’t blame her, not wanting her to get into any trouble with her mom. He ran his hand through his hair, sand was everywhere and he could feel the pulse a headache beginning to form.”Yeah, thanks for coming with us.” He smiled as he watched her begin to trail up the beach, away from them and their burned out fire.”I definitely will.” Though he wondered if this was just a fluke or did she actually want to be friends with them.

He looked to Evan and Parker as he stood up and dusted himself off.”Let’s go losers.” He threw sand over the fire, making sure it as out as he gathered up what trash they had and chunked it in the garbage bin on the way out of the beach and onto the street.

They split up not much further down the street as each boy headed home. Ryder hated going home but he was sure his father was still passed out in his recliner in the living room so Ryder could get a few hours of decent sleep.

*

Wednesday morning came around and it was the first day of school and Ryder contemplated on whether he should go or not but this year he had to get his act together or he wouldn’t graduate so he had to at least pretend he gave a shit.

He threw on some black skinny jeans and a white shirt and pushed his arms through his leather jacket as he grabbed his helmet, his backpack and his keys before he was leaving the house quiet as a mouse not to wake his dad.

Ryder started his bike up with ease as he took off to school.

[PERFECT!!!]

Zoey got out of Monica's car and walked towards the school with her. Monica sighed, "You really need to just avoid Ryder all together." She said, going on with her lecture. "He's bad news okay?" She asked. Zoey groaned, "Yes okay? I get it." She snapped. She rolled her eyes and walked off and headed to the office to get her schedule for the year.

Monica narrowed her eyes and then found Ryder standing with Parker and Evan. She shoved him slightly, seeing him turn around pissed off. "Careful Ryder i'm not just some guy you can hit." She said, glaring. "Stay away from my cousin got it? She doesn't need you fucking up her life." She warned him. "So you can do what i say or i can just tell her a bunch of lies. Either way you won't be friends with Zoey." She said. Parker glared at Monica, "Why are you constantly a bitch?" He asked. Evan laughed, shooting water out of his mouth at Parker's comment. Parker smirked as Monica glared at him, "Just wondering if it is a constant thing or if you like remove the stick from your ass when you get home." He said, laughing.

Zoey sighed as she walked to the locker she was given and opened it. She put her thing in it then grabbed her stuff she needed for her first class. Zoey walked to her class then sat down at her desk. She hoped that today would go well. It sucked starting at a new school. Especially senior year.

@ LuckyB

"Don't worry, princess, I wouldn't want to touch you unnecessarily." Ryder had to roll his eyes at Monica's comment, yeah, sure he might have a bit of a temper and he might have gotten in a few fights but nothing that wasn't what needed to be done but he would never hit a female."Oh, I'm sure you're gonna tell Zoey whatever you feel like telling her whether it's true or not but maybe you should let her decide who to hang out with because she sure didn't have a problem hanging out with the three of us." Ryder gestured towards the three of them knowing that it would get under Monica's skin. Ryder snickered at Parker's remark and he shook his head."You know that stick has been lodged in her ass since the summer before freshman year." The bell rang shrilly and he jutted his thumb behind him toward the school."This was a nice chat Monica but I must get to class." He turned around with Parker and Evan flanking him.

Evan and Parker broke off to go to class while Ryan headed to his locker first to throw in his helmet. He was late to class and he was sure that it was every teacher's nightmare to get him this year.

Zoey absentmindedly drew in her notebook as the teach rambled on about the new year and what was going to be going on. She heard the door open but didn't bother to look up from what she was doing. She heard the teacher say Ryder's name and something about him being late as usual. Zoey bit her bottom lip lightly as she focused on what she was drawing. She didn't pay much attention through class until she heard writing on the board. This year was going to be easy for her anyway. Zoey closed her stuff as the bell rang and got to her feet. She walked out and went to her locker. She sighed as Monica appeared beside of her.

"I took care of Ryder for you. Don't worry he won't bother you." She said. Zoey looked at her, "I didn't have a problem with him to begin with." She said, narrowing her eyes. She hated to admit it, but she didn't really like Monica. She really didn't spend much time around her since they were little and she didn't care for her then either. "I don't know why you think you can decide who my friends are, but you don't get to." She said, her voice getting louder. "You don't know me. I barely even know you. The only reason we are even talking is because our parents suggested it. The last time i talked to you we were like six and i didn't like you then and i can barely stand you now!" She yelled at her. "So just stay out of my business would you? Can you do that? Can you focus on your pathetic life and not worry about mine?" She asked, slamming her locker and walking away.

Monica stood there is shock as the people in the hallway stared at her. She looked over at Evan, Parker and Ryder, glaring before she walked off.

@ LuckyB

@ RomanSky

Ryder saw that Zoey was in his first period class but he didn’t say anything to her and tried to not linger on her too much. He hasn’t spoken to her since the beach and he wasn’t sure now how to even go about it plus having Monica on him was daunting.

The bell rang and he was going down the hall with Parker and Evan when he heard the commotion that Zoey was giving to Monica and he couldn’t help the corners of his mouth twitching into a smile that Monica was getting told off by her own cousin in the middle of the hallway.

The rest of the day dragged on until lunch. Ryder sat in the back at a table with both Parker and Evan. He hadn’t touched his food as he looked down at his phone and stood up, shoving his tray to Evan.”Have a second helping.” He teased the other boy and Evan paused with the hamburger to his mouth.”Leaving so soon?” Ryder shrugged.”I took an early shift.” He shoved his phone into his pocket before he bumped fists with both Parker and Evan."Let me know what's going on tonight." Parker nodded and Ryder was leaving the lunch room and grabbing his helmet from his locker before he was walking out of the school and hopping onto his bike and heading to start a days work down at the shop.

When the school day ended Zoey made her way back to her house. She walked to her room and set her things down. She was starting to wonder why Ryder hadn't texted her. Maybe he really wasn't that into her and was just being nice that night or something. Zoey laid back on her bed and stared at her phone. What the hell? Since when couldn't a girl text a guy first. She began to type up her text Hey...Sorry about Monica being a bitch today. She sent the message to Ryder then relaxed again.

[Sorry about the short post. I am thinking maybe he invites her to come see him or something.. I don't know haha]

@ LuckyB

Ryder was underneath a Honda Civic when his phone buzzed in his pocket. He finished tightening nuts and bolts before he rolled himself out and wiped his dirty hands on a rag. He pulled his phone out and it was a text from Zoey which he was a bit surprised at but the message made him smile anyway. nothing knew about that. not your fault he replied and he quickly typed out another. i'm heading over to parker's tonight, do you wanna come? i can pick you up.

@ RomanSky

Zoey smiled when she seen Ryder's name pop up on her phone. She was so glad he invited her to go with me. Yes! save me from this boring house! she texted adding a desperate looking emoji face. She bit her bottom lip lightly as she thpught about Ryder. She really didnt know what was so bad about him.

@ LuckyB