We were just Friends

The air this morning was a little cool, but it wasn't uncomfortable. Walking to school always warmed Riley up anyways, and thankfully spring was here anyways. Riley lived a good five minutes driving distance from Forest Ridge Academy, an hour if she had to walk, most days her dad would drive her to school and back. His employer, the Morris family were understanding that he'd be a little late since their son went to her school, but Riley insisted that she walk sometimes. She was old enough to walk alone, plus, it was good exercise and kept her humble.

As Riley neared the preppy school, she fixed her uniform dress shirt and skirt as she neared the entrance. She got picked on enough for not being rich, she didn't need to be picked on for looking messy. A fake smile played across her lips as she entered the schools' courtyard. The jocks were playing football or basketball in their respected area's before school and some of the school girl bullies were huddled in their groups, probably gossiping.

Looking around, Riley looked to see if she could spot Caden. She wanted to see what he was up to after school, as she wanted a rematch for Mario cart. Although, if he was with a girl or his guy friends, she'll be sure to leave him alone. The guy was a womanizer as well as one of the school's most eligible bachelor, he had a lot of eyes on him at all times.

"Hey, cutie." A chill ran down Riley's spine as Nick Collins came towards her. His sleek greased back hair shined slightly in the morning light. "Uh, hi Nick," Riley said, offering a small wary smile as she quickly looked away to try and find her best, and only friend here. "What do you say we ditch school? I know this cool place where we can hang out for a while. It'll be fun." His offer send a wave of chills down her spine. "Uh, I'm sorry. I can't. I need to keep my attendance up." Riley said quietly. "I uh, I gotta go." She said quietly, turning her back to him so that she could escape, but Nick reached out and grabbed her wrist tightly. "Hey, I wasn't done talking to you," Nick growled out, his hold tightening on her wrist.

"A-ow. You're hurting me, Nick, Stop!" Riley said quietly as she turned back towards him. She didn't want to draw any attention today. It already sucked enough that everyone knew that she was pretty much the only broke kid going to Forest Ridge Academy.

Caden wasn't the typical stuck up sort of rich guy that most of the guys who attended Forest Ridge Academy. He was humble despite his upbringing where he was more or less never told no. It was how his mother and father had raised him - they rewarded him if he acted properly. He had caught on quite quickly and had always treated people with respect since - he was only rewarded like that. He did his best to make everyone feel good about themselves and to be everyones' friend despite who they were. Despite choices that they couldn't always change.

He was running a bit late behind so when he pulled into the school's parking lot, Caden rushed out of his car with his bag slung over his shoulders. He nearly went through the side door when he noticed Riley standing with a guy that he had never really gotten along with. Nick Collins. The kid was trouble if Caden had ever known it and judging by the way that Riley was holding herself, there was a reason. He frowned as he tilted his head to the side, his path changing quickly.

"Hey!" Caden called out, his eyes narrowing angrily when he noticed the hand on Riley's wrist. "Dude," he ground out when he came to a stop beside Riley. He forced a smile at her before he turned toward Nick, raising an eyebrow.

"I actually have to steal Riley. Have to talk to her about a history project that we're working on together," Caden spoke lowly, trying to contain his anger at the grip that Nick had on Riley's wrist. He took a slight step forward when Nick hesitated. His arm slid around Riley's waist when his hand finally dropped and he was quick to lead Riley away. It wasn't until they were out of ear shot that Caden spoke again. "Sorry I was running so late. My alarm didn't go off and I was rushing," he said with a sigh. "WOn't happen again. I'm sorry that Nick got so handsy with you," he said as he shoved his hands into his pockets.

@ castle.
"It's fine." Was all that Riley could really say as she rubbed her sore wrist with her free hand. Her wrist was a little red and she was sure that she'll be getting a bruise sooner or later because of it. Thankfully, she managed to find some decent cheap make-up that would hide the bruise quite nicely.

"What were you doing last night that you forgot to set your alarm?" Riley asked as she glanced up at her best friend. Then, she slowly glanced behind herself to make sure that Nick wasn't following them or that someone was near enough to hear them talking together. It wasn't really a good idea for Riley to be handing around with Caden since he was popular and she wasn't. Which Riley found dumb, but it was how the world worked. Especially for those born into the high society.

As they neared the school building, Riley allowed for Caden to open the door for her before going inside herself. "Oh, I heard Missy Mills is planning to ask you out today at lunch." Riley randomly brought up. A teasing look appeared on her face as she looked at Caden. "She'll be what? The fourth girl this week who asked you out, mister popular."

"She is quite pretty," Riley said honestly, then not saying anything else on the topic because she didn't know what else to say. Caden was her best friend, and just thinking of him being in a relationship with someone made her a little nervous. She was scared it'll change him, make him not want to be around her anymore.

Caden didn't really care who did or didn't see Riley and him talking to each other. She had been one of his best friends since they were little, he wasn't going to sacrifice their friendship so that other people could feel better about themselves and the roles everyone played in society. He gave a little lopsided grin as Riley passed into the school, quick to follow her inside.

It wasn't until Riley mentioned Missy that his smile dropped. Caden let out a low groan as he reached up, rubbing at his cheek as he shook his head. "Please, no. She wants to hang on my arm so that she can be known as my girlfriend. She hardly even knows anything about me - no more than what anyone else here knows. Not like she knows more about me - like you do. Hell, you could rule her in a competition about Caden knowledge," he said, unable to contain his laugh.

Caden nudged her with his elbow, grinning from ear to ear. "What? It's the truth. I don't want to be in a relationship with someone just for the helluva it. What would be the point of that? Besides I have school to focus on. Wouldn't be fair to a girl if I kept ditching out dates so I could study," he muttered more to himself than to her even.

"WHich is why I forgot to set my alarm last night. I was studying all night. Didn't get to sleep until almost 2 in the morning. I regret everything now," Caden said with a groan as he rolled his neck. "I wish I had enough time to grab some coffee. I need some caffeine," he sighed. He shook his head as he glanced toward her.

"How are you, by the way? I feel like we don't get enough time to talk any more."