My Bestie’s Brother

My Best Friend

*Riley’s POV*

Wait what. John said he would be my new bestie? I’ve only known this guy for like what 3 days? I was still in shock. I noticed I had been zoned out a little too long and John was staring at me with concern. I replied, “Okay sure. Besties!”

My heart stung a little bit. I was hoping he would ask me if I wanted to go on a date but we could take this path. I mean my parents were best friends before getting married and they’re going strong.

John embraced me with a hug. It was nice and warm. I felt butterflies in my stomach at his embrace. Then he spoke, “So it’s settled. We’re new besties and it’s going to be hard to separate us!” I giggled. Suddenly all my sadness and pain started to go away.

I looked at the time and noticed it was 9:30 pm. I bet he would let me stay here all night if I wanted, but I didn’t want to mess this up. I got up and said, “Well it’s been a long day and I don’t wanna be late tomorrow. I’ll see you in the morning!” John nodded and added, “Okay but you’re gonna text me when you get home and I’m going to meet you on the field at 7:45 am.” I smiled. No one was that nice to me. “Okay sure. See you later!” John pulled me in for another hug. It was nice. He took me outside and helped me in my Mustang. He smiled and watched me as I drove off. This was exciting.

*John’s POV”

I couldn’t help it. There was something about Riley that drew me to her. Maybe it was because I hadn’t seen Amy in a while and just needed a distraction. I’m not sure. I pulled out my phone and dialed Amy.

Amy: “Hey there. I was just about to call. We need to talk.”

Uh oh. I know that tone. I’ve been her boyfriend for the last 5 years. She was serious.

Me: “Okay babe. What’s up?”

Amy: “I just can’t do this long distance thing anymore. Since I got my new job in River Oaks, I’ve been lonely. You have 2 years left and I need someone here.”

Oh. This was new. We did the long distance thing last year while she was attending school in Amarillo and I was in Lubbock. It worked out fairly well then she got her first job near Houston. I sighed.

Me: “Baby we can work this out. It’s just temporary. Plus remember your parents live in Anson which isn’t too far from here. You’ll be able to see me.”

She huffed like she was agitated on the other side. I guess she had already planned this.

Amy: “No John. We’re done.”

She hung up on me. No way was this happening. Things were just going well for me. I started to cry. Amy was my high school sweetheart and we started dating senior year. I didn’t know what to do. All the sudden, my phone beeped saying I had a new text. I looked down. Riley.

RILEY: Thank you John for such a wonderful night. You are so kind and caring and I can’t wait until tomorrow.

ME: You’re welcome darlin. Get some good sleep and I’ll see you at 7:45 am sharp!

I smiled. Even though I was hurt, Riley complimented me and made me momentarily forget what just happened. I settled down into my bed and turned off the lights. Tomorrow I was going to make sure Riley had the best day.

*Riley’s POV”

I woke up extra early to make sure I was there on time. I got my coffee made and I had enough time to enjoy a little tv. I quickly had a bagel and ran to shower. I was gonna make sure I smelled good for John. I wanted to impress him. I found my cutest athletic wear and put it on. I spritzed a little perfume on me and was out the door by 7:15 am.

I arrived at Abilene State at 7:30 am. That would give me enough time to warm up and then meet up with John. I went inside and looked into practice room number 7 again. I would make sure this was here often. I sent John a quick text just in case I got carried away in here.

ME: Morning bestie! I’m getting my warm up in. If I get carried away and it’s 7:45 am and you haven’t seen me, come get me out of practice room 7.

JOHN: Sounds great. See you soon!

I pulled my trombone out of my case and started my warm up routine. Then I went through different songs that I had memorized well. As I was finishing up, I heard the practice door shut. I said, “Morning John! I didn’t realize I took that long.” The response sent shivers down my spine. “Who’s John? Did you move on already?” No no no. Wyatt.

I turned around and there he was with a huge grin on his face. Wyatt Williams in the flesh. I gulped, “Oh he’s just a new friend. I’m supposed to meet him soon.” Wyatt stared at me. He opened his mouth and said, “Hah. Very funny Riley. You don’t have to lie. No one here likes you.”

Ouch. Why was he being so mean to me. I took a deep breath as my eyes started filling with tears. I calmly responded, “I’m sorry I need to get going. I don’t want to be late again.” Wyatt smiled. “Oh I really enjoyed the last time you were late. Let’s make that happen again.” He stepped towards me. Nervousness crashed over me. I didn’t want this to happen. I said, “Wyatt please move. I don’t feel comfortable right now.” He closed the space between us and started to rub my shoulder. It no longer felt nice. He looked at me and said nastily, “Come on babe, I know what will make you feel better.” He immediately kissed me under my earlobe. I felt him harden against me as I tried to move aside.

Why was this happening? I was trying to get a fresh start!!! I opened my mouth and stuttered out, “N-n-n-n-no t-t-t-t-thank y-y-y-you.” Wyatt knew he had an effect on me. I only stuttered when I was really nervous or upset. He cupped my face in his hands. He said possessively, “No need to be nervous babe. I’ll take care of you.” Just as he started to move in, the door opened and a large figure grabbed Wyatt.

“DUDE WHAT THE HELL. GET OFF OF HER!” Oh thank God for John. John immediately grabbed me and engulfed me in a hug. In his arms I immediately started to break down. I was in his arms for only a moment when Wyatt spoke up, “What the hell Riley? You’re a w***e! Who the hell is this?” I couldn’t speak. Tears were running down my face and I couldn’t manage to make a sentence. I tried. “H-h-h-h-h-h.” John spoke up, “I’m John. Now if you don’t mind, Riley and I are just going to grab her horn and get to our spots.” He had a commanding presence that seemed to scare Wyatt off.

I was trembling and sobbing uncontrollably. I was trying so hard to be strong, but this encounter with Wyatt shook me. What was going on? He had a girlfriend and he told me he was still in love with me. I wasn’t sure what to do.

John came over and grabbed my horn. He held out his hands and said, “Come on. We will be okay today. We don’t want Brody being angry with us.” I grabbed his hand as he intertwined our fingers. It was nice. That’s when I knew, everything would be okay.

He kept holding my hand until I put my stuff down. As I reassembled my horn and John got his, he held out his hand again. We would get through this. We went to our assigned spots and were lined up at 7:58 am. Good. No punishment. John winked at me and I relaxed a little. I can do this.

Bradford stepped up to the podium. He pulled up the megaphone and announced, “Okay everyone welcome to the last day of marching before school starts on Monday! Y’all have done so well that I have a big announcement. Tonight, we will have our back to school party at Gamerz!”

Gamerz was the Abilene version of a Dave and Busters or Main Event. There was bowling, arcade games, laser tag, mini golf, pool and go karts. After what had happened this morning, I didn’t want to risk running into everyone. Suddenly, I felt a tap on my shoulder. “Let’s go tonight Riley.” John had a nice smile on his face. I looked into his eyes. Something seemed off about him, but it looked like he was determined to make my day better.

I looked at him with a smile, “Okay. Let’s do it.”