Chapter 39

                                    

                                          
Monday, September 18th
RILEY ANDERSON
Autumn took the bait, just as I assumed as much. I knew my best friend and I knew how much she would care about the fact that not only I was dating again, but how that would affect my mental health. Lately, I have lied a lot to her, but I keep reminding myself that it is for a good reason.
I won't lie to Autumn unless it is to protect her. I love her, she is like a sister to me, and I am doing this for her own good.
I lied about the 'break in down the street', showing her the same news story I saw, aka the one the boys created. Then telling her how I felt unsafe and needing to change the locks and add the security system. I lied about wanting to go on a double date so the guys could add the cameras. I lied about Harry, telling her that he is a good guy, because at this point who even knows if that is true. Now, I am lying about today and dragging my mom into it.
It's for her own good.
Keep telling yourself that Riley.
"Nancy is gonna' be so stoked when she sees us. I know it's only been like a month, but you have changed so much Rye! Also, it's been storming nonstop all day, so don't tell Lou because he has been so proud of my ethics with sticking to getting good grades and never skipping class, but I am glad we aren't attempting to go to class." Louis give a speech on ethics? That would be rich. But also, wow he really cares about Autumn, making sure she is always doing her best and trying. Turns out Harry isn't the only one changing for the better lately.
Autumn was fiddling with the controls of Harry's car, loving the fact that it was so fancy. She's brought up how expensive and nice his car is at least ten times during the ride. "Also, quick question... why did Harry insist we take his car this morning?"
"I told you. I left my vehicle at his place and he wanted us to get on the road before the storm." I shrug her off and nonchalantly give a fake excuse. "But I could have drove us." She bickers back to me. 
"Yeah but... you know Harry. Plus he thinks you drive like a maniac so he said it would make him feel better if I drove."
"He is way too protective over you. I'm telling you, I know it's love and I can see it. Literally so obvious, that's why everyone let's you two live in your little bubble. Remember at the old parties when every girl would fawn over him, now it isn't like that anymore because they know he is off the market." Even though Autumn was busy skimming radio stations she would give me a side eye every few moments to gauge my responses. I attempted to remain neutral, but sometimes lying to Autumn was really difficult.
I wanted to tell her so much more, just to get someone's opinion. I want to know I am not crazy and not in too deep. I didn't notice how quiet I was after Autumn's statement, but she did. She picks up on that kind of thing with me more often than I like to admit. I hope that she doesn't keep doing it until she finds out too much though, because then that would open a whole new can of worms that I do not want to deal with.
"Are you okay?" she stops her restless hands to place one on my thigh. Her pale skin in contrast to the tan on my legs. Autumn's only color usually was in her bright hair, blue eyes, and nail polish. This week she opted for a bright green polish with orange flowers painted on them. I was unsure if she did it herself or went out to get it done, because really I have been so MIA that even if she told me I wouldn't have registered it. 
My eyes take a moment to shift between the road ahead and Autumn's piercing eyes that were practically begging for me to have some sort of a break down and confide in her. I took note of the change in her tone when she asked, it became delicate and soft. Autumn was the embodiment of soft and calm with me today, walking on eggshells because of her believing my mental health was at stake.