Chapter 19
It’s been three days since Riley left. Liz and Mikey fall back into a comfortable routine: eating breakfast together every morning before going on their run.
Without Riley around teaching her to fight, Mikey has taken it upon himself to kick everyone out of the gym so they can get a real workout in.
Liz cooks them lunch when they get back before she takes a shower and wallows in self-pity until dinner.
After dinner, Liz heads back into her room, ready to lie down and force herself to sleep, when Mikey asks— “Do you ever do anything for fun in there? Or do you just sit and stare at the wall?”
Liz looks at him, confusion plastered all over her face. “I mean, when I was planning my grand escape I would work out, but you do realize I have nothing, right? Just a bed and walls,” she says back.
“I can think of a few things to do with the bed,” Mikey says, winking at her.
“Pig.”
“Oh, ew! I meant jump on it, you pervert! Save your gutter thoughts for Riley,” he says, feigning shock before Liz turns and strides back to her room. “Stay! Hang out with me tonight; we can watch a movie or something.” He shouts to her, whining like a bored child.
Liz turns, eying him, not sure what to think of his offer.
He sighs and moves over on the couch, patting the cushion next to him. “Nothing weird, scout’s honor,” he says, holding up three fingers.
Liz rolls her eyes and goes back into her room.
She quickly changes into a pair of bike shorts paired with Riley’s hooded sweatshirt that somehow ended up mixed into her things.
She pulls the sweatshirt over her head, smiling when it reaches her knees.
She plucks the bottle of polish off her dresser before striding back out and tossing it to Mikey.
“What do you want to watch?” Mikey asks, flipping on the TV.
Liz flops onto the couch, propping her feet up on his lap, their friendship blooming effortlessly. “I haven’t watched TV in years,” she says , wiggling her toes. “You pick something.”
They sit there, going back and forth, flipping through channels, trying to find something to watch. It’s been so long, Liz groans loudly, not recognizing half the names that scroll past.
They keep going until finally one catches her eye.
“That one!” she says, snatching the remote out of Mikey’s hand. She quickly scrolls and clicks on the channel. The room darkens with the dimly lit scene, the sounds of metal clanging and people screaming fills the air. A smile lights up her face, enjoying herself for the first time in years.
“You never told us you’re a big ass nerd,” Mikey says to her, surprised by how enthralled she is by the action on the screen. He cracks open the bottle she threw at him and starts to paint, hoping and praying she doesn’t notice how bad he is at it.
“You never asked,” she says, eyes never leaving the TV.
They watch in silence, simply enjoying being around each other.
As soon as Mikey is done painting, he moves her feet onto the small coffee table.
He gets up and walks into the kitchen, rifling around in the cabinets, looking for something.
Soon the small room fills with popping and the smell of salt and butter.
Liz turns and looks at him before going pale, her head snapping to the noise outside their door.
Mikey follows her eyes to the door, finally hearing what she does.
“Chill, me and Ry are the only ones with access,” he says, and she settles back into the couch, heart starting to race.
Even after all the weeks she’s been with them, Liz has never been outside her room other than to eat or train.
She’s not even sure she is allowed to be there if they aren’t sharing a meal.
The door groans open, and Riley steps into the room.
He quickly looks around, and when his eyes land on Liz curled up on the couch, swimming in his sweatshirt more relaxed than he’s ever seen her, he doesn’t give in to the pull.
He wants nothing more than to take her into his arms, tell her he’s sorry for leaving, and make sure she’s okay.
Instead, he just looks at her, sparkling emerald eyes meeting his.
“Get dressed, we’re leaving.” he says, before storming into his room, slamming the door behind him.