Chapter 11: Walk the Walk

A few days had passed, and I was sitting in class Friday afternoon. My thoughts were mostly consumed of trying to plan my first date. It seemed like a lot of pressure. Not only because I was nervous, but also because I didn’t want to let Riley down. I had decided that I would take Hayden out to supper first at this restaurant in the middle of downtown. I had once gone there with Riley, and figured a place I felt comfortable with for the would probably be for the best. I still had to talk to my mum about using the car. I just knew she and Gemma were going to completely gush over the whole thing, so I was attempting to hold that off for as long as possible. I was also later going to hang out with Riley so she could walk me through everything.

The last bell rang signaling that the school day was over. I rushed between people as the hallways flooded with my excited peers as it was finally the weekend. I arrived at my locker and twisted the combination into my lock quickly. When it clicked, I threw my door open and started filling up my back pack. I just wanted to find Riley and get to my house as I was feeling more and more anxious about the whole thing as time passed on.

I closed my locker securely shut before swinging lock back into its place. I lifted my backpack from the floor and looped my arms through and began walking with haste towards Riley’s locker. She was in site, and of course there was Kyle leaning up against the lockers next to her. I frowned and was about to continue walking towards her when the intercom system sounded with the school’s secretary’s voice, “Marcel Sty, please come to the office. Marcel Sty.”

I stopped dead in my tracks and twitched my eyebrows as I was hardly ever called to the office. Before turning back in the opposite direction, I caught a glance with Riley. She gave me a happy nod, obviously having heard the announcement as well. I gave her a weak smile back as she turned back to talk with a stern faced Kyle. I didn’t understand how he could be with the most incredible person, and always have that awful solemn look on his face.

I began to walk towards the office against the crowd, pondering why I would be needed in there. I eventually arrived and pushed one side of glass double doors open. I walked up to the older looking woman who had called my name over the intercom at her big desk and stated, “Uh- I’m Marcel Sty.”

A big smile spread across her face as she happily said, “Well of course you are! You can just take a seat. Principal Figg will be with you in a moment.”

I nodded my head and slumped off my bag before settling down in a chair to the right of the sweet secretary's desk. I waited a few minutes, trying my best to keep patient. My mind wandered to what this meeting would regard. I was staring out the office window reading a couple large signs in the hallway when principal Figg emerged from his office.

Oddly enough he too had a smile across his face at the sight of me. “Hello there, Mr. Sty! Please come on back to my office!” I lifted my bag from the ground and followed behind Mr. Figg around the secretarial desk and down a narrow hallway. He opened the door to which I assumed was his office and he allowed me to enter first. “Take a seat, Marcel.” He stated as he closed the door behind us and walked around to sit on the other side of his desk. He rested his elbows on the surface and cupped his hands together before speaking. “Now, you must be wondering why you have been called down here today.” I nodded my head slightly. “Well, I am pleased to inform you that you are this year’s class valedictorian. You have the only perfect grade point average in your class. Surely this doesn’t come as a surprise.”

A wide smile had already spread across my face at his first words. I shook my head as I spoke, “No, I had hoped I would receive it, but I couldn’t be for certain. Thank you, sir!”

Principal Figg shook his head. “No, Marcel. No need to thank me you deserve it. There are, however, a few responsibilities of becoming the valedictorian. Like everyone else, you must complete your current courses and also, you must give a speech at the ceremony.”

I gulped slightly. Surely I had realized that, but now it was real. I composed myself, “Yes. Of course.” I tried to smile.

“You’ll just have to give your speech to me a week prior to make sure it’s fitting and all.”

“Yes, sir. “ I stated.

He nodded his head before suddenly remembering something. “Oh yes, and Marcel… I also have this for you.” He reached inside his desk and pulled out a gold medallion placed in a plastic casing that read Valedictorian, decorated with other little embelishments. I reached out and held it in my hand to examine it a bit closer. It seemed quite heavy. Mr. Figg stated, “You’ll wear this with your robes the day of the ceremony.”

I nodded my head with another smile, “Thank you, sir.”

We both stood up and he reached out his hand. I took it and shook it twice as he stated, “Congratulations, Marcel. You’ve earned this.”

I nodded my head and gathered my belongings before exiting his office in a pure excitement. I walked through the nearly empty hallways with a little skip in my step that everything I had ever worked towards finally paid off.

I rounded the corner before Riley’s locker, quickly realizing she wasn’t there. My shoulders sank slightly, even though I didn’t honestly expect her to wait for me, especially with Kyle joined to her hip. I pulled my phone of out my pocket and clicked a button so the light would turn on. Sure enough I had a new message from Riley.

Hey Marcel!
I wasn’t sure how long you were going to be in the office for. I’m sure something great, so I can’t wait to hear all about it later! I just went out to grab a quick bite to eat with Kyle. I’ll see you soon!
xx, Rils

After reading, I exited out of her message and slipped the phone back into my pocket. I pushed my lips to one side as I walked through the double doors and into the fresh air while I basked in the thoughts of my academic achievement, valedictorian.

The walk home was nice. I walked up the driveway noticing that both my mum and my sister were in the driveway. I swung the unlocked door open and set my bag down, carefully taking back out the medallion. I breathed in the sweet scent of my favorite tea from the kitchen and assumed that was my best bet at finding my family.

I entered through the arch way, with my award behind my back, to see my mum and Gemma chatting at the table, sipping from little cups. “Hello!” I greeted them happily.

My mum smiled. “Good afternoon, dear!”

Gemma too smiled, but a strange look stretched across your face. “You seem extra cheery, brother. What’s going on?”

I grinned wildly at them, making them look a bit worried. “Well, I had to go to the office after school today…” My mum looked like she was about to say something, but I quickly began talking again so she wouldn’t be worried. “…and I got the new that I am the valedictorian!”

Both stood up from their seats and wrapped their arms tightly around me from each side. I loved how close of a family we were. After kissing my cheek my mum stated, “Congratulations Marcel! I knew all that hard work would pay off!”

“Thank you! I am really excited!” I smiled widely as they pulled away from me.

Gemma said gleefully, “Now you’re all clever and such! I can’t wait until I graduate from college and become clever again.” We all giggled at her before she asked jokingly, “Was there ever really a question that you wouldn’t get it?”

I pretend pondered to myself before holding up my hands, “Who know? I didn’t want get my hopes up and end disappointed.”

My mum patted my shoulder, “Well you did get it! We need to celebrate. How about we go out for a family dinner tomorrow?”

My smile slightly fell remembering what plans I had for tomorrow. “Oh… that was something I needed to talk to you about.”

We all fell into our seats as my mum asked, “What is?”

I paused slightly, “Well… I … I need to ask for the car tomorrow?”

“The car, Marcel? What do you need it for?” She asked concerned.

I didn’t look her in the eyes because I knew what was coming. “I –uh have a date.” I stated softly.

They both gasped loudly, but Gemma was the first to speak… or squeal rather. “A date!? Marcel, is it with Riley? You finally grew the balls to ask her out?!”

My mum’s face fell slightly looking to Gemma with her word choice before she spoke. “Your first date, am I right? This is such a big deal! Of course you can use the car, dear! Isn’t Riley still with that boyfriend of hers though?”

I shook my head, “Erm… Thanks mum… but it’s not Riley?”

They both looked to each other in complete shock. Gemma faced me again. “Then… who?”

I pushed my lip to the side. “That’s the thing… Riley actually set it up kind of. It’s with her friend Hayden.”

Mum was pondering trying to think of who she was while Gemma piped up, “Why would she do a thing like that? Isn’t that a bit rude to you?”

“No, it’s not.” I defended. “She’s just trying to help me be more… well confident with women.”

My mum rolled her eyes slightly, “Well that’s very sweet of her, but I think your time will come Marcel. Not to mention, she ought to know your feelings.

I shrugged my shoulders, “I agreed to it. I think it could help maybe… It’s supposed to help me with my audition in a few months.”

Mum looked confused while Gemma understood. “That totally makes sense then! She is really taking this seriously for you, isn’t she?”

I gave a half smile, “Yeah, she really is.”

My mum cut in, “Well that’s good then! I think you are a lovely Marcel, and will make an excellent performer.” She stood from her chair and walked over to the fridge, “What shall we have for dinner?”

We ended up cooking a lovely meal together as a family, something we did every once in a while that I really enjoyed. It was nice that we all had a specific job to do, and worked as a well-oiled machine. We sat around the table sharing jokes and poking slight fun at each other, never in a mean or harsh way. We laughed and had a great dinner together.

After we were finished, I offered to do dishes while mum headed out for her boyfriend’s house and Gemma went upstairs to go out with some of her friends. I filled the sink with water and began scrubbing in the silent kitchen by myself. While I was working I began to think about seeing Riley. Then I got the first song I sang as ‘Harry Styles’ stuck in my head, and began dancing a bit while singing. I put away the last dish as I finished the song and I saw that Gemma had entered the room.

“What are you doing, Marcel?” She asked clearly amused.

I froze in position, as I expected her to gone already. “Erm… Nothing.”

She giggled, “Riley’s right! You do need to be prepped for that audition.” I shot her a frowning face as she continued, “Well. I’m off! Mom and I probably won’t be home until late. Not even sure if mum will be home tonight. I’ll see you!”

I brought my hand to the back of my hand out of embarrassment. “Oh, alright. Have fun.”

She smiled as she began walking towards the door, “Yep! Be good with Riley all alone in this house tonight!” she joked. I rolled my eyes slightly as she turned the door knob, revealing Riley who held her hand up in a fist, about to knock. “Speaking of the devil.” Gemma turned to wink at me.

Rile looked at me strangely. I shook my head, “It’s nothing.”

Gemma side stepped Riley. “Goodnight kids!”

“Goodnight!” I stated as Riley took a step inside, waving to Gemma happily as the door closed. Riley removed her coat and laid it across the stair banister and looked at me with a smile. “Did you get my text?”

“I did.”

“Good! Why did you have to go to the office?”

“Well, they informed me that I am the class valedictorian!” I stated happily.

“I knew you would, Marcel!” She walked up and threw her arms around my neck, pulling me to her. “Congratulations, Marcel. You totally deserve more than anyone I know.” For some reason, he hug felt even better than the one from my family.

“Thank Rils! I’m excited. I just need to write a speech now.”

She smiled, “You will be amazing. You’ll be so confident when I am done with this ‘Harry’ training, you’ll be a great public speaker! Should we get started?”

I pushed up against the nose piece on my glasses, “Sure!” She grabbed at my hand a pulled me up the steps, much like she had the night she thought of the ‘Harry Styles’ plan. I stomped up the steps and into my room, where she sat me on the bed and brought her hand, scratching at her face studying me. I began to feel a bit weird with her staring at me like that. “Erm…Riley? What’s going on? Aren’t you just supposed to be giving me tips or something?”

She giggled, “Well, yes… but I have been contemplating if we should give Harry a spin for the date?” She stared at me with sparkling on hopeful eyes.

I held her gaze with mine in a more serious tone. “Riley, isn’t the point of the whole charade so no one recognizes me?”

She pushed her lips to the side, a bit disappointedly. “I guess, but I am just really excited to give him a try.”

I always caved somewhat for her. “Well, what if I wore some of the clothes?”

A small smile began to spread across her face again. “I can work with that.” She immediately stalked over to my closet, opening both sides in search of where I placed the clothing she had picked out. She examined a few shirts. She finally pulled out a white t-shirt and cardigan, along with a nice pair of jeans and sneakers. “How about this, Marcel?”

I smiled and without looking very closely because I trusted her judgment I said, “It’s great Rils.”

“I know!” she sang confidently. She walked across the room and into my bathroom with the clothes in hand. She flipped the switch and I saw take outfit off the hanger, neatly fold them, and place them on the counter top. It was odd because I felt like she was mothering me. She was also a lot more confident and excited about the whole thing then I was.

When she walked back out and plopped on the end of the bed next to me, we both sat there for a few seconds of silence as she let out a large sigh. I looked over to catch her beautiful gaze. “What now?”

“Tell me what you have planned.”

I looked up towards the ceiling trying to remember all the minor details I had planned myself. “Well I am taking the car, and I figured I would just pick her up and we would go to that little place downtown, and then to the movies. I figured I would just let her pick out the movie.” I shrugged my shoulders as I knew it didn’t sound like much.

Riley had a confused look. “What little place, Marcel? Do you even know where you are going?” she asked as her eyebrows lifted with a short giggle.

“I don’t exactly remember the name of it. We went there one time before. It’s right on the high street.”

Her eyes widened, remembering, “Oh you mean Harley’s?”

“Yes! That’s the place Rils! Thanks. I remember exactly where it is, that was a pretty great day when we went, but I for some reason I couldn’t remember the name?”

Her smile fell, “Yeah… erm… it was a great day.”

There was a moment of silence where we both remembered the time when I first got my license and we drove into the city to make a day out of it. We drove around singing to our favorite songs until we got a bit lost and ended up at Harley’s where a few nice people helped us figure out how to get back home. It was a completely ridiculous day, but one I won’t forget.

Riley must have realized the od silence and suddenly spoke up, “Okay! That sounds like a good night. Umm… Hayden should love it.”

“I hope. I mean… not that I like her or anything. I just want it to go well.”

Riley placed her hand on my shoulder, “It will Marcel. Trust me.” She gave a weak smile of encouragement.

“I’ve been getting nervous.”

She looked at her hand resting on my shoulder and quickly retracted it. “What’s to be nervous about? I can help. It’s why I am here.” She adjusted herself sitting on the bed towards me.

I pushed my eyebrows together and pursed my lips. I didn’t think about it before, but I really didn’t like getting relationship advice from Riley. “I just don’t want to make a fool of myself. I’m worried that I won’t come off as confident. I have no idea what do at all.”

She shook her head and giggled a bit to lighten the mood. “Marcel, listen to me. You can be confident. Channel that inner Harry, and learn how to walk the walk. I know what a kind heart you have. If you show people that, there is no way they won’t fall… in love with you. Be the gentlemen and funny guy I know you are, and you will be perfect. Carry yourself with confidence.”

I nodded my head. “Thanks Rils.” We smiled at each other for a few moments before I decided to completely lighten the mood. I stood up from the edge of the bed and walked over to the edge of them room. “How’s this walk of confidence?” I stood up straight and walked with a sort of stroll, but with hunched my shoulders slightly. I just wanted to make her laugh.

It worked as she smiled and began to laugh wildly. “You are such a dork Marcel.”

I held my hand over my heart dramatically, “Ouch!” I stated jokingly.

She smiled wider, “I mean it in the best way possible!”

I sat back down next to her. “Do you think I am ready for my first date?”

She nodded her head and pretended to wipe a fake tear as she stated, “I believe you may be. My little Marcel is growing up so fast.”

“You set it all up though, Riley.” I stated in a monotone.

“Yes, but it doesn’t give it any less importance!”

“Importance?”

She tilted her head to the side, “Oh Marcel… you are so smart, but very forgetful. It’s important because you will be training as Harry Styles.”

“You make it sound like a game. I don’t think it’s anything like a game.”

Her face grew big and pale. “Well… umm… Marcel… jeez. You are totally going to be a lady magnet with quotes like that.”

I brought my hand to my neck and looked at the ground, “It’s just what I think.”

She spoke as she looked to the ground as well, “Well it definitely sets you a part from most guys.”

“I think that’s rubbish then. Women should never be treated like pawns.”

I turned to face her and her eyes were absolutely sparkling. “Wow. That’s really sweet. Umm… Marcel.” She paused briefly, and shook her head. “I think you are ready for tomorrow. Do you just want to watch a movie?”

I smiled at her, still holding her eyes with mine. “Sure.” We stood up from the edge of the bed, smoothing out or clothes, not sure what to say as there appeared to be some sort of awkward air in the room. We exited my bedroom and I turned off the light as we headed downstairs. We entered the living room where Riley sat herself down on the couch. I walked to the television and flipped it on. “Uh, do you want anything to eat?”

“No thanks.” She shook her head.

“What movie would you like?” I asked.

“How about a classic?”

I got down on my knees and began searching through the cabinets of movies we had, “Like what? I am full of classics.” I joked.

“Bambi?” She asked.

I laughed at her odd choice. “Whatever you want, Rils.” I popped it in the player and threw Riley a blanket as the movie began to play. Riley scooted towards the middle of the couch as she wrapped the blanket securely around herself. I turned off all the lights, and sat down on the couch as well. She scooted a little closer to me, which was odd, but I tried not to let it phase me. She rested her head along the back of the couch, and we fell silent watching the television.

After a while of watching the movie, I could tell Riley’s eyes were growing tired. Eventually she closed them and dozed off to sleep, with her head fall upon my shoulder. I really enjoyed the feeling, but knew it wasn’t right. I let her rest there for a few moments before placing a pillow in my place and scooting over slightly. I continued to watch Riley’s movie pick until it ended, and let her peacefully sleep.

Notes

Phew! That is an extra long chapter! Sorry it's a bit late, but I was too busy having a heart attack over MIdnight Memories to update! haha... hope you understand. ;)

What do you think will happen on the date? What is Marcel's speech going to be about? What happened between Marcel and Riley?

Please keep commenting! You guys are seriously the best! :)
Also subscribe and vote if you haven't! (I was wondering why I have so many less votes than subscribers?)

Thoughts on Midnight Memories those of you who listened? Favorite song(s)? I personally love Happily and Alive so far. I need to keep listening! (Also, please make sure to buy the album if you downloaded the songs and support the boys!) ;)

That is all, hope all is well.