Becoming Harry Styles

Chapter 17: Graduation

2 months later…

The days and weeks following that late night in the street with Riley proved to be the hardest time in our lives thus far. The next day I had arrived at her house in the morning and we sat down with her parents so Riley could tell them everything Kyle had done to her over the course of their rather short lived relationship.

It all felt very formal as we sat around her dining room table, with her parents placed across from us. I remember how close she sat next to me while she explained the deep secrets of her and Kyle’s ugly relationship. I could tell some recollections were hard for her to get out. She definitely tried to stay strong for the sake of her parents, but at a certain point Riley couldn’t hold back tears any further and broke down. In that exact instant I made sure to reach over and hold her hand tightly for support because I promised I’d be there for her.

By the time she had finished speaking, there was even more that had happened between them than I first believed. Apparently the happening I had found out about hadn’t been the first occurrence of his naturally rough and aggressive behavior towards her. It actually had happened numerous times before then. At first she explained it was done with a hint of innocence behind it, and each time had gotten progressively worse without her really realizing until the last time it ensued. With each depressing word escaping her unsteady lips, my heart broke more and more.

It wasn’t until she was nearly finished with everything that I broke focus from giving her my undivided attention. A sob that had escaped from her mother’s throat was what diverted my eyes from Riley’s bruised, yet remarkably beautiful face. I studied her parents who sat across from us in utter disbelief. I imagined they pictured Kyle to be a perfect match for their daughter. The absolute horror read across their faces said it all.

When Riley was done, finishing with how I had helped make her feel more confident about telling them, they both stood from their chairs at the same time and quickly stepped towards Riley, wrapping their arms around either side of her while she remained sitting. She released my hand, but I knew it was only to console her parents as they became an even bigger mess than Riley. They each muttered words asking if she was alright or what they could do, and telling her it was all going to be okay. Riley began crying more steadily, but I knew saying something would be the right thing.

I was proved correct as they decided to take immediate action against the school. After all, it was absolutely ridiculous how all of this could happen right under the nose of every authority figure in the school, and none of them knew of any of it.

We were all hoping that Kyle would get expelled, but it was all a bit too wishful of thinking. It took a few days to get him even suspended, as nobody wanted to say they witnessed what had happened to Riley, afraid of what might happen to them. I helped as much as I could, but the board stated that my statements about Kyle were considered bias. The days were rough, but I stayed strong for Riley’s sake as she closed off from everyone else, not trusting anyone but me.

Luckily after a few days of pressing students, Riley had one anonymous witness who said they encountered everything. I could never know for sure, but I had a feeling that person was none other than Hayden Fletcher. She kept her distance from both Riley and I, knowing how disappointed we were in her, but a small piece of me hoped it was her, as then I would know I had gotten somewhat through to her that late evening in the park.

Kyle was suspended after that for an entire month. It was uncertain at first when he returned if he was even going to be able to graduate. Fortunately enough for him, being the star of the school he was, the professors pulled together to help through everything he missed while he was gone. Every time I thought about that anger built up inside me knowing that after everything he was charged with, people still thought of him as this golden boy. I know for a fact that his special treatment wouldn’t have been given to anyone else in the school, not even someone actually deserving of it.

For the month he couldn’t come within one hundred feet of the school it felt like a weight had been lifted from not only Riley’s shoulders, but also mine. I didn’t have to worry about her getting hurt anymore, and that was the biggest relief I had every received. Also in that month Riley’s bruises completely faded away, bringing back her glowing self. She had started to find herself again and we continued to grow closer.

Every day I could feel myself falling further in love with her, although I knew better than to press anything. I was more than satisfied to be in her presence, let alone be able to call her my best friend. She didn’t need me walking around confessing my love her to add more to the mix, especially when Kyle returned to school. He waited a few days, but then he was right there trying to weasel is way back into Riley’s life. Every chance he got he was asking for forgiveness and wanting her back in his life. I could tell it got harder for her every time. I hated seeing her as upset she got every time it happened. I had no idea why he thought he had another chance with her, after everything. Then again, he didn’t really see the black eye gave her.

I also learned a lot about myself along the way. I found myself forming a harder shell around other people. I realized that if I wanted to protect Riley with all I have, I would literally need to give her my all. Whenever I saw Kyle bother or upsetting Riley, I did whatever I could to intervene. I couldn’t stand by anymore.

I stepped out of the shower thinking about all of this and everything that had happened after the past several weeks. I felt that I had finally made it. It was graduation day, and it felt good to be closing a chapter in my life to leave room for many others.

After getting completely ready I stood in my bathroom with my graduation gown already on. I placed my cap firmly over my head, and studied my appearance in the mirror momentarily. I adjusted my cap and squinted my eyes, thinking how strange it looked to be in this sort of attire after working towards this for so many years. All my hard work and time spent working for this one day. It all seemed a bit odd, but I also felt relieved as I was ready for something new in my life, whatever it may be.

I exited my bathroom and grabbed my folded up speech from my desk before heading down the stairs to meet my family. The second I stepped off the last step, I saw the tearful eyes of my mother standing next to her loving boyfriend, Robin.

She brought her hands to her face and wiped a tear from her eye. “You look so handsome, Marcel.” She stated with a hint of a hiccup.

I walked across the room and wrapped my arms tightly around her. “Thank you, mum. You look absolutely lovely today.” I kissed her on the cheek after releasing my arms. I nodded my head towards Robin. “Thanks for coming.”

“Of course, Marcel.” He stated happily. “I am very proud of you as well. I am just honored that you would have me on your big day.”

“Oh. ‘Course.” I stated. The room remained silent for a moment while I somewhat stared at Robin. A thought that I usually tried, and succeeded, at keeping in the back of my head crept into my mind at the site of Robin standing there alongside my mother. I looked uneasily towards my mother and asked, “So-uh… Have you talked to dad about coming?”

I instantly felt shame for asking after seeing the stunned look on my mother’s face. She handled it well and gave Robin a loving look before bringing her attention to me. “I phoned him a few weeks ago, and he said that he was really sorry, Marcel, but he just has too much going on with work and wasn’t going to be in town he didn’t think.”

I let my shoulders fall, but didn’t let my disappointment show in my face. “Oh. I see.”

“I’m sorry, love. I was going to tell you, but I didn’t want to ruin your big day and everything. It’s still all about you, and we are so, so proud of you.”

“No, that’s fine.” I tried to give a convincing smile. I honestly hadn’t a real reason to be upset. My father wasn’t there for most of my life. In fact, I had very few memories of him. He was always too busy with work, or didn’t have interest in what I was interested in. When he left my mom when I was around seven years old, my mother took over both roles of parenting me and Gemma. To be honest, I’ve always thought she was perfect in raising us by herself. She didn’t really need anyone to help her. However, I thought it was nice now for her to have someone, since we were pretty well grown up and getting ready to leave the house. I’ve never liked the idea of her being completely alone, and Robin seemed like a proper man.

There was a bit of an awkward pause, but my mum decided to fill it with a time to take pictures as she stated, “Let’s head out side and get a few shots of you in your robe and cap, yeah?” She started for the door, but then froze at the staircase. “Gemma! Hurry up! We need to be leaving soon!”

Gemma’s flustered voice carried from the second level, “I’ll be ready in a minute! Just wait!”

Mum rolled her eyes and led our way out the door. She had me pose and take pictures by myself for a while and then with Gemma when she finally finished getting ready. It felt rather endless. My mother was a bit of a picture fanatic, and felt she needed photos for nearly everything. I was not opposed, but my smile sure did hurt by the end of it as everyone insisted a big smile for each one.

When she was finally satisfied, Gemma pointed out that mum needed to be in some as well, which I had to agree with. So, we then had Robin take a few with all three of us, and then of just my mum and me.

With one last snap of a photo, I began rubbing at my burning cheeks and glanced at my watch to realize that were beginning to run late.

I raised my head in sudden in alarm, “We need to head to the school. We’re going to be late!”

We all proceeded to squeeze into Robin’s vehicle, and head for the ceremony. I gripped my speech harder in my hand, feeling like I could have had a panic attack just at the thought of losing it. I searched out my car window, and thought about if Riley was there yet. I had hoped to see her before, but I’m sure her family was following somewhat the same routine as mine.

We soon arrived at the school and as soon as we entered the crowded building, there was absolute madness going on everywhere. Family members of all ages trying to get in and find good seats for pictures, professors and staff trying to get everyone organized, and fellow classmates giggling and some crying in little groups spread out in all sorts of directions.

I walked down a side hallway where a majority of students were as it was where we were to be lined up. I was searching for my spot when I bumped into Principal Figg heading into the ceremony to take his seat.

“Hello there Marcel! Are you feeling prepared for your big speech this afternoon?”

I raise my hand with my speech and shook it about the air for a split second. “Yeah. I guess so.”

“Don’t worry too much about it. I’ve read the rough draft as you know and I think it’s quite unique. I’m very interested to see how you’ve tweaked it since then.”

“Uh-yeah. Hopefully everything goes well.” I half smile.

“I’m sure it will Marcel. You’ve got a bright future ahead of you. This is only the beginning for you.”

“Thank you, sir.”

He cracked a smile and tipped his head towards me briefly before stalking off again to take his seat on the stage. As I watched him walk further down the hall a slew of butterflies began to fill my stomach. I would be lying if I said the pressure of trying to impress all these people weren’t starting to get to me.

I dried my clammy hands off on my robe after I found my spot in the lineup. I opened my speech and read through it a few times in my head. I had no clue how I was going to feel for an X-Factor audition if I was this nervous to do just a Valedictorian speech.

I tried to take my mind off things and eyed around the numerous bodies surrounding me in search of Riley. I still hadn’t seen her at all. I knew it was pretty much hopeless since her last name landed her at the beginning and mine towards the back. I just really wanted to speak with her as I knew she could calm me down just as easily as I could her.

My mind was taken away from everything as the music began to play, and everyone began walking into the gymnasium. The second I entered into the ceremony, I was in awe of how many people sat with all their attention on us. It wasn’t something I expected to enjoy so much as people snapped pictures and I saw my family happily smiling upon me. As I stepped in time with the music it seemed everything I was worried about faded away.

A few minutes later everyone had filed their way in, and we took our seats before the heads of the school and everyone else in attendance. I listened intently as Mr. Figg and some of my favorite professors spoke of our future and all that we have accomplished. It all passed by rather quickly although with each speaker, everything somewhat started to sound the same, discussing the same topics.

Before I knew it, my name was being introduced and it was time to give my speech that I had been working on since the night I threw rocks at Riley’s window. I stood slowly from my seat and gripped my folded up paper tighter yet in my hand as I approached the somewhat large stage before all the hundreds of people watching me.

I took the podium from my introducer and unfolded and flattened my papers over the flat surface. I adjusted the microphone to my height and looked out to the large crowd. This had been the first time in all my years that the attention of this many people had been on me. I was strange, but oddly refreshing.

I took a deep breath as I peered closer to the crowd of people. My eyes were easily able to find my joyful family, my mother taking more pictures than needed. Then I searched a little more and found Riley. Her golden blonde hair was easy to spot beneath the sea of black graduation caps. Her beaming face was even more reassurance for me that I could do this.

I fixed my glasses on my face and cleared my throat to confidently began, “Classmates, staff, friends, and family: I stand here before you on a day we have all been working towards for most of our young lives. I believe now, at least for me, that I can look forward to the days lying ahead and all that they hold. Yes, I stand here as your class Valedictorian. However, I refuse to stand here and make a bunch of clichés about our time together. Unlike others before me, I will not say I feel I’ve had some sort of connection with each and every one of you, because it would honestly be a flat out lie. In fact, I am looking into a majority of your faces, and I can honestly say the most interaction I’ve had with you had been relatively negative.”

My eyes briefly met Kyle and then Seth’s as I continued, “I also can say that there is truly only one person out here in front me who took the time to get to know the real me. Just one person who didn’t laugh at me. She took the time to see past my seemingly ‘odd’ appearance and my apparent only interest in school to learn all the other things about me that aren’t seen to the naked eye.” I smirked out at Riley who was wiping along her eye line.

“So, with all that being said, I would next like to take the time to say I am not bitter or resentful towards you, and that I only hope in the future you learn from your pretentious teenaged attitudes and rise above to give someone a chance who you now think wouldn’t ever be worth your time. I encourage each and every one of you to step outside your own skin and try something you’ve never done before. This lifetime we are all currently living is too short to waste by worrying about what others think of you.” I shoot a short stare to Hayden, who then looked down a bit at the floor.

“My hope for all of us in our lives is that we can just work hard every day, play hard whenever we have the free time, and just be kind every second that we live.” I fold the paper back up and look to the crowd one more time, who are all looking at me with bemusement, yet still completely astounded expressions. “Thank you.”

I stepped away from the podium as the crowd all around me began clapping cheerfully. When first writing this speech, I had felt so angry. I didn’t expect this much of a reaction out of everyone, certainly not as much applause.

My sister gave me a big thumbs up as I returned to my seat. I walked past Riley, who clapped louder than perhaps anyone else in the room. I hadn’t noticed the stares, a few sour and most happy, upon my classmates’ faces. The next speaker began, however, and the attention was soon thankfully returned to the front.

A few minutes later they began passing out diplomas, and it was one of the most satisfying feelings to hold that small piece of paper in my hands. I shook the hands of all the prestigious staff members and proudly returned to my seat. As the last few people walked to the front to receive their diplomas, I just stood and stared down at the little paper that I had worked so hard for. It was crazy to think how many late night study sessions and long days at school I spent for it. My heart was consumed with a feeling of accomplishment when it was announced that we were officially graduated. The loudest cheers of the afternoon sounded from everyone as caps merrily floated into the air.

Joy of finally being done flooded through me as we exited the gymnasium. When I finally exited I immediately began scanning the crowd for Riley or my family. My eyes locked on Riley first, and I felt like I hadn’t spoken to her in ages and needed to approach her. I took a few steps and realized she was standing face to face with Kyle, with no one else around. I could tell she looked uncomfortable as it read all over her face and her arms were folded across her chest protectively of herself. My heart pounded angrily and fast as I rushed over to see what was going in.

I caught the end of Kyle’s sentence, “Riley. Please listen to me,” as I placed my arm protectively around Riley’s shoulder letting her know that I was there for her, and despite my size I was determined to not anything bad happen to her every again. I’m not sure what hit me in that moment, but I knew that if he tried something there was no way I could have stood by and watched idle like always.

Riley’s frightened face turned to relief at the sense of my touch. I gave her a loving smile as I eyed Kyle carefully, letting him know where I stood on the situation. He looked from me to Riley with a glare upon his face and fire in his eyes, but took no action.

I broke eye contact with Kyle and Gemma, my mother, and Robin happily walking towards us out of the corner of my eye. I turned my head towards Riley who was nervously looking at the ground, and I crooked my head to catch her eye contact, “Are you ready to go, Rils?”

She glanced at Kyle as she kicked at the ground a bit. A weak smile soon spread across her face, “Yes. Let’s get out of here. Finally!”

We turned our backs to Kyle most likely not for the last time, but hoped it would be, as we walked towards my family. I’m sure he watched, completely infuriated, as we walked away from him as my arm still draped protectively around Riley’s shoulder until we were out of his sight. Everyone congratulated me on my speech; although I could tell my mum and Robin were surprised by its content because I refused to read it to anyone beforehand out of fear that they would make me change it. I wanted it to sound honest, and I thought it at least accomplished that much.

Riley’s parents soon met with us. They all forced us to take what felt like thousands of pictures together, although I definitely didn’t mind taking them with her. I took as many serious and silly pictures as Riley and everyone wished because I knew this was her day just as much as it was mine.

When we were finished at the school we headed back to our quiet neighborhood where our families made a lovely meal for us together in my house. It consisted of grilled chicken along with baked potatoes and all sorts of gravy, with a few other side dishes. Everyone worked together and it was really nice to be surrounded by the majority of my favorite people.

The sun soon set over the distant hills as the sweet aromas of supper filled every crevice of the house. It didn’t take long for our families to cook it, and all Riley and I were allowed to help with was setting the table. We soon all sat down with Robin and mum sitting across from Riley’s parents, and Riley and me across from Gemma.

We each took turns dishing our plates, passing the bowls around one by one. It felt rather formal because we all still wore our nice clothing from the ceremony, yet it also felt laid back all at the same time as everyone was full of laughs and we were all very comfortable around each other.

“So how does it feel to be done, guys?” Riley’s mum, Ella, asked.

I smiled over at Riley, who was chewing a mouth full of food. I giggled briefly at her for a moment while I answered, “I think it’s nice. I think we’ve been through a lot.”

“Well you both certainly have.” Ella stated importantly before taking a bit of food.

“So a couple of university students we’ll have on our hands then.” Riley’s dad, Bruce, stated with a napkin covered smile.

I nodded happily while Riley discreetly bumped me under the table with her elbow, as I knew she was thinking about the X-Factor auditions taking place in just a couple of weeks.

Gemma eyed me across the table, obviously something on her mind. When our eyes met she began, “So Marcel… That was really some speech. Honestly, bro. Best I’ve ever heard.”

“Yes.” My mother added on. “I wasn’t expecting anything of that sort. I’m sure people will talk about it for a long time, and it will always be remembered among your classmates. I hope anyways.” A look of worry spread across her face. “…but Marcel, dear, how was it I had no idea anything of that sort was going on?”

I pursed my lips, carefully thinking out my response. I had kept all the bullying from her for so long as I never wanted to make a big deal out of it and have her worry. I looked over at Riley, who was distractedly sipping from her cup, and I decided to tell the real truth. I looked to my mother with a large smile spread across my face. “It didn’t really matter, I always had the one thing at school I needed.”

My mum’s head tilted to the side at my warm sentiment towards, Riley’s eyes lit up, but did not smile as her mouth gorged outward with water, and everyone else lightly cooed in the background.

The continuing topics shifted to varying things as each person brought up something new to talk about. Soon it was mostly the adults talking, but I didn’t really mind as I enjoyed seeing our families get along as well as they did. It was an extremely joyful night and something I’ll remember for a long time.

When we finished, everyone else insisted that they did the dishes as well, and neither Rily nor I disagreed. They all headed to the kitchen, leaving us alone. I thought about what we should do next, as I didn’t want the night to end just yet.

A fantastic idea popped into my head and a large smile grew about my face as I turned to face Riley. She was lost in some thought, that I was quick to interrupt, “Hey Rils… what would you say if I asked you to go to the park with me? You know… like when we were kids?”

A mischievous expression formed on her face. “Yes! Oh my gosh! Let’s go now!”

Without another word to each other, and a quick shout to our families we had our jackets on and headed out the door. We ran as fast as we could to the park where our friendship first truly formed. I was out in front, and when I looked back Riley somehow managed to look completely elegant with her graduation dress blowing slightly in the wind behind her. I arrived at the park and hunched over attempting to catch my breath. Riley near ran into me from behind, not noticing that I had stopped.

“Sorry Marcel!” she half shouted as she almost touched my bum.

I laughed with her, “Wow Riley!”

Her words were short and choppy while she was trying to catch her breath too, as she asked, “Well if you weren’t such an old man, and wouldn’t have stopped!”

“Okay. You can call me an old man. I’m a graduate now.” I stated standing up straight proudly.

She rolled her eyes playfully and pushed lightly into my chest. “Whatever you say,” she stated jokingly and then ran straight for the swings.

I chased close behind her, and it was nice to feel like two little kids once again. We sat on swings next to each other for a few seconds as we lightly pushed off the ground and began swinging higher and higher. Riley began to laugh as we soon made it a competition, just like we always used to. I loved the sound of her laugh. It was one of the best sounds in the world, so infectious and gleeful.

We danced about the playground just like we always had; enjoying all our old childhood games that we had made up so many years go. Everything felt so carefree. We spun as fast as we could around the merry-go-round as Riley stood in the middle with her dress twirling perfectly about as she lifted her arms up in the air, balancing herself. I sat on the edge and couldn’t take my eyes off of her as she always looked completely magnificent.

Hours had to have passed as the night grew even darker and quieter around us. We eventually grew lazy, not actually having the energy of the children we once were. We plopped down to the ground, lying flat with the tops of our heads brushing against each other. The moon and sky full of stars seemed so bright as we reminisced more about childhood memories and pointed out constellations that we just made up ourselves as if we were looking at clouds instead.

“There!” Riley pointed above her.

“Where?” I asked still not able to find the constellation she had been pointing at for the past few minutes.

“See?” She began tracing an outline with her hand. “It’s a butterfly! There’s its antennas, and there are the wings. You see?”

Scanning my eyes a few more moments, I thought I saw what she was talking about. “Oh! Now I see it!”

“It’s about time,” she giggled as she placed her hands across her chest once again.

“It’s beautiful.”

All was silent for a few moments until Riley spoke again. “This seems silly. You know we are all graduated, but our parents are probably going to kill us for ruining these nice clothes.”

I laughed loudly, not even thinking about it any time before. “You’re probably right!”

She tipped her head back to get a better view of me. “What do you say? Should we get back to a nice and cozy house?”

I matched her head tilt. “Sounds good to me.”

I stood up from our place on the ground where our bodies indented the grass, and took Riley’s hand to help her up as well. We left the park walked up the vacant street, walking close to each other but not touching in any way. Everything was silent except for the very distant sound of a car alarm going off somewhere more towards town.
We were even rather silent until Riley’s head sprang up from the cemented ground to me. “This just feels strange, doesn’t it?”

I faced her with a raised eyebrow. “What is?”

“Being graduated. Like a few months ago, I wasn’t even sure this day would ever come. You know?”

I lowered my brow and smiled gently at her. “Well it’s here believe it or not! The day is basically over, and we have the rest of our lives a head of us.”

She bumped into my side a bit, but not in any flirting manner. “See. This is why I keep you around, Marcel. You keep me optimistic.”

I laughed at her response and cheekily ask, “What’s not to be optimistic about?”

She folded her arms over her chest and eyed the sky above. “I don’t know. You think you have everything figured out, and then you realize… you don’t…”

I tilted my head to the side and pushed my glasses up my nose as I tried to reason with her. “Riley… just because something absolutely terrible happens, doesn’t mean that it defines you. In fact, I thought you’ve made some really good progress over the past few months.”

A smile played at her lip, but quickly faded away as we reached the pathway to my house. “I know, but it scares me that I could be so blind to everything.”

I shrugged my shoulders, “You’ll learn more as life goes on.” We then reached my dark porch and stood outside, facing each other for a few more minutes. I furrowed my eyebrows when I saw the upset look still about Riley’s face. She looked pale and wore a worried expression. She also seemed as she could’ve been on the verge of tears. “Riley, what’s wrong?”

She rolled her eyes, obviously upset with herself. “I don’t know. I’m… scared I guess.”

“Scared? Of what?” I asked in a surprised tone.

She stepped quietly to the edge of the porch and plops herself down. I followed close behind her and settled down right next to her, not diverting my attention away from her eyes.

She took a deep breath, and I honestly hadn’t seen her look quite that vulnerable since the day we told her parents. “I feel scared so often these days. Mostly when I’m alone, but today it’s all I could really think about when I wasn’t with you. I’m scared of being without you, and that I won’t make the right decisions when we go to different universities, or if you make it on the X-Factor.” She took a deep breath and continued, “I worry that Kyle will get to me and I’ll get back together with him, or I’ll end up choosing someone just like him.” She closed her eyes and a single tear fell down her face.

I brushed my finger across her cheek, wiping away the tear, and took her warm hands in mine as I could tell she was about to start shaking. “Riley, look at me.” She opened her eyes only slightly at the sound of my voice. I held her gaze carefully as I spoke, “I know you’re scared now. Hell, I’m scared now. Thinking about the future is always a scary thing… but you know I’ll never really be gone, right? I’ll always think about you and be there for you when you need it.” I rolled my eyes unnoticeably, thinking about the next topic. “As for Kyle, you’ve come such a long way in the past few months with dealing with him. You’ll only get better at turning him down and-uh… figuring out which guys are the good ones.” I chuckled a little to myself as I shrugged my shoulders and said, Besides I’ll tell you which guys are complete assholes. I’ve always been fairly vocal about that in the past… You’ll find someone who is… well, meant for you.”

I attempted to smile weakly, in hopes that I could get one in return. She ended up smirking slightly and shaking her head a bit playfully. “You always know the right things to say to make me feel safe.”

I nod my head when suddenly an idea burst into my head. Without any warning, I released Riley from my gentle grip and stood from the porch her eyes which had grown tender were now confused and startled. “Marcel? What’s going on?”

“I have-uh something for you.”

“What?”

“Let’s just say it’s a last minute graduation present! Come inside!”

I entered my quiet house with heavy and loud feet, and realized that everyone was most likely sleeping. I silenced my steps and motioned for Riley to enter the house before closing the door. I pointed towards the basement where we have spent a majority of our time over the past few months. “I’ll meet you down there. I’ll only be a minute.” I whispered.

She tucked her lose strands of hair behind her ear and happily nodded her head before descending the stairs to the basement. I watched her blonde hair float behind her for a split second, and raced to climb the steps to my bedroom.

I entered my room and ran straight to my desk. I grabbed from its top the small present I thought that would mean the most to Riley. I proceeded to my closet and threw open the doors. I dug in towards the back, making somewhat of a mess, and found a box containing a new pair of shoes I had bought with Riley months ago for my Harry Styles persona. I dumped the box of its contents and placed the small item inside. Before heading downstairs I plucked a few strops of tape from my desk to tape the top shut.

I fled my room and headed down the steps to meet Riley once again in the basement. Before taking a step down to the basement, my ears were filled with the wonderful sound of Riley playing nothing in particular on the keyboard. I decided to step carefully and slowly, not wanting to interrupt her. I stepped off the last step and stood behind her.

Her fingers looked so graceful pressing and slipping along the keys. I had never really just sat and watched her play before, I always just sung while she played whatever instrument she felt like. She was actually quite talented.

I sat on the bench beside her, which made her smile and freeze. “No, keep going.” I encouraged. She giggled and kept playing a happy tune I never recognized. It was so simple and consistent, but so very beautiful. There was just something very special about it.

She played for a few minutes and then ended it with a few slow notes before I was ready for her to. Her hands remained on the keyboard with her face pointing down, making her blonde tresses fall forward covering her.

I pushed her hair behind her ear for the second time that night, making her look towards me. "What was that? It was beautiful. You'll have to write it down for me sometime?"

"Uhh...Just something I wrote a while ago." She smiled cheekily, “You have a present for me?”

“Indeed.” I stated pulling the taped shoe box from behind my back.

She looked at me with strange eyes, but still a smile spread across her face. “What is this, Marcel?”

“Open it, and find out.”

Her fingers slid along the sides of the box, plucking off the small pieces of tape I had placed there only a few minutes prior. She opened it slowly and her eyes grew wide while she pulled out the small gift. Her eyes flickered to me with a glint of something in them. “A key?” she asked.

“Yeah-uh. Remember… when--”

“No. I remember,” she shook her head in protest as she held the key between her fingers out before her. “I just didn’t think you thought it was a big deal, or that I was joking don’t think you understand how much this actually means to me.”

I wrapped my arm around her and she leaned her head into the crook of my neck, still holding out key. “I just wanted you to know that you always have a place here, that’s safe. I will always be here for you, even if sometimes you have to wait inside for a little while. I’ll be here. I promise.”

She brought they key towards herself, placing it against her chest. “I love it, Marcel! Thank you.”