"You don't need to worry about making me crazy

'cos I'm way past that."

- Ariana Grande, Tattooed Heart.

Just as River had promised, he did make an appearance at the bakery. It was Thursday evening and my heart fluttered when I saw him walk into the bakery, a serious look that turned into a smile the moment he laid his eyes on me.

After speaking briefly, he suggested that we left the bakery and drive somewhere. I wasn't amazed when it turned out to be the same park in which we had kissed for the first time. Okay, maybe I was amazed. We both were, because River hadn't even remembered his way there before.

She looked really beautiful, but then, she always did. Even when she had been down with that flu and I went over to her house, I thought as the memory of that day came rushing in my head. This time, she laid on the grass, looking very comfortable even with the way the soft breeze messed with her hair. Sometimes I felt like she didn't know how beautiful she was. I remembered she said I was her first crush, so just maybe no guy had told her she way. Not that she needed a guy to feel beautiful, but she needed to hear it.

I sat beside her as I watched her, her eyes closed and even when her eyes fluttered open, I didn't take my eyes off her.

"You know, it's crazy that even with my eyes closed, I could feel your gaze," she said, a smile on her face.

I chuckled before saying it, "You're beautiful."

"I know," she looked away, turning a bit pink.

"Do you, really?" I cocked an eyebrow.

She then shrugged, "I mean, there are days I feel beautiful, and there are days I don't feel it and I just look in the mirror and say hell nah. But it's a girl thing, I guess. We don't feel cute all the time."

"Well, you're beautiful," I licked my lower lip in a swift motion.

"In that case, you're gorgeous. Have you met you?" She grinned.

"Shut up," I laughed.

"I'm serious, though," she playfully scowled.

"Well, thanks," I poked her cheek, causing her to giggle, "Stop."

I poked it again, "It's oddly satisfying to do," I repeated the action.

She laughed, "You know what would be oddly satisfying for me?"

"What?" I asked, poking her cheek again.

"Kicking you in the place where no guy prays to be kicked."

"Now, that's dangerous play," he said and we laughed.

She hummed, "How's the painting going?"

"It's going great. I'll be done soon, and I can't believe it."

"Why?" She looked at me.

"At first when Skylar contacted me for the job, I didn't think I could do it."

"How did you get "discovered"?" she smiled at her choice of words.

"Through Instagram," I ran my fingers through my hair. "Skylar texted me. Apparently, the person who was supposed to do it, came up with some story about how he couldn't do it anymore, so she found my page on Instagram and asked. It was going to be the biggest job I ever did so that scared me a little. But hey, the pay was reasonable so I agreed, and here I am."

"You don't know how talented you are, River," she stated. "I know you're going to get recognized a lot more than this. That's how good you are."

I looked back at her, not saying anything. This was one of the things that drew me to her. She had this belief in me that pushed me. The way she was supportive and concerned about my work and what I did. Renée was someone I never wanted to lose.

"That means a lot," I smiled, poking her cheek again, earning a glare from her. I laughed softly at her reaction.

"So, when does everyone get to see what you've been working on?" She asked.

"As soon as I wrap everything up. I'll hand it in by next week hopefully. Anytime from then, most likely."

"I can't wait to see everything you're putting together for the bakery," she said in excitement. Her excitement made me excited, and for that reason, I was determined to hand everything I'd been working on by next week.

I was about to poke her cheek when she said, "If you do what you're about to do, River Jenson, you'll regret it. You really don't like your stuff, do you?"

"Too violent," I laughed. "You know, the weirdest thing happened today."

"You know, the weirdest thing happened today."

"What happened?" I sat up, hunching my knees up as I hugged them to my chest.

"So, I was at the store getting more art supplies when this girl I've never seen before walked up to me and introduced herself. Next thing, she was inviting me to a party and asking for my number. When I turned her down, she gave me her phone number instead, kissed my cheek and left."

I cocked an eyebrow, "How pushy. What did she say her name was?"

"I don't even remember," he chuckled. "And I gave her number to the security dude by the door."

I chuckled, "See? I'm not the only one who sees how gorgeous you are. The day you dropped me off at school, you were the talk of the school that morning."

"How popular does that make me?" He teased.

"You're a goof," I joked, but I didn't know how to feel. There was no doubt that River was very attractive, and being that way I knew that he could have any girl he wanted.

I heard him draw in a breath, "Remember Chloe?"

I swallowed, looking up at him, "Your ex?"

"Yep," he nodded. "She came over to my house today."

"Oh?" I tucked my hair behind my ear and tried to act like what he just said didn't bother me. "W- What did she come for?"

He shrugged, pinching the bridge of his nose, "She wanted to get back. Said she wants us to try again and stuff."

My heart raced as I nodded slowly, "Do you... maybe still like her?"

He looked at me instantly, "No. No way. Heck, the only way I can feel that way for her is if unicorns start falling from the sky."

I felt so much relief at his response and let out a breath I didn't realize I'd been holding.

"Did you think I was going to get back with her?"

I sighed, "I'm sorry. I just thought... she was your first love and..." My voice trailed off.

"Yes, I really did like her, but I wasn't happy with her. It got to a point where being with her gave me a headache, and I mean that literally." He was quiet for a while. "Besides, I really like you, Renée, and I want you."

He turned to fully look at me when I looked at him. "You've kept me grounded and happy."

"I have? No, River, you've kept me grounded and happy. I don't even flunk my tests-"

He chuckled, "Shush, and listen," he paused, "You're somewhat impatient and caring. You're supportive, thoughtful and you make sacrifices. Not to forget your contagious laughter, your kicking ass in video games, plus my mom and sister love you, and then all those little bonuses that drive me crazy," he said, never breaking eye contact, "I've thought this through and through and I want this so bad. I want you to be mine and-"

"Stop talking. You're being like me right now, rambling and all that," I chuckled before looking into his eyes, "Yes, I will, River."

"Yeah?" His face lit up in that adorable smile of his, his eyes never leaving mine as he inched his face closer to mine as I nodded. His gaze dropped to my lips and I couldn't wait for what was coming. I was so eager, but River pulled back quickly, "Wait, before I do that. Xavier has a football game on Saturday. He asked me to invite you, plus I'll be there and I want you to come too."

"I'd love to," I smiled like an idiot.

"Great," he said against my lips before pressing his lips on mine to which I reciprocated immediately.

I couldn't believe this was happening.

I couldn't believe I was finally River's girlfriend.

*