Fated To Save You- By: Tina Marie
Chapter 111 - A Surprise in the Garden
Eight years later, the hum of the school library was a backdrop to Riley’s groan of frustration as she sat hunched over her textbook. At a nearby table, her older brother Rowan, who seemed to be in unusually high spirits, was engrossed in his own work.
Riley’s voice was a barely audible whisper, tinged with exasperation. “Ughhh….I hate studying so much!”
Rowan, with his nose buried in a textbook, glanced up briefly. “Shh…talk lower. We are in the library.”
“Yeah…yeah,” Riley muttered, tapping her pencil impatiently. “Can we leave yet?”
Rowan’s gaze was stern but patient. “Dad said you have to bring your grades up.”
“They aren’t that bad,” Riley protested, her voice muffled.
Rowan shook his head. “They aren’t great either.”
“Hey, you’re my brother. You’re supposed to be on my side,” Riley whined, her frustration evident.
“I don’t claim sisters who are stupid,” Rowan teased, a smirk playing on his lips.
Riley threw her hands up in mock exasperation. “RoRo, I won’t talk to you.”
“I’ve heard that before,” Rowan said, chuckling.
“Whatever…I’m so done with you,” Riley muttered.
Rowan tapped his pencil rhythmically on her book. “Quit arguing and study. Focus.”
Riley sighed dramatically but turned her attention back to the textbook. “Okay…okay…I’m studying.”
As Riley attempted to immerse herself in her reading, two hands suddenly covered her eyes from behind. She started, her hands reaching up instinctively to remove them.
“Hey, who is this?” Riley demanded, her voice muffled as she tried to pry the hands away.
“Guess who?” came a familiar, teasing voice.
“Stinky Sky…let go,” Riley said, laughing as she finally managed to pull his hands away.
Sky, with his mischievous grin, laughed and stepped around to face her. “Be nice, and I will.”
“No,” Riley said firmly.
Rowan looked up from his book, clearly annoyed by the commotion. “You guys be quiet.”
“It’s not me. It’s Stinky Sky,” Riley retorted.
Rowan sighed and pointed towards the door. “You two take it outside.”
Sky’s eyes sparkled with a playful glint. “Sure.” He reached out and took Riley’s hand, pulling her up from her chair. “Let’s go.”
Riley hesitated, glancing back at Rowan. “No, I’m staying with RoRo.”
Sky tugged on her hand, gently but persistently. “Come on. I have a surprise for you.”
Riley’s curiosity got the better of her. “A surprise? Well, okay then.”
As she followed Sky down the hallway, she didn’t realize she was still holding his hand. Sky, however, was well aware of their intertwined fingers and felt a rush of happiness at the simple connection.
“Where are we going?” Riley asked, her excitement growing.
“To the school garden,” Sky replied, his voice full of mystery.
“Why?” Riley pressed, a hint of frustration in her tone.
Sky grinned. “I’m not telling or it won’t be a surprise.”
“Stink Sky!” Riley said, rolling her eyes but unable to hide her smile.
When they arrived at the garden, Riley’s eyes widened in delight. A picnic blanket was spread out on the grass, adorned with a basket and a few carefully arranged pillows.
“What’s all this?” Riley asked, her excitement bubbling over.
Sky beamed at her reaction. “Do you like it? It’s a picnic for two.”
Riley’s initial enthusiasm was tempered by a familiar teasing edge. “It’s nice, but it would be nicer if it was with someone other than you.”
Inside, Riley’s thoughts were conflicted. I can’t let Stinky Sky know I think it’s sweet of him.
Sky’s smile faltered slightly, but he tried to keep the mood light. “Hey, say something nice. I know you are secretly happy inside.”
Riley huffed, trying to suppress her smile. “Ummm…I guess it’s okay.”
Sky tilted his head, unconvinced. “Just okay?”
“Alright, it’s really sweet of you,” Riley admitted, her voice softening.
Sky’s eyes lit up with a mix of relief and joy. “Thanks.”
Riley’s eyes twinkled with mischief. “Come closer.”
Sky raised an eyebrow. “Why?”
“Just do it,” Riley said.
Sky moved closer, his heart pounding with anticipation. Riley leaned in and placed a quick kiss on his cheek before pulling back with a smile.
“Thanks, Cutey Sky,” Riley said, her smile widening.
Sky’s cheeks flushed pink, and he was momentarily speechless.
“Aww…are you being shy?” Riley chuckled and sat down on the blanket. “Come here and eat.”
Sky, still flustered but happy, nodded and joined her on the blanket. “Okay.”
As they settled onto the picnic blanket, the earlier tension dissipated, replaced by a warm sense of companionship. They enjoyed their picnic together, their laughter and conversation bridging the gap between them. With each shared moment, Sky and Riley grew a little closer, their bond deepening in the quiet, sunlit garden.
Other Chapters
- Chapter 1 - The Darkest Night
- Chapter 2 - The Beginning of the End
- Chapter 3 - The Surprise
- Chapter 4 - Back To the Present In the Dark
- Chapter 5 - Under the Surface
- Chapter 6 - Unspoken Concerns
- Chapter 7 - Healing Shadows
- Chapter 8 - Shadows on Campus
- Chapter 9 - Unspoken Truths
- Chapter 10 - Shadows of Fear
- Chapter 11 - Confrontation
- Chapter 12 - A Shattered Reflection
- Chapter 13 - A New Beginning
- Chapter 14 - Trust in the Quiet Moments
- Chapter 15 - Beneath the Surface
- Chapter 16 - Unspoken Vulnerability
- Chapter 17 - The Darkness Within
- Chapter 18 - A Gentle Awakening
- Chapter 19 - A Day to Heal
- Chapter 20 - Just Us Two
- Chapter 21 - Disappearance
- Chapter 22 - High Pursuit
- Chapter 23 - The Nightmare Returns
- Chapter 24 - A Nightmare Unfolds
- Chapter 25 - Please Don’t Run Again
- Chapter 26 - Taking Care of Wren
- Chapter 27 - You Can Trust Me
- Chapter 28 - Meeting Trevor Again
- Chapter 29 - Sigh of Relief
- Chapter 30 - Everything Seems Peaceful
- Chapter 31 - I Want You Around
- Chapter 32 - Back To School
- Chapter 33 - Where Is She?
- Chapter 34 - Nightmares and Comfort
- Chapter 35 - Shadows of the Past
- Chapter 36 - Confrontation at Dawn
- Chapter 37 - Unfinished Business
- Chapter 38 - Drowning in Darkness
- Chapter 39 - Fractured Hearts
- Chapter 40 - A Web of Lies
- Chapter 41 - A Step Toward Healing
- Chapter 42 - A Safe Space
- Chapter 43 - The Depth of Healing
- Chapter 44 - Self-Blaming
- Chapter 45 - The Path Forward
- Chapter 46 - The Night’s Embrace
- Chapter 47 - A New Step
- Chapter 48 - An Evening to Remember
- Chapter 49 - Reflections and Doubts
- Chapter 50 - A Moment of Vulnerability
- Chapter 51 - A New Kind of Intimacy
- Chapter 52 - Embracing the Night
- Chapter 53 - In the Silence of the Night
- Chapter 54 - In the Shadow of Healing
- Chapter 55 - A New Beginning
- Chapter 56 - An Unexpected Delight
- Chapter 57 - Romantic Evening
- Chapter 58 - A Lovely Time
- Chapter 59 - Gentle Touches
- Chapter 60 - A Tender Encounter
- Chapter 61 - The Sweetest Temptation
- Chapter 62 - The Appetizer
- Chapter 63 - The Burning Flame
- Chapter 64 - Connor’s Point of View
- Chapter 65 - Taking Control
- Chapter 66 - A New Dynamic
- Chapter 67 - Embracing Control
- Chapter 68 - Boundaries and Healing
- Chapter 69 - A New Beginning
- Chapter 70 - Morning Reflections
- Chapter 71 - Moments of Tenderness
- Chapter 72 - Sweet Torture
- Chapter 73 - Gentle Touch
- Chapter 74 - Healing Touch
- Chapter 75 - Dear Diary
- Chapter 76 - The Check-Up
- Chapter 77 - Back to School
- Chapter 78 - Unspoken Feelings
- Chapter 79 - Heartfelt Confession
- Chapter 80 - Secrets and Confessions
- Chapter 81 - Secrets, Surprises, and a Plan
- Chapter 82 - Unspoken Truths
- Chapter 83 - A Birthday to Remember
- Chapter 84 - The Party Surprise
- Chapter 85 - An Unexpected Twist
- Chapter 86 - The Playful Tease
- Chapter 87 - Hot Touches
- Chapter 88 - A Night to Remember
- Chapter 89 - Gossip Girls
- Chapter 90 - Unspoken Desires
- Chapter 91 - A Day of Milestones
- Chapter 92 - Shattered Moments
- Chapter 93 - Fragile Hope
- Chapter 94 - The Uncertain Wait
- Chapter 95 - A Year of Waiting
- Chapter 96 - A Day of New Beginnings
- Chapter 97 - A Night of Firsts
- Chapter 98 - The Heart's Confusion
- Chapter 99 - Morning Bliss
- Chapter 100 - The Morning After
- Chapter 101 - The Weight of Unspoken Love
- Chapter 102 - A Heart Left Behind
- Chapter 103 - A Flicker of Hope
- Chapter 104 - The Promise of Tomorrow
- Chapter 105 - Awakening
- Chapter 106 - The Perfect Day
- Chapter 107 - A New Beginning
- Chapter 108 - Double Joy
- Chapter 109 - Growing Up and Growing Closer
- Chapter 110 - A Day in the Sun
- Chapter 111 - A Surprise in the Garden
- Chapter 112 - The Dance of Confessions
- Chapter 113 - Love In the Library