Silent Runner

“I got in.” Riley said excitedly, waving an envelope in my face.

A month had passed and she spoke to me anytime we were alone. She also spoke to her foster parents, both of whom were thrilled with her progress. She still had days that it was harder for her to talk, and she would stutter or stammer over her words.

Graduation was in a week and I had been working with Colter almost daily. Though he still couldn’t do the exercises that didn’t stop him from pushing me to my limits. Sometimes Riley would bring her homework and study while she watched. Colter never once tried to make her speak or seemed annoyed that I had to translate the few times they did communicate.

I had grown to look up to him in many ways. He was empathetic, and understanding towards other people’s pain. However he was still always happy and laughing despite being surrounded by bad. I had asked him once why that was and he had responded;

“My past is behind me, I find joy in helping others put their pasts behind them as well.”

To Colter it was just that simple.

“Thats amazing Riley!” I grabbed her around the waist spinning her in a circle before setting her down.

“Full scholarship to Oregon State College. It’s close enough that Heather and Tim said I could continue living there while I attend.” She smiled, happily.

I was so happy to know that she no longer just had new friends, she had accepted family as well. She would never have to go at it alone again. She had her foster parents, and she would always have me.

I leaned down pressing my lips to hers and she wrapped the arms around my neck. I wished I never had to let her go. I knew that we would always end up like this. Taking on the world together, wrapped in eachothers arms. Neither of us would be out of place as long as we had eachother.

“That is incredible Ry!” I exclaimed as we pulled away. “I do hope once I get into the academy and get an apartment, you move in with me though.”

A blush spread across her tan cheeks as she smiled widely. She watched me for a moment before her face fell slightly.

“After last night you still want me too?” She asked seriously.

The night before we had fallen asleep on my bed talking. I had woken up at two in the morning to her crying and pushing desperately, trying to get away from me.

No, I reminded myself, she wasn’t trying to escape me. She was trying to escape the man in her nightmares. I wished I could wash the memories right out of her mind and fix everything. Though that was impossible, at least I could be there to remind her that she was safe.

“I want to be there every time you wake up afraid of who might be in bed next to you. I want to be the one to assure you that you are safe, because I am there for you.” I bent down kissing her forehead. “I love you Riley Baker.”

“I love you Ethan Miller.” She smiled up at me shyly.

“I am going to spend the rest of forever showing you how lucky I am to have you.” I murmured.

She chuckled, pushing playfully on my chest. “I already know you’re lucky. Who else would put up with you?”

Her tease tugged at my lips and I quickly shifted to tickle her. She laughed, pushing at my arms half-heartedly. I watched her expression closely, stopping my assault the second any trace of fear crept into her eyes.

“You can always push back, or just say no. I won’t ever force you into anything.” I insisted, thinking back to the full story she had finally told me the night before.

“I know.” She smiled, then signed. ‘Britney looks horrible.’

‘I know. That’s what happens when a broken nose heals wrong and daddy can’t get a plastic surgeon to see you soon enough.’ I smiled pleased with how that had worked out. ‘Is she back at school?’

After proof of what she had done mysteriously made its way to the principal; Britney had been suspended and stuck doing the last of her classes online. One of her minions had taken over as head honcho and basically left both Riley and I alone. I was glad for that.

Riley shook her head. ’I saw her in the parking lot waiting for someone yesterday.’

I nodded, “Good. For a second I was worried she was giving you crap again.”

She smiled up at me with an adorable smile. I brushed my fingers across her cheek. “I am going to marry you someday.”

Her eyes widened in shock before a startled laugh escaped her lips. She didn’t seem to know how to respond to my proclamation. I took it as a win that she didn’t seem completely apposed to the idea. I knew we were too young, it was too soon, but I knew what I wanted. I wanted Riley Baker all to myself forever.