That Stranger.

[Riley Thomas]

<sub>That old feeling one gets when their by themselves for way to long, like your cooped in the house, but your not really? Yeah. Well thats how Riley felt right at that moment. Her yes shut and she leaned her head against the soft embroded red velvet couch. Her moms basement wasnt at all to shabby, a perfect nest for a seventeen year old, it was quite odd that she was down here on a Saturday afternoon, but no one needed her. Her mind was going insane. Riley opened her navy blue eyes, and she took a look around the smooth cream colored walls. A smile sprinted on her face as she turned to an old picture, one of her, her mom, and her dad..Fishing, of course Riley had the biggest fish.

Only because her dad let her hold it for the picture, originally he had caught it, and well Riley was infatuated with it. Later he cooked it, and maybe that was why she wasnt always craving seafood. It was her mothers week, well actually Riley didnt care witch day she was at the house, well she had a car, Riley could just leave anytime she wanted too. Which was the greatest thing. Riley jumped off the couch and snatched the clip from her hair, she shook her head to get all the hair out and about. Running up the stairs Riley reached the kitchen. No one was home, it was Saturday afternoon, her mom was at work of course.

Leaving the house Riley jumped in the car, and began to drive off. She didnt know where she was going. All Riley knew is that she wanted out of the house, maybe take walk. Yeah. taking a walk would be a splendid idea. Making a left Riley headed for Huntley park, it was the greatest thing in the world, but it was something to do, to enjoy the beautiful weather. She parked in the parking section, and got out. Wearing a pair of faded blue jeans, and a tee shirt, that had animal planet on it. She had it from the sixth grade. It was amazing that it still fit. She took her first steps and began to walk.</sub>

[Rylan Avery]

Boredom had settled over the teen, the whole house actually. The two puppies had begun to wander again, something they did often when there wasn't much to do. The house was bare beside the two animals and, well, Rylan. His body was sprawled out on the couch, the television still on from the night before. He'd stayed downstairs the previous night, and hadn't bothered to wake up the house coming in as late as he had. It wasn't that Rylan was out partying, he'd been enjoying a game of basketball at the park with a couple of friends that had come into town the day before. No game with Rylan was short and sweet, they were long, hard, and most definitely fun.

A hand traveled through his hair, noting that it was still wet from his shower the night before. He'd been awake for quite a while, but had been tuned into some morning/early afternoon movie. Yawning, he straightened himself up, bringing himself to make his way upstairs to change. Throwing on an old pair of faded blue jeans, and a normal work-out t-shirt, he proceeded back down the stairs, pondering on what to do. His stomach growled with hunger, so he decided on having a quick bowl of cereal, then make his way back to the park for a run, though he'd most likely walk.

Rylan carried a quick pace after stepping out of his car, every muscle of his body in tune with the other. Running was something he enjoyed most, but not more than basketball. Lately, he'd been slacking on the whole running aspect of staying in shape, which for him was a definite rarity. Rylan sighed contently, picking up the pace as another couple minutes went by. His gaze shifted to a familiar figure up ahead, slowing as he reached her. His breathing wasn't all that hard, but just enough to make him have to inhale a couple deep breaths before speaking. "Hey, stranger," He said, a welcoming smile forming on his lips. A hand rested just above his right hip, trying to help prevent any possible cramping. Eating before running, bad idea.

[Riley Thomas]

<sub>Riley walked a few more, she had nowhere to go, and everything just seemed organized, but not really. She had planned it down in her day planner that she would have free time, Riley just didnt like it to much. Free Time, meant boredom, and well Riley wasnt up for that. Anyways Riley had been thinking for a couple of days, that she needed a job..she just wasnt sure. A job would be suicide, and it wasnt like she couldnt do, Miss Riley simply didnt want to do it. Anyways today was a day for relaxation. maybe.

Her eyes wide open to the scenic view. Riley stepped into the unknown, Okay maybe just Huntley Park. By why could she say something dangerous as the sort? Navy blue eyes wondered around, and she walked slow. blue Jeans and an Old Rolling Stones tee shirt, that her dad had got her once. Snuggly fit her. She wasnt in the mood to impress people. But Eh whatever. Her brown wavy hair was down of course. Like always.

Gasping. Well that was what Rylan had been doing when he stopped and said Hey, Stranger, and Riley smiled. "Well hello Mr. Avery." she smileing she couldnt help it, she loved seeing how funny people looked after jogging, or running, whatever he had just been doing. Taking a slight deep breath in she looked at him waiting for him to reply. She looked at him, and then spoke. "Catching up on some running?"</sub>

[Rylan Avery]

Rylan always found Huntley Park to be quite relaxing, especially on mornings like this. It looked as though it was about to rain, but anyone who had lived in Roanoke, Virginia for a while could tell it wasn't. Looking up into the skyline, you could see the bright outline of each large dark grey cloud, meaning the sun would be out in a matter of a couple hours, maybe less. Rylan had been one of the smarter people, and took advantage of the possible weather outlook. Being in a lonely house was depressing enough, so he'd decided to get out and shake off some of his energy by running. He was quite happy about how the day was going so far, as he hadn't quite gotten to the point where he needed to just be alone for a while. This time, he was actually looking for someone to rescue him from this never ending boredom he found himself in.

Riley was the perfect person to ease into walking with, as her calm complexion often made his own body relax, and he no longer felt on edge all the time. It was strange how certain people just made you feel so calm, others made you feel safe, and then others made you feel loved. Walking beside Riley, he felt himself immediately shut off any wary feeling he might have had about the outside world. The past few days he'd been "protecting" the house, and hanging out on the porch, taking frequent walks with the puppies, constantly checking up on things. This entire town had him on edge, and he was starting to give into the pressure the world put on his shoulders. It was nice to finally feel the weight be lifted from his shoulders, even if it was only for a few hours.

"Catching up on some running?" He glanced toward her as she voiced her question, still trying to catch his breath. Once he did, he nodded lightly. "Yup, but more looking for an escape to get out of the house," He paused, smiling in her direction. "What brings you here, anyway?" He asked, as he'd never run into her on any of his usual runs, though they'd been lacking consistency lately.

[Riley Thomas]

[so sorry for the wait. =[ =] but anyways back to business. =p
Also bare with me, Its not going to be the best reply in the world.]

<sub>Riley smiled and watched as Rylan caught his breath, and heard him speak. "Oh yeah, I most likely know what you mean." she did that was her main one that she used, to tell herself, she needed a break her. Her navy blue eyes waited as she saw that he had another sentence venturing out. "Oh the same, the house is killing my vibe." she said and was a little sarcastic about the whole vibe thing.

Her mind was still blank her thoughts on her freshman year. For once the memory had been brought back to her. Riley didnt know why here, or now, but she went with her. Her mind still on Rylan, but also thinking of the past. Her mother always told her it was bad to think of the past, or go back form where you came from. Those were the only words that helped her threw which were also followed by, Theres no need to regret the past, when you can fix the future. Her mom always had unique sayings like those, and they came at the perfect moment.

"So how have you been lately, Mr. Avery?" she simply asked as she noticed he caught his breath. Her eyes bright with curiousity, and adventure. It was the mood she was in today. Her soft lips holding a smile, that only Riley could force. It was a Riley smile, one that left someone wandering if she was really happy to see you, or if she was faking it. But Riley was truly happy to see him. Her light brown hair caressing her face.</sub>

[Rylan Avery]

ooc;; No problem. My replies aren't that great either. XD

Rylan nodded, smiling broadly to reveal a row of white teeth. His gaze shifted to the path ahead, watching a soccer ball roll across, and then a pair of kids scatter after it. He glanced back to Riley as she spoke; "Oh the same, the house is killing my vibe." He shook his head lightly, in more of a teasing way than anything. "Your vibes, huh?" He grinned, an eyebrow raising in slight mockery. Lately, Rylan had been big on the whole teasing thing, and found that his mood was a lot more upbeat because of it. Actually, the words seemed to roll of his tongue, more than they usually had. Not that it meant anything, maybe beside the fact that he was happier, more... Alive, to put it bluntly.

His thoughts quickly returned to his previous thoughts, the thoughts that seemed to lurk along with him wherever he went now. He found himself hating his father even more, and for no apparent reason, but it seemed like everything was clearer about things now. Sooner or later, he figured they'd end up in court, and then be forced into custody of one of the parents, not both. Actually, things would probably remain as they were now, with the Avery children left at peace in the house they all once shared. In a way, Rylan felt comfortable with his parents getting divorced, for his mother's sake anyway. Richard was more of a drag on the family, not a help, except maybe for a little extra money now and then. Rylan had found himself willing their fight to end with a divorce, no matter how harsh it sounded. Then, maybe his father would wake up to the fact that his children weren't OK with what had happened.

"So, how have you been lately, Mr. Avery?" He glanced back to Riley as she spoke, gratefully pulled from his thoughts. A light shrug became of his shoulders, and he shoved his hands into his pockets, but the smile he once held reappeared. "All right I guess," He paused, hating the contents of this question, because nothing ever seemed to change with him. "Just school, basketball, family problems, the usual," He added, preparing to redirect the question her way. "And what about you? How have you been lately, Miss Thomas?" Rylan asked, giving her his full attention, pushing all previous thoughts to the back of his mind. Forgetting might be considered a sin to some, but today it was a grace.

[Riley Thomas]

<sup>It was the freshman summer, that pulled her back. Her navy eyes glistening with the strands of sun as she watched Rylan. He was a mystery to her, somehow. Of course everyone was to Riley. Of course Riley had many friends, but not the sort she knew to much about. She was friendly well manered at times, except when it came to drinking, but thats a whole nother story, well anyways she never really opened up to people, and she figured thats why no one opened up to her. Pulling all thoughts to side as Rylan spoke of her first comment, about the vibe situation. "Yeah it could kill a person. ya know?" she said jokingly.

Her eyes still stayed upon him, as thoughts lingered back. Her trusting issues, she needed to work on. It wasnt like she didnt trust people in everyday life, but just with her problems, and she never trusted anyone to give their problems. Riley always believed there were enough problems in the world to be sulking about ones own. And in case Riley wanted to be the fashion designer who did the missionary work. She wanted to be superwoman, and save the world. Many didnt know that.

She asked a question, when her thoughts died down, and he replied. Family troubles had been the only word that stuck out, and Riley knew about them. Riley didnt even think people knew her parents were divorced. Or that she didnt live on the richest street. "Ive been good. Preparing for life. Lately Ive been think of going on an adventure." she said as a mystevious smile appeared. An adventure would be the greatest, if only she had enough courage to drop everything an do it.</sup>

[Rylan Avery]

Rylan could feel her eyes on him, and he cocked his head to the side to look at her, his eyes meeting hers. Riley had always had his mind reeling in slight wonder, for she was quite a hard one to figure out sometimes. She was a lot like him in some ways, especially the fact that she tended not to open up to people easily. He had that same problem, until he really grew to trust the person. Once that happened, he'd answer any question you might have. Rylan had begun to grow more comfortable around Riley, meaning he was getting closer to letting her in enough to get a taste of his past, and the things that made him tick. "Yeah it could kill a person, ya know?" He smiled at her response, shrugging his shoulders. "I suppose so."

He sighed contently as they walked, glad to have her company. There was a lot going on now in RPA, some things he never thought would happen for quite a while. Take Joie for example, her blurting out that she was pregnant was completely unexpected, and had caused him to worry quite a lot. Now, he was beginning to relax, his earlier physical exertion allowing his muscles to give in to the strain and pain that might follow. He began to wonder exactly how many people she'd told, and how many people she'd let actually see her in the past couple weeks of being completely sick.

Rylan clearly enjoyed Riley's company, as most could tell by his more relaxed posture. Throughout the time they'd known each other, he'd learned quite a bit about her, including some things normal people might not realize. Some of it was pure observation, like where she lived, and who she lived with. Well, she lived on Joie's street, by which he'd known ever since he was a toddler, so it wasn't hard to know who moved in and who moved out. At the word adventure, his attention was completely hers, his gaze shifting back to her figure. "Oh, yeah?" He smiled, thinking of the idea for a moment, a small smile appearing on his features. It would be good to get out and do something he wouldn't normally do. "What did you have in mind?"

[Riley Thomas]

Riley found his voice comforting, and relaxing the way she had some many times before. Her eyes watching him, it was her thing. She loved to watch people and figure out all there little secrets. But Riley could never figure out anyone, especailly her own self. It was the way she found people. If she stared at one long enough she would notice the imperfections. Riley did this all the time in the mirror. So many times had she stared at a random person in class, and get in trouble for not paying attention. But all that meant nothing. Her eyes darting to the ground after he smiled.

There was nothing left to be said on that matter and Riley didnt care. But for a moment it was a little quiet which made her think. Riley thought of nothing for a moment, and then thought of a life she wished she had. But it was hard to come by. Her head moved up, and looked back at him. He seemed so relax, and she knew it. Riley smiled, it was something she just had to do. He wasnt a mystery to her, not nearly enough. She knew Rylan, and Rylan knew her. It was the one thing she liked most about him, was that he knew her well.

She spoke of an adventure, he seemed rather intrigued, as he asked of what she had in mind. Riley smiled and slipped her arm around his, a friendly gesture to a dramatic scene, and with the other she waved her hand across, as she spoke "The world!" she smiled. Their elbows still interlocked. "Or anything smaller."

[Rylan Avery]

Rylan had always like people, just people in general made him curious. He enjoyed the challenge to getting someone to just let him in, and let him know their world a little bit. He favored the times by which he had nothing better to do than just watch someone, or maybe talk with someone you'd never really talked with before. After all, wasn't that what our ancestors did? They were simple minded, but complicated in all the same way. They didn't worry about if their weekend was filled with plans, or if the place they were staying in was the best in the neighborhood, they worried about the people. People were important to Rylan, they were a sense of comfort, and certain ones allowed him to be who he really was. Riley was a lot like him in that way, they both wondered about things, and could wonder the same things but not even know it.

Rylan's mind wasn't as relaxed as one might hope, it was constantly on the move, trying to figure things out and piece together life's mysteries. He wanted just one day where he could let it all go, forget the past, forget the future, and live in the moment. Fat chance. He'd grown up a complex minded kid, and had to have something to do every time of the day. He wasn't relaxed, and that was the problem. His doctor had warned him about the serious health risks of getting too angry, worried, and apprehensive. Worrying had come easily lately, so he'd had to watch out for some things, but most of the time he ignored it.

He smiled as their arms interlocked, even more curious as to what she'd been thinking of. Rylan liked a sense of adventure once in a while, and actually, he'd been out in search of one for a while now. So, Riley was it, the source of his possible adventure. "How about we start with something smaller..." He agreed, laughing. "Well, where have you never been in Roanoke, that you've always wanted to go... Or what have you always wanted to do?"

[Riley Thomas]

<sub>Riley smiled it was the kind of smile that made her seem less complicated then she truly was. Her eyes trying to melt away the troubles in the world as she looked up at Rylan. The smile never faded, she was use to smiling it didnt hurt so much anymore. Her mind filled with thoughts. It was unusal that she was not busy today, especcially in the afternoon, but she had really no where to go. The truth was latter tonight was when she would have something to do.

Riley had jept her arm interlocked with rylans and her other had been free to do what it pleased. It tucked a peice of brown wavy hair behind her ear, and floated back down to her side. Her ears intent to what he had to say about her little adventure. He asked if there was a place she had never been too around here, and the only thing she could say would be the ocean or the sea (was there truly a difference =p).

Truth be told Riley had never been in one. It was quite sad once one thought about it. But she was kind of scared. Water that ventured as far as the eye could see wasnt appleasing to her. Although she would look out above the water, wishing she could be anywhere but here, she had never got over the fact that the water could swallow her up in a heartbeat. "I dont know, I never been in the water at Vernon Beach," she said with a smile. "What place have you not been yet?" she asked wandering if his would be more exciting. Riley had lived here for some time, of course she was bound to see everything.</sub>

[Rylan Avery]

It was odd to see Rylan out in public without a smile on his face. He was a naturally happy person, and took things as they came to him, and didn't really complain about anything. Though, he did have the tendency to speak up when he disliked something, but it would usually end up being alright with him later on. His smile remained as of this moment, as did Riley's. His gaze shifted down to her, his smile only widening as they continued to walk. It was great to be outside with someone for a change, as he'd been spending way too many hours inside and alone. He'd been keeping to himself lately, and in turn was somewhat glad to be busy for the day.

Adventure was an interest to Rylan, it always had been. Riley was particularly a curiosity of his, because he hadn't quite pictured her as the adventurous type before. His gaze wasn't as piercing as usual, it was more of a light interest, wanting to know what Riley had in mind. The most Rylan ever got to doing anything of adventure was by doing something he didn't normally do, which didn't happen often. He was never a fan of a sudden change in schedule, even if it was for his own good. Today, he was up for the change, he wanted to be the kind of guy that did things spur of the moment. Slowly he was making his way there.

Rylan glanced to Riley in surprise, taken back by her words. She'd never been in the water at Vernon Beach? "Never?" He questioned, his shoulders stiffening slightly. It was hard to believe, considering most everyone enjoyed the water. Vernon Beach was classically known for the warm water, white sand, and hot sun, it was hard to believe she hadn't been in the water. As she asked where he hadn't been, he shrugged lightly. "I've been here all my life, it's hard not to have gone everywhere," He said, though unsure about whether or not he'd in fact been everywhere.