Before The Angels Fell

Andys POV

I wanted to say it, I really did, but it felt too soon.
Riley was the most amazing, strongest person I had ever met.
She had been through so much and she couldn't see how brave she actually was.
I helped her in every way I could through her recovery. She had her moments where she probably wanted to kill me, but she got though it. Over the last few months we got so much closer and I could tell she was able to trust me.
Today she was stuck at work all day so I was spending time with the guys.
"Hey, so Jinxx, what are you thinking for you're Halloween party this year?" Jake asked from the other side of my living room.
I perked up immediately. I was hoping to bring Riley to Jinxx's annual Halloween party cause it was always amazing.
"I don't know... I was thinking I might skip it this year. We've been so busy, we haven't had time to really plan" he said with disappointment in his tone.
"What?! No! You have to have the party!" I whined.
Everyone in the room stopped and looked at me.
"Why? You never come anyways" Jinxx said.
"I came last year!" I shot.
"You were passed out at 10" CC chimed in.
I was silent for a moment. I knew someone was gonna say it any minute now...
"He wants to bring Riley. It'll be the night they finally do it!" Ashley announced.
"Ashley!" I said turning around to slap him.
"You want me to throw a giant party, just so you can take the girl?" Jinxx said almost sarcastically.
"Yes" I sighed.
"Jesus Christ, the shit I do for you Andy" Jinxx huffed.
"So is that a yes?"
"I suppose."
"Yes! We're all gonna get drunk!" Ashley said taking a swig of his beer. "So how are you and Riley?" Ashley asked after.
I noticed everyone physically lean in. I hadn't told them a lot about myself and Riley's relationship since we were still only just dating.
"We're good, I'd say. She is honestly amazing. I haven't felt this way about anyone in so long."
"But you guys haven't had sex yet...?" Jake said.
"We're waiting..." I couldn't tell them that she was a virgin cause Riley would kill me.
"For what? Zombie apocalypse?" CC sneered.
"She wants to take it slow. She has a lot of issues and I don't want to create more" I said trying my best to defend our situation.
"In other words, she's a pill popping freak who has mommy issues" Ashley added.
I felt my blood start to boil. "Why do you always take the piss out of Riley?! You always put her down! You don't even know her! She had anxiety after her mom died! Like, jeez! Give her a break!" I said angrily.
"Andy, it's okay. What if we all maybe got the chance to hang out with Riley and get to know her ourselves" Jinxx said breaking the silence.
"Thank you Jinxx. Glad you want to take the time" I said while glaring at Ashley.
I couldn't understand why Ashley wasn't taking the chance with Riley. I know I told him to stay away from her, but it would be nice if didn't always talk shit about her.
I was so distracted in our debate that I didn't hear the front door open.
"Hey baby. I finished early so I thought I'd co... Hey everyone..." I heard Riley say, obviously surprised to see everyone.
"Wish you told me you were coming. How'd you get here?" I asked with a stiffness in my voice.
"Ahh, Kimber dropped me off... I thought I'd stay the night..." She said unsure of herself.
"Why? Nothing is gonna happen anyways" I heard Ashley mutter under his breath.
"What were we just talking about!" I yelled.
Ashley gave me a smug smile and shrugged.
"Get the fuck out of my house" I said going to stand over him.
"Andy, it's not necessary" Riley said. I felt her hands touch my arm trying to tug me away.
"Riley stop. I'll leave cause Andy doesn't want me here and he doesn't want me to get to know you" Ashley said rolling his eyes.
I saw Riley was about to say something, but I held a finger up to her.
I waited till the door shut behind Ashley to let go of my breath.
"What the hell just happened...?" Riley asked.
No one answered.
"Andy?" She pressed.
I still stayed silent.
"Fine. Don't bother" she said then left the room in a huff.
"So costume ideas?" Jake said after a moment of silence.
They all started chatting, but I tuned them out and left to find Riley.
I went down the hallway and found Riley in the kitchen rummaging through my liqueur cabinet.
"I don't have any whiskey" I said.
I saw her bump her head on the counter when tried to get up too soon.
"Fine, vodka will do" she said grabbing the vodka bottle sitting at the front. "Why do you continuously shut me out from the others?" She whined as she grabbed a glass.
"I don't."
"Yes you do! Do you want me to get to know them or not?"
"Look, we're just... us still... I don't want you to get in too deep if you're not ready."
"Ummm, we're still us? What are you trying to say?"
"Riley... I really, really, like you, but you just don't seem ready for anything right now."
"Are trying to break up with me and saying its my fault?" She said letting go of the glass and vodka bottle.
"No! Argh, this is not what I'm trying to say..." I said frustrated.
"Andy... I'm a big girl. Tell me whatever it is you need to tell me. I promise I won't over react or get crazy."
"Really? You're saying that, even though you were about to pour yourself a drink two seconds ago?"
Riley rolled her eyes and went to put the vodka away.
"I am not dependent on alcohol" I heard her mutter.
She came to stand in front of me, looking up at my face with bright green eyes tortured with frustration.
"Look, I just want us to be comfortable in our relationship and you comfortable with yourself. Half the time I'm lying to the others about you cause I don't know if you want me to tell them the truth. It bugs me that I can't be proud of who you are in front of them. Ashley is always pissing me off cause he believes you are a drug addict, and I hate that he thinks that about you. So I'm sorry if I'm just trying to protect you."
I noticed her face soften at the thought of me looking out for her. She gave me a small smile and wrapped her arms around my waist.
"I know I'm... fragile, but I am getting better. I do appreciate you not telling them everything though, but I do promise that I will try and be stronger. I want us to work."

Notes

Do you want Andy and Riley to work?
-Tina xx