Novocaine Hearts

Lexa's POV

I sat watching the sun set behind the horizon, casting an orange glow over the sky and the sea.
I listened to the sounds of the ocean as they rolled in and hit the shores. I could hear the seagulls over head, swooping the water for food.
It was so beautiful and peaceful out here. I never wanted to leave and return to the sad love story of my life.
The dry heat of the day was finally let up and allowed a warm breeze to flurry over the beach.
I took at sip of my Coke and squished my face, wishing it was a beer. Why the hell was a I still sober? How was this even possible for me? I used to go out with guys for a week, dump them and then go on a binge cause I was lonely.
I sighed again and leaned back on my deck chair and glanced at my phone, that was wedged under my leg.
There was a message from Nate.
Hey Lex.
Hope you're okay out there without us. Text me when you can.
I shook my head at the message.
Nate was just afraid I was going to leave the band. Which I did think about, but I couldn't do it. The band meant too much to me and I definitely able to channel all this... pain.
"Lexa?"
My head spun towards the voice, pulling me out of my little bubble. "Hmm?"
"How you holding up? Are you sure you don't want a proper drink?" Riley offered for the fifth time.
"I don't drink. Cigarette would be great through" I said giving her a small smile.
Riley nodded and grabbed her pack out of her back pocket and handed it to me. "Knock yourself out."
Riley plopped herself on the deck chair next to mine and sipped at what looked like whiskey and Coke.
"Thanks for letting me stay here. Malibu is gorgeous. This is just what I needed" I mused, staring out at the view.
"That's okay. I know how it is after a break up. You just need space..." Riley zoned out for a second. "Which is not what I did... but we're all different."
I chuckled at her. "So how long are you gonna babysit me?" I asked, giving her a smirk.
"What?!" She said sarcastically outraged. "I would never! And I would never recruit my friends to come join us up here tomorrow!" She continued sarcastically.
I laughed and shook my head at her. "So who's coming tomorrow?"
"Oh, umm, my friend Kimber, her kids Tegan and Seth. Not sure about CC. Umm, maybe Ashley... I have no idea, but if you don't want them to come I can cancel" she shrugged.
"Nahh it's okay. Might be nice to have new people around."
"Cool. Well I suppose I'll see you tomorrow" she said, leaving her seat.
"Wait, what? Where are you going?"
"To bed...?" She spoke unsure of herself.
"But, you must console me of my world of pain!" I cried, reaching for her in a dramatic fashion.
"Lex... You are going to be fine. Forget Parker, forget Jake. You don't need them" she said, coming back to her spot on the deck.
I smiled at the thought of being independent for once. Maybe it was something I needed to do.
"I don't know how... I've never been alone... never truly alone" I babbled.
"Let me tell you something... You're never truly alone. I thought I was for a really long time, and in the world, I was. But I always kept my Mom with me. She got me through so much. Even though the pain I had wasn't heart break, it was pretty damn close. I guarantee you, you've got someone that has been with you this whole time" she reassured me and touched my hand.
"You know it's probably you" I smiled.
Riley chuckled and her cheeks flushed.
"I know we didn't have a great start and you hated me for offending Ashley, but we're still friends. You're probably the strongest person I know" I said, proud to be her friend in this moment.
Riley sighed. "You really shouldn't look up to me as a role model. I'm not a very good one" she spoke low, almost with sadness. She once again started to head inside the house and up the staircase.

The next morning I was greeted to the sound of many voices and the smell of fresh coffee and bacon.
I threw on a t-shirt and shorts and made my way downstairs to see who was here.
As I rounded the corner to the main area I saw Ashley lugging in two big bags and chucking them on the couch.
"Hey Ashley" I called, walking up behind him.
"Lexa! Hey! How are you?" He asked hugging me tightly.
"Uhh, I'm good. You're place is amazing" I commented.
"Thank you. I love it too."
I then felt a tap on the shoulder and spun to see CC and a toddler held in his arms.
"Ohh, hey CC. Didn't see you... Who is this?" I asked, hugging him as well.
"This is my daughter Tegan. Tegs, say 'hello'" he said waving his hand and waiting for her to copy the action.
Tegan waved then turned away shyly.
"Awww, here, I'll take her" Riley said holding her arms out to take Tegan.
CC gasped childishly "You wanna go with auntie Riley?!" He said as he placed her in Riley's arms.
"Where's Kimber?" Riley asked.
"She doesn't feel well. She really wanted to come today" CC sighed.
Riley's face dropped. "That's okay. We can still have fun" she said in a baby voice to Tegan.
"CC, don't you think it's weird Mom is sick again?" A boy that looked about 15 with bleach blonde hair asked, coming up to CC. "I think she's pregnant" he added.
CC rolled his eyes. "Lexa, meet Seth. My know-it-all step son. He's a pain in the ass, but I love him" he said, tousling his hair.
"Nice to meet you Seth" I greeted, extending my hand.
Seth shook it briefly. "I saw you guys at Warped this year and last time. You got a lot better. Nate found his groove" he commented.
"Hmm very observant of you. You follow my band?" I asked.
"For sure! So glad a band has brought back punk and all the angst. Love it. What is the band working at the moment?" He asked eagerly.
"Well... Umm..."
"Uhh, Seth, Lexa came out here to relax, she doesn't want to be bothered about this stuff. I'm sure she'll let you in on some stuff later, okay?" CC chimed in, winking at me.
I smiled and mimed 'thank you' to CC.
Seth rolled his eyes and ran off towards the deck.
"You have such cute kids" I commented as I watched Riley hug and kiss Tegan.
"Hmm, for now. It looks like Riley is gonna steal Tegan. Too bad she can't have her own" CC added.
"What?" I said confused.
"Riley can't have kids. Otherwise they would of had kids years ago" CC informed me.
"Ohh, I didn't realise. She never told me."
"She doesn't normally say."
"Riley really is one big mystery, isn't she?"
"Yep."
"Hey guys! Breakfast is ready! Come sit!" Ashley called to everyone.

Notes

Thoughts? Comments?
And I actually wouldn't mind some advice. I'm unsure of where I should take this story. Message if you guys have any ideas. In need of some inspiration :)
-Tina xx