Javier rolled his eyes. "No, seriously. It's pretty late for you to be walking around alone in a place with no lights."
I shrugged, unsure of what else to say.
"Did your family finally get tired of you and drop you off on the side of the road?" he joked.
You aren’t too far off, actually.
I gave him the middle finger, accompanied by a fake smile.
Another motorcycle flying down the road caught my attention. The person pulled over right next to Javier's bike and made his way over to us.
"Javier? What are you doing?" the guy asked.
Oh, I recognized that guy. He was always hanging around Javier. What was his name again? Preston? Peter? Paul?
Javier turned around. "Oh, hey Pax."
It was Paxton. Well, I was close. Paxton was Javier's best friend. Just like Ricky and I, they did everything together. Inseparable. Of course the both of them had a motorcycle, how ironic was that? I did not understand how their parents could be okay with giving their teenage sons motorcycles. As cool as motorcycles were, they were very dangerous, but I guess when your parents have a bunch of money you could get anything simply by asking.
Javier continued, "I just saw Richardson on the side of the road here. Figured I should stop. Wouldn't want him getting hurt."
"Easton Richardson?"
"Elias," I corrected Paxton.
Paxton came closer, squinting his eyes to see me better. Realization spread across his face. "Oh, Baby Richardson! Sorry, I couldn't see you clearly."
Considering the fact that Easton and I looked nothing alike, I was confused as to how Paxton got us mixed up. Easton was taller, had much shorter hair, and actually had muscles. Sure, we looked like brothers, but we definitely weren't similar enough to be mistaken for each other.
I rolled my eyes at the use of the ridiculous nickname. "It's Elias."
Javier ruffled my hair. "Baby Richardson is cuter."
I swatted his hand away instantly, getting even more irritated than before. "I'm not a damn child. Could you both leave me alone so I can walk home in peace?"
The best friends shared a look and then fell into laughter. I didn't know what was so funny, and this interaction only confirmed my theory that they were both lunatics.
Done with their games, I shoved past the both of them and continued my walk home.
"Want a ride?" I recognized the voice to be Paxton's.
I stopped, contemplating my options. Walk home or get a ride from Javier and Paxton?
On the one hand, I wanted to be stubborn. I wanted to show them that I did not need their help and that I was capable of doing everything myself. I had also just told myself that I would rather walk thirty miles before letting them bring me.
But on the other hand, I was not up for the long walk alone at night. It’s also been a dream of mine to ride on a motorcycle, so… I could swallow my pride for once.
With a deep breath, I turned around. Both boys were looking at me, awaiting an answer.
"Yeah," I mumbled.
Javier cupped his ear with his hand and leaned forward. "Sorry, I didn't catch that. What did you say?"
"Yes," I agreed with as much attitude as possible.
Javier nudged Paxton. "Hey, I don't think I caught that, did you?"
When Paxton shook his head, Javier nodded. He had that same condescending smirk that he always had on his face. "Can you speak up?"
