Behind Closed Doors

Chapter 29

James's POV

It was a lot to take in. All this time that I have know Riley, I never had a clue that her father has been doing this to her. I kept asking questions, but stopped when I noticed how uncomfortable she was getting. She also made me promise I don't tell anyone at all.

When we get to the studio together, Michelle immediately runs up to me and gives me a hug.

"Oh, hey." I say awkwardly.

"Hey, want to hang out at my place after dance? My mom will drive us." She says. I look at Riley. The collar of her jacket wasn't pulled up all the way and you could faintly see a bruise. It made me shudder.

"Um, not today. Tomorrow maybe." I reply.

"Please? It will be fun." She responds.

"Not today." I reply, sighing.

"But James-"

"If he doesn't want to, he doesn't have to." Riley cuts in. Michelle scowls at Riley.

"Excuse me? Was I talking to you? No I didn't think so either! Go!" Michelle orders Riley. Riley does as she's told and runs away. I glare at Michelle.

"Don't be so mean to her. She has a tough life." I tell Michelle, trying not to let on the full story.

"I didn't know you knew her life story." Michelle growls, crossing her arms.

"Well, no, but her mom and sister is dead so she has a tough time." I reply.

"Sounds like a personal problem." Michelle mutters, examining her nails. I take a deep breathe, steadying myself from strangling her that very minute.

"Just don't be so hard on her." I say through gritted teeth before walking away.

••••••••••

Riley's POV

Kate gave us a break during practice, so we all agreed to go down to Squeezed.

I stood at the back of the line, behind everyone else, going through my bag trying to find any possible spare change. So far, I was unsuccessful.

"Here, I'll buy yours." James says, holding out a five dollar bill. I didn't even realized that he was watching me.

"She can pay for her own James." Michelle interjects. She held a steady glare on me, making me feel like I wanted to shrink. I smiled slightly at James.

"I can pay for my own." I say softly. James nods and turns back around. I rummage through my bag for another few minutes until I finally give up. I sneak out if the line and go and sit at one of the tables to wait for everyone else.

"Hey let's sit over here." Michelle calls out to the others, walking over to the couches. She catches my eye and smirks. I could have easily went over and sat down with them, but I ran back up to the studio instead.

James's POV

I sat down by Michelle and held her hand. I took a sip from my drink, but something didn't feel right.

"Where's Riley?" I ask.

"Who cares." I hear Michelle mutter.

"She was in line behind you, wasn't she?" Chloe asks.

"Yeah she was." I reply, scanning the room.