Mixed Feelings

36.

Eldon 

"How does it feel man" James teased as we all walked in with Hunter his suspension was over with which meant he was back in Dance with us
"Y'all are so dramatic" He said rolling his eyes
As we got in there we noticed that all the girls bar Riley were here. Which is unusual but lately Riley's been a little late sometimes

"Where is Roo?" Hunter asked making all the girls look at us
"She mentioned something about speaking to our science teacher?" Giselle asked making us all sigh 

Lately Riley's been a little distracted but she's told us that she's been seeing Emily a lot in the evenings which as surprising as it sounds would add up to her behaviour 

"Speak of the devil" James smiled watching as Riley came in, she flashed us all a small smile before coming over to us 
Moments later Marcus walked in shortly followed by Jessica 

It wasn't long before competitions were due to start and we were still in the qualifier run up. West, Marcus, Beth and Riley got us through the first round but there were still two more to go before we officially made it to competitions season
The Four of them are the only ones who can enter the Qualifier competitions
This round is a Trio and we have Riley, West and Marcus 

Nobody is fond of Marcus still working with Riley but it would seem that he's been sensible and just getting on with it instead of tormenting the girl 
West would keep him in check regardless 

"Alright, let's see this trio shall we?" Jessica asked with her usual clip board 

We all applauded as the three of them took their starting position

"you saw it too didn't you" Hunter muttered to me, I knew exactly what he meant but I wish I didn't
"I did" I said glaring over at Marcus 

The thing with him, when he's silent it's something to worry about and I'm pretty sure the looks Riley got that entire routine is enough to know that he's plotting something 

--

We all sat around in the common room that night but as usual, Riley was nowhere to be seen
"where is Riley James?" I asked making him sigh
"I just got back from dropping her off at her parents house. Emily needed help with sorting her room?" He questioned 

If James dropped her off then it would seem that her excuse for the night was legit but this all just seems off 

"How has she been lately?" Hunter asked clearly catching the same vibe I had
"She's alright. As far as I'm aware?" James questioned 
I looked over at Hunter who had the same look on his face, I'm pretty sure we both feared the same thing
Hunter nodded to the corridor making me nod in agreement before we excused ourselves from everyone only leaving them confused

We got to the corridor and both leant against the wall looking at each other
"We're not thinking what we're thinking are we?" I asked but Hunter confidently nodded
"I don't want to but man all of the signs are there" He said through gritted teeth

"Riley's family are sending her downhill again" He said making me nod
"I mean, she's been pulled in by Emily which means she'll be at complete exposure to their comments" I said and he nodded

"But how are we getting around it this time?" Hunter asked slumping next to me
"Maybe we need to cut her off from them for a little. Maybe we need to clue James in" I offered making him sigh and nod 

"I can't help but feel like there is something else we are missing" Hunter shrugged making me look at him confused

"Like what?" I questioned but he couldn't come up with an answer

Before either of us could say another word, Riley came around the corner in the process of taking her hair out of a ponytail
"Hey Roo" Hunter smiled wrapping his arm around her the moment she got close enough

"How was Em?" I asked and Riley nodded
"Same old same old" She said flashing us the fakest smile I've ever seen