Behind Closed Doors

Chapter 2

Riley's POV

It is always silent as we eat. I'm always scared to speak up to my father.

I set down a plate of food in front of him and a plate for me. Then I fetch his bottle of beer he drinks with his supper and then take my seat.

The sounding of utensils scraping along the plates fill the air.

I almost want to tell him, or someone atleast, with my little encounter with James. The way he looked at me gave me this rush that I never felt before. It was...Amazing.

But I know I can't speak of it. Because not only is it my decision to stay away from everyone at dance, it's also my father's order.

"Get me another beer!" He hisses at me. I glance up from my food, letting the command proccess in my head.

"Now!" He seethes. I just get up from my seat, when he flies up from his. In a quick movement, I'm pinned up against the wall.

"Do I need to do everything my self?" He growls. He grips onto my shoulders, pulling my back from the walk just to be slammed back into it again.

"No. I'm sorry, I'll do it." I tell him. He scowls at me, letting me go. I scurry off an get him another bottle of beer. I open it up and set it infront of him.

"Go to your room." He mutters.

"But I haven't finished eating." I tell him.

"Go!" He yells. I pick up my plate, scraping the remains of my food in to the garbage and lay it in the sink for me to wash later.

I open the attic door, revealing the steps that lead up to the dusty little loft. I scurry up the stairs and lie down on my makeshift of a bed. Several blankets and a pillow. Beside my bed is an old family picture. I had scratched out the face of my father, so now it's just me, my sister and my mother.

"I miss you." I whisper.

~~~~~

James's POV

I sit down at the kitchen table as my mom places everyone's food infront of them, and then takes her seat as well.

"It's been five years today, huh?" Dad says, taking a bite of his supper.

"Yes I know." Mom replies.

"Five years today since what?" I question.

"A car accident, killing the mother and one of the daughters. The father and the other daughter survived though." She tells me.

"Who was it?" I ask. She thinks for a moment.

"I actually think you dance with the daughter who did survive. Riley Hastings, is it?" She inquires.

"Um, yeah. That's her." I mumble, poking at my food.

"Isn't that the girl you have a crush on?" My little sister Alice giggles.

"What? No!" I lie.

"That poor girl must be heartbroken today." Mom sighs, shaking her head in a sympathetic way. We just eat in an awkward silence. I think about Riley. I guess that's what she meant by 'personal reasons'.

"Hanna, can you get the salt?" Dad asks my other sister.

"Do I have to?" She whines. He sighs.

"I'll go get it." He replies, getting up from the table.