Behind Closed Doors

Chapter 11

James's POV

"So what's going on between you and Riley?" Daniel asks me.

"Nothing." I scoff.

"He's lying." Eldon says. I hit him lightly in the arm.

"Thanks a lot man." I say sarcastically.

"Well it's pretty obvious. I mean, you had a crush on her for years, you've been walking her to dance and home after, and now you have her coming over to your place after dance." He replies.

"I never thought you'd go for a chick like her." West comments.

"What do you mean?" I ask. He looks around before continuing.

"It's rumoured that her father beats her." He says in a hushed tone.

"No he doesn't. I made her promise me that she'd tell me if he hurt her." I tell him. He rolls his eyes.

"Ever wonder why she always wears clothes that never show any skin? It's probably so nobody can see the bruises. So she's not being completely honest with you." He replies.

"But I made her promise me." I repeat.

"Dude, listen to yourself. You started talking to her for a week. She barely knows you, and it's not like she asked you to become involved in her personal life. You just kind of popped up. I wouldn't blame her for not telling you anything." Eldon says. I feel somewhat defeated at what he said.

~~~~~

Riley's POV

I stand lonesomely in the middle of the dance floor. Everyone's in their little groups, while I'm the loner like usual.

I sigh sadly, until I notice James walking over to me.

"Hey." He said.

"Hi." I say quietly.

"I thought you were talking to the girls." He says. I shrug.

"I was." I tell him. He bites his lip.

"Aren't you warm?" He asks. I shake my head.

"No, why would I be?"

"Well, you're wearing yoga pants and a sweater." He points out. "Why don't you wear shorts and tank top like the rest of the girls?"

"Why? Do you want me to be like the rest of the girls?" I inquire.

"No, of course not." He says.

"Are you sure? Because you keep on getting me to talk to the other girls, and now you want me to dress like them too." I spat out.

  "Riley, it's not like that." He continues.

  "Then what is it James?" I mutter. He just stares at me with a blank face. I shake my head and begin walking away.

  "Stupid me, actually thinking I can trust someone." I mutter loud enough for him to hear before walking out.