Behind Closed Doors

Chapter 16

Riley's POV

James brought me back up to his room while we continued to wait for supper. I was having a nice time with James, but I was worried I wouldn't get home in time.

"Sorry about them." James says.

"About what?" I ask.

"About them teasing us about being a couple." He says. I shrug.

"It's alright." I reply. I didn't want to admit that I kind of liked it. I wondered if James felt the same way.

Probably not. He probably just feels sorry for you. I thought to myself.

"Oh, I've been meaning to ask you," James says, sounding nervous, "I was wondering if I could get your cell number maybe? You know, so we could talk more."

My heart sinks. How badly could I be able to say yes.

"I'm not allowed to have a cell phone." I say quietly. He looks kind of disappointed and gives me a sympathetic look.

"Oh, alright. No big deal." He says quickly. I smile weakly and play with my fingers as we're eloped in silence again.

"You can sit closer to me you know. I don't bite." James chuckles.

"I know." I reply.

"Um, okay." James says quietly. I didn't mean to sound rude. But it's better off to not start something that I'm not allowed to finish. No matter how much I might end up liking James, I'm not allowed to.

"Supper's ready!" We hear from downstairs.

"We better go." James says with a small smile.

••••••••••

James's POV

"It was nice of you to join us tonight Riley." Mom tells Riley sweetly.

"Thanks for having me." Riley replies.

"Don't get used to it mom. After spending the whole day with James, she'll never want to see him again." Alice says.

"Hey, I'm right here!" I cut in.

"I know." She replies deviously.

••••••••••

Riley's POV

After supper was finished, I still had just enough time to get home and make a quick and easy supper.

"I should get going." I tell James after we cleared away.

"So soon?" James asks.

"Yeah, my dad will be home soon and will want to see me." I explain.

"Okay. But you should come over some other time." He says. I nod.

"Yeah, maybe." I reply trying to sound sincere.

"Well, bye." James says.

"Bye." I reply. I feel some urge to just hug him, or just do something. But I can't. I give a small nod and than I'm out the door.

••••••••••

James's POV

After Riley left, I flopped onto the couch and watched a bit of tv, it I kept thinking of Riley.

She told me her dad was nice, but something still seemed off.

"James, can I talk to you?" My mom asks.

"Yeah sure. What's up?" I ask as she sits next to you.

"At supper, I noticed something about Riley." She says slowly.

"Like what?" I question.

"Bruises." Is all she says. I know what she's talking about. My mom's a social worker and deals with taking kids away from unfit parents.

"You mean on her neck?" I ask. She nods.

"No, they're birthmarks. Riley told me they are." I argue.

"Are you sure about that James?" She asks. I nod.

"I'm positive. Riley told me they are." I reply.

"Okay. But if you notice anything, you need to let me know. Her father is rumoured to be a harsh and abusive man and-"

"No he's not mom. Riley told me he's really nice. And Riley wouldn't lie to me." I cut in strongly. She nods slowly.

"Okay, if you say so. But if you do notice anything, let me know." She tells me.

"I promise." I say.