Saving Riley

65

James' POV

"Hey babe" I called into the house a few weeks later. It was Riley's day off so I'm pretty sure she mentioned something about going to see Emily 
They made up after Riley got out of the hospital. Riley mended a lot of bridges from what she's told me. She didn't want to take life for granted 
After not hearing a response from Riley, my mind went into overdrive. Last time this happened, Lucas had been around
That wouldn't be an option right now as he's locked up but I'm still shitting brick

"Ri" I called running up the stairs, I still had my shoes on and I know for a fact if Riley is just sleeping or something she'll be mad at me for coming upstairs with them on
But all I care about right now is finding out what is going on. After that I can deal with the wrath of Riley..
"Riles?" I called again walking into our bedroom

There she was, sat on the edge of the bed with an envelope and piece of paper in her hands bent over as if she was crying
"Riley, what's wrong" I asked rushing over to her
She took one look at me, her eyes were almost vacant when she then looked back at the paper
"What is it?" I asked scotching a little closer to have a look at the paper in front of us
That's when my eyes set on it too.
"Courts next week" I muttered and Riley stayed vacant, she didn't say anything, she didn't move. I don't think she even blinked while we both sat there in silence

I had Riley in my arms, she was safe even when I know for a fact she feels a lot less than safe right now, things have only just about settled and now she has to relive it all. If there was a way she wouldn't have to go, I would much prefer it but nobody fully knows what happened except Lucas and Riley. You can bet your ass that Lucas is going to lie through his teeth which means the only person who can get her justice. Is Riley

"It's okay" I said kissing the top of her head as I held her close
I could feel her whole body trembling as she gripped onto my arms
"I can't do it" she whispered amongst her cried
"You can Riley, I know you can. I'm going to be there every step of the way and the second it is over with. He's out of your life for good" I replied kissing her head again
"I can't I can't I can't" she cried
I gently rocked us side to side to try and calm her
Nobody would ever be able to understand how she is feeling right now, myself including. I would do anything to be going through this instead of her 
But all I can do is be there and that is what I intend to do

"How about this, we have what 3 days before Court?" I asked and she hummed in response
"Pack your bags now with stuff for an extra 3 days. We leave tonight for some time to ourselves first. You can show me around New York. We can make the best memories we can" I said smiling to myself
"We can't just pick up and leave again James" Riley said as her voice broke
"Yes we can and we are. Miss Kate and Mr T understand, we are hard working kids Riley. We earned a holiday especially with everything you've been through recently" I said smiling at her
"I don't know" She muttered
I turned to look at her in her eyes, she wanted to do this but she was scared
"I'll look into a hotel" I said kissing her cheek, leaving her to pack

Riley's POV

I sat in the same position for a little bit. I didn't want to move, I didn't want to do anything. I was in a complete and utter panic
In a matter of days, I would come face to face with his once again
James tried his hardest to calm me down and I love him with every inch of my heart but I think at the moment, there is only one person I want to speak to..

I dialled the number placing the phone to me
"Hello" My dad's voice said through the phone
"um Hey Dad" I said trying to sound happy
"What's happened Riley" He asked, clearly knowing me way to well
"You've got a court date don't you" He said and I stuttered a little bit. I have no idea how he already knew all of this
"3 days time" I replied and my dad sighed
"You're going into overdrive aren't you" He muttered and I hummed in response

My dad and I are more alike then I think anyone has ever given us credit for. I got my anxious tendency from my dad, he knows all of my signs because they were the same for him too
He met my mum and my mum believe it or not, it's pretty similar to James in the fact. She tries her best not to worry about anything
Dad and I always bonded over our shared fear of the unknown and it really helps in situations like this

"Have you told James?" he asked
"Yeah, well he came home and found me struggling" I replied
"Oh Riles. What has James said about it all?" Dad asked
"He wants me to pack a bag and we'll head to New York tonight to be able to make new memories there before Court" I replied
"That sounds like a brilliant idea. Your mother and I will be coming to court and we could all meet with you beforehand" He said and I frantically shook my head
"I know it's going to sound stupid but do you think you and mum could skip court?" I asked 
"Why baby?" He asked 
"I don't want anyone hearing the things he did. It's bad enough I won't be able to get James out of coming" I confessed
I didn't want anyone to look at me in a different light
"If it is truly what you want then sure peanut" He replied
Lucas did the unthinkable, he did things you wouldn't want to wish on your worst enemy but I don't want my family hearing about that all. I didn't want anyone hearing about it