My Neighbour

fourteen

James

"James, why are you in such a mush lately" Piper asked as we were in the front garden. I was working on the car while she did whatever it is that she does
"What are you on about Pipes" I asked throwing the rag over my shoulder
"You! Since Riley had her visitors you've been a moody mess" She said and I rolled my eyes
"Piper, the biggest lesson I can teach you as your big brother is to keep your nose out where it doesn't belong" I said looking at her
"And the biggest lesson I can teach you as a little sister is don't mess up something that could have been amazing" She said making me put down my tool to look at her, she had that look on her face meaning she was serious which in turn made me sigh

"Riley!" Piper soon squealed rushing down the path to greet Riley with a hug
"Why are you sweaty" She laughed making me glance over at her but as the normal stood. Riley avoided my gaze
"I was busy doing things P" She laughed hugging her
"Are you coming round for game night tomorrow night?" Piper asked making me look up to watch the pair again
"I don't know Piper, things are a little hectic at the moment" Riley said
In other words, she was truly avoiding me
"Come one please Rileyyyy! I don't want to be the only girl there" Piper whined
"You'd have your mum Piper" Riley laughed
"Mum is her one breed. She doesn't count" Piper continued making both Riley and I laugh
"I'll leave if that's the problem" i said finally earning some eye contact from her. She sighed looking at me 
"You aren't the problem James" She said before turning back to Piper
"I'll come under on condition" She said making Pipers eyes light up
"What's that" she asked
Riley leant in whispering something into her ear that caused Piper to giggle
"I can do that" she said running into the house leaving Riley to attempt to cross the road

"I'm sorry you know?" I said making her stop and turn to look at me
"What?" She asked
"I'm sorry if I overstepped, I'm sorry if I made you uncomfortable" I said and she looked at me still just as confused
"James, not everything that happens in my life is your fault you know? I have my own demons to tackle without worrying about guys" She said and I nodded
"Alright" I replied making her nod and turn to walk away 
"And Riley?" I called as she got to the other side making her turn around again
"You look real pretty today" I replied making her shake her head with a small hint of a smile heading inside 

--

Glancing out my window that evening, I was surprised to see Riley getting home pretty late, I had no idea where she went but when the car pulled up she got out heading straight inside, no good bye to whomever was in the car
No second glances nothing.. 

It was clear that she headed straight to her room probably not even saying a word to her parents. The second the light in her room turned on it was certain my suspicions were correct 
Something was going on that much I did know
But what it was and the extent was still unclear 
"James what are you doing?" A voice said from behind me, I turned to see Dad stood in the doorway
"nothing, what's up" I asked moving away from the window taking a seat on the bed
"I was just letting you know Game night tomorrow will be with Riley and her family. So behave please" he said leaning against the door frame

"Why wouldn't I behave?" I asked and he gave me the same look I get most of the time when he disapproves of choices
"James, I've seen the looks you two share. I saw the smirk you gave her the second you met the girl" He said and I looked at him a little confused
"It's the same thing I did with your mother when i met her and I almost lost her a good couple times. Girls don't just want the side your giving her. They want, they need more. You need to wind your neck in when it comes to Riley because one of these days you'll push her over the edge and when that happens. Bet your ass your mother is going to come guns blazing for you" He said making me nod at him

"But for the record James" He said turning back at he got to the door
"I've seen how she looks at you. It something I've not seen in some time" He smiled, I nodded allowing him to leave before heading back over to the window to see Riley in her usual spot writing in the same book she carries around everywhere she goes 

Maybe I've been going about this all wrong