My Neighbour

fifty four

James

It was the first time in a long time we were all out, we were all out as a group but Riley was here to.. not with us
From the looks of things Daniel and Michelle were in town and keeping her smiling 
"She looks happy" Hunter said nudging me as we watching Daniel twirl both her and Michelle around
"Of course she is, she's with her best friends" i smiled
I took another sip of my drink allowing the alcohol burn on it's way down 
"She got into Julliard" Eldon said and I nodded
"i know, she told me last week" I said making them smile
"she told you before anyone else James" Eldon said patting my back
I glanced over at her again, I just wish we could turn back time and I wasn't such an idiot

The rest of the night wasn't too extravagant, we had some more drinks, we danced a little and then we went home
From the looks of things, Riley wasn't home yet but the moment I was about to open my door I turned around to see Riley stood across the road
"Hey" She said making me smile and turn around
"Hey" I said walking in her direction
She looked a little shy, a side of Riley I've never really seen

"You okay?"I asked and she nodded 
"you sure Ri?" I asked and she looked down
"Was I not good enough?" She asked slurring her words slightly. What on earth made Daniel and Michelle think that Riley should be leaving in this state. What if something had happened on her walk home?

"You were always good enough Riley" I said as she stumbled towards me, she pouted as I caught her
"If I had been, you wouldn't have kissed Beth" She said and I sighed looking at her 
"Riley, I messed and I know I did but how about we get you to bed and we can talk about this tomorrow?" I offered but she pouted again
She went to walk away but ended up tripping over her own too fit allowing me to catch her
"Alright, let's get you inside" I said carrying Riley over to hers 

From the looks of outside, Harry wasn't home but the door was unlocked
I carried Riley all the way upstairs placing her gently in her bed before attempting to leave but the moment I went to leave Riley grabbed my hand pulling back
"I love you" She muttered before turning over
"I love you too Ri" I said before leaving her to sleep

--

The next morning rolled around and from the looks of things, Riley slept in but from the state of her last night.. She needed it 
"Piper is coming in please be dressed!" I heard Piper call before the door opened 
I chuckled watching as Pipers small frame entered the room joining me on the little sofa by my window
"What's up Pipes" I asked
"I wanted to ask you something" She said and I looked at her a little confused
"What did you want to ask me" I asked 
"When are you going to fix things with Riley" She asked and I sighed looking out the window
"It isn't that simple Piper, I hurt her really bad" I explained and she nodded

"I know James, I know what you did but I also know that Riley loves you, give her a shot and she'll take you for a mile" Piper answered making me smile slightly
"Piper" I started but she shook her head
"No James, What you did was a mistake. We all know that but instead of sitting on your bum waiting for Riley to take a chance on you again. Prove to her you deserve that chance" She said 
"How?" I asked

"that isn't something I can answer for you, but just don't give up okay? If you truly love her. It'll all work out in the end" She said smiling
"I know it" She said before leaning in to give me a hug
Who knew I would be listening to my little sister about dating advice