My protector

19. His Words Play

Rileys POV:

when I don't see James car anywhere I try think where he could be, but then it hits me. He's probably at the clearing! He did say it's where he goes when in need of space.

So I turn back and look at the school, should I?

If I leave I could quickly save my friendship with James but my aunt would definitely be notified about my absence, but if I stay James would be stuck thinking the false truth while I'm stuck in a class thinking about him the whole time.

I consider going back and saving my reputation until James' words start to play...

"well sometimes it good to let go and start fresh. And sometimes, you may need someone to help with that"

He said how I should start fresh and break free of the routine I gave myself, so I think I need to do that.

I try close my eyes and quickly focus on my heart and my heart is screaming only one thing. So I run off in the opposite direction of the school...

I can't believe I'm doing this but I can no longer turn back now.

-----------

After a good one hour bus drive and an additional 20 minute walk i finally reach the entrance to the clearing. I take a deep breath before slowly moving the vines so I could see inside.

I peared in and saw James siting beside the lake throwing pebbles at the water. My heart sinks to the bottom of my stomach. I have to make this right.

"James...?" I walk slowly over to him. He jumps up on his feet at the sound of my voice, spinning around to see me standing a few feet away. His eyes are bloodshot and it's obvious that he was clearly crying.

"Why are you here?" he quizzes blankly, taking a few steps closer to me. The gab is now only just under a meter long, there isnt much between us.

"I just wanted to talk to you..." I sigh looking straight at him, our eyes locking on each other.

"shouldn't you be in class? Or with that boyfriend of yours..." I hear his voice break when me says the word boyfriend. My heart sinks even deeper.

"your more important to me than school James... And Alfie isn't even my boyfriend" I clarify not taking my eyes off him, his facial expression changes quickly and he now just seems confused.

"but that girl said you two were dating...?"

"as if I'd ever date that pervert" I laugh rolling my eyes. I hope James would join in and laugh with me but he still looks unsure.

"I don't believe you..." he sighs looking down at the grass. I feel a small part of my heart crack at his words.

Now how in the world do I show him I'm genuine?

"James come on..." I say stepping closer then lifting his chin up slightly with two fingers.

He doesn't say anything and my heart cracks more, causing a small piece to fall apart completely into the deep void beneath.

"I'm being serious-" I'm then cut off suddenly as he seems to break.

"Riley there isn't a need for this, if you like him that's fine... just go!" he shouts causing me to step back.

I see his eyes sparkle as his tears were on the verge of spilling down his already stained cheeks. It unsettles me how upset he is.

I honestly thought he didn't even like me but now I'm starting to think otherwise... Maybe he does...

He spins on his heel after a while and starts to head back over to the lake but I'm not leaving until he believes me. I refuse to.

But what's do I say? What do I do?

But then his words play once again...

"...sometimes, you may need someone to help with that..."

I finally know what I have to do, so I say his name to grab his attention.

"James.." I whisper. He turns around again looking me wearyly, but I just smile weakly.

As I think about the moments we've had together so far this week I've now realised how much I needed someone In my life to keep me out of harms reach and to teach me to let loose and make use of the world around me.

In such a short amount of time he's some how taught me so much... And that I also don't think I can live without him...

So as I stare deeply into his dark brown eyes I listen to my heart screaming to be fixed...

I soon am sick of the sound and walk up to him, so there's only a few inches between us, and wrap my arms around his neck before pressing my lips against his.