Eyes On The Prize

18 | Riley

2 weeks..

2 weeks since James told me about Spencer, 2 weeks I haven't spoken to single sole since. Even in class I'll sit at the back in the hope I'm not called on and I guess.. mission accomplished
It's not that people haven't tried to talk to me
In fact, I have a dozen missed calls from Spencer, Thalia tries to knock on my door every night. I've even heard her have everyone over occasionally and Michelle will usually try to shoot her shot. 
Much to no avail

 But tonight was not a time I could avoid. It was our annual dinner with my parents. I was due to attend with Spencer although given the fact I've had no contact with him, I would hope that he's gotten the hint I do not want to see him..

I finished getting ready, I had opted for a dark green dress that would be of my parents approving length while I had my hair tied back in a lose bun with a stand or two shaping my face
It wasn't my best look but it'll do until I can get this over with 

As I took one look I couldn't help but think back to what James had told me. Had I really been that much of a blind idiot that I hadn't noticed what Spencer was doing behind my back. Had I been totally and utterly walked over completely

Did I really feel guilty over one kiss compared to his track record?

I had wanted to ask around to see if anyone else would confirm the statement but sure enough, that scared little girl in side me wouldn't allow that to happen..

Part of me was scared to open this door right now, from what I could hear. Thalia had the gang over
Meaning the moment I open the door and walk down the hall I'll be greeted by a bunch of looks
I guess it was inevitable though ..

As soon as I opened the door I could hear the conversation in the living room come to a complete halt
"Riley is that you?" Thalia called
Who else would it be..

"Yeah" I said moving through to the living room to see everyone instantly looking at me
"you look pretty, where are you off to?" Michelle asked with a warm smile as I picked up my heels from the rack by the front door

"nowhere special, just dinner with my parents" I said before being interrupted by a knock at the door 
"Is that Spencer?" Thalia asked 
God I hope not..

"not a clue, I certainly didn't invite him" I muttered to myself before catching James' gaze for a second
"I'll see you later Thal" I said earning a nod as I opened the door sure enough revealing Spencer stood there..
"Hey Love, are you ready?" Spencer asked while I was still stood there with the door opened
"What are you doing here?" I asked
"What are you talking about? It's the Annual dinner, where else would I be?" He asked attempting to lean in and kiss me but I quickly turned my face allowing his lips to land on my cheek instead

"Riley? What is going on? Why are you being weird? You haven't spoken to me in 2 weeks and now you won't even let me kiss you?" He asked making me roll my eyes 

"I'm going to be late if we do this now" I said pushing past him but sure enough he had to follow..

-- 

Dinner at my parents was as expected. Spencer was speaking with Dad most of the dinner, talking about so big proposal for school.. From the conversation he had confirmed one of James' points. He was tearing down The Next Step
"Riles" Emily said as I stood out on the terrace later that evening. If I had my guess, everyone was inside eating dessert
"Hey" I smiled to her, she looked at me a little confused at first but soon came over wrapping her arm around my arm leaning her head on my shoulder

"What's going on in that little head of yours" She whispered stroking my hair just like she would always do as kids
"I can't do this Em" I said on the verge of tears 
I didn't know why I was about to cry but I had a feeling it was long overdue 

"Hey, what's going on?" She asked but I shook my head
"I can't. If I say it out loud then it becomes real" I whispered again while Emily attempted to wipe the tears as they fell

"Love? What's wrong?" Spencer asked coming out with Will next to him
Will looked at Emily then to me almost assessing the situation, but I don't think anyone would be prepared if they knew

"Your parents have had to head to the office for a while so it's uh just us" Will awkwardly said coming over wrapping an arm around Emily, Spencer had attempted to do the same to me but I was quick to move out of his grip and into Emily's only confusing the three of them more
"What did you do?" Will asked him but Spencer shook his head

"I think she's just having one of her episodes, she's not spoken to me for 2 weeks" Spencer said making me glare at him before turning to Emily, I gave her a look making her nod as she took my hand in hers and guided me away from the boys towards the house again 

Emily and I had so many memories in this house, so many together apposed to as a family. Our parents were always busy so it tended to be Emily and I entertaining ourselves with the help of our Nanny here and there
There was one room in particular we would spend months in if we could. We could easily get lost in a alternate universe here 
Which meant I knew exactly where Emily was taking me 

The Library

"Now Riley, please tell me what is going on?" Emily asked as we sat on our usual sofa 
"I can't, Dad won't be happy. I'm already not happy, it's going to change everything and Dad already used his cliché threat" I whispered
"Ignore Dad right now, let's focus on you" She whispered taking my hand into hers

"Tell me Riley, let me help" She said stroking her thumb against my hand

Emily and I may not see eye to eye on this whole marriage arrangement, the lifestyle we were grown up into or some other things but when it comes down to it
She truly is the best sister I could ask for
Emily is hard on me when I need the push, she's soft with me when I need someone. She's always the answer

"He's cheating.." I whispered making Emily's eyes widen at me