The Ghost Of You

Chapter Three

James

She was here, sat in front of me. But the look of fear on her face right now said a thousand words.. Starting with, I don't think she knew the hospital would call me..
"What are you doing here? You can't be here James" She said scooting away from me
"What are you talking about Riley" I said but she went silent, withdrawn..
"You need to go, you can't be here. God I was so stupid. I shouldn't even be here" She said instantly pushing herself off of the bed

That was not Riley, she wouldn't be brushing past this like no tomorrow. She would usually sit around and wait for the all clear but this Riley is about ready to jump out of the freaking window if she was given half the chance 

"Your friend stopped by" I said making her instantly stop to look over at me
"my friend?" She asked and I nodded
"Daniel was it?" I continued to add making Riley's eyes panic
"He left a message for you so how about you explain what the hell is going on and I'll tell you your message" I said, I knew I shouldn't really be blackmailing her like that but at the same time, what choice did I really have right now?

"He was here?" Riley asked sitting on the bed turning to look at me
"Yes Riley, he was. Now talk to me" I said but she closed her eyes
"James, I can't do this" She whispered opening them to look at me 

"You need to go" She said. There was a serious tone to her voice, she wasn't playing around but she most be close to senile if she thinks about losing her for 5 years I would be willing to let her walk away again
"I don't need to do shit Ri, You've been gone for 5 years did you know that? I've been sat thinking you were dead for 5 years" I warned her making her breath hitch
"James" She siad
"No, I don't care about why it happened, I don't care what led to it but I can promise you now. You aren't fucking leaving again" I continued 

I don't know how we ended up here but I need to know what happened with in the last 5 years..

"What did Daniel say?" She whispered
"What?" I asked
"Daniel, what did he say" She repeated
"He said that Harrison is with Tanya and that you all need to meet at Bill's" I said watching her as her shoulder's instantly sagged with relief 
"Did he mention anyone else?" Riley asked cautiously 
"No? Should he have?" I prodded but Riley shook her head

"I need to get out of here James. I need to go now" She said grabbing her things
"Riley rewind a second okay. Let me go get a nurse, let her check you over and if all is okay we will then get out of here" I offered. Riley's face softened before she let out a sigh before nodding 
"Okay" She whispered before sitting back onto her bed watching me as I left the room

The hospital was a lot more awake now that it was almost 10 am. The doctors were constantly in and out of rooms while the nurses made their rounds with breakfast making it evident that sooner or later someone would have come in to check on Riley anyway

"Hey, could you come cheek out Riley in room 105? She's evident on getting out of here but I want her checked before she runs" I said making the nurse chuckle before nodding his head following me back to her room
Except the door that I was positive was shut when I left now was fully open..

And Riley was nowhere to be seen..

--

I'd been sat in the hospital for 3 hours on my own while they searched for her but who was I kidding, she was gone. Again..

I had just got her back and now I've lost her again.. What is going on, what the hell is Riley running from. Better yet who is she running from
"I'm sorry sir. It would seem Miss Phillips self discharged this morning" One of the doctors said making me groan sinking deeper into my seat 

After leaving that place, I had no idea where I was going. I didn't have a plan
I mean who would have a plan when they are called to hospital at the dead of night
Incoming call from.. Piper.

As much as I can't fault Piper for her timing, I don't really know what to tell her if I'm honest
"Morning Pipes"  I said trying to put on a brave dace for her
"James, what is going on. I cannot cope with the fact your still at this hospital" She said making me sigh
"If it makes you feel better I'm currently leaving?" I offered changing the phone to handsfree as I got into the car

"Good, are you heading home now?" She asked. The right answer would be yes, yes I am but I can't 
I know Riley is out there somewhere and I refuse to go home and mourn someone who is still very much alive
"Not yet Piper, I've got some things to do down here. But the minute I'm done I'll come home" I said making Piper sigh

"Is this about Riley James? You know she wouldn't want you doing something stupid right?" She reminded me
Oh you have no idea Piper.. 
"I'm just visiting some friends and helping them out okay? I'll be sure to check in" I offered

"Promise?" She asked 
"Pinky promise Piper" I answered hoping that would be enough to solidify this for her
"Okay" She whispered 

Piper was a worrier, so was Riley. It's one thing that they shared and sometimes even bonded over. I have a feeling if I was to let it slip that I saw Riley this morning.. Piper would be even more of a mess then I am

I don't know where Riley went but what I do know is I'm going to do everything I can to get her back..