The Ghost Of You

Chapter Twenty Three

James

It's been three days since Riley and Sienna came back home and it's safe to say that Riley is driving herself insane. We are still waiting to hear anything about Harrison. Paul was in the wind meaning we couldn't question him, the police from both towns were looking for Harrison but were both coming up empty at the moment
"Mama" Sienna cooed walking through the flat's living room approaching Riley

We've been back at our flat for the last two nights. It isn't a hard determination to figure out that this flat isn't the best for kids. I think when this is all over a move will be needed
But where we move to is a discussion for another day

Riley tried to offer Sienna the biggest smile she could muster before picking her up placing her on her lap
With Harrison gone, Riley is struggling but that was a given. But Sienna is picking up on it, the moment Riley's smile falters it's like there is a switch in Sienna that makes her aware
She'll crawl or walk over to Riley trying her best to make her feel better

I wanted to help, I wanted to make Riley feel better but I'm pretty sure that there is only one person who can fill that void right now 

Michelle was due to come home today and it was supposed to be the night I met up with her and told her about Riley. But with Riley being here, I can't help but think that maybe a little visit would help her 
Luckily Michelle lives in the flat above this one. I'm pretty sure that the main reason Riley liked this flat was the closeness to Michelle
Once upon a time they were inseparable - I can't wait to see them get that back

The boys wanted to come over too but I told them that will have to wait until it was on Riley's terms. Michelle coming over is to give Riley her best friend back. It's the hope of seeing even the smallest genuine smile on her face even if it is only for a second

"Are you expecting company?" Riley said making me snap back into reality, someone had been knocking on the door and honestly I had no idea how long they had been there for
"Oh uh yeah" I said making Riley bow her head
"It's okay. Sienna and I'll be in the bedroom, she needs to sleep anyway" Riley mumbled to herself but I stopped her

"Riley stay there a second please" I said making her look at me curiously
"You're not someone who needs to be hidden okay? Just let me answer the door and it'll make sense" I said but Riley still looked at me like I was confusing her while Sienna sat there with a big sleepy grin on her face

"That took you way longer then usual, I was this close to breaking down the door" Michelle with her signature laugh
"Well this close to calling the boys to break down the door" She said making me roll my eyes

Michelle went to step into the flat but I stepped in front of her before she could
She looked up at me with the same confused look Riley had just had on her face 

"Don't freak out okay?" I said quietly hoping Riley wouldn't hear me
"James, I need to put Sienna down" Riley voice said making Michelle's widen so much so I wouldn't be surprised if they popped out of their sockets
"Riley, two minute please" I pleaded keeping my eyes on Michelle who looked like she had so many questions but didn't know where to start

She pushed past me for a second stepping into the flat with enough force that it caused Sienna to jump while Riley stood there in shock
"Now how about I go and put Sienna to bed and you two can talk" I said walking over to Sienna who giggled reaching up for me the closer I got 

The girls needed some time together that is for sure

--

I don't know how long we were asleep for, I don't even remember falling asleep. But it wasn't until Riley came into the bedroom sitting next to me on the bed that I stirred from my sleep
"You know, she has you smitten" Riley smiled making me chuckle as I played Sienna down into her cot turning to look at Riley who had kept the same smile on her face while she fiddled with her nails

"Thankyou" She whispered turning to look at me, I smiled up at her placing my hand on top of her stopping the fiddling
"It's safe to say you both needed that?" I offered and she nodded before laying down on the bed so we were face to face, nose to nose

"Are things going to be okay? Honestly?" Riley asked, her big brown eyes pleading her case 
"Honestly Ri?" I asked making her nod

"Everything is going to be okay in time. I don't know how long it will take for us to get there but we will" I whispered leaning forward placing a kiss on the tip of her nose

"how can you be so sure though? We don't know what could happen in a hour let alone what could happen in a week from now" she whispered making me nod
"That's the spontaneity of life I guess" I smiled looking at her
"What I do know is that if I had you and the kids with me. I couldn't care less what happens" I said making Riley sigh as she leant forward falling onto my chest

"I love you James" She whispered as I placed a kiss on the top of your head

"I love you too Ri" I said pulling her in a little closer