The girl next door

Chapter 39

Riley-
I took my hand off the ice pack and let James hold it up against His face while I fidget with his weakened hands. All cut up and bruised. He watches me for a while, until he intertwines his hands into mine, stoping my anxious actions. He knows me to well at this point. I smile, letting him know I get what he's doing. Suddenly a knock is placed on the door. Me and James look up to see the principal. He stands there with his hands in his front pockets, staring at James. "Your mother is here James, we need to discuss what's gonna happen next if you'll both follow me." He says before walking out. Me and James look at each other before getting up and following him out.

We walk out of the nurse, and down a long hallway where all the counselors and assistants principals work, until we get to his office. In there already is James's mom, sitting with her purse in her lap, and a furious look on her face. Me and James sit in the open chairs in front of the desk. "Ok, I'm gonna cut to the chase I know you're a busy woman." Our principal says gesturing to Deborah. "Hunter is being expelled. His actions today were unacceptable, as well as the reason for your argument. You can continue at this school James, but some community service hours will be required, and you must keep your grades up." I look at James who is staring at his feet, nodding along embarrassed. He lets us go, and since it's the last day it was a minimum day, so schools out already.

The car ride was very awkward. Deborah didn't say a word. We arrive at the house, my old home growing weeds out in the front. James opens the door for me and we head inside. As soon as we get inside, his mom sets her purse on the kitchen island and starts yelling. Piper Amelia and ruby come downstairs confused. Pipers been watching them since they got out early for the last day too. "Um girls let's go back upstairs we can watch a movie." I tell them rushing them back up the stairs, looking back at James. In the middle of watching Amelia's current favorite Disney movie Deborah comes in. "Hey girls, I have to go back to work I'll be home around 5:30 ok?" She says hugging her daughters. After she leaves I go check on James.

"Hey you ok?" I say walking into his room and sitting on the bed next to him. I rest my head on his shoulder. "Yeah I'll be fine. Do you have any spare glasses?" "Stop worrying about me I'll be fine." I assure him. He sighs. "Let's get you cleaned up." I tell him as I take his hand and lead him to the bathroom.

James sits on the closed toilet seat as I take off the dried blood on his face with a wash cloth. He flinches as the hot water cleans his wounds. "Where are the bandaids?" I ask him looking around the bathroom cabinets. He points to the medicine cabinet above the counter. I open it and grab the Disney bandaids, smiling as I remember seeing them on his face all those months ago. Before all of this happened. I sigh and put them on the counter. "This might sting ok?" I warn James before I take the antibiotic spray out of the first aid kit. He sits there looking at the bottle unsure. "Just close your eyes." I tell him. He does, and I spray it on the gashes on his tan skin. "Ow!" He says lightly when the liquid lands on his face. "Sorry!" I dry his face, and place the bandaids where it's necessary. "There, all better." I say putting my hands on his cheeks. He chuckles and puts his arms around my waist, bringing me into him.

We spent the rest of the evening on the couch together. Piper came down a couple times to get snacks for her and her sisters. But for the most part just me and James. It was nice to be with him. Me head rested on his chest, my legs on top of his, and his arm around me.

James-
I open my eyes to my mom pushing my shoulder trying to wake me up. "Mom what?" I ask pushing her arm away, as it's gonna wake up Riley. "It's almost midnight, go up to your room." She tells me. I sigh and nod. She goes upstairs into her room as I pick up Riley and take her to hers. Kissing her on the forehead before turning off the light and closing the door.