The Aftermath

Chapter 68

James's POV

Even though Riley's shift the next day was while Addison was at school, she was offered to fill in for another coworker later that night. Unfortunately, the babysitter couldn't come at such short notice, but u was there to take the job.

"You know the number at the bar if anything happens or you need anything, right?" Riley inquires before she was about to leave.

"Yes." I reply emotionlessly. I didn't want to be as cold as I was being to Riley right now. But at the same time, I couldn't help it. Not after last night.

"Okay, I think that's it, so I guess I should get going." She says, gazing around the tiny house.

"When will you be home?" Addison pipes up.

"Late honey. You'll probably be asleep when I get home." She tells her, which Addison responds to by pouting.

"We'll have fun together Addy, won't we?" I ask cheerfully, scooping her up in my arms.

"Yup!" Addison squeaks happily.

"I'll see you later, I love you." Riley says, kissing Addison on the cheek.

"And I should be back around twelve." She tells me.

"No problem. If we're not here, we're at my place." I respond.

"Okay, well I'm gonna go now." She replies. I watch her silently as she slips on an old jacket and leaves the house without another word spoken.

~~~~~

Riley's POV

I really like my job so far. The tips were very good too. Better than the ones at the diner. And the other employees were actually around my age and didn't require a hearing aid and still never heard half of what you said.

"Thanks for filling in Claire's shift. I wouldn't be able to do a night shift by myself." My coworker Shelby says when I approach the bar.

"Yeah, no problem. At least I'm getting paid over time too." I reply.

"Don't worry, you defiantly will. And the tips are better in the night time too." She tells me. I hang my coat in the small back room and then got down to work.

~~~~~

James's POV

Addison has been awfully quiet tonight. She just wasn't herself. She didn't carry that little spark that she always has. Finally I got to the point when I broke down and asked her.

"What's wrong Addison?" I ask. "Something wrong, I can tell.

"There's this girl in school. She's really mean to me. Her name's Mackenzie " She sighs sadly. Immediately, I feel myself becoming overcome by anger. How dare someone hurt Addison!

"Listen, the next time she's mean to you, step back and go and punch her right in the nose." I advise her.

"Will that work? Will mommy be mad?" She questions.

"That's how we settled things when I was in school. You got to stand up for yourself." I reply.

"Okay, I'll do if!" She responds happily.