Unknown Beginning

Part 36

When Riley and Kenny arrived back at their dorm after dinner, James had already left. Riley hadn't seen her in the door again or around campus and, feeling awkward about texting her after their last encounter, Riley left without saying goodbye. Kenny had hugged Riley tight but declined Riley's repeated offer again when Riley suggested instead of saying goodbye, Kenny spent the winter break with her. Kenny was tentatively planning to stay with her Dad during the two week break before they returned for a game on January 2nd but Riley suspected at least some of that time would be spent with Tyler.

Trying to push worries about Kenny and thoughts of James from her mind, Riley buckled up for the ride back to her hometown. Which had been successful as she chatted with the girl driving her home, an acquaintance from her town that she had gotten to know better once they discovered they went to the same college. It wasn't until they were in the middle of belting along to the music that Riley got a text an hour later.

"You left?"

"Umm yeah, I'm on my way home now. I wasn't sure if you were around or not and my ride wanted to leave." Riley responded apprehensively.

"You could have texted."

Shit, Riley thought, she's mad. "You're right, my bad. I should have."

Riley watched "..." appear then disappear a few times before "yup." was sent.

Knowing she messed up now, Riley sent "I'm sorry."

Again Riley watched as James typed, then deleted, then typed a few times and then... nothing. Riley stared at her phone a few moments longer but no new typing or messages appeared. Closing her eyes as she tilted her head back to the ceiling and rested her head against the headrest, Riley thought fuck, before pulling herself together to join in halfheartedly with the singing again.