All I Want

we are family | 22

•Riley•

I suggested that James should talk to his family.

When James never came back home after the competition was meant to be over, his family was so scared that something must have happened to him.

He never called or made them know that he was okay. James just left.

Deborah was fearing the worst and thought he was dead but Piper was always by her side to tell her not to lose faith in her older brother.

At New Years Eve, all of his family and relatives came over to his family's house. I was invited as well since I was his girlfriend. None of his family knew that we had broken up which was weird because everyone in James's family tell each other everything but I can anyway.

We all went around and told stories about James because I, too, was also losing hope that he would never return. I knew that he wouldn't be dead, I just couldn't believe that he never said anything to his family.

We all cried together as well and laughed about every little thing that he did. I told them about our very first date in studio A, which I knew James wouldn't have allowed me to tell them because it was special to us but I owed it up to his family because I knew that I broke up with him.

I looked after Piper in A-troupe for James when he was gone and she counted on me as a sister because all of her other ones were also around the world.

We made up after I dumped Alfie and he left. I told her that I never meant to do that to James and I would do everything I could to find him and bring him home.

Now he's here and his family deserves to know that he's alright.

James nods and I pass him his phone. He looks at me for a little while, trying to buy some time in doing the call, "Um, Riley, can you stay with me through this call?"

"Are you sure? It's your family and I don't want to disturb your privacy," I say unsure

He shakes his head, "You are part of my family," James whispers softly.

I know he meant that as a good thing but I feel a sinking feeling in my heart. We made a deal that James would move on from me after he was better.

"Okay," I nod and take his hand in mine.

James taps a number and presses the phone up to his ear, "Hey Pipes... It's me,"

I hear a squeal in shock and joy, "James, oh my gosh, Mum come over here!" Piper screams

James chuckles at his little sister and then I hear a different voice, "James! Where are you? You disappeared for a whole year! Once you come back I swear-"

James laughs and places his phone down for a bit while his mother shouts furiously. I laugh with him and when her voice subsides he picks it up again.

"I'm so sorry... I'm a responsible adult now but I should have called you, I'm so sorry Mum and Piper and everyone who was worried about me. I know that I left you all thinking I was dead but I'm here now and..." James glances at me sadly, "And I was hoping you'll accept me back into the family?"

There's a long silence before Deborah talks, "Of course James if there's one thing in this world that can't be taken away from you, it's belonging in this family. We're so glad you are alive and safe, now come home baby,"

James shakes his head, "I will just not soon, I still have stuff to do,"

"Stuff?" Deborah asks, "No James, we need you home right now,"

"I-I can't Mum, as soon as I finish this I promise but not now. You have to trust me on this one," James whispers

There's another silence, "Okay James... As long as you call me at least once a week from now on,"

James smiles again, "Of course, I love you,"

"I love you too," Deborah says and the line hangs up.

James turns to me and pulls me into a hug. I wrap my arms around his neck and kiss him on the cheek. He belongs in this family.

**
hope you enjoyed this chapter! see you on Monday's update again. Don't forget that I have a oneshot book that I update on the weekends!