All I Want

i'll wait for you | 29

•Emily•

I open the boy's bedroom door. Eldon and West are already awake and eating breakfast in the kitchen.

I stick my head in and see Riley curls up in James's arms. They are sleeping peacefully. Soft smiles are spread across both of their faces.

I smile at the two, maybe I could let them sleep for a few minutes more.

I go to close the door when Riley stirs and wakes up James in the process. She turns to him and he places a kiss on her cheek.

"Morning, beautiful," He says groggily

I can see Riley blushing slightly before she clears her throat. She's probably not used to it. I remember when James used to call her that all the time.

"I have to go now," She whispers sadly

James nods and holds her close to his chest, "I'll wait for you to come back,"

"Shouldn't I be the one waiting for you this time?" Riley asks, "I'll see you when you get home,"

James chuckles, "Yes of course," There's a silence before James speaks again, "I lo- I... Riley, I hope you have a safe trip back home,"

Riley looks up at him, expecting more, "Thanks, James,"

They press their lips together and I turn away from the door because I don't want them to know that I've listened to their conversation or wanted to see them kissing.

I sprint to the kitchen, West and Eldon look at me weirdly as I come running in.

"Someone's excited," Eldon comments and puts his second finished bowl of cereal in the sink

Riley and James come from down the hall and start eating breakfast. James doesn't talk much.

I grab Riley's packed suitcase from yesterday and haul it in the car along with her other belongings.

We all get come outside of the cottage, we have to leave now so we'll make it back in time for lunch at our parents place.

Eldon and West hug Riley first. Since I'm coming back to look after James for her, I observe from behind them.

I hear them thank her for what she's done to help James and my little sister just nods with a smile. I glance over to James, who is still silent.

As the two boys leave her alone and stand beside me, James walks up to her slowly and pulls Riley into a hug.

She wraps her arms around his torso, closing her eyes in the right embrace. James leans down slowly and I see him whisper something in her ears.

I frown in curiosity because Riley nods and a tear falls down her face. They pull apart and James places a hand on her cheek, wiping away her tears.

They stare at each other for awhile, lost in their own world. We don't dare disturb them.

"She'll be going to the reunion, won't she?" Eldon asks me

"What reunion?" I say in confusion

"Oh, I forgot to tell you. Stephanie is coming back from LA soon and is holding a reunion for our A-troupe,"

I look back at Riley and James, "I'll be sure to tell her," I whisper

James steps closer to her and presses his lips against Riley's in a sweet kiss... Maybe even a goodbye one but I know them both too well that this is not a goodbye.

I cough and look away, heading towards the car.

After a few minutes, Riley gets into the passenger seat. Wiping her remaining years away.

I start the car and lead us back down the road. I glance back and peer through the window. The boys are standing behind us, watching us fade away.

I glance at Riley, she doesn't look back.

***
hello my name is family channel and i'll be going on a mid-season break!

I'm behind on writing chapters for this book so I'm gonna stop posting for a bit but once I come back, I would have written all of the chapters including the ending.

Spoiler alert: someone's gonna come back. Whoops

It'll take me idk a week I guess or more depending if I get lazy, just keep reminding me every now and then to write because I know you guys love this book and I really want to finish it!

Thanks for all the likes and comments so far, I'll see you guys in a bit! ❤️ (don't leave and forget me please)