The Bet

Chapter 18

James's POV

I find Riley in the hallway, trying to open her locker.

"Riley?" I say softly as I approach her.

"Go away James!" She says, her voice cracking.

"Look at me." I order. She doesn't move.

"No." She sniffles.

"Riley. Look. At. Me." I say sternly. I cup her face in my hands and turn her so she's facing me.

"What do you want?" She whispers.

"Riley, don't mind Michelle and Stephanie." I tell her. "They're harmless."

She pushes my hands away, and turns back to her locker, which she finally manages to get open. She gets her coat and bag.

"Where are you going?" I ask.

"Home." Is all she says.

"So, you're going to skip off, just because of something someone says to you?" I inquire. "Wow, I thought you were tougher than that."

I expected her to come back defensively, but she just shrugged.

"I guess you really don't know me then, huh?"

"Do you want me to drive you home then?" I ask. She shakes her head.

"No, just go back with your friends." She says.

"Riley, either stay here, or let me drive you home. These are your two options." I announce. She sighs.

"Fine, I'll stay here." She mutters.

~~~~~

Riley's POV

After several minutes of arguing, James somehow manages to convince me to come back and sit at his table with him.

"So man, were you invited to Allison's tonight?" West asks James.

"Yeah, but I'm not going." He replies.

"Why not?" He asks. James looks at me for someone reason.

"I got better things to do." He replies.

"Seriously? Allison is so hot, and I know you've liked her for awhile!" Eldon says. I slump down in the seat a little. I thought James liked me...

"Nah man, I'm over her. Piece of work is all she is." James says.

"Then who's the lucky lady of the hour now?" Michelle says, sounding bored as she examines her nails.

James gives me a glance, and a small smile.

"You can figure it out yourself." He tells them.