Saving Riley

16

James' POV

It wasn't long until Riley's books were crazy, she would be cramming classes in left right and centre and i have to hand it to her, she is smashing it. It's October and her classes have been ongoing for 1 month now and I think it's safe to say she is enjoying it
"Howdy!" Theo said walking into the green room, it was time for band practice in 20 minutes, I finished my class early so told the boys to head in whenever
"Hey man" I replied lifting a mug up to ask if he wanted one to which Theo nodded
I continued to make us both a Coffee before deciding to sit down with him
Theo and I don't tend to hand out much alone together, like there isn't a reason behind it. I guess it's just the way it's always been
"How's Riley doing with her Riley's Corner?" Theo asked, I smiled thinking back to it
"She's loving it, I saw one of her One to One's Last night and Riley get's proper down to their level and teaches them along side doing the routine with them" I replied making Theo smile
"Sounds like Riley has a knit for teaching then" He chuckled making me chuckle too
"you could say that" I replied
"Yoooo  What up!" Luke called as he walked into the green room with John 
"Hey guys" I replied 
The boys and I are meant to have a show this weekend and to say we are excited is an understatement, we haven't performed in what feels like forever and I won't lie, I've missed it
There is just something about being on stage and hearing the whole crowd roar knowing they are here to watch you. I felt the same at Regionals, Nationals and Internationals. But man performing is just my thing you know? I have the bug 

"You want to perform it at the gig?" Luke asked a little concerned
"Yeah! I mean, I don't know if Riley is coming but I think it would be a great time to perform it" I replied 
"I don't know man, it hasn't been approved by the label" John replied. I wrote a song for Riley. It's called Brave. It sums up everything perfectly and I mean, perfectly
"how about this James, we'll send it to the label tonight. If we hear back then great we'll do it but if we don't then we hold off?" Luke offered. The last thing I wanted to do was piss off the Label so I guess this was the only option
"Deal" I mumbled making them all chuckle while I rolled my eyes

--

Riley's POV

"Well done again Naomi, see you next week" I smiled at the little girl I was handing back to her mother. I didn't realise the talent this place really had, there is no way in hell anyone is taking our International title from us anytime soon, that is for sure
I smiled looking around at the studio
I managed to add a few tweaks here and there to make sure this place was the perfect beginning to what I had planned, Miss Kate was overwhelmed with everyone calling to make bookings and I'm afraid to say she had to start turning people away to the point there is a waiting list
It's so crazy
I started off as a little girl hoping to be a ballerina to now being the one who helps makes others dancing dreams come true
"You've truly gotten yourself into a pickle haven't you" A voice said making me jump out of my skin, I turned on my heels to see Nathan stood at the door
What was he doing here..
Nathan is and probably always will be Lucas' best friend, they've known each long before they went to Julliard. There was never a time that I remember them ever fighting
"What are you doing here?" i asked, I wasn't sure if I should hug him and still class him as a friend or to run for the hills
"I'm here to talk about Lucas" He said taking a step forward which in turn made me take a step back
"What about him" I asked
"I know what he did Riley, I know all of it. You don't think you're the only girl he's done this to do you?" He asked. I looked at him confused
"Granted you are the one that lasted the longest, the one who he thinks he has his claws deep in but Riley. You are strong enough to get past him" He replied, I smiled slightly thinking he had my back
"but you are going about it the completely wrong way" He sighed, I looked at him confused. I hadn't done anything?
"Getting that guys Jamie or whatever to come and threaten him? That only antagonises him, it makes him want this more. He is getting the reaction he wants. Fear from you and rage from everyone else" He explained
"Do you mean James?" I asked and Nathan shrugged 
"James hasn't-" I started before being cut off
"He went to Lucas' hotel room a month or so ago, Lucas has been laughing about it to all of us how he plans to come back and this time he won't leave you standing on one leg" He whispered making my breath hitch
"And Riley" He said causing me to hum in response
"He plans to take James down with you, I've never seen him so dedicated to something in my life. He has it all planned out and it does not look pretty" He whispered, I looked at him in disbelief
"How can you be friends with someone like that" I asked my voice breaking a little
"It's complicated Riley, you know that. If I had a choice I would drop him like a hat but how am I meant to warn people if I'm on the outside looking in" He explained
"So all of this is because" I started making Nathan nod
"because in Lucas' head, James challenged him and you are the prize" He said making my breath hitch again. I looked at him once more before he sighed and walked away

This was it, this was my end, this is the end to my story
I started to pace around the studio
When did James even have time do that. When could he have? How did he find out where he was staying
I know James was trying to protect me.. but has he just merely put me in more danger then before
Talking to James wouldn't help, I would end up breaking down. I can't be mad at him but yet I can't shake that feeling, the feeling of if James had left it alone I may not me in imminent danger right now.. 
James what did you do..