Just Pretending

twentythree

Riley

Walking into the Studio the next morning, it was Friday but we had the day off school for some sort of holiday. It tends to be around this time we would have the nights and then spend the day collectively as a group
"So how did it all go? Are we all a strong team?" Miss Kate asked sounding very chirpy 
"Well we are all ready to take on the world" Michelle said before we watched the boys come in looking extremely tired
"Do you guys never learn?" Miss Kate warned them making everyone else laugh
James came over to me placing his arm around me kissing my cheek while Eldon did the same with Thalia. West and Noah just stood there trying their best to not fall asleep
"What time did you all get in last night?" I asked looking at them all
"We didn't" James muttered making me laugh making him jump at the sigh
"You lot are idiots" I said making the girls agree watching as the 4 of them could barely keep their eyes open

--

Due to the boys current condition, Miss Kate decided to cancel the practice for today, it was our final one of the week. As we lead up to Nationals Miss Kate tends to limit practices to give us time to work on it on our own back
"You are stupid" I said looking at James cuddling a pillow next to me as we sat in my room watching TV
"Shush, you are making my head hurt" He whined intertwining our hands as he attempted to catch some sleep
It didn't take long in fact for James to fall fast asleep with our hands still tangled together
"hey Riley?" I hear my dad called, as soon as he walked into my room I put my finger to my lip making him chuckle but soon smile leaning against the door frame

"What's up?" I asked checking to make sure this conversation wasn't going to wake James 
"I needed to talk to you about something but if now isn't a good time" He chuckled motioning to James I rolled my eyes giving him a look to continue
"you Aunt, Uncles and I were going to go to the cabin in the morning for the weekend if you'd like to come. I offered Em too but she's too swamped with work" He explained, I sighed looking down as James turned a little in his sleep
"Bring James" He said making me look at him confused
"What?" I asked
I hadn't ever brought anyone there, let alone a guy..

"bring James Riley, I bet your Auntie and Uncles would love to meet him. They'll love him" Dad smiled, I chuckled lightly
"but what about Mum?" I whispered and Dad sighed
"She would have loved him too sweetie, she wouldn't want you to keep someone you love hidden" Dad said as I brushed my fingers through James' hair
"He can spend the night tonight and then as long as he agrees to come we set off at 9am tomorrow morning" Dad confirmed and with a simple nod I had agreed 

--

It had been a fair few hours and to say I hadn't enjoyed just laying here beside James, It would be a massive lie
"mmmmm" I hear James stir as he turns in my lap now looking up at me with his big chocolate eyes
"Good morning" I smiled at him, he pouted meaning he wanted a kiss, I gently leant down making our lips meet turning that once pout now into a smile

"I have something to ask you. You can say no though okay?" I replied, James looked at me a little confused but soon sat up giving me full attention
"What is it Ri?" He asked taking both my hands in his
"Do you remember our meeting story?" I asked and James nodded
"The Cabin?" He asked and I nodded this time
"My family are going there tomorrow morning and my dad invited you" I said and James smiled
"Do you want me there? I know this is a big thing for you with your mum and all" He said making me look down at my hands before looking at him again with a bite to my lip
"Yes" I replied making him smile
He cupped my cheek pulling me in closer
"Then I'll be there" He whispered sending chills down my spine..
God what is he doing to me