Three Steps Back

38

James 

I don't know why I'm overthinking all of this. It doesn't make any sense..
"What's up man" Eldon asked tapping my shoulder as we stood around watching Riley's Solo 
Honestly, I didn't know 

"You never stress about it, You're James" Hunter teased making me roll my eyes
I looked out into the audience to see Dad and Piper sat there watching intently. But who wouldn't, it's Riley

No matter how much I tried to talk her out of performing today she was convinced she had to. I know that her Dad and Liam are in the audience so that most likely has a point to play
But to say I'm keeping an eye on her in an understatement
Sadly though, Riley was not my worry right now

"James your solo isn't for another couple numbers, why don't you get some fresh air?" West asked clearly noticing something was up 

With that said, I nodded walking past everyone heading straight to the double doors. I hate that I'm missing Riley's Solo but  at the same time, if I didn't get out of there.. Who knows what would have happened

I feel stupid, I feel like and idiot and i don't even know why this is having such an impact on me
This shouldn't be, this shouldn't be an issue 

"James?" A voice called, I didn't need to turn around to know who's voice that was. Sure enough a barefooted Riley soon joined me on the grass just being the school, the fire exit remaining open so we could get back in
She took a seat next to me gently placing her hand on my knee
"What's wrong?" she asked tracing some small circles

"I don't know Riley" I said closing my hands leaning my head back

"come on James, talk to me" she whispered, I opened my eyes allowing them to come face to face with hers. Latching on without a second to spare

"I don't know, I think it's the fact that Dad is in the audience" I muttered making Riley sigh as she turned to full face me
"I take it, he's never shown up before?" She asked and I shook my head
"He's always said he would but he just usually never shows up" I confessed

"then here's you chance James" She smiled making me look at her confused

"You can go on that stage and show him exactly what he's missed out on. Who he's missed out on all these years" She said
"You can show him everything you've learnt, you've accomplished since he hasn't been around. You can make him realise how much he truly lost" She winked 

"But what if I can't ?" I whispered, she looked at me with the same subtle smile she always has right as she cups my cheek to make sure my gaze doesn't falter

"James, you can do anything you truly set your mind too. Just because he is here, doesn't change that at all" She smiled but I don't know.. 

"You've got this and I'll be there in the wings in case you stumble" She said
"You won't let me fall, I won't let you stumble" Riley finished

I took one more look at her before nodding, if Riley thinks I can do it then who am I to knock that. This girls knows my limits more then I do at this point.

"Let's do this" I smiled taking a hold of her hand
"Let's so this" She smiled leaning up pressing her lips against mine 

--

As soon as I finished, I couldn't help but look out into the crowd to see Piper with her usual proud smile but I was shocked to see Dad having one on his face too
"You did great!" Riley sung but the moment I was off stage I wrapped my arms around her waist picking her up earning a few giggles as she pulled away too look at me

"You did it James" she said stroking my cheek lightly
"Thanks to you" I whispered earning a smile that the two of us shared

I don't know what I would have done all these years without Riley. I can't imagine a reality where we wouldn't have met. I don't know if it's because I don't want to or if it's that i physically can't

"I love you so much" I whispered before crashing our lips together earning another giggle as her hands travelled to the back of my neck

"I love you most" She muttered as we pulled away