Mixed Feelings

48.

James

"Are they talking yet?" Eldon asked as we sat in our dorm a few days later but I shook my head
Since the ordeal went down with Riley and Emily, neither of the sisters have spoken. Well it was more of Emily refuses to speak to Riley no matter how many time she reaches out

"Do you think she'll show up tonight?" I asked Eldon making him sigh with a shrug

Tonight, Riley has her finally audition for this summer placement. She has been working on her piece all week and I think she is really proud of it. The audition is an open audition allowing members of the public to go and watch
Something about getting used to a crowd

"I think if she doesn't, she'll be burning a bridge with Riley and in the long run Emily will regret it" Eldon said
"But?" I asked knowing there was more to the story
"But, I think Emily's pride is too important to her" He muttered
"More important then her little sister?" I questioned and Eldon nodded without hesitation
"There is one thing about Emily that not many people know, she can play the big sister roll all she wants but she'll throw Riley under the bus without any remorse" He explained
"And Riley being Riley, will forgive her without a second thought" He concluded making me sigh falling backwards onto the bed

I couldn't really go telling Riley what she should do about her sister, I don't have any right or reasoning to be telling her anything to do with Emily, but I think someone should

"Are you guys ready?" Michelle said walking into the dorm room without knocking. She was shortly joined with Giselle, Hunter and West
"Yeah" Eldon said rising to his feet

I looked around curiously trying to figure where Beth was. Sure she used to be a nuisance but with the likes of Marcus around I wasn't going to take any chances
As I looked over at Hunter, he had the same concern on his face but that soon subsided the moment Beth came almost rushing down the corridor

Hunter greeted her with open arms while I watched from a distance, I could tell she was purposely avoiding all eye contact with me. She knew if she looked at me I would be able to tell something was going on

"Let's get this show on the road" Michelle sung pulling both Eldon and I out of the room

—

For an audition this place was packed. I don't think we were excepting this, I was assuming that it would be a few people here and there but when I tell you it was hard to find a seat. I mean it

I turned to see Beth in-between Michelle and I. Giving me ample opportunity to discuss the problem
"So, when were you going to tell someone?" I asked making Beth look at me confused
"What?" She asked making me shake my head
"Beth I know your tells like the back of my hand" I warned her watching as she bowed her head

"Just leave it alone James. Please" She pleaded
"not going to happen. I'll give you the rest of the week to figure out what this is but if you continue past that point. You aren't doing it alone" I warned her making her sigh with a simple nod

She soon turned her attention back to the stage where Riley had finally stepped out, I looked behind me to see Eldon looking around. He was looking for Emily just like I had been but I couldn't see her
Riley's music started but the moment it did, the doors opened and in walked the big sister

"Yo" I said to Eldon making him look over his shoulder to see Emily. As soon as he saw her he turned completely getting up from his seat to join her

Michelle glanced over before nodding looking back to Riley on stage

"That was amazing" Giselle gushed
"Of course it was, it's Riley" Beth said with no snark in her tone. It's crazy to think not even a year ago Beth hated Riley without even knowing her now here she is giving her a backhanded compliment

I turned back to see Eldon and Emily talking while Emily bowed her head and walked out of the room, she came for the performance that's one thing. Staying back for the outcome is another thing and I can't blame her

"At least she came huh?" Hunter offered Eldon making him nod as he took a seat with us again

"They'll figure it out man, we all know what they are like" Hunter added making Eldon nod
I want them to figure it out but I don't want it to be at the cost of something for Riley

That just wouldn't be fair to Riley..