@The Muse@Emma@Viciousmarrow@BilboTheGreatWhen Riley left the room, James decided to sum up his speech in just a few sentences. He knew Riley hated the long winded thing, but James wanted to teach that kid some patience, which was why he did this. Eventually he'll teach Riley to be patient. Good things come to those who are patient, and then he thought,
God I hope that's true. "So long story short, Sophi, I'll look over the files and see if it is truly an option, but I'd rather see us hire extra hands. We have the funds open especially since we've managed to keep most of our customer base even if most of the employees up and quit. It would give us all a much needed break without cutting into our bottom line too much. But ultimately, it is up to you, Sophi, the business does belong to you." Then James hollered after Riley, unaware he slipped out the window,
"And I'm always at the Diner, from right after school right until we close." When no response comes from the kitchen and Riley doesn't come back out,James gets up again walks in.
"Riley, come on it doesn't..." He stops when he notices that Riley isn't in the kitchen.
God Dammit Riley. You called this meeting, and didn't even bother to stay till the end. As James returned to the living room, he flat out said,
"He's gone. Sophi, I guess it's up to you to decide if we're done here. I mean is there anything else anyone can think of? He sighed, sitting back down.
"If not, I'd like to go talk to the neighbor, thank him for being lenient this time as well as apologise and welcome him to the neighbourhood. Maybe turn his opinions of us around." There was a measure of disappointment on the edge of his voice,
I know we aren't perfect, but we're better than this... Aren't we? he asked himself, concerned that he didn't even know his own family. He ran his hand through his hair lightly, pleased by how long his hair was getting, and it at the same time reminded him how little they knew about him. It was something that had always scared James since the very second he figured out what it was causing his depression. He told his parents in private and they accepted it and supported him. But would
they accept the real him...
No! Stop that! It is so unbelievably unhealthy. They'll come to understand and accept who you are, eventually. It'll hurt too much to let go of you, and I bet they'll sooner accept you, than push you away. Especially given the timing. It was too late though, a slight measure of light had left his eyes, he had gone and brought himself down into another wave of depression, shallower than last time, but it still brought with it, the familiar dull ache in his chest. He'd still make good on meeting with Nathan and heading next door to apologise and say hi to the new neighbor, but it wasn't going to have the same heart to it. There was still going to be the pain.
"And you're going to push through it like always