Left Behind

0.7 Flightless Bird American Mouth, Iron & Wine

"Luke?"

I couldn't move. In front of me was the boy I had been in love with for 25 years and I felt like I couldn't breathe. Every muscle in my body was urging me to throw myself into his arms but something was holding me back. Whether it was the look of utter confusion on his face, or the underlying fear of mine that he didn't know who I was, I managed to restrain myself. The joy I felt slowly started to bubble away as me and Luke continued to stare at each, neither of us knowing what to say.

"Hey Luke, who was at the do-" A familiar voice walked up from inside the house and cut off when he saw me. "River?" Alex whispered. As soon as I nodded I was bundled up in his arms and I found myself overcome with emotions. I didn't even realise I was sobbing into his chest until he grabbed my face and wiped my tears away. I looked over his shoulder, back at Luke who was still stood in the exact same position. I was going to walk over to him when all of a sudden I was swept off my feet and spun around.

"RIVER!" Reggie yelled. I giggled and tightly hugged him back. My heart was filled with warmth as I looked between Alex and Reggie.

"I have missed you guys so much." My voice cracked and I struggled to hold back my tears once again. I was pulled into another hug when I heard an unfamiliar voice come from the hallway behind Luke.

"Guys who was at the door." Julie squeezed past Luke who was still stood frozen in the doorway and her eyes landed on mine. "Oh, who is this?" I took a deep breath and was about to explain who I was when a deep voice responded.

"Junie." My head whipped to look at Luke but he had moved. He was striding towards me. My heartrate sped up and I walked to meet him halfway. He stopped when he was right in front of me and I inhaled deeply. He gently placed his hand on my cheek and looked deeply into my eyes. "How are you here Junie?" He whispered. "Is it really you?" 

"I'm here Luke." I whispered back, gazing at his face. "I'm home." He swept me up into his arms and I felt in my heart the truth behind the words I had said. I was home and back with my family. I felt two more sets of arms circle me and Luke and I sighed in content. I hadn't had anyone hold me like this in such a long time and it was so nice. So nice, that I forgot about the young girl who was stood awkwardly to the side until she cleared her throat.

"Are you going to introduce me to your friend guys?" She said looking at Luke. I stepped past the boys and walked towards her cautiously.

"I'm River Beckett." I said holding out my hand to her. Realisation covered her face and she slowly reached out to grab my hand, gasping when she came into contact with my skin.

"You're not dead?" She asked quietly. I laughed and looked at my old bandmates, pausing when I saw their faces.

"No of course I'm not dead." I said, puzzled.

"River, if your not dead, how have you not aged a day in 25 years?" Alex questioned. Well. I guess its time to explain everything. 

--

10 minutes later I was sat in the studio on the couch where Luke slept after he had ran away from home. I smiled nervously at my friends, who were sat on chairs they had pulled up next to Julie. I didn't even know where to start.

"Just start from the beginning Beck." Reggie smiled kindly at me. I chuckled as I didn't even know I had said it out loud. 

"Well. Obviously you all know 25 years ago I went missing while we were at a club..." And with that everything that had happened over the years came spilling out, all at once. The boys stayed silent as I explained what had happened with my mom, and how Covington had treat me in the days leading up to this one. After I had told them everything, the room was silent as they all took in what I had said.

"I'm so sorry you had to go through that River." Julie said softly, while moving to sit next to me on the couch. Hesitantly, she took my hand and squeezed it. 

"Whatever happens, even if I'm the last standing, I'ma stand tall. I'ma stand tall." An older voice sung lyrics from outside the studio which caused all of the boys to stand up from where they were sitting and for Julie to drop my hand. "Guys, where are you all, the food has almost finished cooking."

"We're in the studio, we'll be out in a sec." Julie yelled back in response. She looked at me and smiled. "Do you wanna meet my dad?"

--

After a welcoming introduction to Ray and Carlos, Julies dad and younger brother, another place at the table was made up for me in between Alex and Reggie, with Luke sat opposite me next to Julie. 

"So, River, I'm assuming your also from Sweden?" Ray asked me, causing Julie to choke on her food and Luke to gently pat her back. I looked away from the pair and smiled at Ray.

"Actually, I'm originally from Yorkshire in England, but I was brought to the states when I was 7." He nodded in response. 

"So do you live nearby?" My smile faltered as I realised I didn't actually have anywhere to live at the moment.

"Actually dad, that's what I wanted to talk to you about." Julie said quietly, and I looked at her, extremely confused. I felt a soft tap on my foot and I looked up to see Luke staring at me, with a smirk on his face. "River doesn't actually have anywhere to stay and like the boys, she'll be starting at my school next week." Realisation hit me and my mouth fell open.

"Oh Julie you don't have to do that, I can find a hotel or something." I stuttered not even comprehending what she had said about school. Before I had a chance to decline the offer, Ray firmly shook his head.

"Nonsense, any friend of Julie's is a friend of the family. You can stay here with us for as long as you need." When Ray said that, the boys all whooped and burst into conversation about all of the things we could do together. 

Despite finally being around my family, I knew there was still so much that we needed to talk about. I couldn't let myself relax because the last time I was this happy, everything went wrong. 

"RIVER!" My head shot up and I jumped out of my chair. Reggie laughed loudly but Luke was looking at me, seeming concerned. "I've been saying your name for five minutes." I smiled but it didn't reach my eyes.

"Sorry, I was just lost in my head." I said lightly, looking down at my plate.

"Do you think we can go for a walk?" Luke asked. The talking around the table died down as they waited for my response.

"Actually, I was wondering if I could talk to Julie for a moment."

--

omg omg omg

Guys, sorry for the delay in posting, I've had such bad writers block. I found this chapter extremely difficult to write but I just wanted to get something up for you all. We're on 80 as of today and though to some people it may not be a lot, but it is everything to me so thankyou so much!!

Please comment or leave me dm if you want me to add something or change something about my story :)

I hope you all have a happy new year!!

icantenglish xxx