Taming River

Chapter Eight

KAILEE POV

"Sweetie, how's work and are you settling in alright?" My mom asked.

I sat at the dinner table with my parents and Edward. Since Edward and I go way back, he was easily accepted as part of the family. We were pretty close and was often mistaken as a couple. Something we both liked rolling with, since we were naturally clingy people. You rarely found us not being affectionate in one way or the other.

"Its been good. I like the town and the people are nice." My mind drifted to a particular dirty blonde haired girl.

It had been a week since that day in my class room. I saw her when she either dropped off Cameron or picked her up. Surprisingly, she never approached me since, which disappointed me immensely. I would catch her staring at me but would look away when I caught her eyes. River didn't seem like the shy type, but her actions appeared shy and nervous now.

"I know. When we moved here six years ago, Mrs Mathews was one of the first people to welcome us." Mom said with a pleasant smile. "They're such a great family."

I heard dad grunt. "Yeah, but that daughter of theirs needs to grow up."

"Why don't you like her?" I asked genuinely confused.

I knew I called her immature but I didn't really mean it in a bad way. River was sweet and funny, it was endearing really. I just wasn't sure she was someone I would mesh well with. I was a little more on the serious side, which resulted in me dating women with similar traits. All thanks to growing up with a father that was ex military, and now Captain of the police force.

She seemed to be the type that would have you on your toes, to have you constantly trying to work around her. River had confidence, a great trait honestly. She had the looks to back it up and the modesty to not be cocky.

"Oh, please. Your father more than adores that girl, he just likes to pretend he doesn't. You should've heard him gush about her bringing him breakfast one morning." Mom informed us, at dad's expense. His face was beet red. "He never fails to mention every time she does something he thinks is heroic. Like when she chased down that guy a few weeks ago."

Edward and I erupted in laughter at my Dad's embarrassment. Dad playfully scowled in her direction.

"Is that true, Mr Anderson?" Edward asked in a teasing tone.

Dad took a sip of his drink before answering. "River is....something else. Don't get me wrong she's annoying and always joking around. Did you know she stole all of Benson's clothes out of his locker, and he had to go around looking for it in a towel?" He said with a smile tugging at his lips. "The little punk hid it in my office cabinet." He chuckled. "They both really don't like each other."

I laughed too, thinking it sounded just like her. I was slowly starting to love the things I thought I wouldn't be able to stand about her. I was also relieved that he actually liked her.

"So you do like her." I said with a smile.

"She's a good cop. She's smart, vigilant and takes the work serious. She's head strong and can get things done right." He spoke seriously. "That kid is going places but if any of you ever repeat any of that," he made sure to make eye contact with the three of us. "I will deny it like my life depended on it. I don't need her bugging me more than she already does."

I shook my head and chuckled as mom kissed his cheek. It was hard not to like that girl. Dad put up a tough front but he was an amazing person. Lately my thoughts consisted of the green eyed girl and the last time I saw her. I wanted to talk to her again. I didn't want her to think I felt different about her because of the way she was born

***

"Are you going to tell me what has been bothering you?" Edward asked.

We sat on my parents' porch. Edward's arm draped around me protectively, my head on his strong shoulder. He always made me feel safe and secure. I relished in the familiar warmth his body radiated.

"What makes you think something's bothering me?" I murmured softly.

"How long have I known you? I always know, even before you do." The man playfully tapped my cheek.

He wasn't wrong. The guy just simply knew me.

"It's River." I said after a moment's pause.

"Because you like her." He stated as if he already knew.

"Because I like her." I confirmed.

He kissed my head and I smiled at his actions. Ed was always affectionate and caring. I'd known him for ten years now and our bond was unbreakable.

"I don't see the problem, K." He said, confused.

I closed my eyes tightly. The problem was, I was terrified. Not of her but I just couldn't help it.

"She's intersex." My answer was barely above a whisper.

He didn't say anything and I knew what he was thinking. Often words wasn't needed between us. Not with this.

"I'm sorry, K." He gave me another kiss and I smiled automatically.

We sat in silence then. Basking in the cool and calm atmosphere. It really was a beautiful night. The pale crescent moon shone like a silvery claw in the dark night. The vast blanket of stars that stretched to infinity, only enhanced the magnificent view. It was a sight that was obscured in the city by the blinding lights.

"How's things going with James?" I asked breaking the silence.

"It's been good. He's both shy and outgoing." I could hear his smile in his voice. "I really like him."

"I'm happy for you, Eddie."

"Me too, but," he moved to look at me. "I know why, but can you at least try? She seems really nice and James did tell me she likes you a lot."

I stared into his chocolate brown eyes. He had the same look I saw ten years ago, when I first met him. Safety. I knew he was right. That I could at least give River a chance. We didn't have to rush, we could take things slow. I really did like her.

"I want to. I'll talk to her." I decided.

My best friend gave me that grin I adored. "Good. We've been invited to hang out at karaoke night with them."

I raised a curious brow. "We have?"

"Yep. You, me, James, Ryan and River. So, are you in?" He smirked.

I giggled and nodded. "Yeah sure, why not."

"Good, because we're singing."

-E