Signal of Distress

12 - Rain

Into it - Chase Atlantic
❤︎❤︎❤︎

Show me a reason to live and I'll spare the world a life tonight -River Mitchell

I haven't seen Eli since Monday. But Tuesday he left a brand new backpack in my dorm for me. It has the band logo on it and when I opened it up an oversized crew neck with the band's name and a new design printed on the front.

I've never seen it before. I wonder if it's one of a kind or soon to be released. "What are you thinking about?" Dad asks as he drives me back to my apartment.

"Just school. I have an essay due on Wednesday," I inform. Dad nods as he parks in front of my dorm. I lean over the console and kiss his cheek.

A smile spreads on his face. "Bye Dad. I'll see you next Sunday for dinner." We went out to a restaurant this time. Ashlyn and Amelia were too busy to come.

"See you later kiddo," he waves. I get out of the car and close the door.

"River!" I turn around to my name being called. I notice Eli jogging towards me. Oh shit. I look back at my Dad who has rolled his window down.

Please play along. "Hi Eli. I don't know if Ashlyn's in." I try to communicate with him using my eyes. His face scrunches up in confusion.

"What? No, I'm not here to see Ashlyn," he says. "I'm here to see y-"

"Dad! What are you still doing here?" I say in a cheerful voice as I look at him. Eli turns around finally registering that he's here.

My dad sticks his head out the window, glaring at Eli. "Good evening sir," Eli greets. Dad squints his eyes before looking at me.

This is going to be embarrassing. "What're you doing here son?" He asks Eli. Eli looks at me and I plead with my eyes hoping he'll lie.

"Ashlyn has my sweater and I was going to see if I could get it back," he lies. Thank goodness.

Dad nods slowly before he looks at me. That is not a good look. "River, recite rule 2, 3 and 4," he says. I run a hand through my hair out of frustration.

"Daddd," I drawl.

"Now River," he scolds.

I roll my eyes kicking the ground with my foot. "11 o'clock curfew. No boys and-" I stop talking and stare at the ground.

"The Seven B's, River," Dad reminds me. I bite my lip, shaking my head. "River, would you like to come back home?"

I shake my head, keeping my eyes on my shoes. "Books before boys because boys bring babies." I look up at my dad.

"Good. Grab your sweater and leave Elias," Dad says.

I look up at Eli whose expression is cold. "It's actually Elijah sir," he corrects. Eli's always formal while speaking to adults. He uses thank you and please often and always refers to adults as sir and ma'am. I honestly think my dad would like him if he gave him a chance.

"Elijah," Dad rephrases. He begins pulling out of the driveway.

"Have a good night sir." Eli lifts his hand up as a formal wave. Dad drives off not saying anything more. Eli looks at me and I can tell he wants to laugh.

"Shut up," I grumble, walking inside the building. He lets out a deep laugh following me. "What are you doing here anyway? It's like 12am."

I walk up the stairs and Eli trails behind me slowly. "No, I want to hear the seven B's again. Books before boys because boys what?" He teases. I roll my eyes and reach into my pocket for keys.