Through Thick and Thin ~ RIVER PHOENIX (On Hold)

Chapter 2

River looked at Rain. He couldn't stay mad at her, she was always on helping people, including him. Maybe just this once, he could see what Emilia was about, though it might be hard. She was three years younger than him, but if Rain wanted it all that bad, he'd give it a shot. River sighed, then looked at the sky. His palms sweaty, he answered, "Alright." Rain squealed and wrapped her arms around him.

"Thanks, River! Thank you, thank you, thank you!" She yelled. River hugged her back.

"You're welcome, Rainbow," he said breathlessly, looking out into the distance, the direction Ana went to.

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Ana-Rose watched Rain and River. She knew  they  had thought of something, for Rain was first raging and now she's beaming. Ana knew she couldn't come between whatever they were thinking of because it would be rude and disrespectful, also a risk to their friendship. At least we're still friends, she thought. She opened her book and flipped to chapter four where she left off. After a few minutes, the young lady behind the counter spoke up. She had a side braid and dark skin. Her eyes were large and were a dark brown. She had a small face with little pink lips that curved into a smile every time she spoke.

"Hey, Ana, want anything?" she asked cheerfully as she took an empty tray from the glass dome.

"No, I'm okay," she said, smiling up at her. It was a sad smile.

"Hey, what's wrong? Where's River?" Ana sighed. She got up and pulled one of the high-stools to the cashier desk. Maybe she could befriend Macy.

"He was telling me today about being forced to fall in love with Rain's friend. Rain was raging and now she's happy. I guess River agreed," she said, playing with a coffee stick. Macy stopped moving and smirked.

"Hold on, you're crushing on River? Your best friend?" She asked. Ana tucked her hair behind her ear.

"Yes," she muttered. Macy scoffed and patted Ana on the back.

"Don't let that get to you, honey. Here, have a red velvet. Your favourite. Now, don't worry, she's three years younger, that girl. Don't worry," she said, pulling a chair to her side of the desk and handing Ana a cupcake.

"Age is just a number," Ana-Rose mumbled between bites.

"Look, if you're feeling so bad, me and you better get together sometime and talk this through. Don't forget he's your best friend," she said sipping a juice box.

The bell on the front door of the bakery jingled and in stepped River. He had a smile on his face. The two girls turned and looked at him. Ana took one short glance at him and turned back immediately, her hair covering her face as it flowed down from her shoulder. Macy took the tray.

"Excuse me," she said going to the back kitchen. River's smile turned into a concerned expression.

"Ana, what's wrong? I thought you went home," he said putting an arm around her. He was on her left side, so she turned to face the other way.

"Nothing, I'm okay," she lied. River let go and stared at her.

"Ana, look at me," Ana-Rose slowly turned to face him. Her eyes were red and glossy. He pulled her into a tight hug, but this time she hugged back.

"I'm not feeling well, River," she said. Now a tear was going down her face.

"Let's take a walk," he said. Ana let go and pulled out her wallet. She set a dollar twenty-five out on the marble counter as she wiped a tear from her cheek. She put an arm around his back and they both walked out of the bakery. Ana felt that their friendship wasn't as it was a month before.