River Boys

Chapter 1- Down River

I was awoken by the sounds of screams, ear piercing screams that could only be that of my mother.

"John, stop it! Your hurting me! Your going to wake Kayser!" She screamed, through floods of sobs. But my father always did what he wanted.

I slipped down my stairs, peering into the mostly dark family room. Except, it wasn't a family room, and we weren't a family.

My dad hit her, over and over, ripping off her clothes. My mother cried, helpless and scared. I tried to keep quiet, knowing I could be the next victim of my fathers horrid rampage.

Soon enough, my fathers hands were so red he couldn't hit anymore. He sat on the couch, passing out in an instant... Must have been drunk again.

My mother dashed to the stairs, silently crying, and spotted me, cheeks stained with tears. She pulled me into a tight embrace, cooing into my ear.

"Shh, baby, it'll be okay. Mommy's okay, I'm going to get us out of here, okay?" She told me, calming my nerves. I nodded, and she led me up the stairs, preparing to pack and run away.

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It's been seven years since this terrible night. The night my life was torn from its hinges, and put into a new frame. My father made a dash, but fortunately was found just months ago.

My mother and father went through many courts, until finally my father was thrown into jail. But my mother will never feel safe here in California. She sold our house two weeks ago, and today's the day we make our move to a small town along the Hudson River in New York.

Though I'm excited to be forever away from my father, moving has always haunted me. I'm not one for change, and moving seems a bit drastic of a reality.

None the less, I found myself staring out the car window, calculating the hours until we arrive.

"Alright, we should be there in approximately 41 hours!" I said, internally groaning at the long car ride ahead.

"Well, we have two nights in hotels, but aren't you excited to see your new room?" My mother asked, trying to lighten the mood. Sadly, it wasn't making the trip any better.

I didn't want a new room. I didn't want a new house. And I definitely did not want to attend a private all boy school.

But that's what my mother wanted, so I had no choice but to comply. We drove for hours, my earbuds blasting panic! at the disco and me lip singing along to every song.

That's one thing I've never understood, my love for music. I greatly appreciate good music, and would love for someone to write a song for me. It seems so romantic. If I ever told any girl this, they'd probably think I'm a sappy loser, so for now I'll keep it to myself.

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It was 10pm when we reached sunstar hotel and suites. I happily hopped up from my seat, grabbing my overnight bag and jogging inside.

"Hello, welcome to sunstar, my names David, can I take your bags?" He asked, reaching out his hand.

I nodded, holding out my bag and my mothers. He gladly took them, his hand lightly brushing mine. This is were my heart skipped a beat. His hand was so warm, and his smile was almost contagious.

"Do you know your room number?" He asked, but my mind was on how attracted I felt to him. To answer your question, I have dated many girls at my old school. It's hard to be a junior and say you've never dated anyone.

But this boy made me want to forget all the girls, run away and be with him. I shook my head, trying to get my thoughts together.

I can't be gay. It's just not me. David led my mother and I to room number seventeen, setting our bags onto the beds. He beamed at me, waving me to follow him.

Of course, I walked briskly behind him, trying to keep my breathing down. He was just so stunning.

We reached a little hallway on the second floor, vending machines pushed far into the wall. He gave me a grin, offering his hand.

I looked at him, confusion cover my face, and he spoke. "You seem like an amazing young lad," he told me, and somehow to trusted what he was telling me. I trusted him.

As quick as I grabbed his hand, he leaned forward, crashing his lips to mine. Sparks should have been flying from my body because he felt amazing. I felt so submissive, his tongue entering my mouth and quickly gaining dominance.

He pulled away, both of us gasping for air. Sighing, me commented, "Wow, your a great kisser too." I bit my lip, still embracing the warmth of his body so close to mine.

Sadly, he pulled away, stating, "I have to go to work, call me, okay?" He handed me a hotel business card, his name and number written neatly on the back. I nodded, waving as he slipped down the stairs.

I sighed, forced to face the reality...

I'm gay.