Dying Embers

Chapter Twenty-Two

         CARLENE

     I sat at a table in the cafeteria waiting for River. I wonder what was taking him so long. It was really uncomfortable sitting here with his mother. I looked up when the double doors were pushed opened and Astrid stormed in. She didn't look happy either. Actually she looked like she wanted to kill me. She looked straight at me and narrowed her eyes. I returned her heated gaze. I wasn't afraid of a jealous brat. I wasn't going to let her take River away from me. The doors were opened again and River came limping towards our table. He grinned when he looked at me. He sat down beside me. 

     "What happened?" I asked turning to him. 

  "She....took it well...I don't think I did..She called you a bitch and I choked her.." he whispered avoiding Sherry's gaze. 

       "So son, how was the island?" Sherry asked. 

   "Oh it was paradise," River answered sarcastically. Judging by how shocked Sherry reacted to his answer he normally didn't talk like this to her. Sherry looked River in the eyes. 

     "Can I speak with you alone?" She asked River. 

   "Carlene can you please give my mother and I some privacy?" River asked looking at me. I nodded and got up. I wasn't mad at River. I didn't like Sherry or Astrid. At all. Sherry seemed...stuck up. I don't think she liked me either but I didn't care. I had more things to worry about than River's mother. Like Astrid who was walking towards me. 

     "You stay away from my boyfriend," she said quietly but seriously. I was taller than Astrid. She had light brown hair and brown eyes. I looked down at her and smiled. 

     "I love him, Astrid. I usually don't do stuff like this but it makes me happy to see you so jealous," I said smiling. I knew I was acting like a bitch and I don't care. She called me a bitch so I'll act like one. I narrowed my eyes at Astrid. 

     "Listen here and listen carefully. You leave River and I alone I swear I'll kill you," I threatened. Her eyes widen. 

     "I have killed before Astrid. I will do it again if I have to," I said lowly. I smiled in satisfaction when she hurried away. I sighed in relief. I didn't like her at all. I looked at Sherry. She was looking straight at me. River wasn't there. Where the hell was he? 

     "Boo," I heard someone whisper behind me. I turned around and smiled when I saw River. I hugged him tightly. I grinned when I felt his arms wrap around me. I don't think I'll ever get over the feeling of being in his arms. I looked up and stood on my tippy toes and kissed his lips. I felt his lips move with mine and I smiled against his lips. I could feel two pairs on eyes burning into my back but I don't care if they are looking. River pulled away slowly grinning. 

     "What?" I asked. He just grinned. I looked at him confused. He leaned in and whispered something in my ear. 

     "I want to do something and it involves me, you, and a bed." I laughed. I wrapped my arms around his neck. I don't care. I want to. My family doesn't care. 

    "Then let's go. Darren gave me directions to his mansion. I'm pretty sure he has a king sized bed," River whispered laughing. 

    "Why a king sized bed?" I asked. 

   "Don't you want room?" He asked smiling. I shrugged smiling. It didn't matter as long as I was with him. 

    "Alriight..but I'm kinda scared," I admitted. 

   "I know, I know you're a virgin," he said rolling his eyes. 

  "And you're not?" I asked.