TAINTED ADORATION

CHAPTER THREE

Cheyenne was still frazzled when she got into the apartment. To her relief the lights were off in the living room meaning that Rosie had probably gone to bed. She was grateful for that because in all honesty, she wasn't in the mood to see Rosie or speak to her. After showering, Cheyenne sat down on the bed and thought about all the times she had met with River Parker along the years.

The first encounter had been about two – three months after meeting him prior when he had given Cheyenne money to look after Rosie. Cheyenne was enrolled in middle school but wasn't able to get Rosie a place of study due to the fact that she didn't have any documents. On her way back home after a long day filled with classes, she found herself catching the attention of some high school boys named Tom, Evan and Jacob who Cheyenne was sure existed to torture her. They immediately spotted her and started trying to bully her. They grabbed her back pack and were about to run off with it when a tall figure came to her rescue.

"You should give that back" he said coldly. When she looked up clearly at her rescuer, she remembered who he was instantly. If looks could kill, the bullies would be getting a funeral at this moment. The boys were clearly scared. It was evident in their faces; however they wanted to keep up the bravado, so Tom who was holding the backpack said;

"You should mind your business"

River said nothing but instead walked reached out and grabbed Jacob by the hand, slowly he squeezed it till all his fingers crunched and popped.

"Are you sure you don't want to give the little girl back her property?" asked River to no one particular. He was looking at the scenery acting very uninterested. When Tom still didn't budge, Cheyenne watched in horror as River's big hands found its way to Jacob's neck and squeezed.

"P-Please" Jacob wheezed.

Evan didn't even bother trying to help his friends and started running away. Tom's eyes opened in shock and he dumped the backpack at Cheyenne's feet.

"Were sorry man, we were just joking around, please don't hurt him" begged Tom.

With a sinister grin, River released Jacob and the two boys fled.

"Do you remember me?" he asked Cheyenne breaking her concentration at watching the scene that had just unfolded. She nodded while shivering with fear.

"Good. How is my Rosie?"

"She's okay but..."

"But what?" asked River, the grin that had been plastered on his face slowly turned into a deep scowl. Cheyenne gulped. This man was very unnerving and his moods were quick to change. She really did not want to get on his bad side.

"But.. Rosie hasn't started school yet"

"And why is that?"

"She... she's"

"Spit it out Cheyenne. I have no patience or tolerance when it involves my Rosie.. She's WHAT?"

"She's yet to start school" before he could say anything. Cheyenne continued. "Rosie and her mom were immigrants from San Miguel. They didn't have papers. I think Rosie's mom was trying to get them settled in but she disappeared. I can't enroll her in any classes if she doesn't have a passport".

River was silent for a long time which made her extremely uncomfortable. She shifted from one foot to the other not meeting his gaze.

"I'll forgive you not telling me this one problem because you are quite young and obviously had no idea how to reach me. Do you have a cellphone?"