I'll Stick With You For Us [River Phoenix story: BOOK 1]

Trouble Pt.1

How do I say this?

Uhm...

I've been arrested for disturbing the peace and having posession of marijuana. You could say I was a little drunk. Okay maybe a lot drunk.

"Being drunk at your age is a stupid thing, you know?" An officer said. I couldn't read his name tag, it was too blurry for me to read. The lights were too bright to see normally, and when someone spoke, it was like yelling in my ear.

"Yeah, yeah, I know." I said rubbing my temples from the hangover starting to arise.

I've been sitting on this cold bench for several hours. From what I remember, I was picked up around 4:30 in the morning.

"What time is it?" I asked.

"6:10 my son." The officer replied. "Is there someone you can call that could pick you up?"

"My parents are mad at me, so they aren't an option. Neither is any family member because there's no family close by..." I said. "Grace is my only option..." I whispered.

"Who?" the officer asked.

"This girl I like. But i'm afraid to call her."

"Why? Afraid she'll kick you out?" The officer chuckled.

"Afraid that i'll lose my chance with her. She knows I drink, but not get drunk. She also doesn't know I smoke. She knows I have an issue, and she promised to stick around no matter what my problem is."

"Wow. And she doesn't know? That's some tough girl to promise such she doesn't know of." He said shockingly.

"I know!"

I told this officer, who's name I still don't know, my story and my feelings for Grace. Though these officers are total assholes, this guy was pretty cool.

He listened to every single thing I said and gave me some tips and advice to getting over my addictions.

"You know what I think, son? I think you should tell her. Not suddenly, but slowly. Explain it to her. If she becomes shocked, let her, but make sure you finish everything you have to say. And try not to argue. Be reasonable as well. If you love this girl, tell her. And show her you'll change for her. That you can change. Don't just change for her-- change for your family, and for yourself as well. Addiction free. "

I stared at this man in uniform. He could be on the road, giving tickets, or arresting people, even throwing me in jail. But instead, he talked to me like my father.

"Call her." He said pointing to the telephone. My heart stopped for a second or two. Fear over came me. More than it ever did before.

"She's going to come here and listen to what you have to say."

I got up and walked to the phone. I dialed Grace's home number and waited as it rang.

"Hello?" she answered in a tired voice.

"Hey.. uhm, Grace. Its.. its River.."

"River? Its early. Whats wrong?" Her voice went from tired to concered instantly.

"Can you uhm.. come down to the police station?" I asked.

"Police station? Are you okay?"

"Yes, i'm fine.... sort of. Just come down here. Please."

"Okay, i'll be right down."

I waited patiently for Grace to arrive. She's probably scared to death right now. Trying to figure out why i'm calling her from the police station.

I heard foot steps run into the building. I turned and faced Grace. Her face was pale, and her cheeks were red. She was wearing a white shirt and leggings with a pair of sneakers.

Grace ran to me and didn't hesitate to pull me into her arms.

"Are you ok!?"

"Grace.." I pulled her off of me. "There's something I need to tell you."

"What is it?"

I pulled her to sit with me on the bench. I held Grace's hands in mine. Her small, fragile hands were freezing cold.

"Grace... I didn't tell you the whole truth... about my issues."