Broken Hearts And Bruised Egos -Book 1

Chapter 28-River

The next morning when my alarm went off at the butt crack of dawn I woke up alone. I went downstairs to find Lennox doing the dishes.

"What are you doing?" I said rubbing my eyes.

"Cleaning. If I'm going to stay here, I'm going to help out. I don't want to be a burden."

"Lenn you could never be a burden, you know we love you."

"I know, but this whole situation is going to be stressful for your mom, the state doesn't always make things easy. I've been in foster care before and I really don't want to go back. I just want to take away as much stress as I can for her."

"Did you eat yet?" I asked taking the cereal out of the cabinet.

"No."

I grabbed two bowls and two spoons and we sat down at the table. I poured cereal in my bowl and then slid her the box.

"Are you going to be okay today? I really wish I could come with you." I said pouring some milk in my bowl.

"I'll be fine. Do you know if your mom has a lawyer?"

"A lawyer? For what?"

"In order for me to stay here she is going to have to have legal custody of me."

Clearly Lennox has done her research on this.

"I don't think so, but I know someone who might be able to help. I'll make a call after my lesson."

"How's that going by the way?" She asked taking a bite of cereal.

"Okay I guess. I don't know if I'd actually be able to win a fight but I definitely feel stronger."

"You can tell that you've been working out. Maybe I should take up kickboxing."

" I know a guy for that too." I smiled.

"Well aren't you just well connected all of a sudden." she laughed.

"I better go get dressed, Elijah is going to be here soon. You sure you are going to be okay today?"

"River, I'll be fine. I promise."

I gave her a hug and went upstairs to get dressed.
When I came back down Elijah was sitting at the kitchen table with Lennox, talking about kickboxing.

"Hey."

"Good morning. You ready?" He smiled.

"Yeah. Lenn can you ask my mom to text me when you guys are done?"

"Yeah sure."

Once Elijah and I arrived at the studio we got right to work. He showed me a series of kicks and had me practice on a punching bag while he stood close by calling out instructions.

I heard the bell on the door ring and seen the expression on Elijah's face quickly change to fear. I spun around to see Trevor standing by the door with his jaw tight and his fists clenched.

"Enjoying the view asshole?" He said to Elijah.

"Actually.. Yes." Elijah stood a little taller.

"River, we are leaving." Trevor looked at me.

"Excuse me?" I said wiping the sweat from my forehead.

"River, please don't give me a hard time about this. This asshole has been manipulating you and from what I've just seen, he's clearly a shitty instructor."

"Trevor, you can't just show back up and start barking orders at me."

Trevor sighed. "You're right, I'm sorry. But I'm back now and I'd like to go back to training you. Now, will you please come with me."