The Collision (Sequel to The Division)

Chapter 5 (River)

River

I look up from my weekly report to see the white sleek train arriving. Darn you train. I was just getting to the good stuff.

I have been getting the reports every week (obviously) and most of it is just boring protocol: security routes, how many new soldiers have been added, etc. Boring stuff. The good part is when it talks about recent crimes and criminals. I've always loved those kinds of reports.

I sit in my seat and continued reading.
I'm on my way home for the twins' sixth birthday. I always take off work for it. Besides, I haven't seen them in forever with all this new stuff popping up. And I always like popping in on my old friends, like Amber's family. I'd like to see how they are doing.

The train ride is about an hour long so when I finish the report, I start listening to music. Soon the train comes to a screeching halt and I climb out. I make my way down the familiar dirt road to my house.

My family is very simplistic, therefore we have a very simplistic house. We live in a one and a half story, three bedrooms, one bathroom house. The bottom story holds the blended kitchen and living room, Mom's room, the twins' room, and the bathroom. The half story is just the attic opened up to make my room.

I let myself in. "I'm home!" I call to anyone who is listening. I am greeted with the twins rushing down the stairs to hug me.

"Happy Birthday guys!" I say running my fingers through their chestnut hair.

"Can I open my presents?" Daniela asks with hopeful eyes looking up at me.

I smile "Wait until later."

"But I want my presents now." Cress whines.

I shrug. "At least wait until after dinner."

"Okay." They say in unison and bounce away.

I make my way into our small kitchen, where I see Mom making dinner.
"Hey hey." I greet her.

"Hi, I thought I heard you come in." She embraces me then continues her work.

"How's life back in Province Eight?" I lean against the counter.

"Oh, the usual. I finally quit my job about a month ago. 'Figured I wouldn't need it now." She slides a tray of potatoes into the oven, then moves on to stir some red sauce in a big pot.

"What are we eating?"

"Chicken with tomato sauce and baked potatoes."

"Cool." I say as the twins run into the room.

"Can we go to Laura's house to play?" They ask.

Laura is Amber's younger sister. She became great friends with the twins and they are constantly at each other's houses.

"Well dinner's almost done..." Mom trails off.

"Why not? I would like to see them." I input.

"Okay fine, but be quick." Mom agrees.
The twins grin and sprint out the door. I walk behind them, taking in the fall sights around me. The trees are so majestic in fall.

I finally make it to Amber's old house and the twins are already inside.

"River is that you?" Mrs. Gold calls and makes her way to the entryway. "Cress said you were coming."

"Hello, Mrs. Gold. Long time no see." We embrace and go to the familiar living room to sit on the fuzzy, tan couch. The living room is small, cozy, and just family like.

"So how's life in the Ruby Castle?" She asks. "Heard about that weird guy at the coronation."

I sigh, "You would not believe how much paper work I have to do because of him." We laugh.