Moving To Leefside

ℂ𝕙𝕒𝕡𝕥𝕖𝕣 𝕋𝕨𝕠

ⒶⓈⓅⒺⓃ
I woke up to people screaming and fighting, River and Francis.
"Riv?"
I whispered and tried to move but my left leg was numb. I felt a hand grab mine, a female hand.
"It's Scarlett, you're okay. You had surgery in you pelvis because of that guy."
"Riv?"
I saw River and his eyes looked yellow.
"Why're you eyes yellow?"
Scarlett touched my face.
"The light caught them weird, that's all."
River touched my hand and smiled. I looked at his bruised knuckles and got confused.
"Riv, who'd you hurt?"
A doctor walked in before he could answer and asked me way to many questions.
"She'll have to use crutches or a wheel chair for awhile."
I was helped into a wheelchair by River and Neil caught my eye. His hands were bruised too.
"Why're you're hands bruised Riv?"
"I'll tell you later."
River picked me up into the Jeep and got me situated. I only watched his hands and saw some cracked open parts.
"Neil what'd you guys do?"
Neil only looked away and River got in the drivers seat.
"Hey?!"
I screamed and River looked over at me.
"Explain now! Jesus you two, tell me!"
"We got in a fight with the kid that hit you when we found out your pelvis was fractured."
"How the hell did he fracture my pelvis?"
"Doc said he hit a sweet spot on the bone and it cracked it."
Scarlett piped up to say, and River began driving.
"How'd you end up with the Cleary's?"
River deadpanned, obviously not liking them.
"I was walking and my hip began to hurt so I sat down on a bridge. Francis came to me and asked if I was okay. Then took me to the hospital."
"Anything else?"
"Vennie called and said my parents died."
I felt my chest tighten at my statement only to feel an hand on my shoulder. I pulled away and watched the window, trying to peace together my life without having parents. We arrived at the huge house and Neil picked me up from the Jeep.
"Neil..."
"I'm just helping, it's better than the wheel chair. Calm down."
Neil carried me to the couch and Vennie walked out.
"Can you take me to my room?"
Neil picked me back up and carried me up the stairs, but no one followed. He shut my door and screaming began. He set me on my bed and covered me in a fluffy throw blanket.
"Why didn't you want to talk..."
"She's hiding something about what happened."
"How do you know?"
"River and Scarlett are acting weird about it too."
Neil laid next to me and I grabbed his hand, looking at his bruised knuckle.
"Does it hurt?"
"Doesn't feel great."
I lightly brushed my thumb over the bruises and cuts.
"Why'd you beat him up so bad?"
"He broke your pelvis, we weren't going to stand for it."
I nodded and felt Neil get up, only for him to grab a remote. He sat back down next to me and turned the tv on.
"Did you lie about why the Cleary's were with you?"
"No, he just found me when I was walking and decided to take me to the hospital."
Neil nodded and turned on Ghost Adventures, then kicked his shoes off.
"We're going to be up here awhile aren't we?"
"You have no idea, they'll fight for a couple hours."
I laid my head on the lower part of his shoulder and touched his hand more. His warmth was putting me to sleep slowly, but I sat up.
"You okay Aspen?"
"You're really warm and I was falling asleep."
"That's not a bad thing, you really should sleep off your meds."
I shook my head and stayed sitting up. Neil put his hand on my farthest shoulder and pulled me back to him. He wrapped his arm around me and we heard things begin to crash down stairs.
"Are they okay?"
"They're just breaking stuff, they all have bad tempers."
"I remember."
Neil kept me close and I drifted into sleep, until he moved.
"I'm going to check on the downstairs, sorry I know you were comfortable."
"It's okay."
He walked down the stairs and River came up with him.
"Neil. Stay here."
"Bro, come on. You guys need to relax."
"I got this."
River slammed the door and Neil groaned.
"Why're they fighting about me?"
Neil came back and got close to me, putting his arm back around me.
"Vennie is trying to figure out why you're broken, along with why our hands are bruised, and why you won't talk to her."
"They all know something about my parents that I don't."
"How do you know?"
"The phone call with Vennie when she told me."
Neil brought me closer and we watched tv as chaos occurred downstairs. River came back to the room and looked pissed.
"Neil..."
"Bro, it's literally because you guys are fighting and she's stressed. Don't even think I'd do anything without your permission."
"Okay, Scar and mom are still going about other matters."
River laid on the other side of me and I grabbed his hand.
"Your knuckle is broken Riv."
"That ones been broken, not the first time."
"No more fights or ill beat the shit outa the both of you."
"Is that supposed to scare us Az?"
"It should, fuckers."
"How's your hip though Az?"
"Numb still, do you know how long it's gonna take?"
"How long what's going to take?"
"For me to be able to walk."
"Weeks, it was small thankfully. We also need to talk about something."
"What?"
I leaned forward to look at him.
"You can't be talking to the Cleary's..."
"Riv, they literally made sure I was oka...."
"They also have hurt a lot of..."
"How do you know that?"
River stood and I stood on my gold leg, only for Neil to pull me back to sit.
"I am telling you that you will not be talking to the Cleary children. End of discussion."
"Sorry Riv, you cant control who I talk to."
"I can't? Really? Aspen I can make sure nobody talks to you ever again."
I tried to get Neil to let me go and River smiled.
"You're a little bitch River, always have been."
His face went straight and he slammed the bedroom door.
"Aspen, you need to relax."
"Why're you still even in here Neil? Honestly, River is in his room."
"Because you went through a shitty night and need someone that understands."
Neil kept me close and we watched Ghost Adventures. How'd he know what I was going through?
"Neil, how do you know what I'm going through?"
"My parents died in a house fire a couple years ago, my dad saved me but when he went in for mom the building collapsed."
"I'm sorry."
"It's alright, River was my best friend. He took me in, so I do live here with you guys. My room is downstairs near his. Then our man cave is next to us too."
"Man Cave?"
"Yes, it's where all of our friends hang out. Probably where he went too, he can't destroy anything in there."
"He's a dick."
"Aspen, the Cleary kids aren't good people. Like at all, they've brought people to there house and they've never came out the same."
"What do you mean? I'm fine?"
"You actually went into the house?"
"Yeah, Florence helped me change to see how bad it was. They both decided that I should go to the hospital."
"That's whose jacket you had on."
"Where is that jacket anyways? I should probably give it back..."
"River gave it back, and he wasn't kidding about you staying away from them. I'd prefer if you stayed away from them Aspen."
"But Neil..."
"Trust me, just please. They're the only people I will tell you to stay away from for a good reason. So please, just stay away from the two of them."
I nodded and Neil laid me down more. Propping my knee up on a pillow.
"I know you can now probably feel the brace now."
"Is it plastic?"
"Yes, it's only around your pelvis and slightly down your thigh."
"Why're you helping me?"
"I was the one who was listening to the doctor, so I know what to do."
"What were River and Scarlett doing?"
"Talking to Francis and Florence. Now get some rest please, don't worry about it."
"Neil, I'm going to worry. It's odd not wanting me near two people who helped me."
"I'm going to bring you water and medicine. Please no more questions."
Neil left and I tried to get comfortable in my bed. When the door opened it wasn't Neil, it was Scarlett with my meds and water.
"We're done fighting now, and River's having guys over for awhile but they'll be downstairs."
"Awhile?"
"Couple days, weeks maybe. I dunno those boys are weird."
I nodded and got comfortable to sleep. Scarlett left and I finally had some peace.
•••
Weeks went by and I could walk with one crutch. I avoided the Cleary's like River and Neil asked me too. School is different around here, they go through every detail instead of breezing over it. Scarlett is still trying to figure out when the new kids are coming, apparently they're coming next month. I haven't seen River or Neil at school, I'm kind of concerned for them. Once I got home from school and a bunch of cars were pulled in the driveway. I crutches into the house and put my bag in the kitchen.
"Get Azzie, how was school?"
"Okay, why haven't the boys come out?"
"Az..."
"I'm going to check on them."
"Okay, get them for dinner."
I got to the door and knocked. Neil came to the door but kept it cracked.
"Aspen, hey. You okay?"
"Vennie asked if you guys wanted dinner, and I haven't seen you guys in awhile."
Neil smiled and leaned against the door.
"We'll be out there for dinner, did Scarlett come home?"
"She dropped me off and went to practice, you guys okay? Need anything."
"We're okay, go rest your hip Aspen."
I nodded and turned, hearing the door lightly shut as I exited the hallway.
"They'll be here for dinner, do you know what they're doing? They've missed school."
"Azzie I've just learned to not ask questions."
I nodded and sat in the chair, trying to get comfortable. Until an arm wrapped around my shoulder.
"Hey Aspen."
"Hey Neil."
"Shouldn't you have your leg propped up?"
"Neil she's fine."
River said removing his arm from around me. More guys walked out and stood in the kitchen.
"Now how do all of you fit into that room for that long?"
They all smirked and Vennie gave us dinner. The front door opened and Scarlett ran to her room. I knew something had happened.
"I'll get it, Az you can take night shift."
I gave a thumbs up as Vennie left.
"She smells like a..."
"Zip."
River said quickly, I moved from my seat and wobbled without my crutch to the sink.
"Azzie you should..."
"I know, I will."
"Stubborn."
I flicked Rivers ear and he chuckled.
"Do you need help up the stair Azzie?"
"I'm gonna go for a walk."
"No, you're not."
"River, don't try and be a big brother. I'm just getting some air."
"20 minutes before I come looking."
"Whatever Riv, I'll be back before dark."
"Aspen...."
"Bye River."
I shut the door and walked up the street. Wanting to listen to the River again, liking the peaceful sound. I finally got there and leaned against the railing. I hadn't been able to get over here since the party, it was a calming spot for me.
"You've been avoiding me."
Francis.
"I was told too."
"By River?"
"And his buddies, they aren't fond of you Francis."
He leaned on the railing with me and looked at me.
"Why'd you listen?"
"I didn't feel like getting shunned by my family, if they saw me now I'd be dead."
"Would you like that jacket back?"
"Your jacket?"
Francis smiled and pulled it from the inside of his leather jacket.
"I noticed how warm you were in it, plus I want you to know I will be here to talk if you need it. I know what happened, and I'd be lying if I said I didn't worry."
"I will be murdered if I show up to my house wearing this."
"I dunno, maybe they'll surprise you."
"Doubtful, day of surgery River and I almost first fought about him telling me I couldn't speak to certain people."
Francis smiled and his eyes got wide.
"His Jeep is coming, full of his friends."
"Fuck."
"Close your eyes, I wasn't here."
I listened and opened my eyes after a couple seconds. Watching the water again. Hearing the Jeep pull up. I turned to joke with River.
"River I..."
River stood over me, his face was completely straight.
"Really? The jacket?"
"I found it on the side of the road asshole."
"I'm sure."
River went to grab me and I stepped away.
"I'm not a rag doll nor am I a child. I'll walk home like I walked here."
I turned and was picked up. Thrown into Neil's lap, and Neil held me.
"Just shut your mouth til we get home Aspen."
All the guys were in the Jeep and River pulled the car around quickly. Once we got home I jumped out and landed on my good leg. River got in my face yet again.
"I need you to listen to me Aspen."
I shoved him out of the way and walked into the house without my crutches. Going to the back porch to sit since I couldn't get up the stairs alone. The door opened again, River and Neil. Just the people I wanted to see.
"Would you two fuck off? I'm home, just like you fucking wanted."
"No, you're going to listen Aspen."
"Im not, as long as it bothers you. I'm not going to fucking listen."
River picked me up by my arms and pushed my back against the walls. Neil instantly grabbed his chest and the men came out. Neil grabbed me once the guys got River off of me.
"He's a hot head Aspen, hug me."
I wrapped my arms around him and closed my eyes.
"We're going to my room."
Neil carried me to his room and laid me on his bed. Still holding me. I pushed away and tried to walk out.
"Aspen? Jus..."
"Leave me alone."
I wobbled to the door and walked out. I walked into the woods beside the house on a trail. I wobbled and grabbed my biceps as I got cold. Maybe if River hadn't taken that jacket, I'd be warm.
"Aspen!"
I turned and saw Neil running after me. I just walked, well wobbled until a sweatshirt was thrown over my head. Neil put my arms through and it was extremely warm. I looked up and a very ripped Neil stood in front of me.
"Aspen, will you please come home with me?"
"I just want to go for a walk without it being interrupted by one of you."
"It's freezing outside, you'd get extremely cold."
"Cold beats being on house arrest."
"Aspen, I'm not going to pick you up and force you home. I'm asking you to come home with me."
I nodded and Neil put me on his hip.
"River wanted to come get you, but we all told him no."
Neil was some how still extremely warm despite the weather. I set my head on his shoulder and began shivering.
"Hey, what do you think about staying in my room tonight?"
"Why?"
I sniffled and got closer to Neil.
"My bedroom is warm, and you won't need to wait for someone to help you down the stairs."
I nodded and heard River.
"Is she okay?"
"Cold and tired River."
"So you had to go shirtless to get her?"
"River, she was shivering and still is."
River touched my face and pulled my hood up.
"I'm going to take her to my room Riv, she'll be warmer and not have to worry about stairs."
"Neil, she's my..."
"Cousin, I know. Just for tonight."
Neil walked into the house and to his room.
"Hey, put some of my sweatpants on."
I nodded and he went to the bathroom as I pulled his huge sweatpants on. He came back with water and smiled.
"You okay?"
"I feel weird."
Neil felt my head and River opened the door.
"What's wrong with her?"
"River I don't know."
"Azzie does your hip hurt?"
"Yea, but I've been walking."
"Can I see your surgery spot?"
I nodded and they gently pulled apart the plastic.
"Azzie we're gonna go to the doctor. Neil get her to the car, I'll tell Vennie."
Neil put the plastic back on and picked me up. He grabbed a shirt and got me to the car. He kept me on his lap and I laid against him.
"What'd you see?"
"Nothing."
"Just tell me Neil."
"Your infected and it's making you sick."
I nodded and Neil wrapped his arms around me.
"Your scared?"
"I don't want to die."
"You're not going to die, not as long as I'm here."
I nodded and he kept me close. River got in the car and put his hand on my knee.
"No, River. Not yet."
"Fine."
River drove to the hospital and they instantly had IV's in me and were giving me drugs. They took Neil's sweatshirt and sweatpants. I was literally left in a gown. I was starting to get put to sleep and tried to sit up. But was held, I cried to sleep. Hating the fear.