the world on the other side of the river

Chapter 3

It is 1:00. 1:00 is my time. For as long as I can remember every Saturday at 1:00 my aunts lugged themselves out of the house to go shopping. After 7 years of waiting my birthday has fallen on a Saturday and I can spend it in my favorite place, the Arnborough River. The River is like a home to me. While I felt at home there the one rule that I made myself follow here was to never ever go in the water. Ever since the day, I have been terrified to step in the water. I loved the River, but the waters still feel like they could turn on me any minute. No one ever knew I came here. Not even Analena, who thought the river would take me like it took my family.

The best part about the river, wasn't the secrecy though. It was the weeping willow. I called it the Tree of Life. Its low hanging branches seem like they are mourning for what had happened here years ago. I know this seems superstitious, but it almost feels like the tree holds the souls of my lost family.

It's 12:50, and the aunts are getting ready to leave. Linda sighs, "We'll be back." Linda hated leaving the house. Linda was my mother's twin, so her death hit Linda the hardest. With Georgina being 10 years older than her and Analena 10' years younger, Linda always felt alone. She is still grieving over the death 10 years ago.

After I see the aunts' car pull out of the driveway I rush downstairs. On the counter sat Frankenstein. I loved reading this for it was my mom's favorite book. She used to read it every night to herself. I pick up the book and feel the worn edges. Before I can even say anything I get pulled into another memory.

Surrounded by me is my parents room, I see the old quilt and my mother sits smiling in her bed.

"What are you reading mommy," I asked her.

"Frankenstein," my mom said exhausted.

I climbed up into her bed with her.

"Frankienstein?" I asked her.

"No, sweetie Frank-en-stein," She told me.

"Frankiestien," I said proudly.

"Yes Frankiestien," She said defeated

I jerk myself out of the memory and shake it off. With the book under my arm I walk outside. The reeds tickle my bare feet as I walk down towards the river bank. Across the river is a small bridge. 'Lena and I built in when I was 7. It had been worn and torn from storms, but it was my bridge. I ran as fast as I could across the bridge to the little island. On the little island I move the Tree of Life's branches aside. Leaning up against its thick bark I open my book. As I attempt to read a raven croaks out its call. Its beady purple eyes stare down at me. I stare into its eyes purple mist surround the dark pupil. I became almost entranced by the violet eyes. The raven seemingly nodded at me and flew off into the the sky. I quickly forgot about him and went back to reading.

"Beware; for I am fearless, and therefore powerful."


I read that line over and over again. Fearless. Was I fearless? No, I was afraid of stepping in the river. I want to be powerful, not fearful. I set my book down slowly standing up I gain my balance. I walk forward until I am standing right on the river bank. Looking down little minnows swim through the murky water. I take a small step, so that my toes are in the water. I wade deeper into the river until the water swirls around my knees. The cool crystal waters felt like a mother's hug. I forgot immediately what I had been afraid of in the first place. I leaned down in the river until my shoulders were covered. I kick my feet off of the bottom of the river. I lay back until only my face is peeking above the water. I close my eyes and begin to float down the river.