Age has always been a real interest for me.  Or maybe i'm just being Nastolgic (:  I'm at my grandparents house and just seeing all the things around me that has changed over the years is suprisisng.  Well maybe now i'm just being a sap XD Oh well.  Thanks for everything.


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By the time Adrian had notified

“Dannetta” Doctor Hutton said when she had arrived at the hospital. 

“I’m sorry.  I don’t think he will make it this time.  He has several areas of severe internal bleeding around his lungs and there is a concussion in his brain.  We will be lucky if he even wakes up once.  I am so sorry for your loss, you will need to call Mr. Ward and let him know.  He will have to make the choice.” Dr. Hutton said. 

“No!” A voice said from the door. 

“I’m sorry we have not met, have we?” Dr. Hutton inquired to the boy who had just entered the room.

“No, I don’t think we have.  My name is Adrian Rice.” Adrian said.  He looked upset and there were faint tear streaks on his face. 

“Well Mr. Rice, did River ever tell you what was wrong with him?” Dr. Hutton asked curious to see what this boy knew that he may not. 

“No, he would never tell me.  He always just tried to side-step the subject, and move around why he had shots daily, and why he could never go anywhere or do anything without telling Danneta.  He tried to keep me as far away as he could.” Adrian said, his eyes downcast. 

“That sounds like something he would do.  I will tell you.  He has Anemic Hemophilia.  The severest case I’ve seen yet.  His chance of living right now, is 1 in 20.  The bleeding in his chest cavity and around the top of his spinal cord is so severe that he will be lucky to see another day if even for a second.” Dr. Hutton said looking over at Danneta. 

“He won’t die.” Adrian said. 

“The damn bastard is to hard headed to die just from a little blood loss.  He can’t die.” Adrian said.

The voices came in and out as River lied in the hospital bed.  First they were frantic, and then over time they became sad and subdued.  River couldn’t see the people around him, but he could hear Dannetta’s voice, and Doctor Hutton’s deep baritone.  They thought he was going to die.  It wasn’t uncommon for River to reach the brink of death before his body found will enough to heal him.  This was why he wasn’t allowed to get into fights or have confrontations of the physical sort, his blood count was always low, and he couldn’t clot wounds fast enough to prevent his bleeding to death. 

Along the River
Chapter One: These Walls

By: Gravilove19

First of all I'd like to thank everyone who has read this story or edited it. I'd especially like to thank my love Rinifer. He is definatly the muse in my head. For all those who have already read this, this chapter has had some major revisions, so you need to read it again. Thanks again. Please read and review 3333

The hills rolled by as River looked out of the window, all he could see for miles was vast hills and plains. River knew this was just another town that he would soon be removed from. His father Daniel Ward was the CEO of a major money firm, that gave out high sum loans. Daniel Ward was a stern man and tried to keep his family matters as far as he could from his professional life. Although his father made plenty of money it did not prevent River from feeling dislocated from his father’s life.
Eventually River saw the outline of a small town coming into view. River had been here only a handful of times before and knew that although a small town it was grand in its culture. Carlisle was in the middle of no where and had a little over ten thousand people. This was the third move for River and as such he had become accustomed to blending into the background waiting silently for the date of his next move.

River's mother had died several years prior and it was at that time that Mr. Ward had began to spend more time at his office and less time trying to spend time with his son. Left to his own devices River had been raised by his father’s staff, under strict instruction. Although his father’s main residence was in London, England River had never really considered it his home, or even a residence. Most of River’s memories of the house were from his younger years as a child and even those were not always pleasant.
As an artist he always looked for inspiration in the world outside his own, his father however found nothing flattering about his son taking part in a activity that was so feminine, Daniel Ward’s discovery of his son’s love for the subject had resulted in River’s first move. Once more turning his attention toward the passing buildings and streets River saw that they were pulling up to a large house with two stories and a grand front porch. Although River had not been to the house many times he knew the house well, some of River’s fondest memories as a child were visiting this house and his grandparents. Glancing up River saw his driver Frank holding the door open for him and waiting for River to get out.

“Mr. River, we have arrived. Please leave your bags and go into the house, Dannetta should be waiting.”, the driver said as River climbed out of the backseat.

“Thanks Frank. Are you returning back home now?” River asked, feeling sorry for the man because he had already driven so far for him.

“Yes Sir. Your father has requested my presence at his office. I will let him know you arrived safely. There is another car here for transportation in case you should need it. Your new driver is Mark and he will be happy to assist you, until I return. ” Frank said indicating the car that was parked not to far away.

Thanking him River grabbed his laptop bag. He had never been fond of heavy luggage and already knew his father would have already set his wardrobe up for him. River had been raised with modest polos and slacks all his life. Never had his father allowed any of those “filthy t-shirts” or “tacky jeans”. No Daniel Ward insisted that River live in the lap of luxury while still remembering that his father loved him very much, but just didn't want or have time to spend with him. It amazed River as to how although his father was always too busy to spend any time at home, he had enough time to schedule everything about River's life.
Looking at the house in front him River knew why his father had moved him here. He would be turning eighteen soon, and as such the cameras would be all over him. Having a major CEO for a father and a famous mother always guaranteed press attention. However, the press wasn't allowed to capture his face on film and the tabloids could only speculate to find what was so wrong with the young Ward. River had always been told to “Don't screw up, or get near any cameras.” This trip was to him one last resort for his father to get him out of his hair and away from any public eye. River knew that in a town this small nothing ever stayed a secret for long and although he did not enjoy confrontation he knew that he would eventually encounter it.
The house also known as the Maxi House had been built in the late 1800's and had been remodeled numerous times I had a plantation style theme or the old Untied States South and as such held great white pillars on the front porch and solid wooden walls and flooring. It wasn't awful looking in architecture and was probably ahead of its time when built. River's father had purchased the school a short time after Martha Ward's death, in hopes of retaining every last memory of her life. Carlisle housed a couple of diners, a store, and three schools: primary, junior high, and High School. River was to start at the local high school Carlisle Academy the following Monday.

Making his way into the house River made his way to the kitchen in hopes of finding something to eat before settling into his new home. He knew Dannetta would be looking for him, but preferred food over mothering Finding that the cabinets had not been stocked and the refrigerator was also empty River moved from the kitchen to find his driver Mark to take him into town to a small diner.

The local diner was quaint and was a typical hangout for high school teens; the very thing River hated. It wasn't that River didn't enjoy the friendship of his fellow peers, but having moved several times in the past few years he had been content with the companionship of his servants and computer.

Following the waitress River looked around to see most of the diner had quieted upon his entry with Mark.. Although they didn’t stick out in the crowd people always knew when someone from out of town came in. Sitting down in a booth River could hear the chattering of a group of kids when he had come into the little restaurant.
“And then she was like, “but I want you to date me." I told her it was too bad that I already had a bedmate for the evening and that she would have to give up already. I don't know where you girls get your urges.” said a boy with short blond hair.
“Oh Adrian, you should have let up on the poor girl! Just because you have no feelings for the numerous girls who throw themselves as your feet doesn't mean those girls don't have any feelings themselves,” said another girl, looking at the boy who appeared to be her friend.
“And what else am I supposed to do in this God forsaken town? It's not like there is fresh meat walking around.” The boy, Adrian, said pretending to be bored.
“Oh, you are hopeless. Just because you happen to be Mr. All-Around-Athlete doesn't mean you are irresistible. I can't wait to see the day someone turns you down and flat out refuses your friendship and-or the opportunity to be your bedmate for the one evening,” the girl replied, eying Adrian mockingly.
“Yeah yeah, you are only saying that because you aren't allowed to be my lover since you're my sister. Besides you are one to talk Mellisa, you're just as bad as me,” Adrian said.
By this time River was tired of listening to the small talk while he had been trying to enjoy his burger.

Getting up, he moved slowly over to the table and looked at the pair. Thinking that maybe a little rejection might help.
“I would really appreciate it if you would keep your bedmate preferences to yourself. I'm sure I'm not the only one who would never sleep with either of you regardless of sexual preference. Now you can get over yourselves and find another hobby besides trampling on other people's feelings.” Turning away from the group River tried to make his way back to where Mark was now standing, waiting for them to leave. River stopped suddenly when he heard the scrape of a chair on the floor.
“Look, I don't know who you are, but you can't come into my town and tell me what to do.” Adrian said rising from his seat and moving closer to River.
“You are on my turf and you better watch your back.” Adrian was now less that a few centimeters away from River.
“Oh, really? Watch my back?” River said huffing, “Well I guess you just found yourself a new enemy, dear Adrian.” River had never been so angry in his entire life. 'How dare that punk talk about another humans life as though it had no worth but to play a trophy on his list of conquests.' Throwing a twenty on the table, River glanced around at the shocked students before he move to leave the diner. The last thing he heard was Mark saying something to him as his world went black.

When he finally came to he was sitting in the car with Mark, on his way home.

“You scared me Mr. River, and probably everyone else in that small diner. I called ahead and let Dannetta know what happened. She wasn't very happy with you.” Mark said not looking away from the road.

“Mark, did you enjoy school when you were my age?” River asked.

“I suppose, I had friends and I played sports so I always had something to do. Why do you ask?” Mark inquired.

“I always wonder if there is something I'm missing out on. All I ever am is sick. I just wish there was something more. Oh well I guess this is my punishment.” River said.

“Mr. River, I wouldn't worry about missing out, but worry about making sure you don't die in the process. It is ok to have fun, but not kill yourself for it.” Mark said
“Maybe thats what I need then.” River said as a hushed whisper.
Getting out of the car River thanked Mark.. Looking up the front steps he could see his nanny Danetta waiting on him with an anxious look.
“Mr. River, do you have any idea what time it is? I have been so worried, you were due in the blue room the minute you came home.”
Danetta was a kind woman, and had raised River since birth she had become his only friend and confidant in the entire Ward household. Her eyes always seemed to have a spark when she talked to River, almost as though she were watching her own son growing older each day. Making their way into the house River walked up the flight of stairs to the second floor, the last door on the right The blue room was just that, a room completely covered in blue. To River it looked to much like a hospital, with a sterile smell and plain white cotton sheets. River had seen too many hospitals in his life to like blue.
“River, your father said you would need two shots tonight. Doctor Hutton said that in order to keep your body under control you will be needing more medication than usual. The doctor said he thinks you may be having an adverse reaction.” Danetta said guiding River to the bed.
“Yes, father always knows best right? Sometimes I wish I could be allowed to make up my own mind.” River said while laying down.
“River I wish there was another way for us to treat your body. However this is the only way we can make sure nothing goes wrong.” Danetta said smiling down at River.
As River's world began to fade away he held a sad smile as he thought of how he only ever wished his mother were there to comfort him.

I hope everyone enjoyed this chapter. Please leave me a note by reviewing and telling me what you thought. I rely heavy on those.

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Along the River

Chapter Two:

By: Gravilove19

Thanks again to everyone. Enjoy

To most the idea of a Monday morning was pure torture River however was very different. This specific Monday was his first day of school. River had always hated looking at himself in the mirror. It was a sad reminder to himself of his mother and her tragic death.

River had not been seven yet when he and his mother had been in a car wreck. River had wanted to go to he zoo that day, and although his mother didn't allow him to go outside very often she had relented under the agreement that he was to be with her at all times. They had had a blast, and River could not have imagined a better trip to the zoo. As they were driving home they were stopped at a four way intersection, it had been a foggy night and the roads had been wet. The driver didn't see the eighteen wheeler coming from the direction just perpendicular to them.

All memories after that were faint and blurred to River. He could remember people yelling, and the sounds of people trying to talk to him. Nothing however was able to give the comforting words he longed to hear. He had spent a month in the hospital keeping daily vigil by her side. He had always heard talking to patients in a vegetative state helped to bring them back to a living breathing environment. One day when he went in to see his mother she wasn't there. Hoping she was up and about he asked the nurses where she was. They had only smiled sadly at him as his nurse Danetta came down the hall and gathered his shaking form into her arms.

From that day forward she had been his main caregiver and surrogate mother. Danetta had no kids and as such she had made River her's. After his wife's death Daniel Ward had completely forgotten he had a son. The halls of the house no longer rang of a child's laughter or the nightly echoes of Martha Ward's voice as she would quietly put River to bed each night. Instead the halls were cold and dark, as though the Ward house had lost all its life.

By the time River was ten he had come to understand that his father would never think of him as his son. River Ward was the exact replica of his mother. River's hair has was dark and silky and although a young boy he had a lithe figure and slightly pale skin that any girl would die for. His eyes however were neither inherited from his mother nor his father. A silvery dark navy they were like the night sky. Never having many friends growing up River became reclusive to outside friendships and it didn't bother him that his father never was home or than there was no one to talk with.

Martha Ward had been a visiting exchange student at Oxford University when she met Daniel Ward. Although in the beginning they both seemed to but heads, over time they became friends and then later were married. Martha had become pregnant with River two years after they were married.

Daniel Ward began his business firm in London shortly after meeting Martha, and it had easily become one of the major investment business' of the greater European area. Daniel had always been a fun loving man, and he and Martha had made a perfect match. Their dreams were to grow old together and then travel the world. The Daniel Ward that was fun and outgoing died the night of that accident. Although the changes in River’s life seemed to go unphased. Daniel Ward believed that River’s health needed constant monitor and guidence in case he should become sick, again.

The ride to th Bern High School had been filled with Danetta fretting over River's appearace and how he needed to look presentable for his first day. River dreaded stepping foot onto the campus, knowing he would inevitably come into contact with the boy from the night before. What was his name? Alfred? Andy? He knew it had started with an A. Sighing he knew he shouldn't care. The other boy had deserved every word River had said to him.

Looking over at Danetta River gave her one of his rare smiles.

“Danetta don't worry. Everything will be fine. I'll go to the nurse at lunch, and receive my shot. I'll be genial to everyone at he school, and i'll return safely to your arms at 3:30 this afternoon. I have my cell phone also. Just calm down. You don't have to worry about something happening like last time.”

“River I just want you to be careful. We don't need something happening again. That means no fights. I don't want to come after school to find you bloody and bruised.”

“Don’t worry. I won’ t let anyone or anything get in my way. I'll see you later.” jumping out of the car River approached the school and prayed that it would be an easy day.

As River entered the school it vaguely reminded home of a prison, the only difference was the school spirit displayed on every wall. River was directed to a line of other student’s by a stern faced man who was standing at the door. His picture was taken and he was ushered to another line to get his identification card.
At his old school there had been no need for ID’s because if you threw out your last name everyone already knew everything about you without a picture to prove it. He had not enjoyed Ivy Hall and River figured blending in would be the best choice this time around. Hearing a loud disturbance behind him, River turned to see a group gathering around the center of the room. The only one in the group he recognized was a girl from the night before.
Turning back to the long line in front of him gave River a chance to watch the other students mingling and pushing around him. Most of the students looked the same in clothing. Girls wore their shirts to low cut and tight as tho trying to show off the fact that they couldn’t fit in a shirt three sizes to small. Boy wore their jeans around their knees and there were so many wholes in their jeans to where it left nothing to the imagination.
At Ivy everyone had worn the same polo shirts and slacks, there had been no allowence for anything else. Looking at the kids moving around him River could see why the school didn’t want their students having their own styles of clothing. Trying to clear his mind about his old school River could hear a group of people talking.

Tired of people's voices River pulled out his ipod, and scrolled through the songs content to listen to the bands sing their sorrows away.

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Chapter Three

An Early Prediction

By: Gravilove19

I'd like to thank everyone and I hope you enjoy this chapter.

"Good Morning Class, My name is Mrs. Vanilla and I will be your AP Art teacher for the next 8 months. Your first project this year will be a partner project and this project will continue throughout the year. If everyone will look at the packet I have placed on your desks I will explain how this project will work.

Today I will pair each of you up, you will be required to keep a sketch journal. My goal for this project is for each of you to gain a new respect for someone other than yourself and also hopefully make a new friend. At the beginning of each week I will give each group a theme or place to sketch about. These themes will always have to do with your partner. In order for me to keep an accurate grade of this journal. I will be sitting down with each group once a week in order to look through the sketches and see how the project is progressing.

I would also like to stress that this project is mandatory and this assignment this year relies heavily on your participation. Here are some of the don'ts with me. First You will placed with one partner and you will not be able to change once assigned. I will make exceptions for those whose partner either becomes ailing, sick, or passes away.

I will give three tests per semester which will be an analysis of your project.

I am now going to assign everyone a partner and you may ask question after that.

“When I call your name please go and sit with your partner.

“Wren Rose and Eski Duran”

“Adrian Rice and River Ward”

“ Mellisa Rice and John Keir”

“For right now I want each of you to stand up and tell the class who you are and something interesting about yourselves. Now with that said Mellisa why don't you go first.”

“Hi, My name is Mellisa Rice. Adrian and I are twins, and I play soccer..” Mellisa said before going back to her seat.

“Okay, Wren your turn”

“Name's Wren Rose, and I enjoy listening to cliassical music and playing the piano.”

“Hiiiiiiiiii!!!! My name is Eski Duran and I am a member of the cheerleading squad.”

“My name is Adrian Rice, and I am the captain of all the sports teams.

“My name is John Keir, and I am the captain of the calculus squad.”

River always hated when teachers tried to make nice with all the kids by tryin to find out about their lives.

“Hi my name is River Ward, My mother is dead, My father hates me, and I have no friends nor do I want any.” River said scowling at the other students in the room who were all looking a bit taken back.

“Well now that we have gotten to know a little about each other, I want each of you to get with your partner and discuss how you will be doing your projects.”

Getting up River walked over to where Adrian was sitting with his friends and looked like that was where he would be staying.

“Listn, you don't like me, and I sure as hell don't like you. So you will listen close. Today when school gets out, you will me me at the front gates. You will not leave, and if you do you mine as well kiss all your pretty sport titles goodbye. I refuse to do this on my own much less with you just sitting on the sidelines. Then turning away River quickly went to the teacher and handed her a pass for him to leave.

Glancing towards the clock situated over the school's front gates, Adrian restlessly tapped his converse-clad foot in time with each passing second. He'd been waiting for the other kid for nearly ten minutes. Now, Adrian was not one to wait. If River didn't magically appear in the next minute, Adrian was going to head home, grade be damned or not.

Looking at the clock in the Assistant Principle's office River glared at the man in front of him, who as giving the usual "Here is the rulebook and the dress code." Right. Like he would be worrying about things like that. I was times like this River wondered why his father always seemed to hire incompetent people. Letting his mind wonder, River thought of the boy that would be waiting at the Gates. Finding it somewhat hilarious that the other boy had to wait on someone for the first time in his life.

Adrian gave the clock one last glance before slinging his bag over his shoulder and heading towards his car. River was probably crouched under some dark corner of the parking lot, laughing at him as he waited for him. Probably meant to stand the jock up from the beginning, the little creep. Adrian fished through his pocket for his keys, only to sigh when he realized they weren't there. 'Damnit,' he thought. 'I must have left them in my locker or something. Again.'

Deciding to leave his bag in the back of his truck--it was damned heavy, for only having to take five classes--Adrian began the trek back to the school building. Luckily his parking spot wasn't too far off, being right up close to the journalism entrance (he was good with the teacher, so he could usually get through no problem). Not so luckily, his locker was all the way across the building, in the freshman wing, thanks to the screwy mapping of the school. Just as he passed by the glass wall of the councilors' and principles' offices, a head of messy black hair caught his eye.

Looking up from where his eyes had set on the boring man in front of him. He let his eyes wonder around and otuside the window behind the desk. Catching the eye of the blonde boy walking past the window River tried not to smirkas he realized "blondie does care about his grade." Finally having enough of the man sitting ranting about student's who didn't follow the rules River slowly rose from his seat and placed both his hands on the desk. "Excuse me Mr. Poe. If you are quite done ranting you would have realized I stopped listening to you the moment you opened your mouth. I was informed of all the rules and regulations before I began my term here. Now if you will please excuse me I have a homework assignment to complete." Quickly gathering his things River made his way out of the of the office. Glancing at the clock River swore under his breath as he saw it was 4:15 he was late for his normal dosage of shots. Quickly picking his phone out of his pocket he dialed Danetta's number and spoke quickly of his arrangements for coming home. then taking off River walked towards the Freshman wing where he figured the blonde boy he was seeking would be. He had

swiped the boys keys during art class knowing the boy wouldn't be needing them until River turned up missing. He figured the other boy would be one to skip out on doing his homework.

Adrian was just banging on his locker to open up when he heard the foot steps coming up the hallway. Turning from the locker's beating, Adrian's eyes fell on the boy he had spotted (and decided to ignore) in the ass. principal's office.

"Finished with your little chat," Adrian sneered just as River came up to him. "You should have told me you had plans, it would have saved me a lot of trouble."

"Like you could have gone anywhere" River said smirking as he pulled the boy's keys out of his pocket. "Seems like you were getting a bit ahead of yourself. Lets get something straight while we're at it. Everyone at this school may answer to you, but you will always answer to me. We will do our first assignment tonight. You will come with me to my house. I have affairs to wrap up and after that we will do our sketches. I don't like arrangement anymore than you, and I would prefer to come out unscathed. Seem fair to you. ""Oh fearless leader"

"You little bitch," Adrian hissed as he made a grab for the keys. "Don't you dare touch my stuff stuff again, you could have rabies or something. Augh. And another thing, I'll be the one making the rules, okay? You will not boss me around. No way in hell, got it?" Adrian was slowly turning red in the face, from anger or embarrassment, he couldn't say. Probably the latter, though he would never admit to it. Adrian Rice did not get embarrassed. Period.

"Look Blondie, you don't know anything about me and I for one don't care to know anything about you. I do know one thing. I hate you. You will in no way control me and in case you didn't notice I’ve been dictating the conversation from the start. You have this idea that everything is about you, and well its not. I took your keys because I knew you would bail out on me. Second no one

uses that language around me. I resent being called a female dog, and if anyone is female you would be the player in that game. Now lets leave this god forsaken place and get this over with i'm already developing a headache from all this screaming." River said turning still holding firmly onto the keys. "By the way you won't need these keys for much longer if i have much to do with it." River said smirking back at the other boy.

"My-my keys," Adrian sputtered. "Give them back!" Adrian made one last mad grab for the small shiny object, but only succeeded in catching the hem of River's shirt sleeve, spinning the other boy around on the spot.

Feeling Adrian's hand come in contact with his skin River glared at the boy who's face was now mear centimeters from his face. "You will not touch me ever again. Now we will discuss your keys. I will keep a hold of them until you realize that you are under my control. Further more every time you curse in front of me I will slap you on the cheek. Anyone who is around me must be as modest as I. Especially if my father shows up. If you follow these rules, I shall see that your precious car receives no harm, and if for some reason you are masochistic enough to enjoy being slapped around then more power to you. Its not like I don't like to dominate " Then pushing his head forward a bit River pushed the other boy away from himself. "Let this remind you that you are not always the one in control." Then turning away River once more began walking toward the parking lot.

As they got in the car, River asked Mark to please take them back to the house.

"I guess if we are going to be working together we mine as well get to know each other a little. I know we covered the basics in Art, but more about what we will each be drawing.”

“Fine,” Adrian spat. He was still pissed about having his keys ‘stolen’ from him, and didn’t want to comply with River any more than he had to. But the boy was right, and knowing beyond the basics of each other would make things go faster, which would mean spending less time with the now-dubbed thief.

“I’m Adrian Rice. I am seventeen; eighteen come next January. I live with my father and sister. I play sports. A lot. And, most of all, I hate you, River Ward, with an ever increasing burning passion.” At this point, Adrian was glaring fiercely at River, unblinking. “Is that enough for you?”

"Pft, your one to talk about hating me. You don't even know me. I live in a house that my grandparents owned. I am British, and my father controls my every move. I will soon turn 18 at the end of August. I can't say I hate you, more or less your attitude to everything." River said looking out the window at the passing houses.

"I don't have to know you to hate you." In a burst of childish anger, Adrian kicked the seat in front of him. "It's a raw feeling. Not that you'd know what that's like, you cold son of a bi--" and then he stopped, remembering River's reaction last time he cursed the other out.

“Okay, whatever,” Adrian said, dropping the subject entirely. “So your dad controls you? That’s surprising, seeing how you’re anal about having things your way.”

"Pft, you'd want to be in control once in a while if you were me. I'm only able to eat cer4tain things, and I can't ever wear regular clothes. After my mother died, I think he became scared that I would die to. So he makes sure someone is around constantly and or is making sure I don't get into trouble. And I’d like it very much if you refrained from insulting me and my mother." River said giving Adrian a long glare. "Also, if your going to put so much effort into hating me you must really love me a while lot. " River said.

As the words spilt out of River’s mouth, Adrian’s eyes widened, not prepared for the sudden torrent of what is River’s life. Not knowing what to do with the information (Dead mother? Him dying? What?), Adrian latched onto the last comment.

“Love? Ha! Right, you keep dreaming.” Adrian, to his mounting disgust, felt his checks and ears burn. Again.
"Your right. You wouldn't know what love with your apparent track record. Good luck with life.
“You just moved here. How the hell would you know about any ‘track record’ I have,” Adrian said, slightly insulted, even if it were true.

"Heh, it didn't take long to hear from around the school that your the number one player in the school. I just wish we had never met." River said scoffing as the car pulled into the driveway.

“Okay, so maybe I’ve had a few dates in the past, but that doesn’t mean I’m a…” Adrian’s words slowly dried out at the car continued along the driveway. Looming down the end stood a stark white house, seeming to even over power the large oak trees that stood guard before it. If it weren’t so light outside, the house would have come off as menacing.

It was old, ancient even, but it still looked neatly put together. Well worn, but well cared for as well. Carlisle was an almost suburb-like town, but too old itself to be classified as such. Still, it was rare to see such homes still erect.

“That’s your house? God, how old is it, a hundred?”
"It's one hundred and one. One of the first houses built in this town." River said. "If you will, I want to show you something after I go inside."

Walking up to the front door, River pushed the grand doors open and went straight to whee the kitchen was. Dannetta was standing at the stove fixing what looked like to be dinner.
"Welcome home River, dinner will be ready shortly. If you will go up to the Blue room i'll give you your afternoon shot..."Dannetta stopped when she noticed Adrian was standing with River.

"River who is this?" Dannetta asked getting worried.

"Don't worry Dannetta, this is Adrian Rice, we have a art project to do together. I just came inside because I didn't want to collapse again. " River said.

Then turning to Adrian, River said, "If you will stay here I’ll be right back."

“Blue room,” Adrian questioned, but River had already turned away.

Never missing a chance for new black mail material, Adrian only stay behind of all for ten seconds before silently following after the two. They walked briskly, before finally halting before a white door towards the end of the house. Keeping to himself on the other side of the hall, hidden from vision, Adrian waited until the woman—Dannetta?—pushed open the door for River and following inside after him.
"Please lay down, you have a new medicine this week. " Dannetta said.
""You know how I hate these shots." River said wincing at the pain.
"Why did you bring that boy here? You know your father wouldn't approve."
"Yah he only likes girls right. Pft. Hypocrite. He's just my classmate Dannetta, and I had to do this project. Father can get over his crazy idea that I’m gay."

"You know I only worry about your safety. With what has happened in past moves I have a right to worry for your safety." Dannetta said touching River's forehead and smiling softly.

"You have nothing to worry about. He's just some jock who doesn't care about anything but his looks, and sports. He could care less for me. I'm going back outside now so that we can get our project done."

"Well, that didn’t make any sense,” Adrian thought out loud to himself. Was River sick? That would explain why he always looked so… sickly. Adrian felt a pang of guilt, only for a second, before he quickly squashed it down. If River had problems, they were his and his alone.

When the door clicked opened, Adrian was brought back to reality. He was still supposed to be in the kitchen. Turning heel, he dashed back towards the end of the house, only to realize he couldn’t remember the way. Great.

Sorry for any mistakes or punctuation this one isn't completely edited .

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Along the River

Chapter Two:

By: Gravilove19

To most the idea of a Monday morning is pure torture River however was very different. This specific Monday was his first day of school. River had always hated looking at himself in the mirror. It was a sad reminder to himself of his mother and her tragic death.

River had not been but six or seven when his mother and he had been in a car wreck. River had wanted to go to he zoo that day, and although his mother didn't allow him away from the interior of their home very often she had relented under he agreement that he was to be with her at all times. They had had a blast, and River could not have imagined a better trip to the zoo. As they were driving home they were stopped at a four way intersection, it had been a foggy night and the roads had been wet. The driver couldn't see the eighteen wheeler coming from the direction just perpendicular to them.

All memories after that were faint and blurred to River. He could remember people yelling, and the sounds of people trying to talk to him. Nothing however was able to give the comforting words he longed to hear. He had spent a month in the hospital keeping daily vigil by her side. He had always heard talking to patients in a vegetative state helped to bring them back to a living breathing environment. One day when he went in to see his mother she wasn't there. Hoping she was up and about he asked the nurses where she was. They had only smiled sadly at him as his nurse Danetta came down the hall and gathered his shaking form into her arms.

From that day forward she had been his main caregiver and surrogate mother. Danetta had no kids of her own and as such she had made River her own. After his wife's death Daniel Ward had completely forgotten he had a son. The halls of the house no longer rang of the laughter of a child or the nightly echoes of Martha Ward's voice as she would quietly put River to bed each night. Instead the halls were cold and dark, as though the Ward house had lost all its life.

By the time River was ten he had surcome to the fact that his father would never think of him as his son. River Ward was the exact replica of his mother. River's hair has was dark and silky and although a young boy he held the figure that any girl would die for. His eyes however were neither inherited from his mother nor his father. A silvery dark navy they were like the night sky. Never having many friends growing up River became reclusive to outside friendships and it didn't bother him that his father never was home or than there was no one to talk with.

Martha Ward had been a visiting exchange student at Oxford University when she met Daniel Ward. Although in the beginning they both seemed to but heads, over time they became friends and then later were married. Martha had become pregnant with River two years after they were married.

Daniel Ward began his business firm in London shortly after meeting Martha, and it had easily become one of the major investment business' of the greater European area. Daniel had always been a fun loving man, and he and Martha had made a perfect match. Their dreams were to grow old together and then travel the world in their old age. The Daniel Ward that was fun and outgoing died the night of the accident. Although the changes in River’s life seemed to go unphased. Daniel Ward believed that River’s health needed constant monitor and guidence in case he should become sick.

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The ride to th Bern High School had been filled with Danetta fretting over River's appearace and how he needed to look presentable for his first day. River dreaded stepping foot onto the campus, knowing he would inevitably come into contact with the boy from the night before. What was his name? Alfred? Andy? He knew it had started with an A. Sighing he knew he shouldn't care. The other boy had deserved every word River had said to him.

Looking over at Danetta River gave her one of his rare smiles.

“Danetta don't worry. Everything will be fine. I'll go to the nurse at lunch, and receive my shot. I'll be genial to everyone at he school, and i'll return safely to your arms at 3:30 this afternoon. I have my cell phone also. Just calm down. You don't have to worry about something happening like last time.”

“River I just want you to be careful. We don't need something happening again. That means no fights. I don't want to come after school to find you bloody and bruised.”

“Don’t worry. I won’ t let anyone or anything get in my way. I'll see you later.” jumping out of the car River approached the school and prayed that it would be an easy day.

Along the River
Chapter One: These Walls

By: Gravilove19

The hills rolled by as River looked out of the window, all he could see for miles was vast hills and plains. River knew this was just another town that he would soon be removed from. His father Daniel Ward was the CEO of a major corporation and tried to keep his family matters as far as he could from his professional life. Although his father made plenty of money it did not prevent River from feeling dislocated from his father’s life.
Eventually River saw a small town coming into view. River had been here only a handful of times before and knew that although a small town it was grand in its culture. Carlisle was a small town in the middle of no where that had little over three thousand people. This was the third move for River and as such he had become accustomed to blending into the background waiting silently for the date of his next move.

River's mother had died several years prior and it was at that time that Mr. Ward had began to spend more time in his office and less time trying to spend time with his son. Left to his own devices River had been raised by his father’s staff, under strict instruction of Daniel Ward. Although his father’s main residence was in London, England River had never really considered it his home, or even a residence. Most of River’s memories of the house were from his younger years as a child and even then not always pleasant.
As an artist he always looked for inspiration in the world outside his own, his father however found nothing flattering about his son taking part in a activity that was so “girly” Daniel Ward’s discovery of his son’s love for the subject had resulted in River’s first move. Once more turning his attention outward River saw that they were pulling up to a rather large house with two stories and a rather grand front porch. Although River had not been to the house many times he knew the house well, some of River’s fondest memories as a child were visiting this house and getting to visit his grandparents. Glancing up River saw his driver Frank holding the door open for him and waiting for River to get out.

“Mr. River, we have arrived. Please leave your bags and go into the house”, the driver said as River climbed out of the backseat.

“Thanks Frank. Are you returning back home now?” River asked, feeling sorry for the man because he had already driven so far for him.

“Yes Sir. Your father has requested my presence at his office. I will let him know you arrived safely. There is another car here for transportation in case you should need it. Your new driver is Mark and he will be happy to assist you, until I return. ” Frank said indicating the car that was parked not to far away.

Thanking Frank River grabbed his laptop bag. He had never been fond of heavy luggage and already knew his father would have already set his wardrobe up for him. River had been raised with modest polos and slacks all his life. Never had his father allowed any of those “filthy t-shirts” or “tacky jeans”. No Daniel Ward insisted that River live in the lap of luxury while still remembering that his father loved him very much, but just didn't want or have time to spend with him. It amazed River as to how although his father was always too busy to spend any time at home, he had enough time to schedule everything about River's life.
Looking at the house in front him River knew why his father had moved him here. He would be turning eighteen soon, and as such the cameras would be all over him. Although the press wasn't allowed to capture his face on film many tabloids had gone to great lengths to find what was so wrong with the young Ward. River knew his father was the wealthy CEO in his company, but all he had ever been told was, “Don't screw up, and don't get near any cameras.” This trip was for him one last resort for his father to get him out of his hair and away from any public eye. River knew that in a town this small nothing ever stayed a secret for long and although he did not enjoy confrontation he knew that he would eventually encounter it.
The house also known as the Maxi House had been built in the late 1800's and had been remodled numerous times I was built with a plantation style theme or the old Untied States South and as such held great white pillars on the front porch and solid wood and walls. It wasn't awful looking in architecture and was probably ahead of its time when built. Carlisle housed a couple of diners, a store, and three schools: primary, junior high, and High School. River was to start at the local high school Carlisle Academy the following Monday. River's father had purchased the school a short time after Martha Ward's death, in hopes of retaining every last memory of her life. The old house also had at one time belonged to River's beloved mother Martha. River had only been to the house a handful of times.

Making his way into the house River made his way to the kitchen in hopes of finding something to eat before settling into his new home. Finding that the cabinets had not been stocked and the refrigerator was also empty River moved from the kitchen to find his driver Mark to take him into town to a small diner.

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The local diner was quaint and looked like a typical hangout for high school teens; the very thing River didn't like. It wasn't that River didn't enjoy the friendship of his fellow peers, but since he had moved several times in the past few years he had been content with the companionship of his servants and computer.

Following the waitress River looked around to see most of the diner had quieted upon his entry with Mark.. Although they didn’t stick out in the crowd people always knew when someone from out of town came in. Sitting down in a booth River could hear the chattering of the kids when he had come into the little restaurant.
“And then she was like, “but I want you to date me." I told her it was too bad that I already had a bedmate for the evening and that she would have to give up already. I don't know where you girls get your urges.” said a boy with short blond hair.
“Oh Adrian, you should have let up on the poor girl! Just because you have no feelings for the numerous girls who throw themselves as your feet doesn't mean those girls don't have any feelings themselves,” said another girl, looking at the boy who appeared to be her friend.
“And what else am I supposed to do in this God forsaken town? It's not like there is fresh meat walking around.” The boy, Adrian, said pretending to be bored.
“Oh, you are hopeless. Just because you happen to be Mr. All-Around-Athlete doesn't mean you are irresistible. I can't wait to see the day someone turns you down and flat out refuses your friendship and-or the opportunity to be your bedmate for the one evening,” the girl replied, eying Adrian mockingly.
“Yeah yeah, you are only saying that because you aren't allowed to be my lover since you're my sister. Besides you are one to talk Mellisa, you're just as bad as me,” Adrian said.
By this time River was tired of listening to the small talk while he had been trying to enjoy his burger. Getting up, he moved over to the table and looked at the pair. Thinking that maybe a little rejection might help.
“I would really appreciate it if you would keep your bedmate preferences to yourself. I'm sure I'm not the only one who would never sleep with either of you regardless of sexual preference. Now you can get over yourselves and find another hobby besides trampling on other people's feelings.” Turning away from the group River made to leave the diner but was stopped as the boy Adrian stood up.
“Look, I don't know who you are, but you can't come into my town and tell me what to do.” Adrian rose from his seat and began moving closer and closer,
“You are on my turf and you better watch your back.” Adrian was now less that a few centimeters away from River.
“Oh, really? Watch my back, huh?” River said huffing, “Well I guess you had better watch that you don't get yourself accidentally expelled. Dear Adrian.”
Then throwing a twenty on the table, River glanced around at the shocked students as he left the small diner. River had never been so angry in his entire life. 'How dare that punk talk about another humans life as though it had no worth but to play a trophy on his list of conquests.'

Getting out of the car River thanked the new butler his father had recently hired. Looking up the front steps he could see his nanny Danetta waiting on him with an anxious look.
“Mr. River, do you have any idea what time it is? You were due in the blue room the minute you came home.”
Danetta was a kind woman, she had raised River since birth and had become his only friend and confidant in the entire Ward household. Her eyes always seemed to have a spark when she talked to River, almost as though she were watching her own son growing older each day. Making their way into the house River walked toward the blue room. The blue room was just that, a room completely covered in blue. To River it looked to much like a hospital. River had seen too many hospitals in his life to like blue.
“River, your father said you would need two shots tonight. Doctor Hutton said that in order to keep your body under control you will be needing more medication than usual.” Danetta said guiding River to the bed.
“Yes, father always knows best right? Sometimes I wish I could be allowed to make up my own mind.” River said while laying down.
“River I wish there was another way for us to control your body. However this is the only way we can make sure nothing goes wrong.” Danetta said smiling down at River.
As River's world began to fade into black he held a sad smile as he thought of how he only ever wished his mother were there to comfort him.