The River and the Runaway Boy
My breath is sharp as I run through the bush, grass scraping against my calves, making my skin bleed carelessly. I momentarily stumble on a tree root in the dark. I can’t see now that all the street lights of my town have faded away. I try to adjust my gaze, anger and hurt causing a burning pain in my chest. But everything burns as I run through the dark bush.
My pace speeds up as soon as I reach the bridge over the river. I stop, leaning over the cold railing, Autum air licking at my skin, making it sting. My breath illuminates in the moonlight, a cold frost of air. I shut my eyes, unable to look into the black icy water. The water that filled up his lungs and stole his soul.
But it all makes sense now…
A day earlier:
I lay back, my hands plastered to the fine strands of grass. I let the evening sun warm my legs as a cool breeze blows past. I close my eyes, the sound of the river soothing me. It’s a quiet sound, a sound you search for when life gets too loud, or the monsters come out from under your bed.
Another blow of wind passes, this time stronger, blowing my thick orange hair right into my face. I never met my father, but I figured he must of given me my thick curls, as all my mum wear is sleek brown hair. I like to think that’s not the only thing he gave me. Such as my eyes.
“Oops, you’ve got something there.” Soft fingers graze my forehead, moving the hair out of my face whilst stay plastered to the ground. I open my eyes to look into his, a pair as dark as the night sky.
“Thanks Javier. I almost admire your kindness.” He laughs and it’s the most beautiful sound ever.
“You know I would do anything to have those curls” He says
“Not when you have to tie them back for school. Then it’s annoying.”
We sit in silence for a moment longer, much longer than needed. The soft sound of the grass swaying and distant honks of the town.
Javier opens his mouth several times as if wanting to say something, but then closes it as if thinking better of it. The sun casts down the sky, casting a beautiful golden haze in the air. I know this is his favourite hour.
“Your hair looks like it’s glowing.” He says, “kind of like the sun.”
“Well, you know, since my hair is orange, and this guy’s orange, it kind of makes sense.” He laughs. After countless occasions where he says the same thing, this seems to be his favourite response.
We listen for a while longer, silence taking over the conversation.
“Hey Irena?” He says at last which makes me curious in what he has to say.
“Do you think I can stay over at your house again tonight? For dinner I mean?”
I lean forward, fiddling with zip on my jumper, unable to meet his eyes.
“I’m sorry Javier. My mom’s going out with her partner tonight.” A moment passes.
“Yeah… no… that’s totally okay. My dad will probably order takeout again.” He says awkwardly.
I feel a lump form in my throat, discomfort costing on my features.
“Is everything okay at home? I mean this is the third time you’ve asked to stay over this week. Let alone this year.” I say worried.
He looks down an I can hear the dismay in his voice.
“Yeah. Everything’s fine. I just don’t want to be around my dad and his new fiancé right now.”
“You don’t have to continue.” I say
“No, it’s okay. Just ever since my mom, you know-left. He’s just been off the rails and resorted to well-yeah.”
I had no idea it was this bad. I lean forward to hug him, feeling a pang of guilt.
“Irena?” He says through shaky lips, “do you… like me?”
I’m taking it back, unsure of what he means.
“Yeah, of course I like you Javier, you’re my friend.”
“No, do you like like me?”
I feel angry now, and sad. I always just wanted to be friends. I mean I know he’s lying. I know him.
“I-I’m sorry Javier, I have to go.”
I need to get out of here, hurt and anger wrapping me tightly as I stand up.
I’m march away, tears threatening to fall.
“Irean wait!” He says, but I don’t stop. And I keep walking until I’m back at my town, My eyes raw from crying, and in my bedroom, wishing I’d never met him.
***
Everything he said. But the irony is all I want to do is see him again. Is it my fault? Did I push him over the edge by saying that?
I never meant for this to happen. I look into the water, death stares back up at me. I see water begins to fall from the sky.
Take me. I think leaning over the edge. “Just take me!” Ice cream out loud this time, wondering if I really am insane. I lean over the railing, deaths cold breath running down my neck. I can feel his cold hands on my shoulders ready to push me in…
“Irena! Get away from the water!”
The hands pull me back, and I spin around. It takes me a second to realise the hands on my shoulders a very much real. Javier stands before me, worry on his face, but I’m in shock.
“I thought you were,” I say as the rain gets louder. I spit out the word, “dead.”
He looks down, and I can feel his humiliation. He murmured something I can’t quite make out.
“What!?” I yell over the rain. It’s so cold, I feel numb, and we’re both drenched.
“I went to go look for my mom!” He says, “I know, it was stupid.”
I look at him, “it’s not stupid!” I raise over the bucketing water.
“I’m sorry!” He says. And I’m not sure if it’s the rain on my face or tears, “I was just saying that because I didn’t know any other way to cope with my emotions. But I- I don’t want to be like my dad.”
I hold his shoulders, leaning in so he can hear me, “you’re not like your dad.” I say. I wouldn’t be a real friend if I didn’t forgive him. Even though I hate him for saying that. He’s still my best friend and my only one.
“It’s okay…” I say, “it’s okay.”
by Sophie H, Year 8