Wednesday, February 8, 2012

when the door slams shut

The dinner progressed. Finally, once Spencer arrived. River did his best to blend in. Gage introduced him around, but he didn't know these people. Well, there was Declan, and he sat next to him, listening to the chatter. Questions about this amazing trip of Spencer's.

There was mention of Noah. And suddenly River found himself coughing in to his arm. All he got from Declan was a napkin. River remained even lipped, thinking of that boyfriend of Spencer's was actually his boyfriend.

Close enough. They were a couple. In their circle of friends. They usually got together, at the secret parties the usual drama professor would have. They would suffice as if an illusion of something European with fancy cigarettes and wines he could hardly stand. They liked many of the same things, and yes, there was that smile of Noah's. He thought of being so close, listening to Noah about foreign films and even more , about foreign artists. Their conversations left River smiling. But then again, Noah thought he was special. Perhaps better than the others.

River wasn't smiling now, he picked through the noodles and the meat. Far too many veggies for his taste, he wanted to say, but didn't. He managed down about half of the serving. Drank what was given to him, and then proceeded to take out his cigarette when he was done.

"WOOH.." Ezra gave him an instant alarm, about the matter.

"You can't do that! We don't smoke in the house. There's a baby, you know." Sage backed Ezra up on this.

"So. Its electronic." He proceeded with his need and steam came out of the apparatus. Still he got some harsh glares. Only River really didn't care.

He didn't help with the dishes, either. Honestly, he felt rather out of place. And that usually wasn't like him, but then again, he'd fallen on hard times. He'd been living out of his car. It wasn't the most comfortable place in the world.

"Well? Where is Noah?" River finally asked when he found his way to Spencer, after dinner. "Shouldn't he be here?"

"Um, an art gallery wants him to do a show. Sounds, really big." Spencer grinned about the prospect.

"Good for him." River remained indifferent, even if he wished he could spit nails at the moment. Precisely, at Spencer. He really was a happy go lucky sort, or so River thought.

"Do you know him?" Spencer looked more than a little curious.

"No. Of course not." River didn't feel discussing anything with him about his former, whatever. Although, River couldn't help but look at Spencer bitter. Noah dumped him for this Spencer? River wanted to give Noah a piece of his mind, but he remained mute. If only he could make a quick exit of some kind. But all he had to go home to, was his car, possibly a quick look around at the library, wash up at the grocery store and hope he didn't freeze to death, tonight.

He knew he deserved better. Possibly, it was his own damn fault. Maybe dump wasn't exactly what happened. But he blamed Noah. For everything. It was easier that way.

"Hey, can I catch a ride with you?" Declan asked before River could even think of asking anything, else.

"Guess so." River couldn't leave soon enough. But there was already frost on the windshield. It was definitely going to be a shitty night.

"Gage was hoping you'd hit it off with Spencer." Declan said while waiting for the car to warm up.

"Not my kind." River slightly shrugged.

"Yeah, I thought so." Declan nodded as if he'd noticed.

Finally, River drove the few blocks to Declan's house.

"You can come in, if you want." Declan told him once they got there.

"Really?" River hadn't expected the offer. So in a few minutes, they were inside Declan's little place. It was quite empty. Not even a TV.

"What do you do here?" River winced as he took a look around the bare livingroom and somber dining area.

"I read." Declan told him.

"A book?" River thought that was hilarious. They had them at the library, but he'd never checked one out. He hadn't read a novel since middle school.

Declan nodded.

"Well? Where are they?" He was expecting a massive library. Declan showed him the slim pickings in a pile on the dining table. Just as River suspected, paperbacks of Lord or the Rings and Ann Rand's Atlas Shrugged. What the hell was he suppose to do now?

9 comments:

Unknown said...

Oh, River. Possibly, to proud to ask for help.

Cafe Fashionista said...

A trip to the library is most definitely in order! :)

FWB said...

Hopefully, River won't get too depressed. The electronic cigarette was funny.

Ben and Molly said...

He's something. I'm glad Ezra got on to him, though.

Sara said...

I like River a lot but he is a little unsure of himself.

W. said...

I'm sure River needs a friend. I think Declan needs one, too.

mazzy may said...

Aw, I think he needs a home.

ellie's desk said...

He is a very interesting fellow..especially, with an electronic cigarette.

W. said...

I love what Ezra did.