7. Do It Again.

-

River quietly reminisces growing up on the streets of Brooklyn, as he drives down Jay Street. A time when he had more friends than he could count, even when they slowly began disappearing into a distant memory. 

Overwrought with stress and hardship, he had to deal with his mother’s using from a young age. As he grew older, he learned that focusing on his studies and biding his time would help him succeed. He had even he forgot how to be a teenager until he wasn’t anymore. Losing his childhood, not knowing what a normal life for people his age-group was. 

He had traveled a road of trials and tribulations that failed to break him, for he rose above expectations and made himself. Four years of studying business and human resource management prepared him to experience what pleasures he could find. To prepare himself to further his education and chase the most sought after merit. River had high hopes for the future, and even his mother was a part of the equation. There was no progress in her condition, leaving no room to hope for her return. 

His cellphone rings loudly, reverberating through his eardrums in a cacophonous jangle that jolts him upright. He fishes the tattered device from his pocket, carefully peering at the screen. A smile curls his lips upward, the second he sees James’ name. 

“Hey. Did you hear from your agent?” River asks as he puts the phone to his ears. One hand on the steering wheel as he drives down a crammed corner street. 

“Yes, turns out its better for me to book a flight to England before finalizing because I need to rent a loft.” James voice trills on the other end of the line. 

“On the bright side, you’ll have a reason to come back. You love your expensive extra gift from rich daddy dearest.” River shrugs, feeling some sense of reprieve rushing through him. 

“I really do, but you know that will not be my reason for returning, right?” 

“Why do I feel like two weeks will turn into a month? Because at that point, it will be temporary. Your father is pulling a lot of strings to get you this gig, and I can tell you’re excited.” River acknowledges grievously, thinking it best to stay honest about what he feels. At least to draw the truth out of James, who still hadn’t come clean after River heard him speaking to Marcus. 

“River, that’s not fair, I’ve been searching.”

“Yeah, James, you’ve been searching for your parents since before I even met you and trust me, no one else is happier that you found your roots but that doesn’t mean I can’t fear losing you!” River’s retort sounds determined, confirmed by the deafening silence that follows. 

Still unaware of his next few words, River notices that he was just a block away from PearlGrove Memorial. Still at odds with himself and the way he reacted towards James’ statement, forced a fraction of guilt. Something River didn’t appreciate feeling, all because he wanted James to stick around, or offer him the chance to run away with him. Expecting too much out of a relationship that became rocky with a few too many mistakes, bound to hurt River. He knew it was inevitable after seeing all the signs and sussing out all the clues. 

“I’ll talk to you when I get home, James. Sorry for bringing this up.” River announces before ending the call, giving James no time to respond. 

He then focuses his gaze ahead of him, watching the backdrop of Manhattan appearing in the distance. He had only thirty minutes to spare at the hospital before leaving for his interview. Luckily, things were too brief at the hospital for River to even stay. 

—

“I’m afraid I have some terrible news,” Andi nervously scratches the back of his head, and River’s forced smile fades. 

“Terrible news.” River’s voice is barely a whisper as dawning realization drowns him. “Does this have to do with the overdue bill? Because I promise to pay for it, this internship is just a week and three days away from an enormous advance.” His voice softens. Yet Andi didn’t seem all too eager to disclose what he was obligated to. 

River hadn’t been able to pay the last two bills. His shared apartment with James and school loan payments sucked him dry. Destroying his once comfortable and manageable budget. He suddenly felt faint, as if the world had come crumbling down around him for the millionth time. With the excitement of everything happening, and his interview, he forgot to focus on the things that mattered. 

“They have declared your mother deceased, and within the ethics clause it is immoral to keep her on as the process of death is happening as we speak. With this, the board has voted to take her off life support even if you can afford to pay it by the deadline,” the doctor says, his gaze pitiful. “That isn’t even the worst of it. Once they make the last decision on paper, you’ll have three days to make preparations.” 

River hadn’t noticed how dazed he had gotten. Until Andi is steadying him, telling him he shouldn’t worry. 

“Look, it’s the right thing to do, River.” The older man assures him. But it still lost him. “Her body isn’t fighting anymore. And this could cost you a sizeable sum of money if you don’t pull the plug voluntarily.” 

“Please don’t say it.” River begs, and the doctor sighs, nodding understandably. 

“They’re seeking to waive the fees.” 

River gapes at him with eyes bulged in surprise. “That’s impossible.” 

“It is that, or you take them to court.” 

“Ok, hold on a second.” River sniffles, raising from his seat, wiping his face with a stupefied look. “Who said anything about taking anybody to court?” 

“When you called it in, do you remember what happened?” The man queries. 

“I know about the hospital making her a last priority, and while that made me angry, I will not cry in a courtroom for a big payday.” He snaps and the doctor peers at him blankly. But he still can’t denounce his respect for the young man.  

“I can try to stall the board, but I can only delay the inevitable for so long. What’s it going to be?”

“No.” He shakes his head. “My mother made terrible choices, and it’s no reason for her to have suffered the way she did, but you’re right. I can’t watch her suffer anymore.” He watches her, forcing the tears back, thinking he’d done enough of that. 

“Pull the plug,” River tears his gaze from Rose Kennedi’s body, yet he was even more broken down than he realizes. “I still need that three-day preparation period. Also..” River pauses, wiping the last stray tear from his right cheek. “... I’m not having a funeral, so I’d like some recommendations for-.,” he stops, choked up but reluctantly ready. 

“Yes.” Andi nods. “I’ll go speak with the board right now.” He gives a weak smile that River appreciates. “Would you like to be present?”

“No, just c-call me. Thank you.” River’s eyes gloss over again. 

“No problem, Mr. Kennedi.” Andi smiles, but River is too fatigued to answer, or ask why the man was being so formal. 

He only spins on his heels, deciding to get as far away from the hospital as he could. So many memories come flooding back to haunt River. An amalgam of vehemence. A malignant energy that finds a thrill in exposing his hurt and mental apathy. 

He quickly checks his watch, ignoring everyone he passes in the hallways of the dreary hospital. Thinking about the possibility of being late to his interview. Already dooming his own fate, and a job that already seemed to be slipping from his fingertips. An opportunity that could help him earn more money and pay some—if not all the bills. 

So he drove and drove until he is in the city. Only half a mile away from his destination, with thirty-two minutes to spare. In the center of the city, cars are at a standstill. A horrific car-jam that is the definition of a spontaneous afternoon rush hour. Bathing in the brightness from a sun-blasted sky. River peers ahead and over the cars. Horns blare, and the muffled sounds of people carry through the air like a noisy fragrance. Talking, laughing, singing and or screaming at the car ahead of them to move. 

Finally River makes it to the entrance of the building, perspiring as he reaches the gaudy receptionist’s counter. A dark-skinned clerk watches as River runs up to the desk, almost slipping to a fall. She stands at least five feet, three inches with a thin build, clad in precise work attire. Her brown eyes tighten as she regards River. Appalled at his disheveled hair, and sweat stained button-down shirt. Tucked neatly into a nicer pair of Khakis. An attire that makes him stand out amongst the others draped in their fancy work apparel. 

“Hi,” River greets, out of breath and panting like he had just ran a forty-mile race. 

“Uh, are you lost, sir?” The woman asks, whisking her ebony hair away from her eyes. 

River scowls at her tone and becomes annoyed by the probing look in her eyes. “Miss, I know I look a hot mess, but I’m not lost. I’m the new intern.” River implores, still out of breath but faultless in his own defense.  

“By my understanding, you’re here to interview for that internship.” The woman challenges with a sour tone.

“Regardless.” River captures his breath. “I’m twenty minutes early, and I’d just like to know where in this building I need to be at three o’clock.” He departs a smile, showing the intensity of his character that he keeps at bay. 

“Give me a minute,” she shoots him a rigid grin as she picks up her phone, jabbing in a number. River uses that juncture of lingering to uncoil his shirt and tie. Hoping that he wasn’t a complete, hot mess. 

“Mrs. Keller. I have a River Kennedi here for an interview?” The Receptionist speaks into the receiver, then listens to the person on the separate end of the line. 

“Ok, Mrs. Keller, I’ll send him your way.” She smiles and hangs up, turning to River with a lifeless gaze. 

“Conference Room twenty is down the hall, and to the left. They’re expecting you,” the woman says and River nods, beaming at her despite feeling the desire to snap at her. 

“Great!” He grins in recognition. “Now where can I find a bathroom?” 

“Next to the interview room.” She answers after hesitating too long. “There’s always one across from each conference room.” 

“Have a blessed morning.” River spots the name-tag atop the desk. “... Micheal?” He eyes her, eyebrows scrunched up. 

“That’s my last name.” She deadpans. 

“Right.” He taps the desk, then clutches his file jacket as he makes his way down the corridor, breaking into a speed walk. 

After taking fifteen minutes to freshen up and get all his ducks in a row, River emerges from the bathroom. He then stares at the conference room before him, hidden behind an ornate double-door entrance. Feeling refreshed and gathered, he takes a few deep breaths, calculating his entrance, plastering a confident look and a smile on his face. 

With two minutes left on the clock, and not a moment left to wane, River clutches the handles of the doors, pulling them open. He steps into a radiant, lit by daylight conference room, with two figures sitting at the very back. They designed the room with mostly glass and metal, which adds to the twenty-seventh floor allure. An impressive space, with a one-forty degree view of northern Manhattan below. 

“Ahh, Mr. Kennedi, you’re here.” A strong, vibrant female voice speaks as River turns back around after closing the door. 

“Good afternoon, Mrs. Keller. It’s a-,” River’s words get cut off, when he comes face to face with someone he hadn’t expected to see. In the flesh, dressed to impress, with his ego and arrogance boiling River’s exposed skin. 

Beside him sits Grace Keller. A much older, beautiful, Caucasian woman in her late forties. As gorgeous in her prime as she was twenty years before, she dons her tailored ensemble of tan colors that stress the brown highlights in her coiffed hairdo.

“... pleasure to meet you.” River finishes when a smug smile plays at the man’s lips. 

As soon as River laid eyes on the man, his soon to be boss, air lodges in his throat. River hadn’t expected to run into him so soon after their conundrum the day before. Convincing River that the internship would never be his, after remembering his behavior. 

“Brilliant. Now ordinarily the CEO doesn’t sit in on interviews, but I compelled the big man to witness yours.” Grace grins cheekily as she extends a hand to River, welcoming him with the firm handshake. 

“How nice of him,” River says between clenches teeth.

“This is Sebastian Black.” She opens. 

“Pleased to meet you.” Sebastian nods, allowing his gaze to burn through River’s as he offers a hand. 

“Likewise.” River feels his legs tremble when he accepts Sebastian’s hand, accompanied by an uncomfortable grin and tick of his head. 

—