Chapter 1

River

“It’s so muggy out here!” I whined as I carried a box full of my junk to my Dad’s Toyota 4 Runner.

Texas was the worst state to live in during the summer in my opinion. The humidity was gross and sticky, and the inferno-sizzling temperatures only made it worse. Even with a tank top and shorts, I was sweating like a pig.

“God, whatever you have baking in the oven, I think it’s done!” I yelled out to the four winds. Dad chuckled behind me.

“How many more boxes do you still have left, smalls?” He asked, handing me a bottle of water.

“Thanks! About 2 more and I’m done.” I replied, wiping the sweat off my forehead with my shirt. I opened the bottle and gulped the water down, almost choking when I felt it go down the wrong hole. I coughed hard.

“That’s what you get for chugging it down like that.” He laughed, patting my back. I gave him a death glare.

We walked back into the house heading to my room. Picking up a box, I stopped, and gave my room one last glance, “Nope, I won’t miss it.”

“You’re not going to miss home? Not even me?” He asked, acting like I wounded him.

“Of course, I’ll miss you. I'll miss my home too…it's just, I want to see what’s out there. You know the adult life you tried protecting me from,” I paused and sighed, “Dad, this house has so many beautiful memories, but also sad ones.” I frowned.

I missed my Mom so much.

There were many times I found Dad looking at her pictures with silent tears. Hard nights were difficult to avoid when I could hear him crying for her. Saying he missed her was an understatement. It must have been so hard to lose the love of his life in the blink of an eye because that’s how it happened. I blinked for what seemed a millisecond and she was gone.

She was taken from us during a hot summer, 12 years ago. I live close to the San Jacinto River, here in a small town called Crosby, a suburb of Houston. I was swimming in the river, in a private beach area that was only reserved for homeowners who lived in my neighborhood.

I was already warned by my parents to stay close to the edge, but that day the undercurrent was strong. I screamed the second I felt like I was being pulled under. Mom happened to be watching me standing close to the shore, while Dad was getting something out of the car a couple of yards away. She screamed out his name before diving into the water. 

He turned around to see what the commotion was about, but the scene before him struck fear deep into his soul. He ran so fast and jumped in. Mom was able to push me towards him, but it was too late for her. It took seconds for the current to drag her under. 

She never came back up.

My dad roared begging people to help, but it was no use. No one would take their chances and there weren’t that many people around. People with jet skis and boats were being flagged down to help search, but it was no use. The water was murky, a dirty brown color, unable to see through.

What was supposed to be an enjoyable day, just the three of us, turned into a nightmare we could never shake away. Only two came home that night.

For many decades, the San Jacinto River has claimed so many lives, young and old. 

She was only 33 years old when the river claimed her life. Two days later, her body was found close to the ship channel. It was the hardest day of our lives.

On the day of her funeral, I remember looking up at the sky and asking God to take good care of her. I never once blamed Him for what happened. I just couldn’t understand why it happened to us, but then again, I was too young to understand that freak accidents happened anywhere, anytime, and on any given day. We won’t ever know why and how to prevent it. 

As the saying goes, ‘Tomorrow is never promised’.

I felt Dad’s thumb wipe my cheek. I hadn’t realized I was crying.

At least I know that when I’m gone, he won’t be alone. He started dating this cute, sexy Latina from work. He works in the refineries close to home. They looked like they were hitting it off and honestly, they meshed well together.

My Father is handsome even at the age of 45 women gawked and winked at him everywhere we went. He has light brown hair, blue eyes, and a muscular body. He’s 5 '11 and loves to work out, and I mean almost every day. What started as keeping me busy to wear me out, worked. He had me in defense classes and soon I became fit and toned, eating whatever I wanted because going to the gym helped me maintain my figure. I became one of those gym rats.

“Okay, so are you all set?” Dad asked. “Yes,” I replied.

“Dad, take care of my baby, please. If you harm her or scratch her in any way…I’ll take it out on your Roadrunner.” I glared and then cackled. He hates it when I call his Toyota that.

On my sixteenth birthday, my only request was for him to buy me a motorcycle. No parties or anything, just a motorcycle. I loved dirt bike riding and getting on buggies and here in Crosby, we have a lot of mud, dirt, trees, and nature to keep us busy. If you weren’t dirt bike riding, then you were on buggies going through mud and pools of water. 

I wanted to upgrade my dirt bike for a motorcycle instead. So Dad bought me a Kawasaki 600.

She was a beauty to begin with. After riding her for almost 2 years I decided to upgrade to an even faster bike. I traded her in for a Kawasaki H2R. She was matte black and I was in love. She made me feel free and her speed was an addictive hedonistic experience. Dad was upset at first, but who was he trying to kid, the man was itching to ride her too.

I got envious glances from girls and side-eyed approval from boys. I rode her to school when I could, except for rainy days or icy frigid temperatures which Houston only gets in January or February. The icy days lasted one to three days at the most. Not like I could anyway, a little ice and any temperature falling under 35°, and schools closed.

Yup, that’s Houston for ya. Just don’t get me started when it rains. That’s a whole different topic. Either way, who am I kidding when schools close, I get to sleep in.

We exchanged vehicles in the meantime because he was scared of me riding that far out with my bike. It was only 3 and a half hours to get to Austin. Not to mention…where the heck would I put my stuff in? 

Two weeks ago, we were over there getting furniture for my apartment. It felt good when the lady handed me my keys to my new place. It was a milestone in my life to remember. All I needed to do on my own was add my personal touch and essentials.

“I will Riv, Abby loves your bike.” He smirked and wiggled his eyebrows. I stoically glared at him. 

I arched an eyebrow, “Don’t be doing nasty things on my bike, Dad. Anyways, Zach is already on his way. I’m gonna go ahead and go. We are gonna meet at the Buc-ee’s in Waller.”

If you haven’t been to Texas, Buc-ee’s are Texas-sized gas stations. It’s more than just a convenience store. They have everything you can think of. Look it up, you’ll see. They ain’t lying when they say everything in Texas is big.

“Your boyfriend? You might as well just stop hiding that from me, Riv's, I don’t believe that you two could stay friends that long and not feel anything for each other. I can tell he likes you and not just like…but L-I-K-E-S you.” I jeered at him for making that statement.

“Eww! What is wrong with you–...no he doesn’t– you know what never mind, sometimes I don’t understand most of the stuff that comes out of that mouth of yours, old man.” I said stoically. He cackled and slapped his knee.

“Okay, okay, sorry honey…come here and give your old man a hug, smalls!” I reached out and hugged him tightly. “I’m gonna miss you kiddo. Have fun but not too much fun. Also, make sure whoever you meet wraps it before they tap it!” 

My face paled, “LALALALALA! I can’t hear you, Dad!!!” I yelled out, covering my ears.

 “Okay, okay…” He chuckled. “Stop before all the neighbors come out and hear you yelling like a crazy chic.” He pulled me in his embrace and hugged me hard. “I love you. Be careful, baby girl. You are all I have left. Kick butt if you have to and don’t you, ‘give the other cheek’ like Jesus said if someone tries to hurt you. I want you back in one piece.” He said in a serious tone and I couldn’t help but laugh.

“You know I will, Dad. What’s years of training if I don’t put it to good use? I can take care of myself and you know it. I’ll call you when I get there. Besides, playing basketball had to man me up, those girls are tough.” 

He chuckled, “I love you old man, but this chic here, has to go.” I kissed his cheek and got in the vehicle, “By the way, don’t forget to bring my baby soon. I’ll be waiting for my girl.” I shouted as I rolled out the driveway. He nodded and blew a kiss.

I’m going to miss him so much.

_______

I was listening to my Christian station but had to switch it out when the station went out of range. So I played ‘Standing Still by Jewel’. I loved the romance and girly songs about love, breakups, and heartbreak that’s why I played ‘Torn by Natalie Imbruglia’ right after. Those songs were to my liking. 

An hour and a few minutes later, I was at the Buc-ee’s gas station. I found a pump unoccupied and parked right next to it. The plan was to trail behind Zach so we could get there at the same time.

Zach Grey is my cute best friend. I always wondered why he had short relationships throughout high school since he had the looks. Smart, funny, and good-looking were a great combination. He reminds me of a sexy young Charlie Hunnam. He had light brown hair, cut short, and green with a hint of brown orbs. He was lean, not bulky, but fit with just the right amount of muscle, and was taller than me, like 6’1. I’m only 5’5.

He was overprotective and because of that, we did almost everything together. Our friends always told me that he liked me, but I never believed them because he never said anything to me. 

They would tell me that I was the reason why his girlfriends broke up with him, but when I would question him, he would give me a very different story.

I picked up my phone and dialed his number, “Hey you! Where you at, homie? Oh wait…is that you? Dang, you got out of the car like a freaking celebrity.” I cackled.

“Shut up. Come here, babe.” He always called me babe and the girls hated it. You know the ones that weren’t my friends. Those that were, always gave me the ‘uh-huh, I’m telling you’ look.

I got out and headed towards him but then noticed him frown. “Why are you dressed like that?” He questioned me, giving me an impassive look. “Wha–what’s wrong with my clothes?” 

I was confused, looking down at what I had on. I had light denim shorts, a black tank top, and my black and white Converse. I had my hair up in a messy updo and had my oversized glasses on instead of my contact lenses. Everyone thought they were chic and cute.

“River,” he pinched the bridge of his nose. “You are showing too much skin.” He growled when a guy whistled at me.

“Umm…hello!? You do know we live in Texas and it just so happens to be August, the hottest month of the year!? It’s an oven out here, Z.” I whispered-yelled ignoring the guy who was catcalling.

“Whatever, let's get some snacks and some food in your belly, babe.” He pulled me in front of him to lead the way. He was right close behind me. “Umm, possessive much,” I giggled, shaking my head knowing I liked it.

“Yes. Men are idiots, babe, and I can’t help it, especially when your best friend looks hot.” He winked. He told me once I looked like Elizabeth Lail’s twin but with light brown hair. She’s beautiful. Maybe I should dye my hair blonde. Suddenly, I remembered Dad’s comment earlier, making me doubt. Nah, he always says things like that.

I hit his chest and I winced when my hand hit his hard chest. Yup, he’s attractive and fit, yet couldn’t keep a girl for long. Anywho, I grabbed some trollies, Sour Patch Watermelon, DrPepper, and hot flaming Cheetos. I also grabbed a jalapeno cheese kolache and coffee. 

“Hey, don’t forget your cheese dip,” Zach yelled out, making heads turn my way. I blushed.

He knew everything about me. Maybe I should marry him and just skip out on love and all that mushy stuff in between…Nah! It probably would get weird later on.

After using the loo and paying, we headed back to our vehicles. We pumped gas and I followed him the rest of the way. The entire time we were on the phone on our Bluetooth speaker just yapping and laughing along. I could never tire of talking to him and that was something I loved about us. 

Zach and I will always be best friends until one of us takes our last breath.