Page 22 of Where the River Meets the Skye

“You know I can hear everything you’re saying,” River called as he gave up and pushed himself up on his crutches, making his way very slowly into the other room.

“He can hear everything we’re saying,” Jodi whispered loudly. “So let’s not say anything embarrassing. Like the time he?—”

“Very funny,” River interrupted, entering the room. He smiled at his aunt and she gave him a hug even though he couldn’t reciprocate it because of the crutches.

Skye glared at him. “You’re supposed to be sitting down.”

He stuck his tongue out at his roommate and Skye rolled his eyes. “Listen,” he told Jodi, “we don’t want you paying for a hotel for an entire week, so you can have my room. I sleep sitting up on the couch anyway because of my ribs, so it’s really not a problem. You’ll have your own bathroom and everything. Skye cleaned it for you even though he hates cleaning bathrooms.” He smiled at his friend and was a little surprised when Skye flushed, then cleared his throat and ran his hand across the back of his neck.

“Well, thank you, Skye. I’m sorry you had to go through that,” Jodi teased. “And thanks for taking care of River. I rested a lot easier knowing he had you here.”

“Of course,” Skye said, that flush still there. “I’ll take your things to River’s room.” He reached behind Jodi and grabbed her suitcase and bag.

“You should sit, sweetheart,” Jodi said, gesturing for River to move towards the sofa.

“Have you eaten dinner?” he asked as he made himself comfortable—well, as comfortable as he could be—on the couch. He winced slightly at the pain in his ribs.

“Want me to get you an ice pack?” Jodi asked.

“Sure.” She entered the kitchen and came back with one, handing it to him.

“Dinner?” River asked again. “Skye’s a great cook. I’m sure he could whip up something for you if you are hungry.”

“I had fast food on the drive here,” she said. “But thank you.”

“‘Kay, got you all set up in River’s room,” Skye announced, returning to the living room. “Clean sheets and everything.”

Jodi smiled at him. “Thank you. Anything I should know before you go to work tomorrow?”

“I think you already know everything,” Skye said. “As long as you know where his ice packs and pain meds are, you should be good. Hopefully you won’t have too much trouble helping him get up and down. He’s heavier than he looks.”

“I’m still right here,” River said, eyeing both of them as he gestured to himself. “Literally right here.” They laughed and Skye winked at him.

“I’m gonna crash,” Skye said. “If I don't see you in the morning, which I probably won’t, then I’ll see you when I get home.”

“And when is that?” Jodi asked.

“Five-ish, usually. As far as food goes, if you can find it you can eat it, just make yourself at home. I’ll plan to make dinner. And if River says anything about me that makes me sound less than perfect, he’s lying.”

Jodi grinned. “Got it. Goodnight, Skye.”

“Goodnight. Goodnight, Riv.” His eyes met River’s and there was a sadness behind them that seemed to be lingering, despite the smile.

“Night, Skye,” River said, and his roommate disappeared down the hall.

Jodi watched him walk away, then turned to River. “That boy is pretty special. He really cares about you, you know?”

River nodded. He did know. But why did people keep telling him, like they thought he didn’t?

CHAPTER 8

Skye

Skye smiled when his fourth period class strode in the door the following afternoon. He probably shouldn’t have favorites, but these sixth graders were his. And being back at work was a welcome and much needed distraction.

“We missed you!” one student said.

“You were gone forever!” another said.