"Alone" Teaser

"Alone"

(Book One- The Among the Dead Trilogy)

(This part is told from Gale's point of view)

Searching through the titles of the books on the shelves in the living area that River had shown us earlier I jump back as Evan rushes into the room.

He throws his hands into the air. “I don’t know what I did but River just ran out of the kitchen and into her room. She’s back there now sobbing.”

“You must have triggered something, Evan.” I sigh.

“Or she could just be crazy.” Abby mutters as she walks into the room carrying a steaming bowl of food.

Evan turns to glare at her before grabbing the bowl from her hands. “That isn't even yours, Abby, that was hers and I can’t believe you would even think about eating it.”

“It’s not hers, Evan, I watched Gale give it to her.”Abby whines.

Evan snarls. “I’m sure he gave it to her for a good reason, Abby. Go eat your own food now before I decide to throw you out of here myself.”

“Just remember if I go, then so does Alice.” Abby warns with a smug grin as she moves past us.

Evan groans as he curses under his breath. “I really hate that girl.”

I nod in agreement.

“I should probably go see if I can’t talk to River.” I state absently. “Maybe I can fix whatever she’s going through.”

Evan nods handing the bowl of food over to me. “Tell her I’m sorry…for whatever it was I did, I didn't mean anything by any of my actions.”

I nod as I move away and down the hallway to the rooms. I knew my brother wouldn't have done anything to hurt her so there was no reason for her to be mad with him.

It had to have been something else.

He was the gentle one between the two of us.

At River’s door Alice turns to me. “I don’t know what’s wrong, Gale. She hasn't stopped crying since she ran in there and nothing I've said has helped.”

“Don’t worry about it, Alice. I’ll take care of her.” I state. “You should probably talk to Evan, River. He’s kind of beating himself up over this.”

She nods sadly before walking off.

With a deep breath I knock lightly on River’s door. “Can I come in?”

The only answer I get from the other side is the sound of crying.

Placing my hand on the handle I push myself to just open it and walk in.

River needed someone to talk, she needed me.

Thankfully the door is unlocked.

Opening the door slowly I walk in.

The room was dark but the little bit of light shining through the open door was just enough to allow me to see River curled into a ball covered in red satin blankets.

She looked so small laying there in such a large bed.

“River, are you alright?” I question softly as I sit down on the edge of her bed placing the bowl of food on the nightstand.

She moves to hide her face from me and I smile sadly.

“Did my brother do or say something wrong?” I inquire next.

Just as I thought she gives me no answer.

“I brought your food. I know you have to be hungry.” I change the subject.

As if on cue, her stomach growls loudly.

She curses softly as she pulls the blanket away from her face.

“It wasn't anything that Evan did.” She whispers as she wipes her face.

I motion for her to sit up and when she does I place a pillow in her lap and then place the bowl of warm food in front of her.

She smiles sadly as she takes the spoon from my outstretched hand.

****

"Alone" coming February 2nd, 2015

Thanks for Reading

Raven K. Asher