Page 34 of Close to Falling

“Yeah, they’re a local street gang down in Crystal Bay.”

“And River was trying to work with them? Why would he do that?”

“Because all River Dawson could see was quick money, regardless if it was dirty or not.”

“How long were you taking the pills again?” she asks. I pick up a rock and toss it across the water. It skips twice before it sinks. I turn back toward Ellie and slide my hands into my boyfriend jeans.

“I was clean for a few weeks, but I probably started back a little after River began working with Frankie, maybe before.” I shrug. “But I never took them around him, which was tough sometimes. It was always a battle. I wanted him to leave and go to work so I could have my fix, but I also wanted him to be around me because he was my fix.”

“You were addicted to two different things and couldn’t have both at the same time.”

“Yes,” I confirm.

“Okay, so what did Frankie say?”

“Frankie came back later that night. I was in the living room waiting on him. I couldn’t sleep knowing he was upset at me.”

***

I hear the truck door shut, and moments later, his footsteps on the porch. Looking at the door, I watch it open, and Frankie walks in. He looks at me, and I see the fall of his chest when he sighs.

“Hey,” I say, putting the TV on mute.

“Why aren’t you in bed?” he asks, looking at the clock. It’s late, and I do have school tomorrow, but there’s no difference in me lying awake up there or sitting down here awake. Either way, I’m not sleeping.

“I can’t sleep,” I answer. He nods and locks the door before he hangs his keys beside all the others. “Frankie, I know you don’t like to talk about things much, but I need to talk to you about this.”

He sits and shakes his head. “You three kids mean the world to me. You came from different places, and I still don’t know how I ended up with all of you. Taking River was just something I did…” He stops himself, and I see him swallow. “And then I had Landon’s situation thrown in front of me and then you,” he continues. “I can’t say something like this happening didn’t cross my mind. You’re not blood-related, and you all have…teenage hormones or whatever.” He looks a tad uncomfortable, and I wince. “Anyway, it can’t go on under my roof. River will need to move out as soon as he can.” He stands up. “I’m going to bed, B. You need to, too.”

“Okay. Good night,” I say and then climb the stairs to my bed.

Chapter Fourteen

Time ticks forward, and the days fly by. The seasons change, and today is graduation day for my girl and me. I’m standing in line waiting for my name to be called as I watch the boy in front of me grab his diploma. I turn to look at the rows of seats that are filled with my class’s family and friends, thinking I can’t wait to get out of here.

“Maddie B. Callaway.” I put on a smile and step forward. Making my way across the stage, I grab the piece of paper that says I made it through high school. I shake the principal’s hand and continue walking, giving a small smile to my boys as I walk toward my future.

***

We toss our hats into the air, and Cali wraps me in a hug. “We fucking did it, B.” She’s vanilla-flavored lips and turquoise blue hair. I breathe her in because I love this girl and all her many hair colors. I see my family walking toward me, and I break away from Cali, but I link our hands.

“We’re having a cookout tonight,” Frankie says. “You kids stop by the store and grab some supplies. You know what we need.” He reaches out and gives me money. “Meet you back at the house,” he tells us. Cali gives my hand a squeeze before she replaces it with Landon’s.

“We’ll see you two later,” Landon says. “Proud of you, B.” He winks. I nod and give him a smile. They walk off, and Cali turns around to blow me a kiss. I catch it and blow her one back.

“What do you want to do?” River asks me. His hands are slid into his pockets, and he has a smoke behind his ear.

“Let’s go to the beach before the party,” I respond, looking up at him.

“Whatever you want,” he says, taking his hand from his pocket and grabbing mine. We walk across the football field with loosely linked fingers.“Tell me.” He looks down at me, and I know what he wants to hear.

“I love you.” The corners of my lips lift as I tell him, and he kisses my forehead. I rest my head on his arm and look down at the hand Frankie put money in. I notice there’s a note with it. As I slip it into my back pocket to read later, my eyes take in the view around me. My class members in long gowns and smiling faces. Sunlight shines through my eyelashes and warms my pale skin. I take a deep breath and hold my boy’s hand tighter as the realization hits me––school is over, and real life begins.

***

“Maddie, bring me a plate with a napkin on it,” Frankie yells to me. Feet swinging and sour candy eating, Cali and I are posted up on the kitchen counter, and my tongue feels raw. I slide off the counter and grab the napkin and plate.

“I’ll be back,” I tell her in my best Terminator voice. She laughs as I make my way to the sliding glass door. I see Landon and River in deep conversation over by the fire pit, and I wonder what they are talking about. River looks up from the fire when he sees me and gives me a wink. Landon keeps talking and grabs River’s attention.

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