RIVER "River?" A pounding on the other side of the door draws my attention. I want to ignore it, but to what use? He knew I was behind the door, and what if he decided to barge in here and meet me on my bed? I stare down at my body; I was not improperly dressed or anything like that. I just did not think I wanted him inside my room. "Yes?" I walk to the door, open it, and step out before closing it behind my back. "Hi there, sweetheart?" he said with a smirk on his face. "I told you not to call me that," I murmur, crossing my hands over my chest and trying to act annoyed. "What do you want?" I ask before he can even get a chance to express himself. "Oh, slow down," he said and then pointed to a pile of clothes securely wrapped in a clothes hamper. I look at the clothes and then back a

