Chapter 9

Chapter nine

Oakley

That was quick, my mom just slipped the mask over her. She smiled at me before she went to sleep. I've seen enough blood today, I'm gonna wait in the living room. I should go talk to Mrs. Fern, she doesn't know what's happened. I start to get up but then my aunt Kaylee comes over to check on me.

"Are you ok?"

"Yes."

"No scratches, no cuts?"

I look at her and she backs off and heads back to the dining room. I head towards the front door and grab my jacket. I'm not taking the zip line. I start the engine of the go cart and hop in. I can't believe this happened, and to her of all people! I swear I'm going to kill Becca. I know she's crazy but her father should have kept a closer eye on her! I'm far enough from anyone now I could yell. I do, and it feels good. I can tell the world everything out here.

"I WISH REBECCA ROBERTS WOULD DIE IN A DITCH!!!!!"

"I WANT ROWAN TO COME HOME!"

"I WANT RIVER TO STAY HERE FOREVER!!!"

I hesitate at yelling this to the world but no one can stop me, "I LOVE RIVER YELLOWSTONE!"

I feel better. The cold air in my lungs has calmed me down. I park the go cart by River's favorite tree and head to Mrs. Fern's front door. I knock. I knock again and still no answer. I check my phone and it's almost 10. I turn on my flashlight and start to look around for River's rock that she painted for her. She keeps her extra house key in a tube under it. I find it and unlock the door.

"Mrs. Fern?" her car was in the driveway.

She pops out of the kitchen, and I jump out of my skin, "Oh, Oakley! I'm sorry to have scared you, but you should know to come through the back door by now," she says with a laugh.

"Mrs. Fern, I need to tell you something."

"Go ahead honey. Where is River?"

"That's actually why I'm here. She's hurt really bad."

"What happened?"

"Rebecca Roberts."

"The mayor's daughter?! Why would she do that?"

"I would like to know."

"Well, let me get my purse and I'll get a bag for River."

"Do you think she'll be good to start school next week?"

Mrs. Fern puts her hand on my cheek, "She may not look it but she's a fighter. Don't worry about her, she won't miss a class while I'm in charge of her," That makes me happy. I hate seeing River like this. I wish it had been me.

I drove the go cart back to the house and waited for Mrs. Fern to get here. I waited on the doorstep until I saw lights. Mrs. Fern parked next to my dad's truck and got out.

"Oakley help me with these!"

I run to the car and pop the trunk. She brought River's closet by the looks of it.

"Mom! I got her Grandma!"

"Put her in the guest room down here!"

"Okay!"

I start to walk to our guess room, and Mrs. Fern starts to walk to River, "Mrs. Fern, we aren't allowed back until she's in recovery. Let's head to your room."

"Oh! Sorry, yes, yes."

She's worried. She doesn't look like it but she is. I think I'm more worried though. GOD! Why do I feel like this! I just want to live a normal life, and I haven't even told my parents! Oh, god. What will they think! They'll kick me out of the house! Or worse, they'll do me like my sister. I miss her. I act like I'm not mad at them still but I am. They practically killed her!

"Oakley?"

I look up, "Yes?"

It's my mom, "We're done with the operation. I need help moving her to your bed."

"Okay," I don't care that she's putting her in my bed, I just need to get my sister out of my head.