Date: Wed, 22 Aug 2007 10:43:06 +1000 (EST) From: Dane Isaac Subject: Rian chapter7 Hey guys this is a REALLY short one... sorry. Its also a bit sad but dont worry just yet... anyway here it is Rian Chapter 7 Gus managed to find Dr Clemins before he spoke with the Balmonts and had a quiet word with him. The doctor easily complied with Gus's wish and Rian found himself once more alone in the dark that night with only his equally dark thoughts to keep him company. His grandparents had put up a massive fight when informed they would have to stay another day. Rian had been cringing and looking at them in a horrified way as they spoke in a loud and demeaning manner. He just could not live with these people. There were many painful thoughts plaguing Rian that night. Would he have to live with his grandparents? Would the charges against his father really be dismissed? He couldn't go back. A burning feeling started in Rian's chest. He was almost eighteen, why didn't he get to have a say in where he wanted to live? He would be eighteen in four months. Just four months. The burning grew and Rian felt hot stinging tears leak down his face. He knew there was little Gus could do. They were legally his grandparents after all. His mother was nowhere to be found but Rian didn't want to live with her anyway. Her parents had been killed a few years back. No one else would take him in if his grandparents had decided to. They ruled that side of the family with iron fist. Rian tried to hold in the sobs that were forcing themselves out. The burning in his chest had developed into an all out fire. The pain was growing along with his tears. He pictured Jake and Tristian but it was no longer the happy reminder that people loved him. What if he didn't get to see them for ages? No. Rian gathered his resolve. Four months. Only four months and then he was out of there. Gus might find a way yet. Rian decided not to put too much hope into that idea. It seemed apparent the next morning that Gus had pulled out all stops but Rian's grandparents were adamant. They had ignored reasoned argument about making Rian transfer schools so far into the year, about friends, soccer. Nothing had swayed them Rian would be completing the final three and a half months of his VCE at a different school. Rian refused to cry and remained stony faced. He ignored the anguished looks from Jake, Tristian and even Gus. This was how it had to be. Just four months. Gus managed to engineer a private meeting for the boys away from the Balmonts who were pressing to leave. Jake stared at Rian who refused to meet his gaze. He reached over and smoothened his hand over Rian's forehead and a sob broke free of Rian. He closed his eyes but opened them when he felt warm breath on his chin. "Rian. I've just found you. Let's pretend you're going on holiday. I'll wait for you. Will you wait for me?" Jake whispered his eyes showing his pain. Rian stared at him quietly, not being able to stop the tears from starting. He nodded. "Yes." "Good. Don't give up ok? They will say stuff that will hurt you but just keep your head down and come back to me." Jake kissed him then, through the tears. Tristian came back in a moment later having given them a bit of privacy. "Hey mate. You're a resilient little bugger, you'll be ok I know you will. When you turn eighteen I expect you on our doorstep. The room will be waiting for you." Rian nodded, smiling faintly. They chatted quietly for awhile about what the rich snobs would be like. Gus came in soon after. He patted Rian's foot and smiled sadly. "I'm sorry I can't do more mate. I want you to know though that the charges against your father haven't been dropped. You'll get a summons to court sometime in the next few months. If anything happens I want you to call me ok? When you can, come straight to us. We want you living with us. Ange should be in a minute to see you. Tristian, did you give him the book?" Gus looked askance at Tristian. Tristian brightened. "I wrote out all the phone numbers you could possibly need and Jake's email address. I also bought some phone cards for you and some cash. Hide it ok?" Rian nodded seriously. He was touched that Tristian had done this. Jake helped him get dressed in some clothes Gus had brought in a bag for Rian. He doubted the Bamonts would think about something so trivial. "Gus, what about my stuff in my room?" Rian asked. He wasn't too worried. All his things reminded him of his parents. "Sorry mate. You'll have to talk to your grandparents." Gus smiled faintly. After he was dressed he shoved the little book between his jacket and t-shirt. He wasn't going to let this out of his sight. It was his safety line. Ange came in a few minutes later and there was another teary face in the room. She told Rian that they were throwing a huge eighteenth birthday party for him so he had better be there. Then the Balmonts were there and Rian was gone.