Date: Wed, 22 Aug 2007 10:43:06 +1000 (EST)
From: Dane Isaac <dane_isaac@yahoo.com.au>
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.