Merry Christmas from The Rivers!

Merry Christmas to all! I hope you’re all having a lovely Christmas Eve or, if you don’t celebrate, a Happy Holiday season in general and that you’re all well and happy. I’d just like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who takes the time to read my little old legacy, it means so much to me and I seriously appreciate it. Much love to you all!

The next chapter is going to be out on Boxing Day (26th December); I know I’d said today but I’ve not had the time I’m afraid. Silly old real life!

I hope you all have a lovely day tomorrow, whatever you’re doing and wherever you are.

Much love, and Happy Holidays,

Sian xxx

24. It’s Prom Night (and I’m on the swings with my imaginary friend…)

Fastening his bowtie and straightening his jacket, Dylan picked up the comb balanced on the side of the open dresser drawer and began to carefully put his hair into place, staring intently at his reflection in his parents’ huge three-piece mirror as he perfected his look. He had to look perfect. Everything had to go perfectly. This was a pretty huge occasion, and he wasn’t going to let a few stray hairs ruin things for him!

‘Jeez Dylan, you actually sound like a girl… Note to self, don’t tell Rory and Charlie you spent three hours getting ready,’ Dylan muttered as he made the final adjustments to his attire before stepping back to admire his handiwork.

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23. Wise Old Puzzle

As the sun set over the hillside of Bridgeport, a small, well dressed crowd gathered together in the back court of Ethan and Ivy’s home. Lamps were lit, flowers were scattered everywhere, the nectar was flowing and soft music was lilting from the stereo into the evening air.

Tristan took a deep breath, smiling shyly at his fiancée in her white gown. ‘I, Tristan Forest, take thee, Katya Jones, to be my wife. To have and to hold…’

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‘It’s the middle of nowhere, Mum!’: The Return

Sunday seemed to arrive all too quickly for Louise and her mother. Louise had been sadly packing away her things when Anita came into her room and sat down on her bed.

‘Lou… I don’t know about you, but I’m not quite ready to go back yet. I was thinking… You’ve got half term this week. I know you’ve probably got plans with Melody and your friends, but if you wanted to your Aunt and Uncle have said that we could stay a few days more?’

‘Really?!’ Louise whipped round, her braids flying. Her mind was whirring… Melody wouldn’t like it. But then, Melody had Dylan now, to take her mind off everything…’We could maybe see Layla’s puppies being born,’ she said hopefully. ‘Could we stay, for a few more days? Go back on Wednesday, maybe?’

Anita’s face lit up and she stood and walked over to her daughter, pulling her into a tight hug. ‘Thanks, Lou,’ she whispered.

‘It’s the middle of nowhere, Mum!’: Getting Stuck In

Louise didn’t sleep particularly well that night. Images of a laughing Melody, Dylan taunting her, and worst of all her father walking out the door with another woman kept floating into her dreams when she least expected them to. After tossing and turning until the early hours, she was finally jolted awake by a frantic licking on her face.

‘Layla! What? Oh, do you need to go outside?’

Layla bounded down from the bed as quick as she could in her condition, wagging her tail furiously. In spite of her tiredness Louise grinned at the beaming dog.

‘Okay girl, let’s get you outside. I wouldn’t crawl out of bed at this hour for just anyone, you know!’ Glad of the distraction from her nightmares, Louise crawled out of bed and bent down to give Layla a quick scratch behind the ears.

‘Thanks girl,’ she whispered. ‘You’re going to be a great mother to those pups of yours! Hey! Get off!’ Lou laughed as Layla jumped up at her, licking her face. ‘Gross! Oh, Layla!!’

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‘It’s the middle of nowhere, Mum!’: The Arrival

Appaloosa Plains. Just your average, quiet, southern town. Mountains to the north, a meandering river to the south, and a sleepy community nestled in the middle surrounded by trees. A naturalist’s dream, some say. The perfect place to be if one simply wishes to while away the hours sitting on the front porch gazing out at the occasional passing hedgehog, or to saddle up one’s horse and go for a hack amongst the woodland.

22. Why, Dylan? Why?

‘Mr. Blaine! Is your son home for good now?’

‘Is there any truth in the rumour that you sent him away because of his behaviour?’

‘Will your son be going into the army, Mr. Blaine?’

‘Mr. Blaine! Dylan! Look this way!’

Rolling his eyes Ethan ignored the papparazzi lining the street outside his home, pulling into the driveway and immediately locking the electronic gates behind them. A cursory glance in his rear view mirror told him that none of them had followed the car inside. Looking at the passenger seat, he grinned at his nervous son.

‘Come on, Dylan. Everyone’s waiting for you!’

Dylan’s face lit up and he scrambled out of the car and up the porch steps into the house before his Dad had even thought about taking off his seat belt! Launching himself into his Mother’s arms, he clung on tight.

‘Hi Mum,’ he squeaked.

‘Hey kiddo!’ Ivy cuddled her son close, touched at the display of affection. ‘How was the trip over?’

‘Alright. Loads of journos outside.’

‘Well we did think there might be. Anyway, no need to worry about that now. We’ve got some candles to blow out!’

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