Back To You ?River Phoenix?

••• April, 1989 •••

"I love this place." Wil comments as we lug our suitcases up the long dirt driveway, our ride speeding away. "It's so rustic— and it gives me a ton of nostalgia now."

I nod eagerly, "Right- and I don't have to watch you eat dairy."

"Hey!" He laughs, nudging me lovingly. "at least I gave up meat and started eating your gosh-darn tofu."

I chuckle. "Alright, alright."

We fall into silence, taking in the bright sun and lovely sights around us. I turn to look at the house itself and see Rain's face peeking out of the window. It disappears and after a few seconds, she bursts out of the house and runs up to me, flinging herself into my arms. I laugh, dropping the suitcase.

"I can't believe it's been a whole year since I've seen you!" She cries, pulling away and examining my appearance. "Oh my gosh, I can't believe you're turning eighteen."

"Honestly, neither can I!" I smile, my cheeks beginning to hurt. Every time I was at the Phoenix house, it felt like I was at home.

"And your hair! It's so beautiful!" She says, fingering one of the curly strands.

"Thanks Rain."

"Why'd you cut it?"

"Long story." I say awkwardly, shaking my head as I remember the mischievous kid and the thick wad of silly-puddy stuck hair.

Rain greets Wil and the three of us walk inside. Rain walks along with a certain pep in her step, her curly black hair messy and her eyes bright.

We enter the home and I sigh with content, setting down my small suitcase and looking around the familiar entryway. It was just like I remembered it. In a burst of noise, Joaquin came running into the foyer with us. He grins when he sees me, and I note just how much he's grown since I've last seen him.

"Hey, you really are short!" He laughs, and I hit him on the shoulder.

"You're only..." I narrow my eyes. "Aw, you've only got three inches on me. Maybe not even that."

"I'm still taller."

Summer and Liberty both come running down the stairs to join us, and soon the room was filled with jovial greetings and stories. This all carried on when Heart joined the conversation. We all talked and laughed and hugged, and Wil and I learned that they had installed a guest room in the house so we wouldn't have to sleep on a couch.

"Where's Rio?" Wil asks, shifting his bag on his shoulder.

"Showering." Liberty says. "He just got back from Seattle again."

Summer's eyes widen and she steps forward. "Yeah, and when he came home he was super quiet and he's really sad and we think it's because—"

"Would you like, shut up Summer?" Joaquin says, hitting her on the back of the neck. She shouts and slaps him, a small fight breaking out. I want to laugh, but it's stuck deep in my throat, and I find myself unable to do so, my worries rising.

"Is Martha here?" I ask, glancing at Heart, who's gaze falters. At this, she seems to look everywhere but at me.

I cock an eyebrow, but before I can ask any questions, Summer butts in. "I was tryna tell her that they broke up!"

I can feel the shock ring through me as Wil and I share a look. Of course River was sad- ending a relationship with his devoted girlfriend of three years? This seemed so random... but then again, I hadn't seen him in months. Maybe they weren't doing so well.