Fear

The moment the door opened, River noticed the newcomers and only half paid attention to what was said. She had grown used to Kent since he found no interest in her at all and often kept his distance. Besides, that brunette of a man was far too preoccupied with Tam to ever noticed the goth girl.

But the way this Jonah gazed at her sent chills right down the photographer's spine. "Uh...I should get home." She said to Serenity. "I'll see you Monday at the skating rink."

Without another word, River bolted downstairs and straight to her car. Hopping into it, she started the engine and made her way home as a cold sweat coated her dark skin. A part of her felt horrible for not saying goodbye to anyone, but she was too scared. Yazuhiko was one thing because he had been there for her when not even her parents would help. Chris was a child so she had no worries with him, but seeing Jonah, another man getting involved in their lives, was just too much.

She had tolerated Kent because of his interest in Tamara and his obvious painful past, but she had no clue about this stranger and his sister.

All River could think about was the man that had hurt her...

Making it home, she went inside her tiny apartment and locked the door firmly. Turning on the lights, she checked through the entire apartment before she could even find any semblance of peace. Fear was still eating at her, memories swimming through her brain as she tried to make a cup of tea.

As she finally sat down on her lounge chair, River let the tears fall down her face.

--

Meanwhile, back at Tamara's place, Kent had noticed River's sudden retreat, but kept silent about it. He recognized that kind of fear and would make sure to speak with Tam about it later. For now, he just wanted to let her enjoy the family reunion. "Hey, Chris," He greeted the young boy calmly before sipping his water.

That was one thing he agreed on with Chris at the moment. He was tired too.

--

Mrs. Andrews was humming happily as she kept cooking what could only be called a feast for a large family. Noticing Max as she set some of the food onto a plate, she offered him a wave. "Hello, darlin'!" She called to him, her husband already sitting at the table with a book in hand that he was reading. "I hope this ain't too much. I usually cook for about six boys and girls at the farm."

Kevin groaned as he woke up, sniffing the air. "I know that cooking anywhere." He murmured as he turned his gaze to Bonnie and Jr. "You two are in for a treat today."

Grabbing both animals up in his arms, Kevin went to the kitchen. The moment they saw the food and Max, both Bonnie and Jr. started reaching out desperately and happily. Half of them wanted to cuddle against Max while the other half just wanted to dig into the food already.

It was going to be quite an eventful day.