TBP preferences because I said so

80- "Newspapers" (gift)

I know that in my rules, I stated, "I won't write for specific names, races, ethnicities, OC's, looks, or just specific people in general. (Because I want this book to be available for as many people as possible.", however, I believe that I should be a bit more specific. This Oneshot is a gift and will be using the name River for vances_doll . It's understandable if some of you won't read this chapter, but this is a gift and I really just want it to be special. 🥰 thanks. -Zach, the store manager.

Billy's POV:
I was delivering my newspapers on a rainy morning, when I saw a person running. I hesitated, before calling out to them.

"He- Um, excuse me! Why're you running out here in the rain?" I asked. They seemed to halt for air.
"I...Oh, uh, I'm sorry it's just uh...Need a little break from home, y'know?" They said while panting.
"Well, do you maybe wanna help me with my newspapers?" I asked. They seemed to hesitate before smiling.
"Sure...But I don't have a bike right now." They said.
"It's fine. I'll just ride my bike next to you. Here, take some newspapers." I said before handing them five newspapers. "We'll take turns throwing them. Here, throw one at this house here, then I'll do the next one." I said. They smiled again before walking over and throwing the newspaper onto the Thorne house's lawn.
"Did I do it right?" They asked.
"Yep! Now I'll do the next one. Race you there!" I cheered before peddling.
"Hey! You have a bike this isn't fair!" They shouted before running, catching up. I made it to the next house first, and this continued for an hour.

"Alright, and thats the last house." I said, the rain finally stopping.
"Oh, alright." They said in a disappointed tone.
"Well...Okay. How about we go to my house for a while?" I asked.

River's pov:

"Really?" I asked happily.
"Yeah, sure. Just follow me." The boy said. Actually, come to think of it, I never asked his name. "Hey, uh, whats your name?" I asked.
"Oh, Billy. But most people call me paperboy, so just call me that." Bil- I mean, paperboy said.
"Alright. I'm River." I said.
"Thats a nice name." He complimented.
"Thanks." I said.

We both made it to his house and went inside.

"Welcome back, Billy- oh, hello there." Who I think is his mom- or older sister maybe? No, definitely mom, greeted.
"Hi, I'm River." I said.
"I'm Mrs. Showalter, Billy's mother. Nice to meet you." She said.
"Nice to meet you, too." I said in return.

Me and Billy both made our way to his room and just sat by his bed. I looked to my side to see him kinda staring at me.
"Oh- sorry. I was kinda just getting bored." He admitted.
"It's fine. Anything you wanna do?" I asked.
"Yeah, actually. Do you like drawing?" He asked. I smiled.
"It depends. I'm not horrible- At least I don't think so, but I'm really not that good either." I said shyly.
"Good, because we're having a drawing competition." He said, getting up and getting some drawing supplies.

He set them down on a small table he had before pulling an extra chair over for me. We both sat on our chairs before he suddenly said,
"Go!"
Without warning. I hurriedly started, rushing my drawing a bit. I glanced over to Paperboy's paper and saw that he already had a sketch of a dog.

After the drawing, we both compared. He drew a picture of a blonde fluffy dog. It had very specific details, when I suddenly heard a bark.
"Oh, thats Cooper. He's my dog. Imma let him into my room." Paperboy said before getting up and opening the door, the dog from the picture prancing in.
"He's cute." I said.
"Thanks. Anyways, what's your drawing?" He asked.
"It's um, its just a waterfall. Nothing crazy." I said. He observed it before smiling.
"It looks great." He said.
"Thanks." I thanked. He took a seat, cleaning up the mess.

After that, we both sat down on the floor to learn more about each other. I stayed there for two hours longer before there was a knocking at the front door. We both heard some talking before Mrs. Showalter came to Billy's room and talked to us.

"Hey, River. Some police officers just came in, did you run away?" She asked. I blushed, embarrassed.
"Well, no...Not really?" I said.
"Well, its time you go home. These officers will take you." She said. I looked at Paperboy before he stood up and held his hand out. He helped me up and I thanked him.
"Thanks...and bye." I said sadly.
"Bye, I'll see you around?" He asked with a slight grin.
"Yeah, see you around." I said before walking out to the front door. Unfortunately, there was an officer and my dad. My dad looked pissed- but he's always mad at me for some reason.

Billy's pov:
After River left, I frowned. I really enjoyed their company. I went back to my room before looking at the drawing they'd left. I picked it up and hugged it. I ended up using a pin to pin it onto my board I have in my room.

It's going to stay up there for a while.

Zach: sorry if this is low-quality or not long enough, but I hope you liked it!