"Carmen, I really need to talk to you." Gus insisted as he pulled me aside.
"What now?" I questioned. I didn't need any more bad company tonight.
"It's about River. Just keep it between us, okay?" He wondered. I could tell by the seriousness in his voice that something was wrong.
"Alright, okay. Between us." I repeated.
Gus glanced around the room and then walked to the kitchen, insisting that I follow him.
Upon arriving in the kitchen, we sat facing each other.
"We need to start keeping an eye on River," he started, making sure no one was around to listen. "He's been doing a lot of drugs on set. As research, of course, but it only takes so long to go from a part time user to having a serious drug problem. I'd say he's right in the middle."
Great, exactly what Rain was talking about.
"What drugs?" I wondered.
"Not pot, if that's what you're thinking. The big stuff. The Devil's dandruff; the stuff that kills you. Cocaine, heroine, sometimes both. Whatever is on the set, that's what he has." He told me, looking guilty.
"You're kidding." I said in disbelief.
"I wish I was. He's an amazing actor and person, Carmen, but we must watch him now. This is serious from this point on."
I could almost feel the tension spreading throughout the air. Gus was serious.
"Have you not noticed the physical deterioration?" He asked surprised. "His face is sinking in and his hair is rougher. The signs are right in front of you."
I was starting to get annoyed now.
"Look, I don't know what River has been doing on set because I'm not there. But someone needs to watch him there too, not just me when he comes home for a few days. I'll chaperone his drug use, but I'm relying on someone to do it there for him as well. If he needs help, we need to help him together. Not just me." I answered.
Gus sent a pleased reaction back to me and stood up.
"I'm glad we are on the same page here." He told me, a smile plastering onto his face.
Then, without hesitation, he walked out of the room.
I sat in confusion.
For River to be actively doing hard drugs is shocking. Is it even possible to be an addict activist?
Whatever the case is, it's serious. Serious enough for people to be bringing it to my attention, at least.
I debated for a long time whether or not to tell Piper; I couldn't decide whether or not she would tell Flea.
And if Flea knew, River would know seconds later.
My thoughts were interrupted by the door to the spare room opening. One by one, men exited alongside River.
He ran his fingers through his hair as he examined the living room, walking towards me once we made eye contact.
My heart fell at the sight of him; I couldn't help but feel guilty for taking part in something behind his back.
But if this will help him, then so be it.
River wrapped me tightly in his arms and rested his chin on the top of my head. I held him back, wondering when the day would come that I couldn't anymore.
Pulling back, we connected eyes.
"How did everything go?" I wondered.
"Good, real good." He insisted, watching as his friends left the apartment.
"Thanks, Rio." A couple men yelled as they exited.
Finally, they were gone.
I heard Piper sigh and watched as she laid back on the couch, tiredly.
"God, I forgot how much I hate everyone," she started, causing me to laugh. "They all barge in here like they own the place; take all the beer, occupy all the couches, and expect me to wait on them." She complained.
River laughed quietly and looked back to me, kissing my forehead.
"I'm going to bed. I have to leave early tomorrow." He said quietly.
I nodded as he leaned down and turned his head, allowing our lips to connect for a few short moments.
He gave off a very fragile vibe when he kissed me, almost like I could break him. Yet at the same time, he was as strong as stone.
Without another word, he headed towards his bedroom where he closed the door behind him. I then joined Piper on the couch.
"Can you remind me never to associate with the human race ever again?" Piper questioned.
I laughed and laid back on the couch.
"Yeah, I'll make a mental note." I joked to her, causing her to laugh.
We laid in silence; closing our eyes and relaxing for what seemed like hours.
"I don't want them to leave again." She said.
I sighed.
"Me neither."
We sent each other sympathetic looks before Piper stood up and looked to me.
"I'm making the most of my last night with Flea," she said. "I suggest you do the same."
"Yeah, you're right." I answered as I got up and began to walk towards River's room.
"Night, Pipes." I said to her, sending her one final smile.
She winked to me before entering Flea's room and closing the door.
-
River's room was dark upon entering. Since I couldn't see anything, I figured he was already in bed.
Leaning against the wall, I removed my socks and stripped myself of my jeans and shirt.
Thank god I finally feel free.
I tried to remember where the bed was as I quietly walked over, setting my hand on the mattress to make sure he wasn't there.
When I had finally laid down, I turned onto my stomach. Simultaneously, River slung his arm around my lower back.
He breathed heavily for a couple seconds, and then spoke.
"Are you trying to seduce me?" His voice muffled through his pillow.
I laughed and turned my head towards him.
"I just laid down. Is that too sexual for you?" I joked.
He scooted his head closer to me and nuzzled against my neck, laughing.
"Well, I don't feel a shirt." He stated, as if I didn't already know.
I shook my head and stayed quiet, trying to fall into a well needed rest.
By the time I had finally began to fade in and out of sleep, River moved even closer to me, wrapping me against his bare chest.
Seconds later, we had both fallen asleep.
-
A ringing doorbell awoke me the next morning.
Struggling to find a shirt, I threw on one of River's sweaters and headed towards the door.
At the same time, Piper opened the door to Flea's room.
We exchanged funny faces as we noticed each other's lack of clothing.
"Did we both get it last night?" She said, laughing.
"If you're talking about sleep, then yeah." I joked to her.
She sarcastically flipped me off and plopped down on the living room couch.
"Boooo." She mocked, still amused.
I rolled my eyes and unlocked the door, revealing Keanu and his girl friend on the other side.
I picked a good time to embarrass myself, I thought.
Keanu laughed as he noticed my sleepy appearance.
"Either you are copying River's clothes, or someone banged last night." He joked upon entering.
I shook my head and shot Lisa a sarcastically unamused look.
"Or just walk in uninvited," I started jokingly. "That's cool too."
He laughed and sat next to Piper on the couch. After noticing her lack of clothing as well, he laughed again.
"Jesus, what'd I miss?" He questioned.
"Oh shut up." Piper demanded, flipping on the TV.
"I'm just here to pick up River and Flea, we need to head back." Keanu stated.
Perfectly timed, River walked out of his room. Wearing nothing but a pair of plaid boxers, Keanu shook his head.
"Is there a nudist convention going on that I don't know about?" Keanu wondered, causing Lisa to laugh.
River shuffled through his hair as he sent me a small smirk. Randomly, he began banging on Flea's bedroom door.
"Get up! We're all naked!" River screamed.
We laughed as we heard Flea shuffle out of bed and unlock the door.
Wearing absolutely nothing, Flea ran out.
"This is what I like to hear!" He yelled.
Quickly, I turned my head to the side and laughed, noticing as Lisa did the same.
"That was unnecessary." I said, still laughing into my shoulder.
The room filled with laughter as River spoke.
"Nothing like a blanket of warm flesh!" He said.