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Revised and with an ending, rather abrupt, but at least its an ending... let me know what u all think...i really wanna send it to a publisher but im sooo scared
How the River Flows

June 28, 2003 –

My people say the mighty river flows in unity with our emotions. If my people are happy, the river dances along the shores, flowing cheerfully toward the Atlantic Ocean. If my people are mad, the river currents hasten, fierce with anger. When the war drums sound, the river throws itself against the innocent rocks, thrashing them with all its might. If my people are sad, the river becomes so troubled that it stops flowing altogether.
Today the river flows swiftly, enraged and out of control. All because of me…

I slowly close my journal, careful not to make a sound. I look out at the river. The fish are struggling to keep up with its raging currents. I dig my fingers into the riverbank, making patterns in the sand. I push my long brown hair out of my face as I look up at the brilliant stars in the night sky. These past few weeks have gone by in a blur. I am not even sure I can remember all that has happened to me. I’m certain my people are out searching for me in the night. I cannot go back after all this trouble I have caused.

I was walking along this very riverbank, searching for firewood so papa could build a fire on a night not too long ago, when I heard someone behind me. His footsteps were strong and quick, echoing throughout the forest. I turned to see Chesapeake, my closest friend, running toward me. His messy brown hair was blowing across his deep brown eyes as he ran through the windy night. Chesapeake is the strongest of the boys in my village. I could see the muscles in his dark arms and chest as he came nearer to me. He looked excited, or maybe scared, I could not tell. Though he is only fifteen, a year older than I, Chesapeake serves as the chief’s messenger. I thought maybe he had a message for me.

“Meghana!” he called out as if he were miles away.

Now that he was standing right in front of me, I could see in his glowing face that he was excited about something. His smile shone like the sun above us; his eyes were full of wonder. I could not keep myself from smiling back, but I had no idea the reason why I was smiling.

“You will never believe what I just heard our parents talking about!” he was waiting for me to guess.

When I didn’t reply, he laughed, “They have arranged for us to be married!”

I stared at him for a moment, unable to believe what he had just told me. A million thoughts raced through my mind. How could he be so happy about this? I looked up at the clouds, searching for the words hidden within my heart. A hummingbird danced among the trees. I wanted more than anything to be up there, dancing along with him…free! I felt my entire body empty of feeling. I was numb. My legs gave in and my arms fell to my sides. The last thing I remember about that terrible day was the look in Chesapeake’s eyes when he caught me. He loved me. I saw it in his eyes…I felt it in his hands, the way he held me. My final thought before I fainted was, I’ve hurt him…I’ve hurt my friend…

I awoke the next morning to someone lightly tapping my hand. I slowly opened my eyes, unaware of where I was and all that had happened the night before. I looked to my left out a small window carved into the hut. I could hear the river’s smooth current and a bird’s soothing song. The sun shone brightly into my tiny room and I could hear my grandmother right outside my window humming softly to herself. I suddenly realized it was morning. I lifted my head to find Chesapeake’s anxious eyes. While the memory of last night returned to me, he stopped tapping my hand. He could see the fear in my eyes, I could tell. He knows me so well. I opened my mouth to tell him this is not what I want and to explain why I was so terrified, but he was quicker than me.

“Meghana, I know you do not want this and I am sure you are just as scared as I am,” How does he know these things? “I tried talking to our parents, but all they kept saying is that ‘it is customary for marriages to be arranged and that we must accept this and marry whom they want.’ They would not listen! We have to do this. I really do care about you as more than a friend, if that helps any, and I want to ma….” I hushed him, knowing how hard it must have been for him to say all that and afraid of what he was about to say.

He really did care about me and wanted to marry me. I must tell him the truth…
“It’s ok,” I lied, “I do want to marry you, Chesapeake.”

Two lies in a row. Oh, the spirits must hate me! Just to complicate things even more, he leaned over and gently brushed his full lips across my small cheek. My heart stopped beating and I felt a shiver run through my entire body. I had never received that type of affection before. This was obviously punishment for lying…the gods were trying to tempt me into wanting to marry Chesapeake. I shook my head, trying desperately to forget how sweet his lips felt against my sensitive cheek. I’ll never forget the look in his eyes, nor the excited smile on his face, when he said goodbye. This is the one thing that makes me feel most guilty for what I’ve done. I remember hearing those same strong, quick footsteps when he left as I had heard when he was coming toward me just a moon ago. However, that morning, they echoed not throughout the forest, but deep inside my
heart…

I must stop remembering. I can hear my father’s voice coming near. Oh, why did I run from my own wedding? I can never return to my village, not after what I’ve done. How will Chesapeake ever understand? I silently stand and wipe the tears from my swollen eyes. The river urges me to run. I give in. With my journal tight in my trembling arms, I begin an endless race from my haunting past…

THE END!!!!
yay, it's offically a short story....someday, though, it will be a novel!

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