Chapter Nine: Half Lies

By Cassandra E

A/notes: Well, here it is, finally! Can’t really say why this chapter took so long to write. I won’t dare mention writer’s block; because I know how this story is gonna go, as well as all the chapters. I guess you can say RL interfered, along with pesky migraines. I was also busy redoing my webpage-- http://www.geocities.com/serrabrowncoat23 At first, I wasn’t very happy with the chapter, but I ended up liking it a lot. Added a bit more humor, cause it was getting a bit depressing, after all this story hasn’t been a very happy one. This chapter is like the transitory stage of the story, the middle if you like, before everything starts moving forward towards the end. I decided to stop shying away on the fact, that River and Jayne are planned for the future, maybe in the sequel of this story. The pairing works well, if it’s executed properly, giving the relationship time to develop. I blame all this on my beta, Neroli….so all complaints go to her. Don’t worry this story shall remain Inara centric…and I’ll explain my reasons for doing everything I do at the end—which some of you might not be too happy with. Blame it on Mr.Whedon for his dislike for happy endings, he has corrupted me. Feedback very much welcome….cause I know people are reading this...so Review!

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Simon was finishing organizing the medicine cabinets when he heard the yelling. At first he didn’t make anything of it, assuming it was an argument between Wash and Zoe, or more likely Jayne. But then he heard the rattling that sounded suspiciously like falling cactus needles, along with tinkling laughter that sounded very familiar. River. He let the last medicine bottle drop to the floor as he rushed out. He followed the racket to the mess hall, nearly tripping in the process, and came before a scene that left him speechless. River stood on the table, barefoot, and in her possession was a rain stick. Jayne kept lunging after her, but she managed to dance gracefully out of his reach.