Different Paths

13. 'Words On The Street'

I wake up with my head still on Derek's shoulder. Apparently we were both tired. I get up off of the couch and head into my room. I take off my clothes and throw them into the hamper. I head into the bathroom to wash off last nights events.

Fucking Diana. I don't understand what I've done wrong. I was always the child everyone wished their child was. I didn't sneak out of the house, I didn't do drugs, I helped with Spencer, what more could I have done?

It doesn't matter. She always has and always will be a bitch. The only time I'm going to deal with her is at the wedding. Otherwise, I never want to see nor speak with her, ever. After my shower, I inspect my face.

It's gotten a little bit better. The cuts have healed up a bit and the print has faded a lot. I throw on some comfy clothes and let my hair air-dry. I don't know what I wanna do today. I have two days until I meet with Dahlia.

I head into the kitchen to see what I could make myself for breakfast. I don't really see anything I like. I grab my purse then find a piece of paper and a pen. I write down a little note for Derek to read.

Hey,

I'm running out to find something for breakfast. If you're awake, text me what you want for breakfast. Otherwise I'll just get bagels or whatever I end up finding.

- Y/N Reid.

I make sure the note is visible for him to see then head out. I walk out of the house and walk down the sidewalk. I end up finding a bookstore. I decide it wouldn't hurt to just look, right? I head inside.

Once I enter the store, the smell of the books hit my nose. My favorite smell. Nothing beats the smell of new books. It's unique, I guess you could say. I look at various sections to see if anything catches my eye. After a few minutes, I decide to leave.

As I'm walking out of the bookstore, Derek calls me.

"Hello?"

"Hey, are you still out?"

"Yeah, I just came from a bookstore. I'm on my way to find some breakfast."

"Wait for me, I'll come find you."

"You sure?"

"Yeah, give me five minutes."

"The bookstore's called, 'Words On The Street'."

"Oh, I know where that is. I'm on the way."

"I'll see you soon."

Then the call ended. While I was waiting, a random man walked up to me.

"Hey there."

"Hello."

"What's a fine little lady like you doing here by yourself?"

Little? Really? And lady? Not so much. I'm around 5'6, there isn't anything "little" about me.

"Waiting for someone."