RafexKiara Tangled Up in All Your Pieces // Riara

Chapter 21

The sound of an alarm awakens me from a deep slumber.

I awoke feeling so relaxed that I had nearly forgotten what day it was.

You know how it feels when you wake up from a wonderful nap or sleep and you have no idea where you are?

I've just had it, and I'm grinning from ear to ear.

I yawn and stretch out my arms and legs, staring up towards the ceiling.

"If only waking up was this easy from now on," I say to myself as I roll out of bed.

Every day, I got up at 5 a.m. to head to school for a boxing session in the school's recreation facility.

Because of the new and upgraded equipment, it was peaceful, soothing, and simple.

I should have come down to the school to workout instead of traveling to Charleston.

On weekends, athletes would use the recreation room, so I figured why not have my own area when I'm down there instead of dodging sweaty bodies of prepubescent boys?

They didn't bother me; in fact, the athletes and I got along very well at times. I just needed some alone time.

To get away from it all, to get away from Kildare for a while, even if it meant spending money to get to Charleston.

As a member of the soccer team, I would use the excuses of conditioning for soccer and basketball.

I started playing for Kildare as soon as I arrived.

Soccer was my sport, and I excelled at it. Coach placed me on the first roster, varsity soccer.

However, because I am now on probation, as it appears, coach will demote me to the JV squad.

Actually, I don't mind since now that Miranda is on the JV squad, I'll have someone to play with.

The captain of the JV squad was a bitch, so I chose to stay to myself while on probation.

There was no need for me to begin drama with the captain if I wanted to stay after school in detention with Mr. Hull.

It's not worth my time.

I rummage through my wardrobe, seeking for fitness equipment that I could bring on my own.

I got a jump rope, some worn-out boxing gloves, and some conditioning tape.

When I reached for the jump rope on the top shelf, my knuckles ached.

I hiss in pain, retreating my hands from the jump rope and grabbing a nearby chair to serve as a platform.

Wincing at the discomfort, I rub my knuckles.

It was purple right now, indicating that it will require further treatment the next day.

Fortunately, it didn't hurt as much as it did the night before when I went for another session before bed.

In the dark, I notice a first aid box on my desk, with a sliver of light shining on it from the lamp on my desk.

I trudge my feet across the carpet on my floor, making my way to the kit.

On my desk is a photograph of Sarah and myself.

We wrapped our arms around one other, beaming from ear to ear, the beach behind us.

We were both dressed up; it was my first Midsummer.

Sarah persuaded me to go despite the fact that I knew it was just a bunch of wealthy ass kooks and their families getting together to make themselves feel better about their collective disregard of the community.