What she left Behind | ONGOING

CHAPTER 04

─────  Derek  ─────

When I first saw that Chloe was also here at the lakehouse, I must admit that I was shocked. Mrs. Prescott didn't mention that I would have to share the space. Then again, she didn't look good and well composed to have these kinds of things well checked and remembered. She seemed so distant from reality and it broke my heart.

She was nice to share the lakehouse with me so I can't complain about anything. 

Now, Chloe is inside the room I knew she wanted but decided it would be fun to get it first. I stare at her fuming, her face flushed, and she is definitely throwing darts with her eyes at me. Seriously, if looks could kill. . .

She leaves the room stomping her feet and I can't help but chuckling a little bit at her reaction.

Maybe I took the joke too far. . . Maybe. Technically, I had the right to choose whatever room I wanted because I did get here first. But I admit that it is funny when Chloe is mad and teasing her with some things is pretty hilarious.

I stay for a few minutes on the bed, not listening to any movement outside of this room. Curiosity gets the best of me and I begin to wonder where is Chloe. Is she still huffing for not getting what she wanted or is she over it? Either way, maybe I should talk to her. . . Or not. I know she hates me so I don't think I should bother her.

But I can't help myself and before I know it I am outside the room and searching for Chloe. I walk through the long hallway, scanning through the doors to check where she is. In the process, also looked at all the picture frames where Savannah is doing everything: swimming, eating, surfing, making marshmallows, hugging her parents, etc. The walls are plastered with her face and for a moment I debate whether to look at the pictures or avoid looking up to stop myself from hurting by staring at her beautiful face. I can't even go to my phone's photo album for too long, it hurts a lot. 

I finally reached the door to a half-open room. I lightly knock on it but there is no answer, so I knock again. Still there is no reply so I slowly open the door a bit further to look inside. I noticed her bags on top of the bed but no sign of Chloe.

Something outside of the window calls my attention, so I walk towards it and notice she is sitting on the dock with a book in her hands.

Seeing her there gives me an idea. Maybe I should pay a small visit to the lake. It's a nice day for a swim.

As I walk downstairs I think about whether or not I should apologize for annoying her when she first reached the lakehouse. But at the same time, I do think she exaggerated for literally a childish matter. She hates me and she hates that I got here first.

She has hated me ever since she walked through the doors of my dad's company. I do have the theory she hated me first when she found out my dad was the boss. But that's just a theory. It could be for many things but I'm sure she would never tell me. Everything I do and say annoys her. Absolutely everything.

She's just so uptight. Never knows how to have fun whatsoever. That's something that annoys me.

When I reach the dock I see Chloe, sitting Indian style, concentrating her gaze down to a book. The fresh breeze made her hair all messy. She still hasn't noticed my presence and I took advantage of this peaceful moment to admire the beauty ahead of us. This truly was a special place for Savannah and I feel grateful that she decided to share it with me.

Chloe finally looks up and that's when her gaze meets mine. A hint of annoyance already begins to show on her face.

Damn, she truly can't stand me. I am just there breathing and she's ready to throw her book at my head.