Ethereal {WLW}

Chapter Six: Roller Blades & Dinner Dates

Rhea's POV:

Tonight is one of those nights where my brain refuses to turn off.

I feel super anxious about the prospect of meeting Savannah's friend. I probably wouldn't feel so nervous if there wasn't this underlying expectation that has been created for the two of us. I really just don't want to hurt anyone or myself.

I've been trying to sleep for the last three hours, but I simply can't. It's four A.M and I feel like my body needs something, but I can't tell what.

I get up, unzip my suitcase and grab my journal before slowly making my way down the stairs. Maybe I just need water or I need to journal or maybe I need both as I grab a glass of water and make myself comfortable on the couch.

I look outside the giant picture window in the living room. It's dark out, but it's calm. The world is peaceful for once and everyone is sleeping, but I stay wide awake with a restless mind.

I get deep into my journaling and time passes fast, so fast that when I look up, I start to see the orange and purple hues of the early morning light. I decide to put my journal away and watch the sun rise for the first time in awhile. I feel rejuvenated in the morning light and decide to do another thing I haven't done in awhile.

I start to run down the road and get a lay out of the neighborhood. Running has always helped me clear my mind, it brings me back into focus and right now... that is something I desperately need.

Being alone for the six months I had before I started school taught me a lot. I was terrified of being alone with myself. I hated it. The thoughts that came with being alone were tormenting, but life had to continue. I had a job to do and a whole life to live.

I spent a lot of time reflecting and eventually loved spending time with myself. I became my peace when nothing else could be. I grew a lot in those six months and my work isn't over. There's still so much of me that is left to discover and I can't wait to get to know her.

I run until I discover a small river stream. It has a small bridge crossing two sides of land on either side and I run under the bridge to cool off from the warming summer sun. I instantly take off my shirt and splash some water on face and neck in a desperate attempt to cool myself off from the run and the humid air around me.

I take in my surroundings, noticing little things like a tree with previous lovers initials littered on it. The bridge, itself, covered in graffiti and art as the calming water runs slowly below it. The sights and sounds are so peaceful that I find myself slowly nodding off against a large rock as my lack of sleep makes itself apparent.

***

I wake up to the sound of a chipmunk munching on some acorns as I snap my body forward off of the rock. I look around, unsure what time it is as a slight panic enters my chest.

I get up and make my way back to the house as quickly as possible, knowing that Sienna is supposed to be there around noon. I sprint as fast as I can, ignoring the pain in my lungs and legs as I arrive to see Cami and Beck working in the flower garden up front. Cami turns and stands up, putting her hand up to shield her eyes from the sun as she sees me run up the driveway. The closer I get, the more apparent it is that her eyes are trailing my body and it's now that I realize that I left my shirt at the river.

Sweat rolls down my torso and her eyes follow it, her cheeks becoming pink as she intently observes me. I stop my running, standing right in front of her and her eyes snap up to meet mine, her face quickly going from pink to red as she sees I've caught her checking me out.

She's taking this watching me thing very seriously.

Just before her or I can say anything, Savannah storms out of the house with a brunette shortly behind her. This must be Sienna?