Never Let Me Go

Scandalous

I pulled my knees into my chest as I let my body breathe. 

My shoulders shook with shock as I reflected on what had just transpired. 

He kissed me. 

And I kissed him back! 

More than just kissed good lord. 

My chest rippled with what was left of the fire he had just ignited in me. 

I reached up and massaged my temples as my brain scrambled to not implode with shame.

The rest of my body cooled slowly. 

Behind me, I heard footsteps leading from Auden's study. 

"Aubriella?" I heard him call quietly. 

I slapped my hand over my mouth so that he couldn't hear me panting. 

His boots made a few movements as if he were checking nearby rooms for me. 

After a moment and a brief heart attack, I heard him sigh and walk away towards the exit. 

My panic returned after he left. The look on his face after he let me go punctured something in my stomach. 

He looked absolutely repulsed with himself.

I felt shame and anger but not repulse.

My eyes welled up.

Was I that disgusting? 

I stood up and brushed the dust off of my pants. 

Now was not the time to feel. 

It was time to think. I was here for one reason only, and that reason did not include a six-foot-something man with no manners. 

I took one more deep breath and walked towards the exit. 

My eyes squinted reflexively as I stepped out onto the main deck. A beautiful vegetative island struck my view as I moved towards the dock. 

This was the perfect place to avoid Auden.

I made my way onto the island. My goal here was to prove that an earthquake had occurred here. Tectonic movements would ultimately be the reason for the discovery I had made. 

My research had to be done inland. I was looking for any signs of flooding, mudslides and soft soil patches that could prove that an earthquake occurred. 

Before making my trek, I rolled up my pant legs and pulled out my compass just so I could track my movements. 

Breathing in the earthy scent of nature around me, I set off to do what I did best.

Though the hike was gruelling, I was thankful to be getting some exercise. Back at the lodge, I indulged way too much in the hedonistic amenities my room had. More specifically the coffee, snacks and naps. 

Plus, I had been hard at work on my thesis and all the other assignments Auden had me slaving on. 

Now was a perfect time to stretch my legs. 

I made my way downward knowing that if there were any landslides, the evidence would be waiting at the end of the incline. 

The woods I was walking through were eerily quiet. I was grateful for the lack of distraction, but the grey skies and murkiness did nothing to ease my nerves. 

Nevertheless, I continued on. It took a while to brush off the creepiness of the atmosphere however, just as my legs were starting to throb, I spotted an opening a few yards ahead of me.