The Paths We Choose

Chapter 4 (pov. Lisa)

As winter settled in, the crisp air turned bitingly cold. Despite my plans to visit Adora's house with Liana after school, I hesitated. While I enjoyed being social, I knew my limits. Spending hours with people consistently definitely pushed them.

Walking into English class, I couldn't help but notice his eyes on me, which seemed to have been following me for weeks. They held a mix of hunger and apprehension; intriguing yet intimidating. Though I tried to avoid making eye contact, a part of me was curious about the color of his eyes. When I finally glanced at him, I was surprised to see their light brown hue, and a slight smile played on his lips. Embarrassed, I quickly looked away.

As the final bell rang, signaling the end of the day. I prepared to head to Adora's house. Liana noticed my off mood, "rough day" her concern evident. Brushing off her question, I mustered a weak smile, hoping to mask my inner want to go. "Let's go," I replied, hoping the change of scenery would lift my spirits. Especially after I heard she had a hot tub.

Adora's house, with its charming exterior and the sight of a few animals, offered a welcome distraction. I spotted Adora standing on the front porch to welcome us, "Hey! I'm glad you guys could make it!" We both flashed her a smile before entering the house. Inside, her room exuded warmth and coziness, with its white walls and pink bedspread. We spent hours chatting and indulging in snacks, momentarily forgetting our worries.

Excusing myself to use the bathroom, I found myself in a dimly lit hallway, drawn to a room filled with books. I entered. Lost in the shelves, I pulled out my favorite, "Wuthering Heights" I heard someone say. I was startled by a guy leaning against the doorway, his presence unexpected yet strangely captivating. "I'm sorry I didn't mean to intrude I was looking for the bathroom" I turned to put the book back but when I turned back around I realized he moved closer, ""Be with me always - take any form - drive me mad! only do not leave me in this abyss, where I cannot find you." A famous line from the story. It's obvious he's read it about as much as I have. Feeling a bit of embarrassment from being caught in his room, I quickly retreated. The encounter lingering in my mind as I made my way back through the hallway

Returning to Adora's room, I couldn't shake off thoughts of him. It wasn't until Liana's concerned inquiry snapped me back to reality that I realized how distant I had been. "It's getting cold anyone down for a soak" I heard Adora say. I eagerly said yes. As Adora handed me a black bikini that tied at the neck I put my blonde long hair in a bun and kept my jewelry on. With that, I was ready. The thought of the slight chance I see him again had me excited.