Pages of You

Chapter 4

Chapter 4

I forced my legs to slow down into a power walk, putting my hands on my head as I let my breathing catch up.

I looked at my watch and was satisfied that I reached my goal of running a 5k in under 40 minutes. That may not seem like a big deal to others, but to me? I was elated.

Today was my day off, so I woke up early, donned my workout clothes, and headed outside to the beach. After running, I walked up to the waters and inhaled deeply, enjoying the morning breeze brushing through my hair and keeping me cool. I sighed, staring at the waters and letting my thoughts go.

Sometimes, I get into these moods where I start questioning everything. Like, what am I even doing here? Was it a good idea to leave home and move to this random state? Is that my thing now, running away? Was my dad right all along?

"Ugh," I groaned softly, placing my hands on my hips as I stared at the ground. "What the hell are you doing, Rosie?" I muttered to myself.

I came here looking for peace and happiness, only to rediscover someone I once cherished, who may now harbor resentment toward me. I've also been feeling that overwhelming sense of loneliness and self-pity again, where I sometimes catch myself threatening to spiral once more. I closed my eyes, feeling the threat of tears appearing again.

"Shit," I grumbled, wiping the tears from my face. I came out here at the beach because it was supposed to be my new safe haven, and now I'm tainting it with my tears.

I turned around to go home and stopped when I saw Chiron shirtless, looking like he was also going for a run. He was in the middle of stretching on the ground when he spotted me and paused, his eyes roaming my face. His eyes widened at the sight of me. He stood up on his feet, looking like he was heading my way.

I sighed, rolling my eyes because I was probably intruding on his space. Frankly, I wasn't in the mood to linger and chat. I had already given up on that front. I just offered him a polite nod and hurried away. I could have sworn I heard him calling after me, but I dismissed it as wishful thinking.

*-*-*-*

The next day, I was asked to come in early to cover a morning shift for someone in addition to my regular shift. They promised me overtime pay and a paid time-off day for my cooperation, so I agreed. However, I was so rushed to get ready and head out that I forgot to pack my lunch. As a result, I grew short-tempered with unruly guests, and my patience wore thin every time I was asked a stupid question. I was getting hangry. I decided to toughen up during my second lunch break and headed to the cafe.

To my great disappointment, Chiron was at the front and taking orders. I quietly groaned as I walked over to the line. I took a deep breath and exhaled slowly.

You can do this, Rosie. Just get in line and treat him like another co-worker. Order your shit and go. Don't even say hi. Don't even look at him –

"Hey."

Fuck.

His voice. No matter how many times I hear him speak, the warm timbre always has me in a chokehold.

I blinked at him. I was hyping myself so much that I didn't even notice I was already in front of the line. I blinked again and looked up at the display menu.

"Hi," I said, noticing my voice sounded so stiff. "Can I please just get a large plain black coffee?" I'm definitely going to need it. I plucked a banana from the counter and waved it, "And this too, please."

I can't even look at his face. I'm just staring at the cash register, waiting for my total to appear.

"That's new," Chiron said, conversationally. Is he trying to talk to me, or is he just trying to be nice to a regular customer? "No hot chocolate or croissant?"