A Lake of Boiling Water

Chapter 2- R18

It is finally the morning, 4am to be exact, and I didn't sleep one hour last night. To hell with feeling content with Erika and I's relationship. I miss her so much already. When my parents finally arrived home late, I just went to them and let it all out... even though I already did with Erika. My mom and step dad brought me back some dinner, so that made me feel better. What's better than eating your feelings out when you won't see your best friend again?

I get dressed in a comfortable outfit that won't be a problem for a 7 hour trip. My worn black jeans, and a cream colored summer sweater matches with a pair of brown boots. I put my hair up in a messy bun with a few bobby pins in as well. I go easy on my makeup today, since I don't want it smudging during the flight.

When I think I look "okay", I grab my two bags and a carry on purse, and head downstairs. Opening my wooden door my favorite picture finds a way to distract me.

"He is just so beautiful..." I whisper under my breath.

Embarrassingly my parents opened their door and were heading downstairs as I just said that. Thankfully my step dad didn't seem like heard my remark, but my mom on the other hand...

"I heard his name is Nuit Rapide [new-we ra-pwee] which is Nightswift in French. People say he is a modern hero that stole from the rich and gave to the poor, during that innocent. Just like the story about Robin Hood. Maybe he is THE Robin Hood? No one knows his age, name or anything. People know that he is 'just so beautiful'" Mom smirking, mimicking me.

I looked at mom with a scowl, as she followed step step dad downstairs. What? A modern Robin hood? I never heard of anyone that helped the poor when the attack took place. Was it ever on the news? Well, it was 3 years ago when I was 15 maybe I forgot? No, it was 3 years ago! How can I forget something from 3 years ago when I could remember the first time I met Erika 12 years ago! I keep thinking about this mysterious boy. I am interrupted in my thoughts when my step dad yelled sweetly,

"I know he's soooo hot, but Ryann, we are going to be late for our flight! Make sure you don't forget anything."

Ugh so he did hear... So embarrassing. Why did I say something like that to a picture of, probably, a fictional character someone painted? I'm so emotional I get caught up in some sort of fantasy I dream about.

I do a double take around my room and feel like I have everything I need for the next 3 weeks. I grab my bags and hurry downstairs to join my parents by the door. They both have a coffee in their hand. Mom hands me her coffee, because she knows if I don't get coffee I'll be somewhat cranky...

"Okay, hun, you made sure you have everything? Ryann you too?" my step dad asks.

My mom and I look at each other and say together, "Yep!"

"If there isn't traffic, which there probably won't be, we'll make it there by 5am."

Step dad opens the front door and we all walk to the car. I open the backseat to put down my coffee. Mom asked me to load the luggage for her and step dad. I agreed because she gave me coffee and information about the mystery masked man, Nuit Rapide. He's French? Maybe, but I'm intrigued.

Mom sees that I finished, and thanks me. I nod my head and put my seatbelt on, finally sighing because it's going to be an hour ride to the airport. I close my eyes just as I feel the car move. Mom, step dad and I are all silent. We must be all thinking about things. I figured that I would be able to sleep on the plane so I grab my coffee and drink it. Ah, caffeine, my favorite thing to start my mornings. Every morning during the school year, my mom makes coffee for my step dad and I. School starts at 8am and ends at 3:30pm. I definitely need coffee to start off my day so I can be awake for early morning classes. I try to fight the sleepiness, but I just cannot win. Before I know it, I am asleep, dreaming...