High Moon

Four

The ride to Ryan's house was quiet. I didn't mind because it gave me time to think. I couldn't help but think about tonight's events. The kiss I had with Nick certainly held nothing on the kiss I had with Ryan. I mentally scolded myself for my actions. I might have wanted to let loose for a night, but I in no way planned for it to go the way it had.

I pulled my bottom lip in between my teeth. It was still a little swollen from earlier. My stomach still held butterflies as I peeked over to Ryan. Just looking at him caused my body to remember the way his hands held my waist. The way they pulled me against his muscular form.

No. No, I can't loose sight of my mission. I couldn't get involved. Couldn't start a relationship. There was no guarantee that I would make it out of the fight alive after I found. . . him. I couldn't put someone through that hurt, they didn't deserve that pain, nor the lies.

A yawn passed my lips as I watched the trees pass the window. The moon gave the woods a peaceful glow.

"We don't have much longer, maybe about ten minutes" Ryan said. I hummed in response. My eyelids grew heavy and soon sleep took me prisoner.

It wasn't long before I felt myself being lifted from the passenger seat. Heat encompassed me like a blanket, and I moaned at the comfort. The vibrations from Ryan's laughter tickled my cheek as I curled into his chest. Soon, I felt myself being lowered into a bed. Soft sheets covered me and again the darkness took over.

The sound of birds woke me, along with the smell of bacon cooking. My stomach rumbled in response, but I was to comfortable to move. My head pounded slightly when I opened my eyes, the rising sun shown through the windows illuminating the room. Groaning again, I turned over and pulled the pillow over my head.

"Looks like someone isn't a morning person". A male voice came from the door of my bedroom. Again, I groaned in response.

"Common, rise and shine!" Tyler laughed as he began to pull at the covers. I tightened my hold and curled into a ball as a feeble attempt to stay covered. I could feel the slick sheets being pulled from my grasp, and then cool air covering my body. I pulled my self into a tighter ball in hopes of warming up and falling back asleep. But luck was not on my side this morning.

"Daylights burning, and breakfast is getting cold. Common up you go" Tyler attempted to pull me into a sitting position, but I became dead weight. I didn't want to leave bed yet. My stomach growled in protest at my reluctance, wanting food badly. The smell of bacon wafted through my room, increasing my hunger.

"Okay, okay. I'm up. You win." I mumbled. I pushed my long hair out of my face and slowly made my way to the bathroom that was attached to the room. It was simple but pretty. Grey stone counter tops with a tan colored tile for the stand alone show. Grey stone tile for the floor and the white cabinets held a good contrast. I looked at myself in the mirror.

My hair was a mess and my makeup caused me resemble a raccoon. I quickly scrubbed my face and ran my fingers through my hair. Heading back to the room I looked for my bag so I could brush my teeth and hair. It was no where to be seen. No longer sleepy, I panicked. I looked through every drawer, the closet, under the bed and even in the bathroom. Still, no sign of my bag.

My breathing was erratic. If others found what was in that bag, my cover would be blown. I couldn't have others knowing what I was doing, in fear that he could find out and move again. Not only that, I didn't want people to know my past. The journal that was in that bag held all my secrets, it held my life.

Taking deep breaths to calm my breathing down, I tried to look as calm as possible. I didn't want the others to know something was up.

Following the sound of clinking dishware and voices, I made my way down the stairs to the kitchen. The house was beautiful. Dark hardwood floors, simple cream colored walls, a family picture hanging every few feet. This house felt . . . cozy. Turning the corner to the dining room, I saw an array of food on the table and everyone digging in.