Old Pine Lake

Chapter 7

------------ Time: 9:40 P.M. ------------

The scorching water burns down my back, taking the grime with it. I have not had a proper shower in four days. Maybe even five. An eternity has happened between then and now, forgive me if I cannot remember the last time I showered.

I try not to take too long, but it feels so good, I don't want to get out.

I eventually persuade myself to leave the wonderful steamy pleasure, and wrap myself in a towel before I step out of the shower.

I turn off the water and dry off, a few minutes later I hear a soft knock at the door.

I jump a little, I am better in control of my memory relapses, but it still makes me jump when I have to stop them from taking over.

"Yeah?" I walk towards the door while wrapping my towel tight around me.

"Do you need fresh clothes?" His voice, though soft, is still heard through the solid door.

"I have some... But they're in my backpack, I, um, forgot them when I came in here," I just realized I forgot my clothes in my big rush to feel clean.

"That's alright, I probably would have done the same thing. I'll grab them for you, if you'd like, which bag?" He didn't laugh at my mistake, like I would have thought.

"Er, the um, black duffel."

"Okay, I will be right back," his footsteps fade away from the door.

Why was that so weird for me? It didn't seem like such a big deal to him. I guess it's just because he's new to me.

Knock knock.

"I'm just going to leave the bag right in front of the door. Do you need anything else?"

"Um, no, thank you."

"Of course."

His footsteps fade away once again. As soon as I can't hear them, I open the door a crack and snatch up my bag. The black duffel is covered in sap and pine needles, which I clean off with some water and my towel. After a few scrubs, it looks like an actual duffel. The inside is still filled with the extra stuff Lace brought me. Including her clothes, which are still not made for the outdoors.

I grab a pair of fleece pastel pajama bottoms, and a loose top. The two pair up nicely but are definitely made for indoor sleeping. Good thing I'm in the indoors then.

I remove any evidence of my being in the bathroom, and soak up all the water left behind from me. By the time I'm done, the only sign that anyone showered or even went in here, is the clouded mirror. Swiping a section free of fog, I look at my freshly clean face, and make sure I look presentable. I look fairly sufficient and decide to leave this wonderfully warm room.

I open the door and walk into the hallway and immediately I smell something that makes my mouth water. I set my bag down and walk into the kitchen.

Logan is at the stove, making something that smells like meat and oil. I blush a little as my stomach rumbles. I don't remember the last time I ate. Logan looks at me and chuckles.