Running Through Rivers

Chapter Four

Chapter four - Austin's POV

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

I awoke to the sunlight steaming through the window, right on to my face. I groaned. I tried to sit up, only to freeze as a cramp ran down my spine and something heavy weighted down my right shoulder. Make that someone. I looked sideways and was greeted by a mess of blonde curls that I assumed to be Cassidy. But, what was she doing here?

Events of the previous night came flooding back, and I groaned again, remembering how I'd fallen asleep leaning on Cassidy's chest of drawers that we had pushed against the door. She must have done the same, somehow managing to make me her pillow in the process.

I tried to ease myself out of Cassidy's grasp, but she refused to budge. I sighed. I didn't want to have to do this but-

"Oi! What the heck was that for?!" Cassidy's eyes flew open as I pushed her over, abruptly waking her up and successfully freeing myself from her clutches.

I grinned. "G'morning to you too."

She glared as I slowly stood up and headed for the bathroom, passing Sophie, who was still sound asleep on Cassidy's bed. I shut the door and switched on the shower, peeling off my clothes and stepping in as the hot water massaged my aching back. I stopped myself from washing my face with soap, remembering the cut across my cheek just in time. I rinsed off my hair and then hopped out, hating the feeling of the cold tiles against my bare feet. I wrapped a towel around my waist, holding it in place as I threw my clothes in the hamper and exited the bathroom.

Cassidy was standing by her wardrobe, stretching out her back and neck.

"Just going to get dressed." I stated, and she nodded, anxiously glancing towards the door.

"I don't think he's home yet, Cass." I assured her, and pulled back the furniture that was blocking the door before unlocking it and walking to my bedroom.

I pulled on boxers and then used the towel to dry my hair a bit before pulling on the grey school trousers that I had thrown over my chair, and the white, long sleeved shirt that I found on my floor. I didn't mind, they were still relatively clean. I slipped on some socks to keep my feet warm, seeing as Dad never bothered to fix the heating, then my school tie, running my hands through my hair a few times. Perfect.

I headed back to Cassidy's room, knocking on the door before entering. Sophie ran past me in the doorway and into her room as she sang the Dora theme song, making up words to the parts she didn't know. I laughed. That kid was crazy.

I paused as I saw Cassidy, staring at her reflection in the mirror. She was inspecting a new bruise that had formed on her arm overnight, leaving an angry purple mark on her pale skin. I clenched my jaw. She looked up, noticing my presence, and quickly pulled down the sleeve of her blazer, giving me a small smile. I shook my head and opened my mouth, but was cut off by my phone as it beeped on her desk. I strode over to where had I left it and picked it up, unlocking it to read the message.

Dude, Coach says 2 b here in 15 mins or else ur dead. Get ova here fast! - Jamie

I cursed under my breath; I'd forgotten all about footy practice. Coach was probably steaming. But I couldn't just leave Cassidy and Sophie, not after what had happened last night. Cassidy looked up and gave me a look. "You should go."

"What are you talking about?" How the hell did she know it was about football practice?

"Twin telepathy, remember?" She smiled, "Nah, I just know that Alex has training today and, seeing as you're on the same team..." She faded off, not needing to explain the rest.