The Girl You Never Knew

Ch. 5 Fairly Local

I sat up in a cold sweat. It was just a dream. It was just a dream. It was just a dream.

My phone chirped on the bed beside me. I looked at the too bright screen through squinted eyes. It was 2 A.M. Who the bloody hell is texting me in the middle of the night.

I opened the text.

Number Unknown:
Happy birthday, beautiful.

Confused as to who it was, I texted them back.

Who is this?

I waited a few moments before my phone buzzed again.

Someone from your past.

My heart sped up, could it be? No. It couldn't.

I turned off my phone and shook off the feeling that came with the mysterious messenger.

I decided that I may as well do something to work off some energy.
Getting out of bed I changed into a sports bra and bootie shorts. I pulled my hair up into a pony tail while staring at my reflection. God, why am I so ugly, I asked myself. I had a cleft chin - though it was only slightly noticeable - chubby cheeks and a large forehead. I had thunder thighs, big hips, no where near toned stomach. My arms were flabby and my boobs too big. Then there was my hair, a mixture of dirty blonde, a little bit of brown and pink. The only thing I found slightly flattering were my colour changing eyes. Depending on my mood they could be anywhere from dark brown, to an amber hazel, to green with golden flecks.

I looked back down at my clothes. No, I thought, I can't wear this. I changed again into a loose Of Mice & Men tee and cropped yoga pants.

Jogging down the stairs from my apartment I reached the bottom and two steps later, smacked into a wall. A very large, very warm, very muscly wall.

Arms wrapped around me before I could fall and I heard a deep chuckle. "Careful there. Don't wanna hurt yourself."

I looked up into silver grey eyes, "I- um... Sorry. I-I didn't m-mean to..."
He laughed again. "It's okay beautiful. Just look out next time."
I nodded my head, not trusting my voice again. It was dark, so I couldn't see him clearly, but from what I could tell he had nicely tanned skin, and short black hair.

"Did you hear me?"

Startled, I looked back to his eyes, "W-what?"

"I asked what your name was," he said, releasing me.

"Erin."

"Well, Erin, I'm Derek. Nice to meet you."

I look at him bewildered, "Nice to meet you too, but, if you don't mind me asking, what are you doing out here in the middle of the night?"

He chuckles, "I could ask you the same question." He pauses, "I was out for a run."

"Oh," I say, blushing. "So you live here? I've never seen you before."

He smiles lightly, "You could say I'm fairly local." And with that, he turns to walk up the stairs. "Goodnight Erin," he calls back. "See you around."

I look after him for a moment before turning and going on my run.

2/15/16