That's My Sister ➼ tas

Chapter 31

I walked through the front door after my last day at school for the year. Much like the previous days, I sat in silence next to Emily during form and ate lunch by myself in the library, hoping the librarian wouldn't kick me out for having food. But, one upside from today was the principal allowing me the next week off school so I could go stay with Taylor. I didn't say goodbye to anyone.

I decided today would be the day I post my blog. I wrote it until late last night, but cowered away from publishing it. I wanted to do it tonight, so I wouldn't have to face any judgemental looks during another day at school.

I opened the doors to my wardrobe and began throwing clothes into the empty suitcase on my bed. My train into London was at 8am the next morning, and I've come to learn already that Saturday mornings are still just as busy as the weekday commutes. Plenty of leggings and t-shirts, a pair of joggers, two pairs of shorts - I wasn't envisioning myself venturing away from Taylor's apartment much for the few weeks I would be there.

I added my journal (that has remained rather empty the past few months), headphones and the last few remaining items of clothing. Mom was out for dinner tonight with some work colleagues, and Austin was coming home later with some friends, so I decided to get my last breath of seaside fresh air before the next few weeks. I grabbed my phone and jacket, hopped down the stairs and out the front door. Within a few minutes the next bus pulled up alongside the curb and headed towards the coast. I thanked the bus driver before stepping off and walking along the promenade.

The wind blew a soft breeze across my face, untangling my hair from behind my ears. I made my way further along the top of the beach, settling down on a lower wall. I looked up and out to sea, taking in the sights, sounds and smells all around me. The vinegar from the fish and chips bar near the steps was still evident, as was the cry of seagulls who circled the bins spilling over with discarded food.

I opened my phone, and hovered my finger over the blog app. I knew I needed to post it, for myself and for others, whether they would read it or not. I sighed and let my phone fall on my lap. I rested my chin on my fist as I stared out to sea again. I wanted to post it, I knew I was going to post it, but suddenly I felt overwhelmed and nervous.

I heard the sound of stones under shoes to the left of me, and only near the last second noticed how they were getting louder and closer. I peeked to the left as a figure sat down on the wall beside me. I slowly turned me head, hoping not to seem obvious, only to double take when I realised it was someone I knew.

"Hey," Cameron said, one corner of his mouth lifting upwards in a half smile.

"Hey," I mumbled back. Why was he here?

"I, uh, turned up at yours," Cameron chuckled lightly. "Obviously you weren't there. But Austin mentioned you coming down to the pier so, I figured I'd give it a look."

"Well, you found me," I nodded my head slowly, the awkward tone not dissipating.

"How- how are you?" He questioned, shifting his body along the wall and closer to me.

"Me? I'm fine." I looked anywhere but directly at him.

"Just, fine?" He questioned.

"As fine as I could be right now. Which I'm sure, like everyone else, you can tell isn't ideal. But it's whatever. I'm off to London tomorrow and I won't be back for a few weeks.