Running Through Rivers

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Twelve - Cassidy's POV

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I woke up the next morning, freaking out for a few seconds before I remembered where I was. I looked around Alex's room and grimaced slightly. It was worse then last time.

His walls were plastered with footballers, replacing the ones I made him take down of half naked women. His floor was pretty much hidden under layers of socks, magazines, and crisp packets. Not to mention his entire wardrobe had been flung over almost every object inhabiting his room; t-shirts on his desk, football shorts on his lamp , even a pair of boxers that were hanging precariously on the edge of his fish tank, ready to fall in at any moment.

I stretched and climbed out of bed, placing my feet on the few patches of carpet that were showing. I walked over to my bag, rescuing it from the mess of Alex's bedroom by swinging it onto my back and making my way to the bathroom at the end of the hallway. I quickly brushed my teeth and got dressed in to my uniform, lightly tracing over the healing cut on my shoulder.

At least mine was fading, unlike Austin, who still had a prominent gash in his cheek. When Alex asked, he had simply shrugged it off, quickly trying to change the topic and act like it was no big deal. I don't think Alex was convinced, but he left it anyway.

Combing my hair with my fingers and securing it in a loose ponytail, I padded down the stairs and into the kitchen. I felt too awkward to help myself to his food, so instead I filled the kettle with water and lay out three mugs. I perched on the breakfast bar that looked out into the garden as the water started to boil, letting my mind wander.

I jumped as arms snaked around my waist.

"Don't do that!" I laughed, turning to face Alex who, much to my surprise, wasn't looking very hungover. "I almost had a heart attack."

Alex smirked, kissing me on the lips before grabbing a box of cereal and starting to eat straight from the packet. I raised an eyebrow.

"Got the munchies," Alex explained, shovelling handfuls of cornflakes into his mouth as he spoke. He walked to the sink and proceeded to gulp down glass of water. Then another. And another.

"Thirsty?"

Alex grinned, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand. "I'm gunna go get ready."

I nodded, watching as he seemed to bounce out of the room.

What the hell is up with him?

I shook my head, hopping off the breakfast bar and making tea for Austin and myself. Alex definitely didn't need anymore caffeine. I walked into the lounge where Austin was still sleeping, and put a mug down on the coffee table. I perched on the arm of the sofa, quietly sipping from my cup as I stared at the clock. School started in half an hour.

I sighed. I couldn't believe that, even after the extremely stressful events of the previous few days, it was still only Thursday. I was still expected to go to school, and concentrate, and learn, and do homework. I didn't get any slack, even though the last few days had been hell. Even though my sister had been taken away from me. Even though-

"Cass?"

I blinked, and looked down at Austin, who was staring at me with a worried expression. "What?"

"Breathe."

I realised I had been so wrapped up in my thoughts, that I had forgotten to breathe again. I exhaled, and gave Austin a small smile.

"Thanks."

"You've been staring into space for the past five minutes."

I shrugged, and looked around the room, avoiding his pitying gaze.