ENDLESS

S4 Chapter 1

 A R I A ☆ M A T T H E W S 

Ever since I stepped onto this plane after being granted leave, or in other words a vacation, there's been an uneasy anxious feeling in my gut that can't be shaken off.

It's aggravating. I'm not sure what's the problem. There's no doubt in my mind that a lot happened within the six months that passed, but it must be serious.

They say to always listen to your gut. Not a day has gone by where I haven't listened to that phrase.

''Thanks for coming to pick me up, Nate. I'm really not in the mood to drive.'' I made myself comfortable in the passenger's seat, buckling my seat belt. He came to collect me from the airport in my car. I've definitely missed this piece of work.

''No problem Ar, I'm just glad you're back. We've all missed you like Hell.'' Nate stated as he began to drive us back to the Water Kingdom.

My home.

Home sweet home here I come.

''And I've missed you guys too. I've been feeling homesick,'' I glanced out of the window enjoying the fresh breeze. ''It's great to be back home in Shadow Creek.''

''It's great to have you back, sis. A lot has happened while you were gone..'' Nate trailed off, keeping his prime focus on the road.

''Yeah?'' I asked, my mind ready to hear the answers that my gut feeling has been begging for. ''Fill me in, then.''

''Well, for one you missed my birthday. I'm twenty now.''

''Old ass,'' I chuckled. ''Happy belated birthday, though.''

''Everything's been going pretty well so far Kingdom wise. Logan is making his dreams come true,'' Nate stated. ''With Riley.''

''What do you mean Riley? Who's Riley?'' I questioned, averting my gaze over to him.

''Riley is his girlfriend. She's a complete sweetheart. He's planning to pop the question to her soon.''

I couldn't help but smile even though I didn't know her. ''That's my boy. He needs to introduce me. Speaking of, did you and Bridget have the wedding?''

''No,'' Nate answered. ''We were waiting for you to come back to have it.''

Hearing that made me want to roll my eyes to the back of my head. ''Ugh, I just got back and now Bridget is probably going to make me do maid of honor shit. She's lucky I love her.''

Nate's leg began shaking nervously. ''Concerning tasks.. something happened, but let's just wait till we get home.. it's a lot to hear..''

I wanted to press him on what the fuck he was going on about, but instead of doing so I simply nodded my head and dozed off for the rest of the ride.

. . .

''Hey,''

''We're here.''

My eyes fluttered open to the underground garage of the Water Kingdom. Nate turned the engine off and handed over my car keys.