The Clearwater

Chapter Four

Chapter Four:

          I rolled over and yawned. I had tossed and turned all night, so my blankets were in knots at my feet. Every time I closed my eyes, all I dreamed about was drowning in the tide. The water would rush in, take hold of me, and I would be gone. I couldn’t figure out how Midoree lived. No matter how many scenarios I came up with.

          I rubbed my eyes and sat up slowly. The sun streamed in my window. The familiar scent of French toast floated up from the kitchen. I stood slowly and grabbed a shirt off the floor, it being too early to search for one in the drawer.

          I made my way down the stairs very zombie like. I wasn’t used to practically staying up all night. I turned the corner at the bottom to see Mom flipping the toast at the stove. She smiled when she noticed me walking up.

          “Sleep well?” She asked. I shook my head and pulled the stool next to the counter out.

          “Not really.” I sat slowly and put my face in my hands. I yawned again.

          “Well, hopefully this will wake you up,” She slid some French toast on a plate and pushed it over to me, “We have a big day today.” I grabbed a fork.

          “Why’s that?” I pushed a piece in my mouth, my eyes only half open.

          “We need to get the girl home; I have a feeling it’s going to be hard. She probably ran away and doesn’t want to go back.” Mom reached in the fridge and grabbed the jug of milk.

          “Well,” I cleared my throat in attempt to wake up, “She said she wants to go home, but that it’s far away. She kind of talked about it like it was in Africa. So I don’t know if we’ll be able to get her home.” Mom raised her eyebrows and set the milk on the counter.

          “I would think her family would be worried. Don’t you think they would want to find her and help us?” She asked.

          “There isn’t a way to reach them. She said we’d have to yell real loud. I don’t know.” I shrugged taking a few more bites and pushing my plate away, “Oh and she said her names Midoree.” I spun around and stood.

          “That’s a lovely name. I’m sure we’ll get her home somehow, Clive,” She said. I nodded, “You should go see if she’s awake, before this gets cold.”

          I made my way back upstairs a little faster this time, more awake. I stepped up to the guest room door and pushed it open slowly. Midoree was sitting, wide awake, in the middle of the bed, her eyes locked on the ocean.

          “Morning.” I said, she turned her head quickly, and smiled.

          “Well, you look charming.” She said. I looked down at my black t-shirt and red basketball shorts. I shrugged.

          “Do want breakfast?” I asked. She gave the same confused look as last night about the bathroom, “Food?” She couldn’t still be in shock, could she?

          “Oh! Yeah, but there’s one problem.” She looked at the blankets.

          “What’s that?” I took a few steps closer to the edge of the bed.

          “I can’t walk.” She said, her cheeks slightly going pink in embarrassment. I smiled. I couldn’t help but think how cute she looked.

          “Well, you must still be in shock. It’s nothing to be embarrassed about,” I reached my hand toward her; “I’ll help you.” She shook her head.