DUCHAS (The Drive Within, Book 2 in Baile series)

Chapter 5 Out With the Old in With the New

Isla

I dried my damp hair with the hairdryer in Riley's bathroom. Running my fingers through the blue strands. I always found it hard to explain to people what the world looked like with my mix matched eyes. In general terms everything looked the same, but the edges were sharper and my senses more focused. I noticed things I might have previously missed.

I set the hairdryer down, flicking off the power point before heading out. Seeing Riley fixing his hair in a small mirror on his desk brought a smile to my face.

"You look just fine the way you are." I rested my head on his arm.

"As do you." He ran a hand through my hair. "Are you going to apologise to April today?"

"I don't think an apology would compensate." I moved to lean against his desk. "I wouldn't forgive me, and I wouldn't believe I didn't mean the things I said."

"What did you say?" Riley rubbed my arms.

"The truth. It's a hard truth and I don't know how I can make up for something that's real. And I know I've hurt April really bad. And I know she won't forgive me, April doesn't forgive easily."

Riley wrapped his arms around me and pulled me to his chest. I breathed in his earthly scent, my eyes holding tears.

"Maybe you should speak with Anna." Riley suggested.

I let out a sigh. "I don't want to face an interrogation about my love life."

"She has a job to do, she'll listen and offer help."

"I'll try and talk to her."

"If you want to talk to me, you know where to find me." Riley gave me one last hug before I left his office.

I made my way up my room with dread building in my stomach. I held my breath as I opened my door. I let out a sigh of relief at finding the room empty.

I quickly slipped into my school uniform before heading down to class. I tried not to look to see how April was doing as we stopped to get our books from our lockers at the same time. It hurt me as I glanced her way, she didn't even look fazed as she passed me, taking her seat in class where we usually sat together. I took a deep breath to steel myself before sitting by myself at the front of the classroom.

I was thankful for my second class, as April wasn't in it. I went straight from my second class to Anna's office, frowning at the sight of people already waiting to see her on chairs outside her door. I took a seat, toying with my fingers while I waited anxiously.

It felt like forever until the last person vacated her office.

"Isla?" Anna poked her head out her door. I couldn't help noticing how beautiful she looked in a grey turtle necked sweater and jeans that contrasted her dark skin.

"Oh, hi." I stood up. "I forgot what I was going to say." I turned around to leave with cold feet.

"Actually Isla, I wanted to speak with you anyway. Please come in." She held the door open for me.

The scent of roses hit me like a wave as soon as I entered her office. Candles burned on every shelf and crevice. The sweet scent of lollies mingled with the candles as I caught sight of the assortment of lollies in a bowl on the coffee table.

"Do you like it?" Anna gestured to the whole office.

"I do. It just feels weird, the last time I talked to you, you weren't a guidance counsellor." I sunk down into a comfy chair.