Insane - Who Are You To Judge? (Gripping Psychological Thriller)

Chapter 23 - Avery

The park in the centre of town is a perfectly picturesque scene in the midst of the never-ending hustle and bustle of Southhurst.

It stretches across acres of land, so when you entered the park, you wouldn't believe you're still in an urban city. Rather, it harbours the scents and sounds of the New Forest with the alluring aroma of pine and oak trees, as well as the soothing sounds of nature.

There he is, just where he said he would be.

I am still a fair distance away from Him and he hasn't seen me yet. He shuffles around on the bench, tapping his foot anxiously and jerking his eyes around the green field.

A few moments later he catches sight of me. His foot rests, his eyes fix on mine and the corners of his lips turn up.

I stare at Him. That's the man who screwed up my plan. I try so hard to remain angry as I waltz up to Him, reciting this over and over in my head.

"Hi," I say once I am only a metre from Him, keeping a stern expression and tone.

He immediately stands up, takes my hand in his and presses his lips against my cheek before replying, "Hey," in a sweet and gentle voice.

I feel like I'm having an out of body experience. I watch myself and sigh. I've got bigger problems to deal with than some stupid guy. My involvement with Him has already tripped me up once, why am I entertaining this idea any longer?

My reason screams at me, telling me to deal with what is really important and stop being so naïve, yet despite the headache she is giving me, I melt into his eyes and I can't help the smile taking over my face.

"So," he starts as we sit down on the unbearably uncomfortable bench. "Tell me what's up."

I let out a heavy breath, preparing for my role. "Oh, honestly like I said, it's really nothing. I've just had a bunch of meetings today and it's safe to say none of them went very well. The doctors were just being so flippin' stubborn. I swear they all have two metre long sticks up their arses. Oh and that annoying girl from the office, remember Kirsty?" I pause, waiting for his nod before continuing. "She is such a goody-two-shoes, she's got her head so far up our boss's behind that she's getting her spray tans for free. And the fact she had such a good day and sold loads and loads of drugs just really made me resent her. When I headed back to the office, her incessant high-pitched whining literally pierced my skull, I just had to go home and lie down to try and get the ringing out of my ears."

When I finally finish my rant, I study his face, expecting puppy-dog eyes or a pouting lower lip because he just feels so bad for me and just wants to comfort me and blah, blah, blah.

To my surprise, I look up to find Him with a grin smeared across his face and his eyes squinting whilst laughing silently.

"What?" I ask, slightly vexed by his lack of sympathy, but at the same time intrigued to know why he found this amusing.

"You know," he starts once he manages to withhold his laughter, "you're a really nice person. I've never realised just how lovely you are."

I frown. "Are you being sarcastic? Aren't you supposed to be comforting me, or whatever?"

"Oh come on, that's not that bad," he shrugs, "certainly not bad enough for you to blow me off." He chuckles.

"Hey!" I exclaim defensively. "It really pissed me off. I thought I would do you a favour."

He strokes my shoulder and moans quietly. "I'm sorry. You probably were doing me a favour. I get the sense that I wouldn't want to be on the wrong side of you."