"From the ashes, we shall rise"
WARNING: THIS BOOK CONTAINS EXPLICIT CONTENT , VIEWERS DISCRETION IS ADVISED
The second book of the tainted series, it can NOT be read as a stand-alone.
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The sound of music played loudly as I walked inside the apartment, closing it behind me and making sure it was securely locked. An confused look played upon my face, while heading in the direction of Erica's room. The door wide open as she huffed and puffed, while sweat ran down her back.
She stood in front of the television in her room, marching to the sound of pumping music and a woman yelling a bunch of encouragements at her. The movement in her feet stopping as she took notice of me, before grabbing the remote and cutting down the music.
"Hey." Erica looked at me apologetically, picking up her colorful towel. Keeping her voice low, watching me with regretful eyes.
It had been a quiet time in the apartment, neither one of us talking to each other. Which lead to awkward mornings, both of us attempting to avoid one another. But as much it felt like the whole thing was petty, it was due to the fact I was just tired. And didn't have the patience to fight anymore, but obviously that wasn't the case because getting to school more people fought with me there.
But none of that was going to bring me down, after the weekend and catching up on my homework. I figured it was better to start off fresh, after searching on social media for someone else in my class and getting the notes. I declared myself to new beginnings, even though sadness took over sometimes. The attitude Zahir had stuck with me, and I decided to make it apart of my every day life. Just live one day at a time, while trying to remain positive.
The whole thing managed to keep me from losing my mind, and levelheaded. So, it wasn't anything I couldn't handle in real life, dealing with school, life, family drama and pregnancy is hard. But placing all of that behind me, and attempting to remain positive kept me from breaking down. Along with a certain guy that kept a smile on my face, no matter what the day ended like for me. Having Caleb at my side was something I needed, realizing how much I missed having normal friends.
Erica and Taylor was as normal as I could get in the past, but after running into Caleb. It's been amazing just getting away, doing normal things and crying so hard from laughing rather than pain. Allowing myself to accept my feelings was great, when a sad emotion swept over - Caleb would indulge with me and watch sad movies or listen to sad music. My therapist was happy with my process, saying that it's great to keep people like him around to help me.
But I can't help to admit that I did miss my girls, although communicating worked both ways. I didn't want to start anything to ruin my progress, just allowing things to happen when it came about- that's why I made efforts of grabbing the mail for the both of us today.
Placing half of the mail on her nightstand, that had her name. "I'm sorry to bother you - just wanted to give you the mail." When I stood up, I gave her a brief nod before turning and walking out of her doorway.
"Ryder?"
The ability to leave things between us was hard, we used to share a lot with each other on a daily basis. Although it was my fault, keeping certain things away from her; That phase was slowly changing, and I was more than open to include people in my life. Of course, being ones who wanted to be involved.
