oxygen (e.d.)

chapter three

{riley}

i lace up my running shoes and turn up the volume on my earbuds. when i open my door, a gust of chilly wind hits my face and i shudder.

checking my watch- it's 5:27 am- i start off on a slow jog around my block.

when i was struggling, i went on early morning runs just to get my mind off of everything else.

the burning in my legs and aching in my sides were much more tolerable then what i was feeling at the time.

i pick up my stride and pump my arms faster.

sometimes i imagine i'm running away from something. or, someone, rather.

i jog around my block a couple times and take a breather, reaching for my water bottle i left on my front porch.

as i drink the icy water, i check the time on my watch again.

6:07 am
june 3

i sigh, thinking about how much time i have left until i pick up sloane.

i jump up from my porch stoop and start jogging in a random direction.

i'll find my way back sometime.

my feet carry me to wherever my heart desires, and i start to notice the route i'm taking.

no.

stop.

but i don't, i keep breathing in and out evenly, taking long strides.

i come to a walk when i see a figure in front of me, slowly walking. the sunrise in front of us makes him into a mere silhouette shadow.

i tip toe quietly, hoping he won't turn around. what if he's creepy?

my lame attempt to be quiet fails, and the man whips his head in my direction.

his face makes my breath catch in my throat, and my legs turn to jelly.

my eyes widen noticeably and my lips part, not knowing what to say.

"riley?" grayson asks.

"h-hey, grayson." i respond hesitantly.

"what're you doing out here this early?" he asks, walking towards me.

"i took a longer route this morning," i say, fumbling with my airpods just for something to do.

"all the way out here?" he smiles and i relax.

"i guess," i shrug, "didn't sleep very well."

"me neither," he says, glancing at the sunrise.

it seems so close, but i know in my heart it's millions of miles away.

"new tattoo?" i break the silence, glancing at his lower calf.

"oh, yeah," he smiles and shows it off more, "took forever. i sat in the chair for hours and ethan- um, my brother i guess, whined the whole time." he finishes uncomfortably.

"ethan and i aren't on bad terms, you know?" i remind him.

"i know," he half smiles, "but i didn't want to bring up anything too soon."

"it's been awhile," i sigh.

"you seeing anyone right now?"

"no," i admit, almost ashamed, "you?"

"nope." he says, popping the 'p', "that's what this summer is for."

i laugh and glance at the time again.

"oh," i cringe, "i took a longer route than i thought. gotta head back before my dad wakes up. see you around, gray."

"take care, ry."

i nod my head and swivel on my heels, taking off in a slow pace.

"oh, and riley?" he yells.

i turn around expectantly,

"i like the new hair!"

i smile in response and take a strand of my highlighted hair, brining it up to eye level.

the salon lady was new, but i think it's turned out okay.

it has caramel and blonde highlights, which was very different than my dark brown.

i jog the rest of the way home smiling slightly, glad not all of my dolan relationships have been obliterated by my ex.