Lotus

Chapter 3

She woke with a start, tears staining her cheeks. Another night; another nightmare. It was a repeated process that no one should have to grow accustomed to, but Eveleine was doing just that. She quickly wiped away the tears and her emotions went with them. She could not be put down today because she was meeting Levi again.

Even the thought of him brought sparks that she could not contain, her excitement quickly igniting with every passing second.

She jumped from her bed and went into the kitchen for a glass of water where she found Aunt Brandie already up and drinking out a mug, most likely coffee, flipping through a magazine.

"How did you sleep," her aunt said, not even turning around to face her, focused on whatever article she was reading.

"Well," Eve lied, "and you?"

"I've had better nights," Aunt Brandie returned begrudgingly, and Eve didn't doubt it. How could anyone have a good night's sleep after such an incident? Only time could heal the wounds that things like this created. Even then, the pain would never really go away.

Eveleine thought she might tell her aunt about her plans for the day, "So you know, I thought I'd go explore the city today. To get a better feel of the area."

"Sounds fun. Maybe I could take off work today to join you," Aunt Brandie offered.

"No, that's fine really. I wouldn't want you to miss anymore work than you already have. I just wanted to look around a little before I begin class here," Eve said, not wanting to reveal that she would actually be with Levi for the day.

"If that's okay with you, then that's fine with me. Remember to stay away from strangers and look both ways before you cross the street--" she began to lecture before Eveleine cut her off, eye crinkling at her aunts attempt to become a parent-like figure already.

"I know, Aunt Brandie," Eve let out a small laugh.

"As long as you stay safe, I'm okay with whatever you do. Just don't take any candy from strange vans," Aunt Brandie said in a playful, serious voice, and ended up laughing while Eve began to walk away.

"No promises," she called out, laughing along with her aunt before she shut herself in the bathroom, toiletries in hand to prepare for the day.

After a series of washing, rinsing and repeating, loosening her muscles in the warm water, she dried her self and left her long hair to dry into her naturally loose waves. She wouldn't have bothered with make-up even if she owned any after Levi's little speech in the drug store. After pulling on a tight dark green blouse and a pair of jeans, she pulled on a pair of sneakers and stuffed her money, cell phone in her pocket, and was ready to go.

She made the familar walk to the drug store unconciously walking briskly to reach her destination further. It had occurred to her that he might not even be there after his sudden dissappearence the day before when her darted out of the store without warning. She pushed that thought to the back of her mind and walked even faster, breaking out into a small jog right before she turned the corner.

With a start, Eve jumped back and clumsily tripped over her own feet, falling to the ground, taken by surprise by the big brown eyes that were analyzing her. 

"Don't you watch were you're going?"

"I would ask you the same," Eve snapped back and began to get up.

His eyes softened and he reached out to Eve. "My bad," his gesture of apology.

Eve hesitated before taking his hand and he quickly hoisted her up. Eve brushed off her jeans and met eyes with the boy. His golden curls fell around his head, barely grazing his ears.