Chaotic (A Psychotic Sequel)

Chapter 2

ROSE'S POV

My legs were stiff from running. My back ached from the hard floor it had been lying on all night. I was hungry enough to eat an entire breakfast buffet, and I longed for a hot
shower. I also seem to be a bit sore in .   .  . other places.

But regardless of my body's complaints, my mind felt at ease. It was a new day, one where I had woken up with Harry next to me and was able to freely walk in whatever direction we chose. There were no strict, dull schedules, no watchful  guards, no impending punishments. We were free.

This idea solidified when I looked to my right at Harry. His green eyes peered up at the trees above him as he walked forward, and I felt a pang of affection washed through me.

There was an undeniable closeness I felt toward him, like I was bound to him in some internal way. And now there was just the two of us in solitude. Instead of longing to be together, sneaking kisses behind the backs of guards and sleeping alone in our cells each night, it would be me and him beside each other. Wherever he went, I would follow, and I know he'd  do the same. From this point on I couldn't imagine parting from him, and now that didn't even seem a possibility. Which was a good thing, of course.

So I welcome to whatever minor discomfort came my way, because now more than ever, I was optimistic.

The day continued on, and we moved at a relaxed pace. We heard birds chirping above, Harry had a habit of playfully bumping into me, and we walked with a couple of squirrels and chipmunks scampering along our path. Where we were on our way to, though, wasn't clear. At the moment it didn't matter.

After a few hours of wandering, there was a distant sound. Like a light trickling of water, blending with the sound of the rustling leaves. But it was impossible not to make out.

"Harry?"

"Mmm?" He asked, looking to meet my eyes.

"Do you hear that?"

He cocked his head to the side, and we slowed our pace.

"Can we try to find it?"

He nodded. "C'mon," he said, and we directed our walk more leftward. It took a couple hits and misses, but after about 20 minutes we saw movement on the ground in between the trees.
"I see it!" I exclaimed, and Harry smiled at me.

We picked up our pace into a slight jog, pushing past weak branches and browning leaves. At the clearing, Harry and I both stopped. There were patches of grass along the banks, and a small river between. It was flowing in a pretty rapid current, but it was only a couple of yards wide.

"Ooo," Harry exclaimed while observing the water flow. "Should we go for a swim? Have a picnic?"

"No way, do you know how cold it's gotta be?" I exclaimed. Then, as an afterthought, "I could eat, though."

He looked at me with an expression that seemed to say 'oh, come on. "Rose," he responded. "We are outdoorsmen now. We gotta adapt to the surroundings; you call it a below freezing river, I see a romantic bath."

"Oh my God," I responded. "You're crazy."

"Old news," he said, reached behind his back, and pulled off his heavy shirt. Then he unbuckled his belt.

"Harry," I warned, but started to giggle.
"Harry, you're gonna go numb the second you get in that water!"

"Just a quick dip," he countered again, pulling off his pants in one swift motion. Kept on the boxers, though. "Ive been sweating for two days, I need to wash up for my lady."

I shook my head. "I swear—" but he had already stepped in and quickly submerged himself. His head was barely under when he immediately shot back up. "WHOO!" He shouted. He seemed out of breath and they came out in white puffs.