Red String [h.s] (Completed)

Chapter 20

"I said love don't mean nothing
Unless there's something
Worth fighting for
It's a beautiful war"

The drive up to the family cabin takes Amy just over three hours because she stopped for a few groceries on the way. She arrives around three o'clock in the afternoon. She hasn't been here since last summer and memories are coming flooding back. The house is fairly large with 4 bedrooms and it has an additional bunkhouse with a bedroom and a bathroom. Typically Amy stayed in the bunkhouse when she came but that was because Derek was always with her. Maybe Amy and Sarah could stay out there like old times. Amy unlocked the door and went inside. Other than smelling a bit stuffy from no one being in it for awhile it gave her a sense of comfort being here. She opened some windows to let air in and walked past the old upright piano, and went to the back sliding door and stepped out onto the deck. The lake looked inviting and she thought she would go for a swim before dinner.

(A/N: I picture the cabin like this but with a sandy beach)

Amy put her bag into one of the bedrooms and opened it to take out her swimsuit. She put it on and then grabbed her book, and a towel out of the linen closet. She took her water bottle with her and began the walk down to the dock.

She spread out her towel and lay down on the dock, opening her book to read. Her mind quickly went to Harry as he was the last person she was on a dock with, but she pushed the thoughts away. Amy read for about an hour before the sun became too hot. She dove into the water to cool off but didn't stay in long before she was out again and wrapping herself in her towel. Amy couldn't help but miss Harry, even though she knew he could never give her what she wanted. That's the thing about missing someone, it doesn't matter how much they hurt you or how bad they may be for you, you still miss them. She walked back up to the house to make herself some dinner.

When Amy went to bed that night, she felt less anxious about her life than she had for months. This feeling was not going to last.

• • •

Harry woke up the morning after going to Amy's apartment and instead of feeling downtrodden about the day before, he felt optimistic about the day ahead. He was ready to explain himself to Amy. He was going to let his guard down and let her see the real him.

Tom insists on driving him. He says Harry has got lucky flying under the radar here the last few days. Harry only agrees because it will get him to Amy faster than walking.

He buzzes her apartment just like yesterday morning. A few minutes pass and Harry thinks that she must be ignoring him. Then a voice comes through the intercom.

"Hello?"

It was a male voice. Derek. Harry has completely forgot about the boyfriend. He was too wrapped up in the idea of seeing Amy again. He is trying to quickly think of a lie.