Spring [Completed]

TEN

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HER

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re•kin•dle 

verb

1. revive (something that has been lost)

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My face is cold when I finally close the freezer. Placing my hands on my hips, I smile in satisfaction when I realize we don't have any chicken.

Guess I'll have to go to the grocery store.

A rush of adrenaline floods my veins as I lean against the cool kitchen counter. Just the prospect of running into Ethan again brings a smile to my face. I wish I could say that over these past few weeks I haven't thought about him, but I can't help myself. The idea that he's here, in Seattle again, and he lives so close...

I just can't help but think that this is happening for a reason.

"What are you smiling about?"

I flinch, blinking away the thoughts of Ethan as Cara passes me, yanking open the fridge. "Nothing," I say, crossing my arms over my chest. "I can't just be happy?"

Cara looks at me over her shoulder and playfully rolls her eyes. "You're so weird."

"Your mom," I reply, and she laughs to herself, grabbing a soda and closing the fridge.

She takes a seat at the counter and looks at me with quizzical smile. "So," she says taking a sip of her drink. "What are you up to?"

I stand, grabbing my purse off of the counter. "I'm going to the store. Do you need anything?"

"Didn't you just go to the store?" she asks, narrowing her eyes slightly. "You've been acting kind of weird lately...what's up with that?"

I can feel the heat rise to my cheeks as I open my mouth, desperately trying to conjure up an excuse.

Cara looks at me with pensive eyes, cocking her head to the side as I shift on my feet.

My heart beats heavily in my chest as she laughs to herself. "Just kidding. I don't care about your old lady antics." She picks up her phone and begins scrolling through it. "Can you pick me up some tampons?"

Before I can respond, she slides out of her seat and slowly leaves, eyes glued to her phone. "K thanks."

I sigh deeply, closing my eyes for a moment, before turning off the light and leaving the kitchen as well. I gasp when I turn the corner and collide with my husband. "Oh," I say, placing my hands on his chest in surprise.

"Hey," he laughs, grabbing hold of my arms. "Slow down there, Mani. You almost ran me over."

I laugh nervously, stepping back from him. "Sorry, I—"

"Where are you going?" he asks, glancing at my purse on my arm.

"I'm just going to the store," I say as confidently as I can, although my wavering voice betrays me.