Adriana POV
Iridescent rays coat every corner of the guest room as I awake from yet another, usually rare, peaceful sleep. Through the intricate white lace curtains, I can see the pink and orange hue tinting the skyline, white clouds painted elegantly across the skyline in vibrant yellows and reds. It holds a certain otherworldly beauty to it; almost an unnatural perfection that I have yet to appreciate. Though, despite being magnificent and outwardly flawless in appearance, the scene is completely void of life, with not one soul in sight, be it a bird or tree.
Standing from the edge of the uncomfortable bed, I tiptoe across the room, over to the window. My hands grasp the curtains, pulling them apart gently to give me a clearer view. As I stand, I can now see the streets below, only the vague indication of life present, as it is still fairly early for most to be awake. My heart seems to hesitate as my gaze lands on Edmund's car next door, the vehicle reminding me of the past couple of days. Instead of admiring the colours of nature, I am now fixated on Emily; the way she always knew exactly how to irritate me, her excessive collection of pink clothing, her curious brown eyes, her smile...
Brushing the thought away almost as quickly as it came, I switch my gaze back to the streets, my eyes following each curve of the pathways all the way to the far right, where they end completely as they come into contact with the forest. Unlike everything else, it's densely packed selection of greenery does not light up in the colours, instead giving off an eerie aura. It is impossible to see past the dark leafy canopies, making the area evermore mysterious, as if it is hiding something from the world. It must be incredibly difficult to see in there; it's no wonder people don't really go in. It has remained untouched for years, it's existence practically ignored by everyone who lives nearby. It is obvious that people used to acknowledge it, as there is a small hut near to where the pathways end. When I had asked about it years ago, Diana told me that it was the home of a small family; a mother, father, and their son. She said that their son was drawn to the forest, and would go in for hours at a time. The villagers at the time, however, were fearful of the mysterious area, believing that it harboured dangers beyond the natural order, and that the boy was some sort of 'supernatural being'. In a fit of irrationality, they confronted the son, demanding to know why he travelled out there and what 'creatures' he was consorting with. He was unable to answer, and in their needless panic, he was chased away, into the forest, along with his parents. After this, they were never seen again, and nobody has set foot in or around the now deteriorated family home.
Nowadays, nobody believes the kind of mythical crap that people used to, and many feel guilty on behalf of their ancestors pushing the poor, innocent boy and his family out of their home. That is, if they believe the tale. Most have come to the conclusion that it was just a groundskeeper's hut that never got knocked down. As for me, I'm not sure what I believe. I'd like to think that it was just a random hut, but I have seen how cruel people can be when they feel threatened.
Suddenly, my thoughts are abruptly interrupted, and I find my eyes drawn to the edge of the forest, not too far from the hut. Between two towering trees, I see a small movement, so small that it almost went unnoticed. Curiously, I keep my gaze locked between the stumps, searching, although nothing seems to catch my attention. Why would it? Aside from the trees, the whole area is as lifeless as it gets.
Sighing, I turn away, facing the plain guest room, contemplating. I know that I can't stay here forever. I appreciate the kindness my friends have shown, but I'm begining to hate this cream coloured cage. The surrounding furniture is tightly packed around me due to the limited space, and every time I am struck with a reminder of Emily and Edmund, it only suffocates me more. The throbbing inside my ears is never-ending. I need to get out.
My mind made up, I quickly get dressed in a long sleeved burgundy t-shirt and black hoodie that Becca let me borrow, along with my now washed jeans and my boots. Grabbing my phone, I head straight out of the room's door, making my way to the exit. Just before I pull open the front door, I shoot Becca a quick text. I'll come back later, I just need some time to think.
Throwing open the door as quietly as humanly possible, I stagger out, hoping I haven't woken the siblings. However, once the door is safely closed, I leg it.
The crisp, refreshing breeze flows through my still tangled hair, cooling my skin in its gentle caress as my feet pound the concrete pavement. I let my feet carry me, not thinking about where I'm heading but focusing more on my senses. The calm surfaces of puddles from last night's rainfall break and scatter from the force of my feet, and the scent of the previous weather fills the atmosphere, clearing the fog inside my head while I run.
I glance towards the sky, getting a clearer view of it's intricate artistic detail, before coming to a stop. I've been running for a staggering thirty seconds. Excessive movement has never agreed with my body, and my lungs clearly abhor the idea of more due to the burning sensation they are currently applying to my chest.
I say chest. I mean everywhere. Most people I know in college haven't ran much since PE just over a year ago, whereas I have always been a lazy shit, and am now regretting ever getting out of bed. I slump down on the ground, glancing at the mass of trees to my side. Daft cow.
"Excuse me?"
And that, my friends, is how I died.
Twisting my head so quickly it might as well have snapped off, I stare at the single most mouth watering chunk of guy I have ever had the pleasure of seeing. Dark, tousled hair frames an extremely chiseled face, defined nose and pitch black eyes that hold coldness and a twinge of amusement. Well groomed stubble coats a harsh jawline near to a pair of smooth pink lips that curl up on one side in a knowing smirk. But even that doesn't stop me this time. I glance down slightly, noticing the tight fitting black top that does absolutely nothing to hide the distinct indentation of muscle underneath it and accentuates the bulge of his biceps. My eyes unconsciously start to trail further downwards, but a smooth baritone voice with a slight unknown accent halts me in my tracks, bringing me back to reality.
And of course, we already know what happens to my already limited listening skills in these types of situation. So, as always, I expertly respond with a well thought out, calculated and excessively literate reply.
"Huh?"
His deep chuckle only makes the situation that much more soul crushing. So much so that crawling up my own arse seems more and more appealing by the second. As if he can read my thoughts, his smirk grows as his arms cross over his chest, causing me to notice a broad set of strong shoulders. Damn.
"I said 'excuse me'," he explains, in a seemingly bored tone, though I do manage to pick up on the hint of amusement lacing through it.
Confused, my brows furrow. Am I in his way?
"Do you always tilt your head when confused?" He tilts his, seemingly mimicking me with cockiness plastered all over his expression.
I straighten my neck, now feeling more conscious. "Do you need me to move...?" I ask, glancing around me. The ground is completely empty. He could just walk around.
His eyes pierce mine as his gaze intensifies. "No, I was just wondering why you felt the need to call me a 'daft cow'."
Suddenly, everything from my heart, to my brain, to my fucking toenails vacate the scene, taking all sense with them, as I find myself unable to explain the insult. Instead, all remaining dignity is tossed to the side, and I do the only thing that comes to mind. Gawk. Mouth open, eyes wide. You flipping pilock!
"What?" He says, mid laugh.
I facepalm. "Oh good lord..."
"You know if you're just going to insult me you could at least be more creative."
I stare at him as if he has two heads. "I'm not insulting you..." Unable to think of anything sensible to say, I trail off as he raises an eyebrow. Stupid stupid stupid.
"At least try to be original." His smirk seems to grow impossibly larger. I feel like I'm going to puke.
Mustering all the strength I have left, I stand and attempt my final bid to maintain at least a shred of dignity. "You think you can do better smart arse?" Yikes.
"Actually yes. Wouldn't be too hard if you're the one I'm going against." Uncrossing his arms, he flexes his muscles slightly, shooting me an amused glance when he sees me look towards his biceps.
"Cocky shit."
"Still not all that original, sweetheart."
Sighing, I try to tame the warmth rising up to my cheeks. My cheek...! I need to go back. Not only do I have a massive, make-up free bruise, I also haven't showered or brushed my hair yet, and my arse is covered in mud from sitting on the ground. Wonderful.
"What is it that you want?"
He chuckles smugly, a smile playing on his lips. "Since you asked, I am actually looking for an old friend's house."
"By the forest?"
"Is that an issue?" He crosses his arms again, eyebrow raised.
"You're lost, aren't you?" The ghost of a smirk finds my mouth, and I fight back the urge to chuckle. Looks like Mr smart guy isn't as great as he would like to think. He sighs, giving no reply. Yep. He's lost. "Who you looking for?"
Running a slender hand through untamed hair, his shoulders slump, giving in to the truth of the situation. "An Alexander Goldstein. Do you know him?"
Do I know him. Mate, I'm living with him, have lived next to him all my life. And I've never seen this smartass before.
"Actually yeah. I can call him if you want." I take out my phone and start searching for Alec's number. I am not walking smartass to their house until I've called him.
As I call him, smartass says nothing, just watches me with an almost curious glint in his eye until Alec picks up. A raspy voice comes through, telling me that I just woke him up. "Ria? What's up?"
I glance towards smartass as I start to speak, noticing his slight change in demeanor as the voice comes through on speaker. You'd think he never saw a phone before. Rolling my eyes slightly, I continue the phone call. "I got a guy here that says he's looking for you. Says he's an old friend."
He yawns. "What's his name?"
I raise my head, and expectant expression on my face. He appears to contemplate something for a second before opening his mouth, speaking quietly, as if unsure. "Tell him it's Prince."
My eyebrows furrow, but I go along with it. "Says his name's Prince."
I heard Alec suck in a deep, shaking breath. "Bring him here," he says, his voice just above a whisper right before he hangs up.
"You know where he lives?" Smartass glares at me, likely not happy that I just wasted his time. I start walking towards the paths that lead back into town, with him trailing by my side.
"Yes."
"And you wouldn't just take me there."
"Not until I knew that you weren't lying about knowing Alec. I'm not stupid."
He grimaces. "Maybe not right now."
"Shut up."
"Why so childish?"
"Why such a cockwomble?"
He halts in his tracks, a stupified expression coating his face. "A what now?"
"I creatively called you an idiot, sweetheart, now keep walking." And with that, I stalked back to the house grinning triumphantly, with smartass mumbling to himself behind me as he followed.