Chapter Fifteen

I ran the streets of Bay Ridge wearing the warmest workout clothes I could find. I hadn't run since I got here, and I yearned to feel that burn in my lungs and the familiar ache in my muscles. Running relieved a lot of stress for me, and without it, I was a ball of nerves. I rounded my first corner and prayed that I wouldn't slip on any hidden ice. So far, so good. I always ran in California, but it was way different running here. The weather in Maine did not always make it easy. I missed my campus's running paths, but the view of the ocean from where I was at that moment was breathtaking. Nothing compared to overlooking the wild and dark Atlantic Ocean this early in the morning.

Things were feeling semi-normal lately, and it was time to start being normal Jennie. The library was up and running, and our first week went by in a flash. I was continuing to receive funding from what I guessed were other Librarians in our sect helping out. I was thankful to them, but wasn't sure what I could give in return. What did I have to offer them? Absolutely nothing, that's what.

I hadn't seen Lisa since I met with Grace and I was dying to do so. I had to record her history, and that wasn't lost on me. My duty to fill the pages of the book literally called to me now that I knew my purpose, but I desperately wanted to see her for another reason.

I wanted to feel wanted by her. The last time I was with her, it was brief, but she made me feel attractive. I hadn't been with someone since I was in California. I wanted to feel special, and she did that. Sure, ripping her clothes off would be fabulous, but she was different. She didn't look at me like a conquest; she looked at me like I deserved to be cherished.

As I ran through the small park, I felt my lungs burn with that lovely feeling. It reminded me that I was alive. I took the turn and headed back to the library where I would wake a sleepy Tarryn. We made plans and I wasn't going to miss it.

Tarryn and I made sure all of the blinds were closed before I opened the book. She nervously settled down in the nook with me, holding the guide. I eased her fears and told her it was going to be fine twice already, but she was still anxious.

"I know what I'm doing," I explained softly. "I feel more confident this time."

I did. It wasn't a lie. I couldn't explain it; it was just a feeling I had that everything would be okay.

She held up her timer and nodded. We agreed that it was important to clock the amount of time I was gone from this world and to report on anything strange that happened to my body. Tarryn could handle this part, and I trusted her vehemently.

"I'm too nervous to talk right now. Just go," she urged.

"Okay. See you in a little while," I said, and I fell into the pages.