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Chapter 3
The Park
After her emotional breakdown, Sarah's step-mother ordered her discreetly to leave that instant. Apparently it was extremely rude to leave guests waiting. Sarah rolled her eyes and darkly marched out of the house, James already in her car. He made no comment at its condition which was a good thing. She wasn't up for an argument with a stranger too.
James was an alright man. He had a good career as a professor at the nearest university and had a well stable family. He was polite, humorous and a gentleman. Sarah was rather impressed at her parents' skills at finding a good guy. But Sarah didn't want James.
"James, I'm really sorry." She said, placing down her mug of hot chocolate. She wasn't a fan of coffee. "I know my parents are trying to set us up and I'm really sorry if I gave you the wrong idea."
James smiled genuinely. "I know, Sarah. I know. It's okay. I'm only here to keep you company and your parents off my ass."
Sarah threw her head back and laughed. "I never would have suspected this." She gasped out when she managed to control her laughter. "Do my parents know?"
"No. They think I'm actually here to seduce you and sweep you off your feet." He smiled cheekily. Sarah resisted the urge to smack him playfully. She didn't want to give him any ideas. "Are you going to scull that down?" He asked with a challenge in his brown eyes, indicating her hot chocolate. Sarah could almost see the wicked glint in them.
She eyed his coffee, a similar thought crossing her mind. "Sculling competition? Up for it?" She smirked at his slightly surprised facial expression. This was quickly masked with a look of determination.
"Oh, it's on."
They both grabbed their mugs, staring each other off. They were so lucky there were no other customers in the diner. It would have been very embarrassing otherwise.
"1, 2..." She deliberately trailed off.
"3!" James announced, gulping down his drink, Sarah also doing the exact same thing.
Sarah slammed her mug down, a triumphant grin on her face. "I win!"
James rolled his eyes and finished off his drink. "I don't know how you do it. You're just too skilled for me." He said, wiping his mouth with a napkin. Sarah simply wiped hers on the back of her sleeve, grinning the whole time. She'd always been competitive, always willing and determined to win. "Well, thank you for the lovely chat, Sarah. I have to head off."
Sarah smiled and said, "It was nice actually meeting and talking to one of the guys they tried to hook me up with." She then noticed what she said. "Don't take offense to that. I didn't mean it that way."
James dismissed it with a wave of his hand. "I didn't even notice. You have a good night, Sarah." Sarah waved as he left, then sighed when he was out of sight. It'd been a very long day. She was exhausted. Her now frequent yawns were a sign. She went up to pay for their drinks only to realize James had taken the liberty of doing so. She blushed at the thought. He was very sweet. When she was about to tip them, she noticed he'd also tipped them. Frowning, she was determined to at least pay for some of the beverages. Next time, she'd pay. If there was a next time...
As Sarah drove home, she spotted the old park she used to escape to. She glanced at her watch. It was only four o'clock. There was plenty of time. Besides, she wanted to prolong her stepmother's wrath. After parking her car, she climbed out, the lasting breeze brushing her long dark hair out of her eyes. She inhaled deeply, closing her eyes as she did so, her senses drawing in every familiar aspect of the park.
She saw the bridge that crossed over the small creek and the old, rusty swings. Lush green grass was speckled with pink petals from the blossoming trees. Dark green trees stood majestically, towering over her. She smiled. She felt at home here.
She walked around the park for half an hour, keeping track of time by the big clock near the square that always helped her know when it was time to get home and save herself a lecture from her stepmother and her father.
It seemed like only yesterday when that had occurred. But no, that was seven years ago. Seven years ago, she'd been an innocent, fantasizing teenage girl. Except one of those fantasies became real... She shook her head to clear any thoughts of those memories. She couldn't bear to reminisce on them again. The anguish was too much to maintain.
Sighing in unison with the wind, she lay down on the clean grass, its unique feeling soothing. Drops of the morning dew and the blades of grass tickled her nose. She could lie there forever, just staring up at the brilliant red sky. The sun was sinking deep down into the horizon, winking goodnight to her. Time flew by. Soon, the sky was midnight blue, dotted with gorgeous diamond stars. They twinkled brightly, mesmerizing her greatly.
With a final sigh, she decided to time to go. As she walked across the bridge, the hoot of an owl caught her attention. She spun around, facing a lovely snow white owl perched on a tree branch, and its alabaster feathers a beacon in the night. Its topaz eyes glowed, haunting her. The owl reminded her of something... or someone.
Her heart began to pound against her ribcage. Her breathing hitched, catching in her trachea. No way... Before the memories could resurface, she ran from the owl as fast as she could to her car. She sped away, accidently pressing the car horn in the process. She blinked back tears on the drive home, waiting for her heart to slow down.
This was going to be a rather interesting evening.
Crappy ending, I know. I had what... ten minutes. Bear with me here. Now, if you like it or hate it, please review and LET ME KNOW! I hate it when it's viewed and there's not acknowledgement of it. Hope you enjoyed this chapter. Sorry about the wait... oh and err... you burn my story down mercilessly, *grabs chainsaw* I'll come after you... Just kidding... for your sake. ;D
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~ Love Fia xoxo
