Waking up the next day was natural, natural in the sense no outside source was influencing my body to wake up. It was like everything felt right. When my eyes opened I was still in the Bennett's bedroom, but you would think I was thrown onto Mars without morning the way my heart suddenly jumped and my legs twitched out in fear. My heart was at a state of content, but my brain was still stuck at home. Blinking heavily I adjusted to where I was, my breathing becoming heavier, and my veins turning to ice fluid as the adrenaline still rushed in my body. My mouth tasted terrible, and my tongue was eager to meet my dry, cracked lips. My lips stung. Rising from the bed my joints started to crack from the hours of resting, and this caused my entire body to stretch out to the morning. I started to yawn, and let out an exhale as I made my way to the white door in the guest bedroom that lead to a private bathroom. I sat on the toilet and looked around at the bathroom. It was small, but it was cute. The theme was like a garden how the greens were used and the décor of flowers. I really liked it, and it smelt like sweet lavender. When washing my hands I took a look at myself in the mirror. I looked like a mess. This made me groan, it meant that I actually had to start unpacking.
Going back into my room I picked my suitcase up and tossed it onto the bed. Unzipping it I reached directly for my pink toiletry bag. This was placed on the counter in the bathroom. I then sorted out my clothing in separate categories. I put the clothes that should be folded into the drawers. When I opened the drawers I was happy to find the riding gear my parents had sent about two months before this trip. After filling the mahogany drawers I hung up my sweaters, blouses, and dresses. There was music playing softly from my phone. I didn't want to bring much attention to myself; I didn't know what the Bennett's were doing.
Back in the small bathroom I stripped down to nothing but my boy-shorts underwear. I washed my face, put on some moisturizer, and brushed my hair. The entire time I was thinking about what to do, about what to say, and about how to act. I brushed my teeth. Sighing heavily I picked up my travel clothes and tossed them in the white mesh laundry bag that was in the closet. I should really go for a run. I should do something! Would the Bennett's be offended? I put on my usual double layers of sport bra support. I hate running with my chest. I wasn't built like a stick no matter how hard I prayed I would wake up one day and be one. I know I am not the only girl who has ever felt this way, but this became hard when it came to exercise. I don't like to bounce. This is how I came to the strategy of two sport-bras. Hell if I could afford it I'd buy one of those expensive heavy duty bras that was on one of those daytime talk-shows that was given out to the crowd for free, but I have priorities. I was soon dressed in black stretch running pants matched with one of my brother's old band t-shirts that I made into a tank-top. My shoes were then tied into my feet, and my phone was connected to a pair of ear-buds. Popping into the bathroom one last time I stared into the mirror as I slicked my hair back into a tight bun. Like most girls I disliked the way I looked in tight clothes.
The door to the room creaked lightly when I opened it which caused the Bennett's dog, Rusty, to give out a small bark. He too forgot I was here. The stairs gave small creaks too as I flatfootedly descended down the steps. The house smelt rather nice, of sweet breads and syrup to be exact. My eyes were glued on my phone as I made my way to the kitchen where I Felicity and Bridget where. Felicity was the first to speak with a cheery, "Good morning, lovely!" She wiped her hands on her towel and plopped it on the counter as she turned to greet me. As Felicity turned, Bridget sneaked another piece of what looked like a banana loaf. Felicity pecked both of my cheeks before examining my attire, "You look like you're well rested!" She complimented. Bridget looked up at me after stuffing her face with the slice of bread and waved enthusiastically.
"I slept—" my voice was thick with the mucus that built up from the night and I paused with a blush on my cheeks to clear my throat lightly, apologizing, then continuing, "I slept wonderfully, Felicity. Thank you." Smiling I made my way over to Bridget and kissed her head before reaching over and grabbing a slice of bread for myself. "Sorry I wasn't much fun last night…" Picking at the bread I plopped small chunks into my mouth.
Felicity waved her hand as she continued to make another loaf of bread, "Don't bother about it, Melanie! We understand." Her tone was sincere.
"We are used to the traveling type." Bridget reminded me leaning in and whispering, "My Dad is such a grump when he gets home from business."
I gave Bridget a small chuckle. Looking around the house I questioned, "Speaking of Dad… Where are the men of the house?"
The question wasn't answered at first, Felicity instead offered me tea which I denied, but thanked graciously. She asked me if I wanted anything to drink. I told her just a class of water. She got me a tall glass of tap water and placed it on the counter in front of me. Sipping the water I waited as Felicity seemed to be thinking. "Well…" She looked to me and grinned, "Shay is at work and the boys are at footie." I nodded and she exhaled lightly, "What are you thinking about doing your first day here?" She asked me.
Sheepishly I shrugged and picked at the rest of my bread until it was gone, "Well I wanted to go for a run?" I suggested, looking back to Felicity then at Bridget for some random support line.
Felicity nodded, "Well you can go ahead and go for a run, Melanie…" She let out a small chuckle, "You don't need my permission, love." Her voice was hinting at a secret, kind of like a moment where Felicity was suggesting to me what happens in Australia stays in Australia.
Bridget spoke up, being the little sister she was, "Yeah there is that sports park nearby…" She was pretending to be in thought, pretending to remember something, "Oh you know what I'm talking about Mum!" She snapped her fingers then remembered, "It's only like two miles down the road—at most three. Harrison and Darc are there…" A smirk crossed her face and she sipped at her tea as she continued, "Harrison would just be thrilled to see you." Her voice was in sing-song and she snorted a small laugh into her cup. Felicity shot her a small glare and Bridget looked at her mother in a cheeky expression.
Clearing my throat I grabbed my ear-buds and started to put them into my ears, "And on that note, I will see you ladies in a bit." My face I could feel was red, but I played it cool. Felicity and Bridget both said goodbye, and Felicity reminded me to be safe. I would be.
I quickly turned on my running playlist in my music, and turned the music up loud so I could drown my thoughts. When getting out into the hot Australian air I gave a small gasp and then grumbled a groan before I walked from the front door to the gate that kept between the sidewalk and the Bennett's property. This park that Bridget talked about today was one she previously mentioned yesterday and it was up the hill. I turned in the direction of the hill and huffed out before starting on my run. Patrick Stump's voice became mush in my ears the farther I went on my run under the growing heat. I kept going though, I kept running strong due to the motivation of the pounding drums that seemed on que with my strong steps. A few bikers passed my heading in the same direction, and several runners passed me in the opposite. Each time I would hang my head low as if I was in shame and continued on my way. About two miles into the run I lost hope in the heat and stopped to look around. Reaching for my shirt I pulled it up for the brief moment to wipe the sweat off my face. Squinting in the sun I saw the green of the field in the distance and felt a rush of energy. The music seemed to get louder and brighter in my ears as I started to sing along softly to myself until I finished that extra half of a mile to the park. There was a large wooden sign that had white writing of the name, but I didn't bother to read the name of the park, rather I looked at the small miniature sign that said 'field' with an arrow headed straight ahead. I started back up on my jog, feeling thirst ache my body as well as exhaustion from the heat. I passed a few playgrounds and empty fields. I approached a large one where young men were kicking around an oval ball. I slowed down into a walk as I came to this field with my arms up, hands on my head, to open my airways for my panting breath.
When walking onto the field, eyes seemed to turn to me from parents and assistant coaches. I froze up and smiled shyly. Taking one hand off of my head I waved politely then continued that way towards where the people were gathered. I looked at some of the boys who were standing at the sideline as well, and one of them was squinting his eyes as he looked at me. I stared back then recognized the boy and pulled one of the ear-buds out of my ears and smiled brightly. It was Darcy. We both moved and meet each other halfway. He reached his arms around me and embraced me. I hugged him back without the shame of being sweaty because he too was sweaty. His big blue eyes looked down at me as he spoke, "I cannot believe you are here!"
I shrugged and still felt the sting in my lungs, "Yeah I wanted to get out and about." Looking out to the field I examined the players.
My face must have asked the question because Darcy pointed out one of the players and spoke, "There's Hazza." He looked back at me then moved forward a bit to where he was previously standing and grabbed his water bottle. He handed it over to me, "You need some." There was a chuckle in his voice.
I put my hands up in defense and averted my eyes back to the field, "No, no, no, Darcy!" I pushed the water bottle back towards his way, "You still have to play…"
"Melanie…" He shook his head with a cheeky grin and handed the water back to me, "Honestly we are almost done, and I don't want you to pass out on me." I took the water and he smiled as I chugged it. "See you were dying."
Playfully I glared then wiped my wet mouth, "Thanks Darcy." After several long minutes under the sun watching the players on the field the coach hollered and Darcy went back onto the field with the rest of the players. I clutched onto his water-bottle and stared down at my feet as I kicked at the dirt and grass. My attention was only shifted back when I felt the two large shadows cast over me. I looked up and saw Harrison. I flushed red and chuckled at his sweat that mirrored mine, "You look handsome." I complimented sarcastically.
Harrison ran a hand through his damp hair and he exhaled, "You don't look half bad yourself, mate." Winking he brought his own water to his lips and drank. When finishing he too wiped his mouth with his shirt and continued his speech, "How was the run up here?"
I gave Harrison a playful glare before groaning, "You'd think I'd be used to hills in Washington." Snorting a laugh I shook my head, "But the heat is killing me, man." My hands were on my hips and I shifted my weight onto my hip.
A few seconds after our short snip of conversation two of Harrison's friend's made their way over. One was taller than the other, but they both had the same haircut that looked similar to Harrison's. Their hair was blonde like Darcy though, and their skin was much more like caramel. The taller one put his hand firmly on Harrison's shoulder which caused Harrison to tense up lightly and look to who was holding him in a firm grasp. The taller boy was taller than Darcy, and much taller than Harrison. The short one was only a bit smaller than Darcy, but was still taller than Harrison. I felt like a midget. "Good playin'." He complimented to Harrison. The shorter one's eyes were on me and I politely smiled at him. Subtly he nudged at the taller boy who then locked eyes with the shorter one. They simultaneously smirked then glanced at my direction before looking to Harrison. Tightening his grip on Harrison's shoulder he pulled Harrison into a headlock and exhaled harshly before speaking, "How come you didn't tell me you had a lady friend, Hazz?"
Harrison grumbled lightly, pushing on his taller friend as he muffled out an answer, "She's my Dad's friend's daughter." With this response he was set free. Shaking his head he laughed lightly and then turned to me, "Melanie this is Cooper and Travis." He first pointed to the shorter boy then to the taller.
Both boys had the assumption that it was okay for them to kiss both of my cheeks as they do in custom. But this wasn't okay with me. As they did this I frowned then faked a smile as our eyes met again, "Pleasure to meet you both." I said, voice sounding like I was still winded.
"She's American?" Cooper asked and then chuckled loudly. "Say something!" He commanded.
"Say… what?" I questioned, looking to Darcy for support which he gave none.
Harrison rolled his eyes and smacked at Cooper, "Play nice, mate. She's staying with us for a bit."
"Well how long is a bit?" Travis asked. Travis had an accent that reminded me of Shay. It was dirtier. His light eyes seemed to continuously scan over my body as if for approval. The only time he'd look away from me is if I caught him in the act of staring. This bothered me.
Darcy chimed in with a sarcastic tone, "About eight more hours then she's going to fly all the way back to the states."
Travis gave Darcy a small glare, "Very funny, Bennett."
"A bit over a month." I said in a bashful tone, my eyes to the ground as my lips opened to speak, then shot back up to Cooper's eyes who were the first to look at me. His eyes then shot to Travis who looked to Harrison. Harrison was looking at me with an expression that screamed, 'why did you say that?' with his eyes falling lightly and his eyebrows burrowing. 'They wanted to know!' Was the expression I shot back to him with my hands slightly raised in defense and my eyebrows shooting up with the widening of my eyes.
There was silence in the small group. Darcy was close to my side, and I could feel his body sway back and forth due to his nerves. Harrison wet his lips and bounced lightly. He obviously wanted to leave. Travis then broke the silence by smacking his hands and rubbing them together fast. "Well," Looking to me he leaned in close as if to share a secret, "I'm sure Hazza will show you a good time around Oz." He gave a wink then stood up straight and chuckled loudly due to Harrison's reaction of exhaling loudly and grumbling under his breath. Looking back to Harrison he put his hands up in defense, "If you aren't going to show her a good time, mate, I will!"
Cooper then filled in the gap after Travis' sentence as fast as he could, "Bring her to Adler's house tomorrow night."
Harrison glared at Cooper lightly then reached for me, grabbing my arm lightly and yanking me towards him. "We'll think about it." Harrison sounded genuine. As we started to walk, Darcy grabbed a gym bag as well as Harrison's water bottle, which he forgot, and jogged lightly to catch up with us. I looked back to Travis and Cooper and waved politely and smiled. We walked to Harrison's car in silence. When we got there we waited in silence until Darcy came with the bag. Placing the bag on the hood, Harrison dug through it to pull out his keys then unlock the car. "Get in." He told me politely, and Darcy opened the back door for me. I got in. Darcy got in. Harrison got in the compact car.
After about three minutes, Darcy burst into laughter and flicked Harrison on his ear. It was red, just like his face. "You're pissed."
"Obviously, Darcy." Harrison replied, gripping the wheel harder, "They are so annoying." I watched the two of them interact. My eyes would glance between the two of them, then shoot out the window. I reached for my ear-buds and put them back into my ears; turning the music on low. "They think they're hot shit," Harrison continued, and I glanced to him. Our eyes met in the rearview mirror.
Darcy snorted a small laugh after a pause of silence. His elbow was on the window, and his hand was in a fist that was supporting his head. Sliding his hand out of this fist he rushed his hand through his hair as his voice went on, "You kind of sound hypercritical." His voice was low, which caused me to lower my music even more. I'm a snoop.
Harrison looked to Darcy for a moment, gathering his thoughts, then looking back out the windshield. "At least I'm not going to prey on a girl a million miles from home…" He said in a sigh, "I don't think it's a good idea for Melanie to go to Asher's." His eyes glanced in the rearview mirror to see if I was listening. I acted my best to stare out the window and 'focus' on my music. Darcy nodded his head repetitively as Harrison continued, "You know the boys…" As Harrison finished his sentence, the car stopped and parked. He turned to me in the back and spoke directly to me, "We're home."
I nodded and got out of the car, taking my ear-buds out and wrapping them around my phone. Darcy was the first to hurry to the door while Harrison lingered behind and walked with me. I was awkwardly staring at my feet, and failing to not trip over the slight elevation in some of the stones of the walkway. Harrison snorted a small laugh and I looked to him. Smiling I brought up the courage to speak, "Thanks for driving me back…"
"I wasn't about to make you run back home!" Harrison patted my back, a little harder than desired then walked inside. I followed. When we got inside there was lunch ready by Felicity. Bridget was upstairs playing the latest hits in Australia loudly as she did her hair. She was going over to a friend's house for a birthday party apparently. This made me upset, it meant I had to actually socialize with Harrison and Darcy. I could handle the footie field, but all of this time with just them? Too much. I ate and thanked Felicity who then was off to run a few errands and stop by the office. She told us when she'd be home and told us three to be safe. I felt weird being left alone, but I took it as the chance to relax. After Felicity left I excused myself from the table where Darcy and Harrison were still filling their plates with second and third helpings. I rushed up the stairs and closed the bedroom door behind me. I stripped off my shoes and out of my clothes. I was only in my underwear and my under layer sports bra. It was so hot. Grabbing my phone I plugged it into my charger. I paced a bit, not knowing what to do. I walked over to the window and drew back the curtains. Staring outside I admired the Bennett's yard. It had a pool. This reminded me that I should really take a shower. Walking to the small bathroom I closed the door and turned the shower on hot. The heat of the country didn't get to me enough for me to not want a boiling shower. I always love my showers hot, no matter the temperature. Going through my toiletry bag I pulled out my travel size shampoo and conditioner. I should tell Felicity I will need more than this little tube of conditioner. Letting my hair down I groaned as my hands rushed into my natural curls. My scalp felt sensitive due to how tight my bun was. I stripped to my bare skin, grabbed my shampoo and conditioner, and then stepped inside the warm shower. The bathroom was already starting to steam up, and the warm water kissed my sweat covered body. I closed my eyes and tilted my head back to expose my neck to the water. This was the only thing that felt like home.
Drying off my body I thought more about home, and in my stomach I started to feel homesick. Wrapping my hair up in my towel I exited the bathroom and immediately grabbed my phone. Sitting on my bed still slightly damp I dialed my mom's cell phone. It rang and rang. I bit at my bottom lip, not thinking about the time difference. She didn't pick up. I rubbed my stress lines on my forehead and dialed my dad's cell phone. It rang. He picked up. There was a silence on my end as my father erupted into a: "Mel! How's it goin', mate?" He gave his best Australian accent.
This made me both smile and swell up with tears, "Hi Daddy…" I said in a choked up voice.
"Hold on," There was shuffling on the other end as well as a holler for my mom who seemed eager to speak to me, "You're on speaker!" He announced, but I could already tell by the sound of the room after the shuffling. "So how are you?"
"How was your flight?" My mom asked.
"How are the Bennetts?" My dad chimed in.
I blinked heavily, trying to clear my wet eyes. I sighed heavily before speaking, "I'm alright. The flight was long. The Bennetts are terrific." I answered all of their questions but they didn't seem satisfied. "How are you guys?"
There was a pause and my mom spoke, "We are doing just fine, sweet heart." Her voice seemed just as emotional as mine, "We miss you."
"I miss you too." I admitted whole-heartedly.
"Are the people nice there?" My mother's voice seemed to relax into a heavy sigh, "have you met any cute boys?"
"Mom…" I grumbled and my father grumbled too on the other end.
"The people are fine I guess…" I drew on the skin of my thigh with my fingertips, "I've met a couple of people."
"Well Melanie it was nice hearing from you." My father spoke up, "I am glad you're having a good time." He seemed to choke up, "I love you baby girl."
"I love you too—Mom I love you." My throat seemed to be burning as I held back sobs, "I'll talk to you guys later." We said our goodbyes. We both hung up. Them in their world. Me in my hell. Alone. I stood up and walked over to my carry-on. Digging through the pockets I pulled out two prescription pill bottles. Wetting my lips I pulled the towel off of my head and let my damp hair fall from my head like spaghetti. It was about to my shoulders and dripped down my spine. I opened the lids to both bottles and dumped some pills into the palm of my hand. Rising from my spot that was on the ground I made my way to the bathroom and popped the little pills into my mouth and turned on the faucet to gather a mouthful of water. I swallowed down the pills. Gripping onto the sink I waited. Waited for the numbness to take over my body. For the demons to leave my body.