Once I was free of the clearing I started running for all I was worth. I tried to avoid roadways, but I couldn't help having to dart across a few freeways. I had no actual idea where I was, but my instincts told me I was close by a township. I slowed to a fast walk, and peered through the last few trees. I was looking down on a pale white beach, which curved round forming a small bay. Clouds had formed overhead, so I wandered to the edge of the cliff. There was no one in the vicinity, so I leapt down from the cliff and landed lightly on the pale sand. I meandered over to the water. It was getting late, so the water should have been getting really cold by now. I threw my shoes back towards the cliff, ignoring the cascade of small lose pebbles that fell down. I waded into the water until it was up to my hips. My skirt was floating round me like petals. The dry yearning ache in my throat was constant now, but I ignored it. I didn't want to give in to it yet. I didn't want to be like the monster that had done this to me. I heard someone yelling at me from a distance, I heard what they had said but I turned around looking confused. It was what normal people would do. The sound of a beating heart washed over me like a wave. I swallowed convulsively, not now I thought. "Hey, sorry to bother you, but if you're planning on swimming can you at least move down the beach so the lifeguards can keep an eye on you." I nodded smiling at the lanky youth. I heard his heart skip a couple of beats as he took in my face and smile. "I will don't worry." I murmured quietly. I didn't need to scare him with my music. He walked back down the beach, looking over his shoulder so frequently it looked like he was bummed about something. I came in from the water, and ran slowly to get my shoes. I shook the dust and sand off them and danced down the beach.
Most people were heading in for the day, so I followed them curious about what town I was in. It was incredibly reckless going into town when every time a person walked past I longed to kill them without knowing why. I froze in surprise when I realized that I hadn't gone as far as I had thought. I was in the town where my Dad lived, where I had grown up. I wondered if he and Mum were speaking to each other anymore. I hoped not. I found my way to his house with an ease which surprised me, I was always getting lost. The key was in its usual place, just under the eave. I was going to reach up and grab it, but I thought better of it and knocked on the door. I waited for about five minutes before I knocked again. I heard someone walking towards me. The beating of their heart gave them away. I remained facing the door. "He's not home." A reassuring voice said behind me. How many times had I heard that before? I had lost count, but why then could I not remember this person's name. "Thanks." I murmured and I turned to go.
"Emily?" he asked shocked. His eyes were wide in surprise. I whirled to face him, restraining the building snarl in my throat. "Yes?" I asked coldly. I couldn't help my reaction; it just came to me instinctually. "Hey, there's no need to get hissy." He said putting his palms up apologetically. I put my fingers to my temples. "Sorry, I'm having some temper issues since I fought with Mum." I said quietly, trying to keep the music out of my voice. "Hey, since your back in the neighbourhood, do you want to hang out sometime?" he asked hopefully. I felt guilty wanting to say no, I was grudgingly going to accept. He didn't seem to notice my pause. "Sure," I said grinning. "When did you want to meet up?" His face lit up like a child in a candy store.
"Um, there are some races down at the beach tomorrow and I'm competing."
"Tell me what time and I'll be there." I replied still barely speaking above a whisper. "The racing starts at eleven." He said, starting to walk off. "Hey! Do the Clearwater's still live around here somewhere?" I called after him. He nodded and pointed their house out. "Thanks. I haven't caught up with Leah in a while." I started walking over, and the door was thrown open and Leah Clearwater came running over. "Emily! Oh my God! I can't believe it! I thought you moved to New York with your Mum." Leah was beside herself with excitement. I grimaced at her last sentence. "It didn't really work out." I said, happy to see her.
"Wow, did you get contacts or something?" she asked noticing the change in my eye colour. "Yes, I did. My eyes don't like them, which are why they're purple." I couldn't remember her being so observant. She nodded and dragged me towards the house. It seemed empty without her little brother. "Where's your midget?" I asked. Leah shrugged in a non-committal way and pulled me to the kitchen where I heard her Mum chatting to someone on the phone in the kitchen. "…I'm terribly sorry to hear that Mary, I'll have to tell Leah and Seth… You both have my sympathies. Yes we'll be there…yes…See you later Mary." She hung up the phone, as I stood frozen in the doorway, I wasn't breathing, my heart was silent, and not pounding furiously like it should have been. Mrs. Clearwater stared at me like she was seeing a ghost. "I have to go." I whispered to Leah, before walking quickly to the door. "Who was that?" Seth called coming in the back door.