Anywhere But Home

{8} Nothing easy like Sunday morning

Emily Roberts

Awake by the buzzing sound of my alarm, I got up from the comfort of my bed putting my messy hair into a ponytail and dragged my dying body to the bathroom. I silently gasped when I walked into the bathroom and saw my reflexion in the mirror. Why do I wake every day looking like I was electrocuted by a freaking ray fish? Jesus.

After taking a quick shower and brushing my teeth I went to the bedroom to pick my clothes. I tried to make the less possible noise as I opened the closet because Tori was still sleeping and would only wake up in a few hours. I think she won't even remember what she did last night. As you can imagine she was a little drunk. We have a lot to talk about missy.

I put on my grey skinny trousers, a white glossy blouse with my embossed leather low heel ankle boots and walked out of the dorm, closing the door behind me. I really need to go to the shopping centre and buy that phone asap.

Deciding to walk to the mall I let myself enjoy the beautiful day that was outside. The sky was clear and it was a warm Sunday morning. I brought a map of Miami from the reception that Jack gave me before leaving the campus in case I got lost. Thank god, I'm a disaster with streets.

Making a little detour I walked into one of the most stunning parks I have ever seen. Alice Wainwright Park to be more specific. The view was exactly what I needed. The sea always had the ability to calm me down... And I know it sounds weird because I lived sixteen years of my life in New York, but I have a huge connection with the water... I was a professional swimmer until I was fourteen, then I left and joined a music club because I found out that singing was really my passion, beside medicine. Yeah, I like too many things... I just can't decide.

I started swimming when I was two months old. My mom was the one that sighed me up for the swimming lessons and she always came with me to every one of them until I was two years old. Then her work got in the way and she could only attend to my competitions to give me her support. She was a swimmer herself, so we had a huge connection. It was our thing. A bound that I didn't share with anyone else.

And now I'm sitting here on a bench, watching some families laughing and enjoying themselves, others with kids who are crying because they didn't get the ice-cream they so wanted. I missed the times where my problems were so little and insignificant. We want to grow up so fast for what? Being eighteen isn't that great. The responsibilities, the stress to choose something to pursuit that will define the rest of your life, the bills... I wish I was ten all over again. Best time of our lives and we don't even know it.

''Look, it's clumsy' friend.'' I snapped out of my trance when a felt a shadow covering my sight. Seriously?

I rolled my eyes at the person that was standing in front of me. ''Look, it's the douchebag.'' I snorted at Christopher getting up from the bench. He was wearing black running shorts and a white V-neck line t-shirt that really accentuated his muscles. He had sweat pouring down his forehead, but still found a way to look sexy. Why couldn't I be more like him? When I run, I look like a tomato ready to burst out. The guy may be an asshole, but seriously why couldn't he be an ugly asshole? It would be easy to hate him that way.

''Can you stop drooling?'' He teased smirking at me with amusing written all over his face which made me readjust my posture.

''You wish.'' I huffed crossing my arms over my chest.

''Stop denied it. You find me attractive.'' He stated in a matter of fact. This guy's ego is outrageous.

''You are.'' I said smiling sarcastically at him. ''But then you open your mouth and I just want to slap you.'' I blurted walking past him and into the other direction. Never have I ever meet someone as douchy as this guy.

I could hear him jogging behind me and when I was about to turn around to tell him to stop following my ass, he stops right in front of me.

''Look, how about we start over?'' He smiled nervously scratching the back of his neck. Damn that smile. ''I'm Christopher Smith.'' He said handing me his hand for me to shake.

''I know who you are.'' I replied still with my arms crossed. ''And talking about your offer...'' I paused and placed my fingers on my chin tapping continuously. ''Thanks but no.''

''Why do you have to be so complicated?'' He inquired slightly irritated. ''Why can't we be friends?''

''Why do you have to be so annoying?'' I replied on the same irritated tone. ''Why can't you be normal ?''

''Are you seriously imitating me?'' He asked narrowing his eyes at me while his lips curved into a little smile, that despite the fact he tried to hide, I saw.

''Of course not.'' I answered pretending to be offended by his words. ''Only little kids do that sort of things.'' I stated looking as innocent as I possibly could.

''You're not that tall either.'' He said chuckling at me. He did not mock with my height.

''You better not mock with my height or I will quick you so hard on your precious stuff down there.'' I warned taking a step closer to him.

''My future wife wouldn't like that.'' He teased finding amusing my fail attempt of reaching his height. ''A beauty like me, needs to make more beauties. You know, contribute to the higher birth rate.'' He stated proudly.

''You as a dad and a husband?'' I asked cracking out laughing at the images that crossed my mind. ''I feel bad for your wife and kids then.''

''Please.'' He rolled his eyes at my words. ''I'm going to be an amazing dad someday.'' I want to see that happening then.

''Whatever Christopher.'' I sighed is defeat as a look of victory took over his face.

''So is that a yes?'' He asked walking closer to me. The lake of distance between us made me uncomfortable. The f**k are you doing? Just stay the hell back.

''It's a maybe.'' I corrected him taking a step back. ''It's a maybe if you stop harassing me, I will not tell the police officer over there that you aren't disturbing my peace of mind.'' I added crushing down his dreams.

''You wouldn't do that.'' He replied frowning.

''Oh but I would.'' I informed in a serious tone. But because I'm not very good at keeping threats I burst out laughing. ''Your face was priceless.'' I said between laughs trying to regain my composure.

''You scared me there.'' He smiled shaking his head. ''Not funny. You now own me an ice-cream.''

''Excuse me?'' I asked shocked.

''You owe me an ice-cream.'' He repeated started walking to the ice-cream caravan. ''Are you coming or just stay there looking at my awesome ass?''

I wanted to respond, but something inside of me stopped me. Come on Em, this was the guy who treated you like crap when you arrived here. He insulted you. He treated his childhood friend like she was a piece of garbage. Rich people will always be rich people. I don't know if I can trust him. I part of me wants, the other part hates the part that wants. What should I do?